Anthony talks about his experience of Endocarditis

Anthony was born with a Coarctation of the Aorta, and had surgery at 7 months old to stabilise his condition. He was then put on beta blockers to lower his blood pressure so that his heart could heal after surgery. He went on to lead a relatively normal life, with only daily medication and check-ups at St Thomas’ hospital.

Studying at Canterbury College Anthony realised his passion for cooking and gained a level 3 NVQ in professional cooking and hospitality. He then went out to France to learn to prepare and cook French delicacies. After this training he went on to work at events in Wembley stadium. However, after three years of dealing with worrying low energy levels he decided he had to leave his job and take a break as he felt he had pushed himself too far.

He turned his mind to other pursuits but felt his energy levels lowering further. He told us; ‘It felt like my body was shutting down.’  He was forced to take sick leave and focus on his health as he felt more symptoms developing; night sweats, palpitations, shortness of breath and loss of appetite. His GP and doctors at the local hospital couldn’t work out what was wrong and six months later Anthony contacted the team at St Thomas’ who immediately recognised the symptoms of Endocarditus. He had surgery immediately after scans showed the infection has caused damage to his aorta and tricuspid valve and his condition was stabilised with a course of Benzyl penicillin and Gentamicin (forms of antibiotics) through an IV drip.

In total Anthony had to spend two months in St Thomas’. As he started to feel better the doctors began investigating the initial cause of the infection. He believes it entered his system after a tooth removal eight months previously.

Anthony is now fully recovered but told us ‘it was honestly the scariest thing I’ve ever been through.’ He is now working as a volunteer at The Somerville Foundation and the Children’s Heart Federation as he wants to help provide information and support for young people with congenital heart disease.

As Anthony has proven, if you feel something is wrong or you aren’t getting the correct help or information from your local health services it is important to contact your specialist team to tell them your concerns. They will be able to give you a more accurate idea of what is happening to your body.

If you have any concerns about Endocarditis, or would like more information please contact us at LHM on 01214558982 or info@lhm.org.uk