Latest news with #BristolRoyalInfirmary
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Her heart stopped for 17 minutes; what she experienced next was eerie. Later, rare genetic disorder got diagnosed
What She Saw While Unconscious Resuscitation and a Rare Diagnosis Pregnancy, Crisis, and Transplant What began as a regular boot camp session for Victoria Thomas turned into a near-death experience that changed her life. After suffering cardiac arrest and being unresponsive for 17 minutes, the UK-based fitness enthusiast was revived by emergency responders. Her path to recovery led to a diagnosis of a rare genetic disease, multiple heart failures, and eventually, a life-saving to The Mirror, Victoria, then 35, had just completed a weightlifting session at her gym in Gloucester when she began feeling light-headed and weak. She told a friend she felt her energy drain entirely, and moments later, she collapsed. Paramedics arrived within minutes and began CPR. As the minutes passed without a heartbeat, concerns grew that she might not reported by The Mirror, Victoria later recalled a surreal out-of-body experience during the cardiac arrest. She described the sensation of everything going black, followed by an awareness of hovering above her body. From that vantage point, she saw herself lying on the gym floor with yellow equipment nearby. She did not experience any feelings of calm or see any lights—only the eerie sight of her lifeless form as others tried to save personnel were eventually able to restart her heart after 17 minutes. She was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary and placed in a coma for three days. After waking, she was fitted with a defibrillator to manage potential future episodes. Over the following months, her heart stopped several times, with the device activating each time to restart wasn't until 2021, when she became pregnant, that doctors finally discovered the cause of her repeated cardiac arrests. As The Mirror detailed, she was diagnosed with Danon disease—a rare genetic disorder that affects the heart, muscles, and other organs. Victoria was the first in her family to be diagnosed with the pregnancy placed significant strain on her already weakened heart, leading to regular cardiac arrests. At 30 weeks, an emergency caesarean was performed to deliver her son, Tommy. Though he arrived prematurely, he was healthy and has since tested negative for the 2022, tests revealed that Victoria's heart was functioning at just 11 percent, an indicator of end-stage heart failure . Doctors informed her she likely had only months left to live. Then, in April 2023, she received a heart transplant, giving her a new chance at life.
Daily Record
26-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Mum died for 17 minutes before being diagnosed with ultra rare heart disease
Victoria Thomas died for 17 minutes but her heart miraculously sprang back to life. Now mum to a healthy baby boy, she is due to compete in both volleyball and basketball at the World Transplant Games A mum has shared her story after she dropped dead for 17 minutes after a gym session which eventually led to an ultra rare diagnosis. Victoria Thomas was in the middle of boot camp at the gym when her heart stopped netball-loving sports enthusiast had started to feel exhausted after a weightlifting session. The 35-year-old accountant had gone into cardiac arrest. An ambulance arrived within minutes and paramedics started CPR– but as the clock ticked on with no result, fears rose that Victoria's heart had stopped for good. She told the Mirror: 'I said to my friend that I didn't feel like I had any power or energy, like it had just drained from my body. I was also feeling slightly dizzy. I'd only just said it when I suddenly collapsed on the floor.' 'When it happened, it went black and there was nothing, then I became aware of looking down on my body. "I was floating near the roof and was looking down at myself on the gym floor. My first thought was that my legs looked really fat.'And when I looked at a photo of myself taken just minutes before I collapsed, I could see that my legs were actually swollen. 'I didn't see a light, or feel peaceful, I was just watching myself, and I could see some yellow machines around me.' Eventually, after 17 minutes, Victoria's heart sprang back into life. Now 41, she says: 'They never gave up on me. The minutes ticked by, but they refused to stop trying. I was so young, fit and healthy and it had come completely out of the blue.' Victoria was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary, where she spent three days in a coma. Again, she pulled through and doctors fitted her with a defibrillator to restart her heart in the event her body went into cardiac arrest again. Victoria, who has no family history of heart problems, was allowed home, but over the next few months her heart stopped on several occasions, with the defibrillator shocking it back into