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.
