A life-saving procedure at Northwick Park Hospital has allowed an 80-year-old woman from Northolt to eat properly again after more than a year of severe illness.
Kay Reynolds had not been able to enjoy a proper meal since Christmas Day 2023, suffering extreme stomach pain every time she ate. Her daughter, Jacqueline, said: “Mum was slowly wasting away in front of us and the hospital kept saying they couldn’t find anything wrong.”
Eventually, a scan revealed that Kay was suffering from a rare condition known as Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia, which affects roughly one in a thousand people. Doctors discovered that two of the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to her intestines were blocked. By this time, her weight had dropped from 182 pounds to under 100.
Mr Selva Theivacumar, a lead consultant in vascular and endovascular surgery at Northwick Park Hospital, said: “Kay’s was referred with possible Chronic Mesenteric Ischaemia after previous tests has ruled out cancer and other serious bowel conditions.
“It was clear when I saw her that the blood flow to her bowel was so low it didn’t have enough oxygen to function. The combination of her age and frailty meant any complication could have resulted in her death.
“It was a tough call but I’m glad I took the decision to go ahead after explaining the risks to Kay’s. She told me she wasn’t ready to give up on life and she kept her word.”
The three-hour minimally invasive procedure was a success, restoring proper blood flow and giving Kay almost instant relief.
Jacqueline said: “Mum was white as a sheet when she went in but looked ten years young after the procedure and had a meal later that day.
“They started her off on pureed food and she got a taste for Skips and Wotsits because they melted in her mouth and, hey presto, instant pureed food. She still keeps a few bags to hand at home.”
Mr Theivacumar added that Bowel Ischemia – particularly the chronic form – is often underdiagnosed, and he believes more health education is needed among medical professionals.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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