Some good news :)

[laura_dropstitch]

Hi everyone. Just stopping by to share the news that I've been offered full funding for my PhD - woohoo! ("Narrating chronic heart disease in contemporary British and American writing, 1980-present" is my working title.)

Thanks to all of you who have cheered me on and shared suggestions of heart-related writing for me to investigate. I'll officially start my studies on October 1st and will no doubt be hounding you all for your input. One aspect of my research will be getting people who live with chronic heart disease to share their experiences, so I will definitely need your help with that!

When the time comes, I'll try to keep you all in the loop with what I'm doing. Hopefully the project will open up a few interesting opportunities for the wonky heart brigade

[Hidden]

Very well done, I have lived with heart problems all my life, some I've had from birth & some have come later on in life, so if you want, I'll share my views as has open heart surgery when 25 & was the youngest on the ward

[Prada47]

Dr Laura-dropstitch sounds wonderful, should you need anything from a fellow wonky heart person you only need message me. well done

[dawnz]

I'm in, real mixed bag I can offer you, from OHS aged 15 to awaiting valve replacements at 61

[Heartlady123]

Wow brilliant news. And a great and positive focus on heart issues. I am sure your findings will be a very insightful and key paper for the medical profession to read and gain further knowledge of, as part of their training.

I am sure many of us on this forum will be happy to give you any help that you may need - as you go along.

It's so typical of you too that you do see the positives always... and PMA is a great protector for our winky hearts. Congratulations Laura ... very proud of you 💕 xx

[Zena166]

That’s such brilliant and well deserved news. Congratulations you will be awesome. You are and will continue to be an amazing and awesome advocate for people with heart disease and issues. Big big congratulatory hugs. Zena xxx

[Katarin]

Hello Laura. I don't post here but gain so much from reading the contributions from others who do (thank you everyone). But I had to let you know how much I admire you. What a star! Good luck.

[marigoldb in reply to Katarin]

Katharine dear, how good to see someone in my age bracket, in fact I am older, born in 1936. I had open heart surgery July 30th 2019 at Harefield Hospital, sister to the Royal Brompton in London. Had replacement aortic valve and a single coronary artery bypass. Some ups and downs with recovery, but just so thankful for a better quality of life, breathlessness I had, gone. Amazing

I’m still being followed up of course, but that’s reassuring isn’t it. I’m just so grateful that being ‘older’ I have had the help needed. I have other medical conditions, but enough for now.

Sending you best wishes for 2020, and hoping you have some good things to look forward to

[Katarin in reply to marigoldb]

Hello Marigold, thank you so much for your post. It is indeed good to hear from those of a similar age and I found your history quite inspiring, as you have very bravely been through open heart surgery. I was told I would need surgery during the next 2- 5years (and this year is the fifth year). In the meantime I've developed heart failure, but both the hf and the aortic stenosis are still classified as 'mild', so to be honest I've stopped worrying about the stenosis. I am not due for another echo for another two years. I wonder sometimes if I have been "written off", but I think that is just in my weaker moments. I'm very lucky, two daughters nearby and a son in the south who is in weekly contact. I live in an attractive area in the north of England and if I need help I only have to ask for it. I do have the classic symptoms of hf, extreme tiredness and mental fog taking pride of place, but I use my treadmill daily and try not to sleep too much.

A very happy new year to you Marigold, and if you ever want a chat just private message me.

[marigoldb in reply to Katarin]

Yes Katarin, love to private message you, but not sure how?

[marigoldb in reply to Katarin]

Sorry that my iPad changed Katarin to Katharine!

[Shar28]

Congratulations.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave lovely comments or like this post. Makes me feel extra excited about my project to know you guys are behind it xxx