Got told on Tuesday morning they wanted to discharge me Tuesday not Wednesday so doctor asked for my echocardiogram which was scheduled for the 9th but this hadn’t been performed to his annoyance he said get it done straight away so patient can be discharged . The nurses liased with Rustington and they were happy to receive me so we were almost good to go . They removed the last of my suchers from where the drains had been and I waited to go for echocardiogram. I was eventually taken down at 2.pm and taken in for it doing I told the guy to be very gentle around the breastbone as it was quite tender he said I’ll try , I said you won’t try you will be gentle or I’m off the table ........ not usually like me must have been having a moment. He was gentle and we got it done he said everything looked good and as I was interested he showed me the pictures he’d taken if my new valve working ..... Wow .... I was awestruck !!! that was my new valve passing blood through my heart it brings it home exactly what had taken place in the last 6 days . If I had it on video I’d be playing it over and over again just to make sure it was real .
My bag of medications arrived and I was taken down to passenger transport at 4pm a car had been arranged to take me to Rustington and I shared it with one other patient whom we dropped off on the way we set off at 5.10pm unfortunately rush hour in London is a bloody nightmare and we were stuck in traffic stationary for long periods of time a journey that should have taken 1 hour 20 minutes took 3 hours but I was just glad to eventually arrive they had finished supper as it was 8.15 pm but had saved me some homemade soup and a salad which was lovely. Had a bad night due to lack of pain relief I needed more than paracetamol but that’s all I had I told the nurse in the morning at our first meeting and she arranged for the local doctor to do a prescription and the stronger drugs should arrive by 4pm.
Rustington is an amazing place it overlooks the beach and the sea and my room has the most fabulous view up and down the beach. The food is incredible I’m going to be Billy Bunter when I leave here so need to be careful .during my first full day yesterday it was nice to meet other people here who had come from operations or were here for respite from being Carers to their partners a real mixed bag most had been here before I was one of the few newbys .i got myself settled in an electric adjustable chair in one of the lounges and just chilled it was ace !!. When they all went for afternoon tea and homemade cakes at 4pm I decided to miss it and do some walking up and down the long corridors as it was drizzling outside. .unfortunately 4pm came and went and even though the nurse chased it the medication didn’t arrive so I’m on my second night without adequate pain relief you must keep your rolled up towel with you at all tomes to hold to your chest as I’m coffing a little tonight just bringing up a bit of flem and as everyone who has had this done will tell you coughing and sneezing are your two main enemies in fact it’s bloody painful. That’s why I’m writing to you at 03.12am on thursday morning My feet and legs are swollen but apparently this is normal and will eventually go down so don’t worry. If it happens to you. Tomorrow ( later today infact ) I need to do more walking and hopefully in the grounds weather permitting .
Sam my friend from the HDU at St Thomas is improving all the time her own pacemaker is kicking back in more everyday and they may be removing her pacing wires on Friday and she won’t have to have a pacemaker fitted I’m so chuffed for her as she will soon be able to go home to her family .
Remember everyone’s journey is different someone replied to my last message saying they went in hospital had the operation done next day was in HDU for 1 day then discharged after 2 days back on ward now after I think it was 6 weeks swims 20 lengths and walks 6 miles a day how fantastic is that ............if you’re having it done sometime in the future I hope you all have a similar journey to the gentleman in question . I’m one week into my journey so if after another 5 weeks I’m swimming 20 lengths and walking 6 miles I’ll be chuffed to bits all I know is I won’t let this oportiunity I’ve been given be wasted as currently I don’t have any other ailments and there’s a life that needs living.
I’m 200 miles away from home yet I don’t think I’ve ever felt closer to my family and friends than i do now they all ring me individually every day my best mate phones up and we talk for ages about “ crap” he was telling me about his visit to the doctors yesterday and it turned out to be a female doctor and she had to swab behind his foreskin as it had been sore and all he was bothered about was that it was a cold day and his little “friend” had really gone into a deep sleep and she didn’t see him in his best light !!! . I was in stitches literally.... I told him mate she’s only your doctor not a future partner she doesn’t care ....... he said that’s not the point .......... us men are so fickle in situations like that ...... but it was just what I needed a good laugh. Sometimes your mates don’t realise how much they are helping you when they are just being your mate it brings back the reality we crave for
Big hugs and kisses to all of you whether your post op pre op or haven’t decided yet !!!!! Lol 😂😂😂😂
Take care
Pete ❤️❤️
Off to London today and op scheduled for 11am tomorrow - catch you on the other side!
