I was
referred to a paediatric cardiologist whom performed a cardio catheter
and diagnosed me with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HCM).
At that time very little was known about this condition. My mom
was called into the side room with the doctor - she was alone as dad was
at work - and she was told that I wouldn't see my 20th birthday.
I lived with
the condition, but you can imagine that at eleven years old I wanted to
do normal eleven-year-old things - i.e. running, playing with mates, etc
- but mom didn't let me. I went for regular treatment and check
ups and took tablets every day. Mom basically wrapped me up in
cotton wool and made me tread on egg shells.
There was numerous times I was admitted to hospital
for the next 15 years. During these years not much could be done, as
little was known about the condition. Then, aged 26, I was very
poorly with atrial fibrillation and had to be cardioverted 5 times in
one year. I was told that I had to have an ablation of my atrio-ventricular
node and be paced - which helped me a lot.
I still had frequent hospital stays and check ups.
At 30, I met my now wife and we have 3 children. I now know why
mom treated me with such close care and love as my own children are now
under close medical supervision. As yet my children are clear.
If it wasn't for mom I would certainly have died at a
young age. She was so strong through this, and now my wonderful
wife Becky is my guardian angel, as mom is now disabled - but still
there for me and my wife. Mom has remarried to a wonderful man who
looks after her - and he has done more than his share of caring for me
at times of illness before I met my wife.
On December
3rd 2007 I was admitted to hospital to get my pacemaker changed.
This procedure was successful, but I have now been informed that I am
totally dependant on it.
