Breda finally on mend after long awaited surgery

HUGE RELIEF FOR O’GORMAN FAMILY AS MS SUFFERER’S SURGERY TO INSTALL BACLOFEN PUMP GOES AHEAD

THERE has been huge relief for the O’Gorman family in Ballybunion as MS sufferer Breda O’Gorman underwent potentially life-saving surgery, which had been delayed earlier this year.

In March, Breda – a multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer for 33 years – was scheduled to undergo surgery to have a vital device, a new pain-relieving baclofen pump, fitted inside her stomach.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of beds in CUH, the surgery was cancelled as she lay in a trolley, and she was sent home with no future date for a surgery and the real prospect of the return of extreme levels of pain, which she said would kill her if not treated.

The arrival of COVID-19 and cancellation of almost all non-essential surgery in hospitals around the country further compounded Breda’s situation.

Thankfully, though, Breda’s devoted husband Tony got in touch with The Kerryman this past week to let us know that Breda had finally been given the go-ahead for surgery, and she went under the knife last Tuesday and is now currently at home recovering.

“We’re more than delighted right now. Our family and friends, too, they’re all just so thoroughly delighted too to be honest. She was starting to get severe pain in the legs as the baclofen started running out and emptying in her old device,” said Tony.

Praising her medical team in Cork and Kerry, Tony said that both he and Breda would not have gotten this far without them and without the support of their own four children: Tara,

Helena, Bernadette and John.

One person whom Tony singled out for credit in helping get Breda her surgery is Michael Healy-Rae, whom Tony says “fought all the way” for Breda.

Even though she admitted that the journey to Cork had been a struggle for her, Breda was happy to chat to us as well as they made their way home from CUH on Friday, and she admitted her relief at finally having the new pump – which is good for another seven years – fitted.

“I can’t believe that it’s in finally,” she told The Kerryman. “It’s a huge, huge relief. “It will take a few days to kick in, but I just can’t wait to get home now again and start recovering.

“The medical team and the pain-relief team deserve so much thanks for all they did for me,” she said.

ABOVE: Photo by Domnick Walsh. Breda and Tony O’Gorman pictured at their Ballybunion home back in March as they awaited news of a new surgery date for a pain-relieving baclofen pump (right) but thankfully, though, Breda finally had her long-awaited surgery on Tuesday, May 5, and is now recovering at home.