Ten years on – life after an aortic dissection – Martin’s story
Ahead of Aortic Dissection Awareness Day (19th September), we want to share Martin’s story.
It’s been 10 years since primary schoolteacher, Martin, 50, from Nottingham, had life-saving aortic surgery at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH).
Martin considers himself a ‘lucky man’ that following investigations for a very high heart rate, doctors found a large aortic aneurysm ready to dissect and a congenital heart condition called bicuspid valve.
Aortic dissection is the most common aortic emergency with 70 people per week suffering from the condition in the UK and Ireland. Over 2,000 patients lose their lives to aortic dissection each year in the UK and Ireland.
Martin said it was sport that led to the discovery of his life-threatening diagnosis.
“I had been a high-level rower for a decade or so, but then I decided to switch sports and took up cycling. I was racing my time trial bike, and my heart rate soared +220 bpm and I just knew something was wrong.
“I went to see a cardiologist and fortunately the discovery was made. LHCH was recommended to me and within weeks a date for surgery was scheduled.
“The thought of potentially leaving my wife, Cat and my then 7-year-old daughter, Anja, behind was very difficult to come to terms with initially.”
Martin (centre) is pictured with wife, Cat and daughter Anja at his 50th birthday party with family and friends
However, thanks to Miss Harrington, Consultant Aortic Surgeon at LHCH, the leading centre for aortic surgery in the North of the UK, Martin’s surgery went well. He said:
“I remember meeting Miss Harrington for the first time, and she put me at ease from the outset.
“I met my anaesthetist the night before my operation and he told me to sleep well because he certainly would – he wasn’t worried about me at all. It was very reassuring.
“After the operation I was only on the ward for six days. I received thoughtful and kind care from all the staff.”
Martin says despite the circumstances he still has fond memories of his time at LHCH.
“I honestly can’t recommend Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital highly enough. I happily still go up there for scans and appointments.
“I have such a warm feeling as I drive into Liverpool knowing I'm going back. It’s a place full of caring people who repaired me, looked after me and gave me the last 10 years (and counting) of wonderful experiences and memories.
“Today, I feel incredible. I don't race bikes anymore, but I've climbed many mountains in France and Italy, and I've ridden the Paris-Roubaix course. I train very regularly and I hope to run a half-marathon in the next 12 months and perhaps, and it is perhaps, have a go at achieving one of the age-group world records on the rowing machine. We'll see!
“I spend a lot of spare time coaching rowing, particularly juniors - it's nice to give something back to the sport.”
Martin and daughter, Anja at the Regatta she was competing in. Martin coaches Anja and shares the time they have together is 'so incredibly special'
Miss Harrington, Consultant Aortic Surgeon at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, said:
“I’m delighted to hear that Martin is doing so well a decade after his surgery here in Liverpool. It’s stories like these that make the work we do here so worthwhile.
She also spoke of the ongoing need to raise awareness of aortic dissection.
“Aortic Dissection Awareness Day is an important event which seeks to highlight the importance of this often misunderstood cardiovascular emergency.
“The message to the public is that if you experience any symptoms, such as sudden onset of severe chest or back pain, fainting and shortness of breath, feeling cold, clammy and sweaty, or if you experience pain in the jaw, face, abdomen or lower extremities, please seek medical attention straight away.”
Further Information
- Aortic Aneurysm Service at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
- Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust
- Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland | The Patient Charity
- Aortic aneurysm, dissection and rupture
Photo at the top of the page shows Martin and wife, Cat walking in the Peak District