Patient stories

Being told you need a cardiac procedure at only 17 years old can be a big shock, especially when you’re playing basketball at a high level and preparing for a tournament. But for Marco, a minimally invasive cardiac procedure meant he was back to full fitness in time for his big competition.

At just 20 years old, Georgia was about to fulfil her dream of opening her own beauty salon when persistent symptoms led to an unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer. 

When six-year-old Hallie was admitted to The Portland Hospital in July, her parents were facing an anxious wait. What began as abdominal pain led to a query of appendicitis and, following surgery, concerns around possible sepsis.

For years, left leg pain had been an irritating thing in Mark’s life. “I had a dull, constant ache behind my knee and in my calf when I was standing, especially towards the end of the day when I had been up and about a lot.”

After years of his prostate problems causing urinary issues, Robert just wanted to be able to enjoy his normal life again.

After years of cardiac troubles, a scan picked up that Hans’s aorta, the body’s largest artery, had swollen to six centimetres.

After months of managing a jaw problem that just wouldn’t go away, a recommendation from a relative helped Bevleen get the surgery she needed. With a minimally-invasive approach from Mr Ross Elledge at The Harborne Hospital, Bevleen is now back to pain-free living.

Around 15 years ago, Jayne (57) from Cornwall, developed a chronic cough following a hospital admission for severe pneumonia. It also left her with no voice for over a month. 

When Sharon broke a rib in June 1999, she never imagined it would lead to an incurable cancer diagnosis.