Man says toothache led to sepsis and rare heart condition

Danny says a toothache triggered sepsis and a rare heart condition that almost cost him his life. "They wanted to transfer me to Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool but I wouldn't have survived the journey," he explained. He stayed in a Bangor hospital until he felt strong enough to travel, then underwent heart surgery in Liverpool on 6 July, a procedure that lasted six hours.

His brother later told him the first operation had failed, leaving Danny feeling deeply sad and exhausted from the fight. "My brother told me after that the operation was unsuccessful," he recalled. Within a couple of days a doctor said a special machine to aid blood clotting was now available and a second operation was planned.

The repeat surgery succeeded, clearing the infection and sealing a hole in the mitral valve, but doctors later informed him he had suffered a series of strokes while alternating between consciousness and unconsciousness. "When the doctor was reading his notes afterwards, he said it was a miracle that I was still alive," Danny said, adding he had been told "the probability of survival was 1%".

Danny was transferred back to Ysbyty Gwynedd for rehabilitation. "I couldn't walk at first, I didn't have the strength to do anything," he said, noting he had lost his independence. After a couple of weeks he managed to walk with his daughter, Harriet, for the first time in months, describing the moment as very emotional. "My family were a big part of my recovery and a big help as I fought through the whole thing. That's what got me through," he added.