Victoria Thomas from Gloucester, who experienced a terrifying medical emergency when her heart stopped for 17 minutes during a gym session, has shared the single vivid memory she retained from that near-death experience.
Before the incident, Victoria was a healthy and active 35-year-old who enjoyed playing netball and regularly exercising. She rarely experienced illness or injury, making the sudden collapse during training with a friend all the more startling.
Her heart ceased beating for a full 17 minutes before she was successfully resuscitated and placed into an induced coma. She credits her coach, Adam, for performing continuous CPR that prevented permanent brain damage.
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Victoria has limited memories of the critical event itself, but one moment stands out clearly. In an interview with OMG Stories, she described, “I remember being above my legs and thinking: ‘Oh my gosh, your legs are really fat.’ I don’t know if that was an out-of-body experience or something similar. It felt like I was on the roof of the gym, looking down on myself surrounded by people. I was there, and I saw how huge my legs were.”
Reflecting on photographs from that day, Victoria noted her body had dramatically swollen shortly before the collapse, which she found startling. She added, “I just remember being around and didn’t go anywhere. Maybe that’s because I didn’t die-I was just hovering above and saw it all.”
Following the emergency, Victoria was rushed to Bristol Royal Infirmary and remained in a coma for three days before waking. Doctors implanted a defibrillator to regulate her heart rhythm, and she was discharged about a week later.
While initially appearing to make a full recovery, Victoria faced new challenges when she became pregnant with her son, Tommy. The pregnancy strained her heart, which began to weaken. Further genetic testing diagnosed her with Danon disease-a rare condition causing heart muscle thickening. Victoria was the first in her family to have this genetic mutation.
Medical professionals suggested delivering her baby at 24 weeks, but after negotiating with doctors, she was able to carry Tommy to 30 weeks, when he was born via caesarean section due to breathing difficulties.
At six months old, Tommy’s arrival coincided with Victoria’s heart deteriorating to just 11% capacity, indicating end-stage heart failure. She was placed on the transplant waiting list and received a donor heart just hours before her own failed.
Since her transplant, Victoria’s quality of life has improved remarkably. Tests have shown that Tommy has not inherited Danon disease.
She was selected to represent at the World Transplant Games, competing in volleyball and basketball, describing herself as “probably fitter now than I’ve ever been before,” and experiencing less anxiety about life’s uncertainties.
Victoria encourages others to join the organ donor register, highlighting the importance of giving the gift of life. She concluded, “I want to travel more, play sports, and enjoy every single day.”