A year post mitral and tricuspid valve repairs I trotted off yesterday to have my years ultrasound scan done. The wonderful surgeon I had, prepared me for valve replacements but actually repaired both valves and it was only afterwards that nursing staff and doctors told me that he was basically ' the master of repair' and was extremely well respected in the profession. I don't believe I am allowed to mention his name but along with his devotion to duty at Castle Hill hospital where I had my surgery, he also did surgeries at Bradford BRI and at York hospitals and had many accolades in cardio thoracic surgeries, training etc. I was informed yesterday during my hospital visit that the wonderful man who had saved my life along with so many others before and after me, had very sadly and suddenly passed away 3 months ago. Upon reading his obituary in the British Medical Journal, the information was that he had succumbed to a heart attack!!! I remembered the man who sat and consoled me on the occasions my operation was cancelled and the man who then sat with me after the op had taken place. So unassuming with a lovely gentle presence but also cheeky, funny and reassuring. I was kept in hospital for a few weeks unfortunately with an infection but he came to see me often.
I shed a tear for him and also for the many who sadly will not now experience his expertise. It was a strange feeling knowing that this man who had not only saved my life and given me hope but had done the same for so many others, had lost his life to the area that he was an expert in. I'm sure there will be a few on the forum who have had surgery performed by him and who will be forever grateful for the gift he gave us. Thank you kind sir.
Written by
Larneybuds
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi....Lady P....I added the post as I was sure there might be some on the forum who were familiar with him who possibly didn't know the sad news. Even though I didn't mention his name (wasn't sure it would allowed), I felt that from what I did mention, people would know who I was talking about. I still have some little glitches to deal with but I am so grateful that I had the chance to experience his expertise and will be forever grateful to this wonderful man. Thank you for your reply x
Hi Milkfairy....aaw bless you. Isn't it a lovely tribute to him? As you saw...such a wonderfully gifted man and so very well respected by so many. I believe there has also been a mention by BHF. He certainly has left an amazing legacy and I feel honoured to have been given my gift by him. Thank you for replying.....I am sure that anyone who heard the same news about their surgeon would feel saddened in the same way. The gift of life given whilst his is taken away. Xxx
That is so sad. To loose an expert in a field that gives people new life and hope. God bless
Hi Felly....yes indeed and at a young age too. These magnificent people are so dedicated and those who have been in their safe hands are the results of that dedication and expertise. Forever thankful and grateful xx
I hope you are OK. It is a shock and it seems none of us are immune. I don't really know what say . It hurts to think even the best can be effected. It is so cruel. An expert gone with years of knowledge and skill. So sad
It did upset me and was compounded by how visibly upset the person was who told me. Also sad by what actually took his life...something in the field of what he was that expert in. We can all be gone in a whisper....that's why life is so precious x
This happened last year to a heart surgeon who fixed my hole in my heart after diagnosing an embolism that gave me a TIA and saying i might not be son lucky next time and he wanted to close the hole as soon as possible,which he did. In his case i do not yet know what took him but he was only in his 60's.left a son who is also a heart surgeon so he has a true legacy to pass on. Again a lovely man who always had time for his patients
I think because they've played such a major role in putting back the pieces for so many of us, it makes the loss feel quite personal doesn't it ? How lovely that your surgeon's skills are being carried on through his son. Wonderful x
Hello, such incredibly sad news. I must admit that sometimes one wonders why such amazing people who make an incredible contribution to society should be taken so soon, when others…………
RIP to a wonderful gentleman who will be sorely missed by so many. Thoughts with his family 🙏
At least his incredible contribution has benefited so many. Yes indeed....I know the cardiac departments he operated in will be devastated by his loss but in time I am sure someone just as clever will step into his shoes....his family however will find him irreplaceable and as you say....thoughts with them xx
Hi BeKind....as I mentioned before....I posted because I knew there would be others on the forum who had been in his safe hands who may not have heard of his passing, but also I posted as an acknowledgement to these wonderfully gifted people who have saved so many. We are so lucky x
I'm sad for all who came into contact with him. It just made me feel very upset knowing he played the biggest part in putting me on the track for new beginnings as he has done for so many. X
Very sad to hear, not least because he's given so much hope to others.
He comes across as having been a very personable surgeon, helping patients both pre and post-op. That's a gift not all surgeons have and I imagine will be sadly missed.
My first surgeon was of the same ilk, from what I can gather, he passed away some years ago, but, he was an absolute gentleman, putting my mind at rest, leaving an imprint that put me in good stead to deal with the ups and downs I've come through since the initial surgery. I think your surgeon has left a similar imprint on you.
Yes ...that's exactly it....he's left his imprint....I like that.....isn't it a good feeling when people do that and aren't we lucky they did it? You obviously know from your own experience. Thank you for you reply x
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Things that "cause" heart disease
I’m still here
Meeting the surgeon 
Stents V Bypass -Update
