‘Miracle’ surgery shared
CAIRNS man John Ehm is opening up about the emotional, physical and mental challenges of heart surgery in the hope of supporting others affected by Australia’s leading cause of death.
In 2003, Mr Ehm’s aortic valve malfunctioned, requiring heart trauma surgery at the Mater Hospital in Townsville.
Thankful to have been given a second chance at life, Mr Ehm was inspired to write a book, Matters of the Heart, about his experience.
The book was supported and launched by Medicare.
But in November 2016, the former volunteer Heart Foundation speaker was faced with another hurdle. The aortic valve he received some 13 years prior crashed and he was rushed to Cairns Hospital.
Mr Ehm was then flown to Brisbane in a critical condition for a trans-catheter valve replacement.
Labelling his experience a “medical miracle”, he has credited advances in technology and the work of medical professionals with his survival.
Now the 87-year-old has just finished writing his second book, Affairs of the Heart.
“With the incidence of heart surgery and the advances of heart surgery, people like me are living longer,” he said.
“I feel strongly that my books could be used to help lots of patients now and in the future.”
Mr Ehm said his new book was also a tribute to his vascular surgeon, Dr Mutazz Diqer, who passed away in 2015.
“He and his team gave me a new lease of life by implanting a French cow aortic valve in my heart,” he said. If you would like to sponsor the cost of publishing, contact Mr Ehm on 0455 284 888 or johnrehm@iprimus.com.au aortic