On October 15th 2024 I woke up during the night struggling to breathe and struggling to stay conscious. My wife and I agreed to call 111, I was advised to get to A+E at Wigan Hospital as soon as possible. Whilst at Wigan hospital i was quickly placed on an oxygen mask and into the cardiac unit where they undertook several tests, I was then told that i had a problem with my heart and I would be transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital as they specialise in cardiology. I presumed I would be transferred the day after, however, that wasn’t the case and an ambulance was already on its way, I was then blue lighted to Wythenshawe within the hour. That is when I realised it may be a little bit more serious than I first thought. On arrival and following a few more tests, I was admitted to the intensive care unit because of a viral infection that was attacking my heart and lungs which had caused myocarditis and myocardial shock.
After being told my heart and other organs were deteriorating, I was placed in an induced coma for 10 days. Whilst sedated I underwent numerous surgeries as the doctors attempted to save my heart by using various machines to assist with my heart function. Unfortunately the virus had caused too much damage which resulted in total heart failure. This had a knock on effect with my other organs causing them to start shutting down and additional support being required in the form of increased oxygen demand and a kidney filter.
When I was woken up I remained on mechanical life support for numerous weeks to allow the doctors to monitor and assess before informing me that I needed a heart transplant and would need to go on the super urgent waiting list. However, this wasn’t without complication as in order to go on the list I would need my lungs to recover after one had collapsed and my kidney function to improve.
At the end of November I received the news that a heart had become available and following numerous checks by the transplant team to ensure it was a suitable match, I underwent the heart transplant surgery which lasted a total of 9 hours. I was then placed into a second induced coma for a further 7 days to recover.
After I was awoken I received the news that the transplant was successful. My road to walking and talking again then began.
On the 20th December I took my first steps and on the 6th January I was discharged from the hospital as I could walk unassisted and I was medically sound. I was in hospital for a total of 84 days during which time I received great care which I cannot thank the doctors, surgeons, nurses and physio’s enough for what they have done for me.
I never thought I’d be able to run again let alone play football, however, after I played in the British Transplant Games several time and was picked to represent England Transplant Football Team I began to see how it was possible. This last week I competed in my first tournament for England which was the Transplant World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany. After progressing through the group stages and then into the final, we bet Spain 5-1 and I managed to score the final goal of the tournament. It just proves what organ donation can do and how far you can push yourself to get back to doing the things you love.
Its thanks the my donor and their family that this was even possible as I wouldn’t be here without them.
Thanks Martyn 🫀
