Cardiology - East Surrey Hospital

Hi,

I would like to raise as much money as possible specifically for the cardiology department at East Surrey Hospital.

In March 2022, my Apple smartwatch began alerting me that my resting heart rate was consistently above 100 bpm. Like many, I didn't take it seriously at first. However, as the alerts continued over the next few months, I decided to check my smartwatch on my partner, and her heart rate was normal. Concerned, I went to my doctor, who referred me to a cardiologist at East Surrey Hospital.

The cardiologist was amazing. After an ECG and a few tests, he informed me that I had a serious mitral valve prolapse. Despite having no symptoms he was amazed my smartwatch had alerted me to the problem. The cardiologist told me that without intervention and open heart surgery, I had only one to two years left to live as the heart would start to expand. I was 40 years old at the time.

The diagnosis was shocking. The cardiologist explained that my smartwatch had essentially saved my life. Further tests, including an endoscopy and a CT scan, revealed mitral valve failure and a hole in my heart. I was overwhelmed.

He presented two options: a pig valve replacement, which would last 8-10 years, or a prosthetic metal valve, which would last up to 25 years but would require constant monitoring and medication. In December 2022, I contracted COVID-19, which led to endocarditis, making my condition even more critical.

I called an ambulance when I became very unwell, with my fingers and toes turning black. I was admitted to East Surrey Hospital, where my cardiologist discovered the endocarditis and arranged for me to be moved to the cardiology ward. Recognising the urgency, he managed to expedite my surgery, which was initially scheduled for the following March or April 2023 to the next few days.

I was referred to Harefield Hospital in Northwest London for an 8-hour operation. My cardiologist stayed in constant contact with the surgeons and called me personally to check on my progress. After a month at Harefield, he called me in for a follow-up to ensure everything was okay.

I was amazed at his dedication. He showed me my new heart valve and explained how it worked, saying, "If it's ticking, you're living." He also explained the medication regimen, including warfarin, to keep my blood thin and prevent clots over the new valve. My INR needs to be around 3, whereas a normal person’s is about 1.1.

To monitor my INR, I initially had to visit my doctor weekly. I asked if the NHS could provide an INR machine for home use, but they declined due to the cost. I purchased my own machine, and the NHS agreed to supply the testing strips.

When I used both my machine and the doctor’s machine, the readings varied significantly. My machine showed 3.1, while the doctor’s showed 4.4. A third machine confirmed my reading. I informed my cardiologist, who was pleased I had questioned the discrepancy, as it could have affected other patients on warfarin.

Today, I am fit and well, living with my new valve, which ticks like a clock. My cardiologist mentioned that in his entire career, he had never encountered a case where a smartwatch saved a life.

I am setting up this page to raise funds for the East Surrey cardiology department for future research and development. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Any donation, no matter the amount, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

James Day