After about 12 months of tests and starting on medication I wasn't getting any relief and my symptoms were getting worse.
I was told that there was no cure and that one day I would need a heart transplant, but I thought this would be way into the future. I was referred to the transplant team at Wythenshawe Hospital to become acquainted and when they assessed me it was clear that I would need a transplant sooner rather than later. Following my assessment and some medication changes I was placed on the routine list.
After about 3 weeks, in February 2018 I got a call to say there was a heart for me. I was in hospital for 1 month and then did cardiac rehab near my house and after about 3-4 months I started to feel more normal again. I went back to university that September and got my degree. I am back working full time and I haven't had any complications thankfully.
I am a member of the Cardiomyopathy Youth Panel to spread awareness of the condition and to help young people feel like they have the support and resources to live their lives the way they want to despite having a heart condition. I also want to change the perception that people with heart conditions are old and overweight. I found it hard for people to understand I was struggling because on the outside I looked young and healthy.