rhythm each time. She says: 'I went back to playing netball three weeks after it happened, with my defibrillator. It was a shock whenever it went off, but it allowed me to carry on living my normal life, which I was so grateful for.' And in February 2021, Victoria discovered she was expecting a baby. She says: 'Being pregnant was wonderful, but it put pressure on my heart and I started going into cardiac arrest regularly – although the pacemaker would kick in.'Victoria was 24 weeks pregnant when she was given a reason for the repeated cardiac arrests. Specialists had diagnosed Danon disease – a rare genetic disorder,thought to affect fewer than a million people is caused by a problem with the LAMP 2 gene, which produces anenzyme that is responsible for a process that keeps cells clean and healthy. Victoria is the first person in her family to have Danon disease. She says: 'When I read the letter from the genetics team telling me what I had, I was 24 weeks pregnant with Tommy and I was so shocked, I couldn't take it in. 'The doctors wanted to deliver Tommy at just 24 weeks, but I persuaded them to let me hang on a few more weeks. If he had been born at 24 weeks then he may not have survived. 'But by the time I was 30 weeks I couldn't breathe properly because of the fluid build up around my body, so I had to have an emergency caesarean.' Thankfully, newborn Tommy was fine. Victoria says: 'It was so amazing to be a mum and to hold Tommy in my arms after everything.'But Victoria, who is now a single parent after splitting up with her boy's dad, discovered her heart had been damaged further by the pregnancy. By the time Tommy was six months, she was so breathless that even getting up the stairs was a massive April 2022, a hospital check-up found her heart was functioning at just 11%,meaning she was experiencing end-of-life heart failure. She says: 'I asked the doctors how long I had left and they told me I had just another couple of months.'It was devastating. All I could think of was Tommy. I vowed I wouldn't leave him.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Victoria was put on the urgent donor register. She says: 'I had to stay in hospital, and when my sisters brought him in to see me I would cuddle him and cherish every moment I had with him. 'Time was running out for me,and I had to pray that they were going to find me a heart in time. Two hearts were found – but further tests revealed they weren't suitable." Victoria, who lives in Gloucester, says: 'It was devastating. Each time I'd get my hopes up thinking this was it, that I was going to be saved. "And then I was told that the operation couldn't go ahead. I didn't know if they were ever going to find a heart in time.I'd given up all hope.' But in April 2023, finally a suitable and usable heart was had the transplant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The surgery was a success and she was allowed home that May. She says: 'I'd been in hospital since Tommy's first birthday in October and now I was finally home with him. I couldn't believe it.' Apart from a few episodes of initial rejection, Victoria is now back to full strength. Tommy is now three, and tests have shown he does not have Danon disease. Checks have also put Victoria's other relatives in the clear.
BBC News
08-04-2025
- BBC News
Headlines: NHS staffing issues, plane trouble and closing shops
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories Nursing staff at the Bristol Royal Infirmary are already "stretched to the limit" and are under more pressure because of budget cuts, as reported by Bristol Live.A couple flying from Tenerife to Bristol were escorted off a plane because their card wouldn't process a £7 payment, reported Somerset Live. Ann-Marie Murray said she and her partner had decided to buy a bottle of Coke, water and Pringles while onboard the flight but the card they attempted to use failed to process the payment, and they'd used up all their cash on holiday.A vintage shop in Bristol is to close after 41 years of trading, reported Bristol 24/7. Kate Territo, the owner of Uncle Sam's, said it was down to a decline in footfall on Park Live reported on a BBC Countryfile episode which will focus on the Stroudwater Canal restoration 89-year-old woman is going to celebrate her 90th birthday by walking the entire length of Hadrian's Wall. Mary Nicholson will take on the 84 mile challenge in aid of The Beacon Cancer Centre in Taunton, as reported by Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media Swindon Town has announced it will wear a one-off charity kit for their game against Bradford City – supporting the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.A neurosurgery robot at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children has been named 'Captain Cortex' after more than 700 submissions for tags have been removed from Stapleton Road says Bristol City Council to "help residents feel safer in their community".
