A patient success story: idiopathic subglottic stenosis

Miss Maisie Emmerson is a five-time World Karate Champion, currently enjoying her profession more than ever. Had it not been for surgical intervention for what was presumed to be a long COVID-19 side-effect, though, things could have been a whole lot different.

In this heartwarming article, Miss Emmerson tells us exactly how highly esteemed London-based ENT specialist, Professor Guri Sandhu, helped cure her debilitating breathing condition and put her career back on track.

I feel extremely privileged and grateful to have met Professor Guri Sandhu and it is with great pleasure that I share my story here. I was diagnosed by Professor Sandhu with a condition called idiopathic subglottic stenosis (narrowing of the airway) in June of this year, after almost two years of being misdiagnosed with asthma by other healthcare professionals.

Prior to developing severe breathing difficulties (which, initially, I thought were an after-effect of COVID-19), I was a high-level Karate practitioner, holding four World Karate titles and having represented England at four different international events. Gradually, my breathing difficulties became extremely severe. I couldn’t walk more than 100 metres without having to stop and holding a conversation was one of the most challenging day-to-day activities for me. I started to come to terms with the fact that my Karate career was over.

Thankfully, I met Professor Sandhu, who, from our very first meeting, put me completely at ease and I felt as though he was going to be the person to help me. He was extremely professional and showed a great deal of expertise in our meetings. He explained idiopathic subglottic stenosis to me in detail and reassured me that, with a surgical procedure, I’d be back doing all the things I love. I asked him multiple questions and he always had the answer. I never felt rushed or pressured into making any decisions and he always made time for me.

Professor Sandhu operated on me in July of this year. I saw him again three weeks later for a post-surgery check-up where he told me everything looked great and that I should try to go out and regain my fitness, and to try to get myself back to Karate. I was elated. I had believed for so long that Karate was over for me, along with all the other fitness-related activities that I’d enjoyed for years.

I worked extremely hard after my surgery, not wanting to take anything for granted. I couldn’t believe this new chance I’d been given - to enjoy everything that I thought had been snatched away from me forever. 15 weeks after surgery, I represented England at my fifth international event and came away with my fifth World title, alongside a silver and a bronze medal. Had it not been for Professor Sandhu’s skill and encouragement, I would still be struggling to make my bed. He has given me my life back.

He is, quite simply, the best, and I owe everything to him. I was able to compete at the recent World Championships due to the intervention, skill, and expertise of Professor Sandhu, and I would have no hesitation in dedicating my gold medal to him to show my gratitude towards him. I simply cannot recommend him enough.

To book a consultation with Professor Guri Sandhu, visit his Top Doctors profile today.