"My heart journey"

I have wanted to share my story about my heart condition, my recent heart surgery, and all the help I have received throughout this journey.

I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, and, because of this condition, I needed to attend the Aortic Stenosis Clinic in Craigavon every year. I want to thank this clinic for answering my questions, as they were always very good to me. I am very appreciative of the service being there. I never felt alone or in limbo, and I was able to meet people in similar circumstances. The clinic really is great, and it makes a big difference for people who attend it.

I then had regular echo scans. When things became worse, I was told that I needed heart valve surgery. The surgery was carried out at a private hospital in Dublin. I could not complain about any part of it, as everything went well and I was looked after very well.

When I came back home, my GP, Dr McAlinden, saw me whenever I needed to attend the Tynan surgery for follow up appointments. Both my doctor and the nurses are brilliant. The nurses regularly check my INR and are brilliant.

Dr McAlinden has been involved in my journey from the beginning, as she was the one who diagnosed my heart problem, and I have received ongoing support from her.

I also want to thank the programme I am still attending. The cardiac rehab programme run by Armagh and Dungannon is excellent, and I find it very helpful and informative. It helped me regain my confidence and supported my recovery. Jayne is the physiotherapist, and Shileen, the cardiac nurse, are both brilliant. The exercises are very good, and attending the programme in the leisure centre has been very helpful. It is a great service, and I really appreciate it. I am still attending, and it helps anyone at the start of their journey because it reduces a lot of the fear.

Overall, my experience with my heart surgery has been a positive one. Thank you everyone!