08/09/2022
Please take the time to read Becky's story and about the wonderful care given by Papworth hospital - where everyone from catering staff, cleaners to nurses and doctors took time to comfort Becky when she was afraid. Some of us may need their care in years to come so if you are able to donate to Becky's Just Giving page please do.
I wanted to share Becky Cuthbert’s story, not only because it may prevent a tragedy happening to someone but also because it is a story of resilience, bravery, tenacity, positive thinking, love and hope - and is an inspiration to us all.
Most of us reach a stage in life when we would like a family of our own and we assume it will happen when we want it to but it many instances this is not the case and a long, stressful journey of highs and lows begins.
Becky, from Leiston, began her struggle with infertility over 7 years ago and she has been through endless tests, medication, operations and the joy of becoming pregnant, only to have her and her wonderfully supportive husband Martin’s hopes dashed. During this time Becky experienced the sudden loss of her much loved grandad and also had to get through the due date of the pregnancy from her first round of IVF, and all the ‘what ifs?’ that go along with that. Grief is ongoing of course, and understandably Becky suffered with anxiety and depression, but she took the brave step of sharing her very personal story on social media to help her deal with her emotions and maybe help others going through similar challenges, which I believe it has. Many of us have followed her story in awe of her strength and resilience.
What Becky wasn’t to know was that her biggest challenge to date was to come, when she became unwell in late March of this year. Becky experienced breathlessness, chest pain, fluid retention and had no strength or energy. All of these symptoms were getting progressively worse and Becky visited her GP 6 times but, despite a raised heart rate which continued for several days, she was assured it was nothing serious and it was suggested, maybe due to the ups and downs of the last few years, that her problems may be as a result of anxiety, and she was advised that it was unlikely to be something serious as she is only in her 30s. Becky felt it was implied she was a hypochondriac and struggled with this outcome but, being of a tenacious nature, she decided to trust her gut instinct and seek a second opinion at a different surgery. She knew these symptoms were totally new.
Within two days of being seen at Leiston surgery Becky was admitted to Ipswich hospital and received the devastating news that she had a heart defect, likely down to genetics, and needed major open heart surgery to save her life.
Blue lighted to Papworth in the early hours of the morning Becky awaited her surgery, which would be followed by a long recovery of 3 - 4 months, but her attitude, as always, was ‘I have to get through this’. On top of this Becky had the added blow of being told that she will not be able to carry her own child due to the risk to her heart.
Despite the trauma she was going through Becky again shared this information on social media to ensure anyone else experiencing something similar keeps persevering and doesn’t give up until they get answers. As she says “No-one must go through this again!” Despite all she was going through she was also asking people to, in her words “support my wonderful husband who has been by my side through everything day and night, my wonderful parents and family”
Thankfully Becky’s surgery was a success. After over 9 hours of surgery the surgeons were able to repair valves, replace her aortic valve and her dilated aorta which was dangerously close to rupturing!
Becky and her family cannot thank the surgical team at Papworth enough, their care was second to none.
5 days post op and Becky was up and about, washing, dressing and walking with the aid of the physios – her surgeon had thought she would still be in critical care!
Becky says “I’m so proud of myself for not settling for the GP’s advice, or lack of it, and getting that second opinion. Without it I would not be here now. It was that close in getting this operation completed before I died. Likely a matter of days”.
“Thank you Leiston doctors’ surgery for listening to me finally, after weeks of battle with my previous surgery, and Royal Papworth for saving my life!”
Becky and Martin recently celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary and Martin’s post read “Happy 5th anniversary to my wonderful, brave beautiful wife. We haven’t had it easy but we continue to overcome everything life throws at us. The best anniversary present is having you back home and recovering”
- ‘in sickness and in health’ at its very best……
Within the year Becky hopes to be back to or as close to her new ‘normal’ and I am 100% sure she will face anything that comes her way with her usual grit and determination (a warrior!) and she may still have options in regard to a much wanted baby!
To show her appreciation of the care she received at Papworth Becky is fighting back to fitness to raise money and has set up the following justgiving page.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rebecca-cuthbert1?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=rebecca-cuthbert1&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utmterm=47a9f91b90c24cb79c55e2b430d56e4c.
Louise Gissing
