How have I only just seen this! Dr Westaby saved my life back in 1996. I had Aortic Stenosis. It was discovered when I was 7/8 (I had my 8th birthday in hospital) Apparently my surgery wasn't a usual type of surgery. I had my heart operated on and a partial splenectomy done at the same time. I got to meet Stephen just before I was discharged and I gave him a hug. I'm now almost 36 and would love to meet him again.
Dear Kristy, I Just read your chapter in " Fragile Lives" . I was full of tears. You had a wonderful jorney. Thanks to Prof. Dr. Westaby. World needs more passionate cardiac surgeon. There are thousands of baby born with cardiac anomalies and grow with defective heart. We still have much more to conquer.
Sadly, from my perspective, this interview was full of false hope. I had a massive heart attack in 2016 so I was really encouraged when I watched this interview back in Feb 2017. When Professor Westaby stated (at 5:07) "..we have a cell now that will remove scar from adult hearts..." I felt like there was real hope literally just around the corner. As I was left with a seriously scarred heart and severe heart failure, I tried to contact Prof. Westaby, hoping that he might give me more info about this 'cell' and when it might be available. Eventually a secretary emailed me back with his response where he simply said " ..... I was sorry to hear about your problems . You have a good team in Cardiff . Discuss with them whether surgery could help . Stem cells not available in UK yet ...". And that was it. It went from "we have a cell NOW" which will potentially save your life, to "ask your cardiologists about surgery". Six years on and, as far as I am aware, this 'cell' is still not available. Prof Westaby tells a nice story though.
How have I only just seen this! Dr Westaby saved my life back in 1996. I had Aortic Stenosis. It was discovered when I was 7/8 (I had my 8th birthday in hospital) Apparently my surgery wasn't a usual type of surgery. I had my heart operated on and a partial splenectomy done at the same time. I got to meet Stephen just before I was discharged and I gave him a hug. I'm now almost 36 and would love to meet him again.
I've never before read a book as touching as Fragile lives, thank you sir Westaby for your service and your book
Dear Kristy, I Just read your chapter in " Fragile Lives" . I was full of tears. You had a wonderful jorney. Thanks to Prof. Dr. Westaby. World needs more passionate cardiac surgeon. There are thousands of baby born with cardiac anomalies and grow with defective heart. We still have much more to conquer.
very kind hearted doctor..
Sadly, from my perspective, this interview was full of false hope. I had a massive heart attack in 2016 so I was really encouraged when I watched this interview back in Feb 2017. When Professor Westaby stated (at 5:07) "..we have a cell now that will remove scar from adult hearts..." I felt like there was real hope literally just around the corner. As I was left with a seriously scarred heart and severe heart failure, I tried to contact Prof. Westaby, hoping that he might give me more info about this 'cell' and when it might be available. Eventually a secretary emailed me back with his response where he simply said " ..... I was sorry to hear about your problems . You have a good team in Cardiff . Discuss with them whether surgery could help . Stem cells not available in UK yet ...". And that was it. It went from "we have a cell NOW" which will potentially save your life, to "ask your cardiologists about surgery". Six years on and, as far as I am aware, this 'cell' is still not available. Prof Westaby tells a nice story though.
Jessica