Mohamed’s Story:
Mohamed was just 36 when early onset heart failure put his life at risk. He was struggling for every breath. With a partner and three young children, he was scared that he wouldn’t be there for them in the future.
“I’m originally from Morocco, but have been living in Passage West in Cork for over seventeen years – almost half my life. I’m based there with my wife Niamhmarie and our three young kids. Life was busy, but good, until earlier this year.
“To be honest, I’d never been in hospital in my entire life. However, in May, I started developing chest infections. I’d go to my GP and get a course of antibiotics, but nothing was clearing it up. We went on a family holiday in July and when we got back, I just didn’t feel right. I didn’t have the energy to go back to work. I was lying in bed all the time, moody, with no energy, but not able to sleep.
“Then one night, I couldn’t breathe, I was panicking, I felt like I was going to die. I ended up in the emergency department of a local hospital. After some tests and scans, they mentioned the possibility of heart failure. I was immediately place on a course of medication, but still things didn’t improve.
“After two weeks in my local hospital, I was moved to the Mater. There, I underwent a number of other tests and my medication was adjusted. I started to improve a little, but there was still concern as to what the cause of my heart failure was. I was told I could return home to Cork and be monitored there, while continuing to take the medication.
“I wasn’t getting better though. I was still exhausted all the time, my blood pressure was low and I couldn’t sleep. It was decided that the next step would be to put in an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) to help regulate my heart, and this was to be done at my local hospital on the 29th September.
“When I went in for the device to be implanted, they did further tests. Things weren’t right. I had deteriorated further and the ICD wasn’t going to work. Just three days later I was transferred to the Mater again, as my condition had continued to disimprove. Following a meeting with the Mater doctors, they told me I was no longer responding to any medication and my best chance of recovery would be a heart transplant.
“The fear and nerves really kicked it then. Would I get a heart in time? Would I survive? I was in a dark place mentally and physically. All
that was going through my head was would Niamhmarie and the kids – and my elderly parents in Morocco – be alright. Over the next two weeks all the relevant tests were done and I was officially put on the waiting list for a heart.
“After a short while, I got my ‘first call’ for a heart. It was just after midnight when the doctor called in to see me, she said ‘Mohamed we may have a possible heart of you, so we need to get you ready’. You go through all the emotions, bloods are being taken, your body is prepped, your mind is racing… but at 6am they advised me that on this occasion, it wasn’t suitable for me. It’s hard not be disappointed and upset, but you hope your chance will come.
“And it did, just a couple of weeks later on a Saturday night, the doctor called in to let me know there was the possibility of a heart. Again, the prep started. I called Niamhmarie and she drove from Cork to be with me. It just felt different this time. At 4am, it was confirmed that the heart was suitable, I had a flood of happiness, nervousness and fear. I kissed Niamhmarie goodbye, it was very emotional. And that was it for five days.
“I woke in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). The team brought me around slowly. I was exhausted, but relieved. After 10 days I was able to leave ICU and continue my recovery on the transplant care floor. My life began again with this transplant, the day it happened is like a new birthday for me, my Irish birthday!
“I’m so grateful to the donor and their family, they’ve given me a chance to live. And, I can’t thank the hospital staff enough, especially the transplant team, they were just amazing. My recovery is going so well that it looks like I’ll be able to go home on Monday, 18th December. It’ll be wonderful to be back with my family for the Christmas holidays.”
Mohamed Lafdil, Passage West, Cork
Looking for a way to support the Mater Hospital Foundation’s work in making a real difference to heart and cardiac care at the Mater Hospital? Why not throw on your running shoes and join our 100 Miles in a Month challenge in Feb 2024 – 100 Miles in a Month 2024 – Mater Foundation
