Rugby dream lost, but life goes on with Rheumatic Heart Disease

Being told he could never play rugby was "a low blow" for Iowane Cavuilati after heart surgery to replace a damaged valve.

Mr Cavuilati, who hails from Vuna in Taveuni with maternal links to Yasawa, Tawake, Cakaudrove, was diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) at age 11 when what seemed like common flu turned into a life-changing condition.

RHD is a serious heart condition that can develop after a throat infection caused by streptococcus bacteria damages heart valves.

Today marks the celebration of World Heart Day.

"After surgery, they told me I couldn't play rugby," Mr Cavuilati told this masthead.

"Being a Fijian, small Fijian boy, that was kind of a low blow for me because growing up, everybody wanted to play rugby."

The 25-year-old patient had to undergo mitral valve replacement surgery, which meant no contact sports of any kind.

"I had a metallic valve replacement so just to be on the safe side, I was not allowed to play any contact sports," he said.

Mr Cavuilati said the transition into high school brought new challenges as he learned to take full responsibility for his health.

"Everything you did, you had to think about your life. It was much more compared to when you don't have RHD," he said.

"My parents slowly started giving me that space to look after myself, to be more mature enough to know what I actually have."

Despite the initial shock, Mr Cavuilati found support through family and friends who accompanied him to medical checkups and monthly injections.

He now works with Heart Heroes Fiji, an organisation supporting families affected by RHD.

"Working with Heart Heroes and the champions programme, I got to know more about what RHD was," he said.

Mr Cavuilati urges young people not to fear heart screening programmes.

"When you get the opportunity to get screened, just please do," he said.

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