Ryan's story
I never expected that my life would change so much.
Ryan’s life was turned upside down in September 2017 when he suddenly became very unwell.
Ryan explains: “I had been feeling unwell for a few weeks, just general tiredness and flu-type symptoms that I couldn’t shake off. It was gradually getting worse and I was starting to become breathless, too.
Knowing something wasn’t right, I borrowed a friend’s Fitbit to check my heart rate, and it was over 100. I knew I needed to get checked out, so I left work early and went to the doctors.
Getting a diagnosis
“The GP sent me straight to the local hospital where I was told I had dilated cardiomyopathy and I would likely need a heart transplant. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and was in complete shock. I knew I hadn’t been well but was not expecting anything so serious.”
Five days later Ryan was airlifted to Manchester after going into cardiogenic shock. He had an emergency heart pump – known as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) - fitted and was added to the urgent heart waiting list.
Hope for the future
I have been told I could have a long wait for a heart which is hard to hear.
Says Ryan: “I am doing pretty well at the moment with the LVAD but waiting for a transplant can be hard. There is a constant need to have my phone with me and I need a regular electricity supply so my LVAD batteries can be charged. The worry of power cuts is always in the back of my mind... I had to finish my job as it was quite physical.
“I hope the year ahead can bring some normality and I also hope more people will discuss organ donation with their families and register their decision. You never know when or who might need that help.”
