Patient stories
We recognise that coming into hospital can be a worrying time, however we want you to know that our team of experts is dedicated to making you feel comfortable throughout your stay.
Here's Stephen Whatley's story.
Stephen Whatley, 45, an administrator from Harlow in Essex, needed heart surgery to stand a chance of seeing his daughters grow up. So he underwent two complex operations – and can now look to the future.
Stephen had no idea that his aorta (the large artery carrying blood from the heart) was weak and could rupture at any moment. He was born with Marfan Syndrome, a rare disorder of the connective tissues, but it wasn’t until he was married and in his 30s that he realised it could be life-threatening.
He started having regular checkups – and in 1999, was told that his aorta had expanded and was at risk of a dangerous tear. He underwent a successful aortic root and valve replacement at Barts. Then on Valentine’s Day this year, at The London Chest Hospital, he had phase one of a complex two-stage operation known as the ‘elephant trunk procedure’. An inner tube (or ‘elephant trunk’) was grafted into his aorta, and then in a second operation, another tube will be connected from the groin upwards, to the ‘elephant trunk’. This will take the pressure off the aorta and strengthen it.
Mr Rakesh Uppal, Clinical Director and Cardiothoracic Surgeon, says: “After the operation in February, we had to keep Stephen in a drug-induced coma for three weeks, to allow his body to heal. I’m very pleased with the result, and he has made an excellent recovery. We are now planning the second stage of the procedure.”
There are clearly risks associated with such surgery – but Stephen remains strong for the sake of his wife, Jacqueline, 42, and their two children, Emma, 16, and Laura, 19. Emma also has Marfan Syndrome, so Stephen is determined to be a positive role model for her.
“Having the operations has given me back my future with my family”, he says. “Mr Uppal and the team were fantastic and saved my life. All the staff were amazing, I couldn’t have asked for better care. And even though I have another operation ahead of me, I know I’m in good hands.”
What is Marfan Syndrome?
Marfan Syndrome is a genetic condition, affecting around 1 in 5000 people. It is a disorder of the connective tissues that can impact on different areas of the body, including the heart, blood vessels, bones, nervous system, skin, lungs and eyes.
