Don’t take the title the wrong way. I don’t intend leaving this mortal world anytime soon but hopefully this will be my last chapter in this blog. This time last year the wheels were coming off. I couldn’t walk up a hill without stopping for breath. I was going to loose weight and get some sort of fitness back. When I put my mind to something I usually do it. Had I not promised my daughter that I’d go get checked out at the doctors I might not be writing this right now. Anyone who is suffering from cardiac problems right now or has just had some sort of operation might be thinking ‘where do I go from here?’. I won’t presume to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be doing, that’s down to the doctors but I would say, don’t give up.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The NHS doctors and nurses are second to none. Since my bypass operation they have taken great care of me. I have had CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds and so many needles I may start getting piercings just for the fun of it. I have also attended a program of cardio-rehabilitation which I would strongly recommend. This has been especially good as it has re-introduced me back into exercise and gives you a chance to mix with other patients in a similar situation. Hearing their stories of their own situation takes some of the taboo away from from having a heart problem.
I didn’t want to end this blog until I had been to the appointment that was made just before my operation in April to monitor the lump on my lung that they had spotted during a CT scan. On 22nd of November I went for the results. They had done another scan a few weeks prior to see if the lump had grown. As I sat there in the reception at five minuets past my appointment time I wondered if I should be concerned about the results. The last six months have probably taught me that whatever happens can’t be cured by worrying. As it turns out there was nothing to be worried about anyway as the lumps haven’t grown. Apparently they are just harmless ‘nodes’.
So, to draw this to an end I will tell you I am now running twice a week (will be more when it gets warmer) and have returned to the running club. I play squash/ Badminton once a week. I am weighing lighter than I have in five years and my diet has changed beyond recognition. I feel great.I am thankful for a second chance. I can’t thank my family and friends enough for all their support and I have come to appreciate life more and with the old cliche, life’s too short not to enjoy it.
Thanks
Phil
Phil's Quadruple Bypass 