Mat went to the doctor in 2006 to have a sinus problem evaluated........
.........little did he know what a dramatic effect that simple visit to the doctor would have on his life.
Born in the UK, but a resident of Northern NSW Australia, Mat was 35 years of age when he was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, a condition which had calcified the inner lining of his aortic valve. Mats' aortic valve was 60-70% closed and he was in danger of complications that could have killed him.
His condition worsened over the ensuing two years and he was eventually scheduled for open heart surgery at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane Qld, on the 20th October 2008.
Mat recounts in his book "Aortic Valve Replacement - My Personal Journey" -
" I’m hoping this book will give you some knowledge on how to handle the extremely stressful news when you receive it, and guide you through all the vigorous tests leading up to the operation. I will cover meeting your surgeon , questions to ask that you might forget to ask, writing a will, what to expect in intensive care, waking up, the effects of the drugs, the wonderful ICU (intensive care unit) staff, recovering in the cardiac ward, a guide to drugs you may need to take, dietary changes you may have to make, and much more. And the much awaited trip home and how to do things at home without stress."
Born in the UK, but a resident of Northern NSW Australia, Mat was 35 years of age when he was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, a condition which had calcified the inner lining of his aortic valve. Mats' aortic valve was 60-70% closed and he was in danger of complications that could have killed him.
His condition worsened over the ensuing two years and he was eventually scheduled for open heart surgery at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane Qld, on the 20th October 2008.
Mat recounts in his book "Aortic Valve Replacement - My Personal Journey" -
" I’m hoping this book will give you some knowledge on how to handle the extremely stressful news when you receive it, and guide you through all the vigorous tests leading up to the operation. I will cover meeting your surgeon , questions to ask that you might forget to ask, writing a will, what to expect in intensive care, waking up, the effects of the drugs, the wonderful ICU (intensive care unit) staff, recovering in the cardiac ward, a guide to drugs you may need to take, dietary changes you may have to make, and much more. And the much awaited trip home and how to do things at home without stress."
$14.97
Biking North Stradbroke Island | 1 Day Before Surgery | 2 Weeks After Surgery
In ICU The Day After | One Month After Surgery | One Year Later
Mat faced his ordeal without the usual family support network as he chose to return to Australia, where he was living, and organise to have his surgery. Mats' story is one of courage, in the face of the immense shock that is associated with the news that doctors are going to open your chest and repair your faulty heart valve.
Mats' eBook is a testament to the fact that in the face of extreme adversity, people dig deep and find a great inner strength to help them cope with lifes sometimes intense challenges. Mat is a living example of this.
