Penultimate Appointments and Escapes…

So, in the last fortnight, I had a pre – op appointment at Heartlands, where we managed to persuade the Nurse to kill two birds,I.e, for both the valve insertion and the surgery.
She graciously agreed and thus avoided an unnecessary visit to Heartlands.

Then there was the valve/ umbrella insertion at Good Hope , to prevent clots tracking up to the brain. Brilliant process,; impressive practitioners!

Fitness test last Monday,breath test then on a fixed wheel bike with 10 leads attached and breathing mask – Bradley Wiggins style…

Finally, meeting with the Urologist, Mr Ibrahim, to sign the consent form for the op.
He told me a mentor would be present during the extensive surgery – removal of bladder, pancreas and other bits and pieces – micro surgery.

So, it was with some glee and relief, we travelled down to Berkhamsted, for a couple of days with Dan & Nelly,Tom & Jake.
We had a lovely time.

That’s Tom Henry.
Then we have

After returning home, we took off in the Motorhome to Diamond Farm, near
Oxford – A gem of a site..boom, boom!
BBQ in th evening, World Cup.
On Monday we went into Oxford.I had never visited, being Hoi Polloi….
I was besotted with the place…what a privilege to study in such an amazing
setting.
Well, it’s all over bar the….

Wednesday – allotment, over to see Jude in Kings Heath,visit Dave A, to wish him happy birthday.
Take my pre-op drinks

Then to Heartlands on Thursday,3rd July @ 7.30 am for admission.
Surgery, High Dependency Unit for a couple of days afterwards.
On to Ward 10
Then,I have to demonstrate I can manage my externals…before discharge.

“Oh, my friend, it’s not what they take away from you that counts. It’s what you do with what you have left. ~”Hubert Humphrey