Written By You: From Heart Failure to Pedal Power
This is Nick’s story of heart failure diagnosis, to heart transplant, to bike packing.
In 2007 I was diagnosed with heart failure (dilated cardiomyopathy). In Christmas 2017 was told I need a new heart, or I would not see the New Year.
I went into Harefield Hospital for a heart transplant and came out with a LVAD as I was deemed too ill for a new heart at that time. LVAD is a left ventricular assist device, an electric pump effectively. This was a bridge to transplant. I was sent home with batteries and a power pack attached to me and I had to wait until I got a call for a new heart.
So, I brought an e-bike to get fit in preparation for the transplant. Wow! The bike changed my life, and four years on, I’m a little fitter and healthier.
In the meantime, I had three calls for a new heart, two of which failed. The third, on my birthday came through.
18 months on, and here I am still cycling and loving it. On an e-bike still as I was nearly dead before but I'm out as often as I can. I take huge inspiration from some of my cycling friends I have met through the transplant (some who have passed sadly).
Now touching 60 my aim is to get back to a non e-bike, and I would love to bike pack.
Nick Cooper