Motorcyclist aims for fast lane after life-saving op
Motorcyclist Ian Barnes is used to negating congested arterial roads but discovered his internal roadmap could be just as hazardous.
The 68-year-old underwent a complex surgical procedure to reopen major arteries in his legs and heart which had left him unable to walk more than a few yards without suffering painful cramps in his right leg.
He ignored the condition for nearly a year and found himself staying at home thanks to convenience of home deliveries.
"I just thought it was part of getting older until I facetimed my brother in South Africa,” said the retiree.
Ian’s brother was shocked to see how much weight his sibling had lost and told him to take a good look at himself in the mirror.
“It was quite a shock. I just hadn’t noticed my slow deterioration and found I had lost 25 kilos.”
A CT scan subsequently revealed the main artery in the tummy had weakened to a point where it was bulging outward severely restricting blood flow to the right lower leg resulting in painful cramps.
The body’s main artery (aorta) from his heart was also swollen and threatening to burst which would have been proved fatal.
Ian added: “One of my brothers died of an aneurysm so it really shook me up. I remember leaving the consultation and collapsing from shock when I got out of the lift.”
Mr Selva Theivacumar, a vascular surgeon and the clinical lead at Northwick Park Hospital, inserted two wires into the groin which he carefully guided up through blocked portion of the arteries removing all blockages. He then inserted several stents to repair the aneurysm and blocked aneurysm at the same time using advanced cutting edge keyhole techniques.
“The procedure took several hours but Mr Barnes would have felt almost instant relief once we re-established the blood supply.”
Ian added: “I walked out of the hospital a day-and-a-half later and have no trouble walking now. “
Ian says his improved mobility will allow to continue interest in astrophotography.
“I’ve had to restrict myself to wandering among the stars so it will be nice to see what’s outside the front door for a change.”