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Bristol in pictures: Springing into action
We're only just into March but the first signs of spring being on the way have been seen in and around Bristol with a few days of rare sunshine. The past week also included international rugby action at Ashton Gate, the vicar at one of the city's key churches stepping down, and a cancer breakthrough at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. More than 1,000 people also went to an open day in Horfield. Sky on fire: Visitors to the harbourside on Saturday night were treated to a spectacular sunset enhanced by the lights from various bars and boats. Welcome back sunshine: Visitors have been enjoying the picturesque scenes at Tyntesfield, the ornate Gothic revival house close to Bristol, as clear sunny days returned. International action: England A took on Ireland A at Ashton Gate last weekend, with the red rose men winning the contest 28-12. Time to reflect: On Monday, the city marked three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Crowds marched through the streets and there was a poignant photo exhibition in Broadmead Shopping Centre, showing how once-thriving communities have been affected by the war. Moving forward: Doctors have made a breakthrough at the Bristol Royal Infirmary as they announced a new-start up firm that could revolutionise cancer scans. Astral Systems has developed technology that can now make radioisotopes - used to pinpoint the growth of cancer in patients - in hospitals on demand. Saying goodbye: After 12 years as vicar of "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in all England", Canon Dan Tyndall announced this week he will be leaving St Mary Redcliffe Church. Mr Tyndall, who will give his final service at Redcliffe on 13 July, said the role has been "a huge privilege, a real honour, and great fun". Fit to burst: Families enjoyed a fun-filled open day at Horfield Leisure Centre last weekend, as the facility celebrated its recent refurbishment by welcoming more than 1,000 people through its doors. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Bristol in Pictures: Emerging from the gloom Bristol in Pictures: Faces in the crowd Bristol in Pictures: Royals, Rovers and remembering Bristol in Pictures: Let there be light Bristol in pictures: Reasons to be cheerful Bristol in pictures: Lanterns light up the gloom Bristol in pictures: Scenes from across the city Bristol in pictures: Emotional moments of 2024 Bristol in pictures: Not long to go now... Bristol in Pictures: Just a few more lights... Bristol in pics: It's beginning to look a lot like... Bristol in pics: Wintry scenes, Gromit and elves Bristol in pictures: Mary Poppins and circus nights Bristol in pictures: Fireworks and chilly swimmers Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pics: Wildscreen and national football Bristol in pics: Northern Lights and scary sights Bristol in pictures: England cricket and the Bears Bristol in pictures: Bears' derby delight Bristol in pics: Round-up of images from the city Bristol in pictures: Crocodiles and cricket Bristol in pictures: Forwards, Dogfest and sunny skies Bristol in pictures: The proms and Massive Attack Bristol in pictures: It's home sweet home Bristol in pictures: Balloons, rallies and sunsets Bristol in pictures: A scorching week in the city Bristol in pictures: Balloons, bingo and boats Bristol in pics: Harbour Festival and graduations Bristol in pictures: Pride, politics and zombies Bristol in pictures: Riding the waves into summer Bristol in pictures: All you need is love Bristol in pictures: Marathons and music Bristol in pictures: A taste of summer in the city Bristol in pictures: Rising from the ashes Bristol in pictures: Paint, pirates and protest Bristol in pictures: Anyone for cricket? Bristol in pictures: Faith, foxes and Filwood Bristol in pictures: Big beasts are waking up Bristol in pictures: Parades, concerts and a Grinch Bristol in pictures: From park runs to pilots Bristol in pictures: Snow and the Severnside derby Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city
BBC News
18-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Wiltshire: 'Guardian angel saved my life after cardiac arrest'
A woman who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on a bike ride said she owes her life to a stranger who stopped to give her CPR, despite having no first aid Cox, 71, pulled over her car after noticing Sophie Caruth, 60, lying unconscious on a country lane in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, and kept her alive for 20 minutes before an air ambulance arrived and she was flown to the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI)."Without Beverley, there is no question I would definitely be dead," she said. "She is my guardian angel."After making a "miraculous" recovery, Mrs Caruth now wants more people in her village CPR-trained, and more defibrillators installed in remote areas. 'Something was really wrong' Mrs Caruth said she had no prior health issues before 7 July 2024, when she decided to go out cycling with her husband, David."I had no warnings", she said."I got on a bike with David on that Sunday morning and decided to go to a very quiet lane where there would be no cars at all, I'm so lucky there was one there."Mrs Caruth said the last thing she remembers is cycling up a hill, before she Cox, who was in her car with husband Chris, noticed someone lying on the side of the road and decided to stop."We saw David with his bike standing on quite a deserted country lane and his partner was just lying quite motionless on top of her bike, and we realised something was really wrong," she said."I called to Chris to phone the ambulance, then I realised Sophie had no pulse so we turned her over and started CPR."The woman on the switchboard was brilliant and kept me going." The first thing Mrs Caruth remembers is waking up at the BRI. After five days she was sent home, with no cardiac or brain damage."The CPR was done immediately and it was carried on and she didn't stop," she Cox said she was anxious to know how Mrs Caruth was doing while she was being treated in hospital."As soon as Sophie was able to walk and was stronger, both of them came round to see us," she said."She brought me some flowers, and it was just really lovely to see her up and about and as healthy as she possibly could be." Since her recovery Mrs Caruth has been working with a cardiac trainer from north Dorset, to get people in her village to learn the life-saving McLean, who runs Gold Hill CPR training, which is funded by the Shaftesbury charity Swans Trust said: "Sophie and David put a very generous donation towards [the charity] which has enabled me to buy the equipment, the mannequins, and training defibrillators.""Along with other donations I'm able to go out into the community and offer those training sessions to people."Mrs Caruth has also funded a defibrillator which has been installed next to their home in the village."Most of the defibrillators that are put in public places, tend to be in offices, shopping malls, town centres, they're not in residential areas and certainly not in a remote village. "They need to be in residential areas, it's far more important to have them there, and it's much rarer to have them there because it's not part of the planning regulation."
