Elizabeth's aortic dissection patient story
Elizabeth Ganly, 77 recalls her first heart-related symptom and the experience that followed.
‘11 years ago is when I first heard what I can only describe as internal noises from my body which turned out to be aortic stenosis. I was assessed and told I urgently needed an operation – 8 months later I underwent an aortic valve replacement and was also diagnosed at this time with a dilated aortic root.
It was decided the best approach was to watch and wait. Over the following years it did dilate and following further assessment in May 2024 I was advised it was not yet of operable size.
A few months later, on 9th September I had chest pain extending round my torso. Soon after I collapsed – my husband called 999 and I was blue lighted to Brighton East Sussex Hospital. Later that day I had over 12 hours of surgery to replace part of my aorta. I suffered considerable bleeding during the operation and so my chest was left open (in case I needed further surgery) for two more days before I returned to theatre to have my chest closed.
I spent ten days in intensive care during which I became very confused and suffered hallucinations causing the medical team to query if I’d suffered a stroke.
Luckily, I hadn’t had a stroke and woke up after six days although - I was unable to swallow so I had a nasogastric tube fitted. I also suffered hospital acquired pneumonia and, my kidneys briefly stopped functioning temporarily - fortunately recovering after a couple of days.
I was eventually moved to ‘step up ward’ as I couldn’t walk unassisted but after help from nurses and a physio, I was able to walk and was discharged on September 29th.
It took many weeks to recover to my previous levels of fitness and I attended cardiac rehabilitation at my local hospital – now it has been over 6 months since my dissection and I’m almost back to what I was before the surgery.
I’m very proud of how I’ve recovered especially as I’m now aged 77!'
