Screening call from aneurysm survivor

Trevor Sherburn, from Rotherham, discovered he had an “extremely large” abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) after complaining of feeling cold and having indigestion-like pain.

A scan revealed he had an AAA of more than 10cm – more than five times the size of the average healthy aorta and nearly twice the size of a “large” aneurysm.

The 67-year-old, from Swinton, was immediately admitted to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital where he underwent surgery.

Now recovering at home, he says he is “extremely grateful” that his condition was spotted before it was too late.

Mr Sherburn said yesterday: “My aneurysm was over 10cm in diameter and could have ruptured at any time. If that had happened, I doubt I’d be here now.
“I’ve always been fit and active and, bar some slight stomach pain and occasionally feeling cold, I didn’t have any symptoms or know anything was wrong.

“I didn’t know anything about AAAs until mine was found but then the seriousness of the condition very quickly became clear.

“All I really want to do now is urge other men aged 65 and over to take up the offer of AAA screening and make an appointment for a 10-minute scan.”

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been commissioned to provide the screening programme across South Yorkshire.

Vascular surgeon Ray Cuschier said: “Trevor’s story is the perfect example of why the NHS is running the AAA screening programme and why we are urging all men aged 65 and upwards to consider contacting us.”

Men aged over 65 who have not been screened can arrange an appointment for a scan by calling 01709 321189.