Heart transplant - it could happen to anyone - any family - at any time - we know
Joshua was 16 when he first collapsed. It took a year to diagnose his condition, Arythmagenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia. We were told he would need a implantable defib which would keep his heart from going into the wrong rhythm, and medication to help control his condition. As a family, his dad, sister and myself had echo's to see if there was a problem, because apparently it's heredity.
He was OK for a couple of years, but whilst on holiday in France, he was taken ill. He didn't go back to work. ( He had completed an apprenticeship as a heavy-goods mechanic) As the condition progressed, different drugs were tried. Unfortunately, one of them created havoc with his thyroid, which resulted in him having to have it removed. We were referred to a clinic in London, and that was when it was suggested that he was put on the transplant list.His mates would come to visit, but Josh would find it hard sometimes to have long conversations. Josh tried to put on a brave show, but watching him slowly get worse was the hardest thing for a parent to do. He was referred to The Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham in November 07 for a day of tests to decide if he needed a heart transplant. We were so pleased to be told yes, he needed a transplant. It was only later travelling home, that the enormity of the situation hit me.
Two weeks later he had to go back for four days of tests. He 'passed' them all, and was asked if he wanted to go on the transplant list. He was told to think about it, and to let them know. He went on the list on the 23rd of December. The call came on Wednesday 16th Jan at 8.15 p.m. There was just three of us in the car on the way up, Josh, Louise (his sister) and me. They made many phone calls,he was so excited, he wanted to tell everyone !
When we were almost there, the conversation turned to the donor, and their family. There we were, excited at the possibility of a new life for Josh, and there they were losing a loved one, but having the desire that that loss would not be in vain.
Two years on, at 25, Josh is now how a guy of his age should be !! He didn't return to being a heavy goods mechanic, but instead now repairs and services gas powered generators !
Ruth Stephens