A Very Grateful Gentleman
8 March 2005
I am a *surviver* having suffered an aneurysm, of which was measured at approx 10cm in diameter.
The one challaging aspect of this was its position on the aorta. I suffered a *fatal* head on collision on a motorcyle in my teens, which it is said, thrust the heart forward at such a speed that the aorta was 'kinked' in between the two major artery's one which feeds the brain and the other the spine? (hope I was told this correctly !)
My surgeon was Mr Anthony D'Souza and Consultant was Anthony Rickards of Royal Brompton Hospital London (whom to both I owe my life) and following many tests etc. it was concluded that the only satisfactory route foward would be to replace the offending section of Aorta.
I write to tell the tale, but apparently the nature and location of the aneurysm was such that stenting such a huge 'balloon' was impractical as the size of the stent would mean that there was a virtual guarentee that one or two of the adjoining artery's would be 'blocked' and as I was only just 39 years old at the time - the long term prognosis was not particually positive !
The ballooned section of the Aorta was replaced, and other than suffering a blood clot on the brain (more significant surgery) everything else has been fine !
I was deeply moved by the angiogram results that showed my 'inner workings' to be exceptionally perfect and the comment was that "they are as good as that of a fit teenager" - I have my own answers to this, but my diet (or supplemenation of it) I believe was the only factor that enabled me to get through this period of 'discomfort'.
As for me now, yes, I still have some pain where a few ribs were broken but other than that I am unaware of the significant work that was carried out and have put behind me that period of my life.
I am a very grateful gentleman to all of those that work in the Medical Profession.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Peter Willoughby
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Willoughby
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