Boy, 14, needed
FIVE heart operations after he fell off his bike - and doctors discovered he
was suffering from a life-threatening illness
·
After the fall, doctors discovered that Keith Ssewamala had an aneurysm
·
Then discovered he had dangerous heart
condition Takayashu arteritis
·
Had to undergo five open heart
surgeries and keyhole ops in a year
A teenager who fell off his bike ended up needing five heart operations in a year - after his accident alerted doctors to a life-threatening condition.
Fourteen-year-old Keith Ssewamala,was just like any active teenager when he fell off his bike while playing with friends.
What should have been a routine tumble ended up with with Keith suffering chest pains and the discovery of an aneurysm on his heart.
While the aneurysm was successfully removed from his left ventricle, his health problems continued when he began coughing up blood and losing his eyesight.
Keith, from Brixton, south London, was then rushed to Evelina Children's Hospital after suffering a seizure.
Medics discovered he suffered from Takayashu arteritis - a condition that usually affects middle-aged women. It's so rare in young boys that the chances of getting it are just two million to one.
The condition causes inflammation that primarily damages the aorta and can lead to blockages or narrowed arteries, high blood pressure and eventually to heart failure or stroke.
As a result of his condition, Keith had to undergo five open heart surgeries and keyhole procedures in just a year.
He said: 'I wasn't expecting to have five open heart operations in a year - one was bad enough, but I knew I could get through it and they were making me better.
'Going through it all has made me all the more determined to do something with my life.
Back in the saddle: A fall from his bike revealed that Keith Ssewamala
had a life-threatening condition that required him to have five operations in a
year
They discovered I had the illness when I fell off the bike and say maybe it even triggered it.'
Keith, who lives with his mother Monica, 36, said he had a lot to thank his family and doctors for.
Now recovered, he has set up a foundation to help other children with heart problems.
Keith fell from his bike in 2008 and is still receiving treatment with injections every week at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
What should have been a routine tumble ended up with with Keith (with
mother Monica) suffering chest pains and the discovery of an aneurysm on his
heart. He then began coughing up blood and losing his eyesight
Keith was eventually diagnosed with Takayashu
arteritis, which can cause high blood pressure and eventually to
heart failure
or stroke
He
said: 'I'm blessed to have parents who are so devoted to my
happiness. I
realise that not all children have family and relatives like
mine and I'm so
grateful for all their support.
His
mother said she was proud of how her son kept smiling
throughout all the
operations.
She
said: 'In hospital, Keith would be getting out of bed and
going to see other
children - he wanted to see how they were
and talk to them.
'He
has been so brave since the fall from the bike and I think
it was that fall
that triggered the heart problem.
'Keith
does have to take steroids now but his condition is still
improving.
'He
is so determined now to help other children so that is
why we set up the
foundation.'
'Evelina Children's Hospital has been fantastic in helping
Keith battle his heart condition. The doctors and nurses are
amazing every time we are there.
Consultant paediatric cardiologist Professor Qureshi, who
has been in charge of Keith's care, said: 'Keith has been
diagnosed with Takayashu arteritis - a rare form of heart
disease that more frequently affects adult women.
As a result, Keith had to undergo five open heart
surgeries and keyhole procedures in just a year.
'It
involves inflammation in the walls of the largest arteries in the body, the
aorta and its main branches.
'It
has taken four years to diagnose this rare condition but his condition
continues to improve.
Keith
is now hoping to tour other schools and hospitals nationally to inspire others
as well as pursuing his dream of becoming an actor.
He
is now looking for someone to come forward to sponsor him to raise awareness
around the country.
'The
care I received at Evelina was wonderful, the doctors, nurses and play
specialists are very funny and helpful. I want other children with heart
conditions to have the right care and support too, which is why I helped set up
the foundation.'
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