It's my 5 month-iversary!

Yes, 5 months have already passed since my open heart surgery!

My "zipper" is healing nicely - strangely, the part that is most visible at the top of my chest still looks more red than the parts that are hidden by clothes. I feel healthy and, looking back on my blog, any little niggles that I had are long gone.

I am back at work, doing my normal hours, and it feels like I was never away for more than a long holiday. I love my job and now, as we start to get busier preparing for our Christmas events, I'm enjoying it even more.

Some things have changed - I'm still keeping my new shopping and washing/ironing routines, i.e. shopping more frequently for fewer items etc. and that is working well for me.

I've finally ditched my V-shaped support pillow, which I had been sleeping on since my surgery (although I do use it when I'm reading in bed - what a great invention!), and for the last month or so I have been sleeping either flat or on either side with no problem.

In addition I am spending significantly less time on-line, especially on social networks. I'm not sure why this is, although perhaps it is because I have more energy and more desire to be out and about with my family and friends and less desire to be a couch-potato....who knows?

It was half-term last week and we went away for a short break to Derbyshire. I went swimming for the first time since my surgery and even managed to do some lengths of the pool (which I haven't done for years)!

Whatever facilities we don't have in this area, one thing we do have is plenty of fitness facilities in the form of leisure centres and public swimming pools. So swimming may become part of my new fitness regime, when I get fed up of the cross-trainer and exercise bike...!

Thinking back to this time last year, it had just become obvious that I wouldn't be having my valve replacement any time soon, as other non-heart-related surgery was more urgent and would take place at the end of November 2011.

I was so relieved that I wasn't facing the heart surgery, but still so apprehensive about the other surgery, and the prospect of both surgeries created a cloud that didn't lift from above me until 8th June 2012.

This year I can look forward to Christmas and spending time with my family and friends...and that makes me really happy.

Welcome to Energy Central!

The one thing I was told over and over before my operation by many people who'd had their pulmonary valve replaced was that I would have so much more energy following the surgery.

During the first couple of months of my recovery I didn't find this to be true - yes, I felt different and better, but in a way that was hard to define. However, in the last couple of weeks, since my return to work, the energy levels have returned!

I stared back to work on 5th September with a phased return, so only this week have I worked my usual hours. I feel that I have coped really well  - I've enjoyed being part of the hectic fundraising team once again. I was a bit worried that I would be so tired that I'd have to spend the rest of the day in bed, but, strangely, it has been quite different.

I seem to have energy levels like never before - or certainly that I have not had for many years!

After work, I often go for a walk instead of sitting relaxing...I don't mean I am over-doing it, just that in addition to physical energy, it seems also to be increased mental energy and the desire to be active, rather than just to sit about.

I've re-arranged the household chores - doing more frequent, but smaller, loads of washing, leading to shorter and more frequent bouts of ironing. In addition, instead of going grocery shopping just once a week, as I used to prior to the operation, I now go at least three times a week. This means that the trolley is not as heavy to push around and that the bags are fewer and lighter to carry.

In addition to walking, I am also using the much-neglected exercise bike that has mainly been used as a clothes horse in recent years and I hope to start swimming again soon.

I had forgotten how much I love to exercise - I've always done aerobics classes, and in recent years, I've enjoyed my yoga class.

I'm not sure, though, that I will go back to either as I feel like trying something new...watch this space!

Getting Back to Normal?

Last week was my little test to see if I really am getting back to normal. I thought that getting into a routine would be a good idea to check that I am up to such a routine every single day. So, with my daughter in a childcare club every day, it was the ideal time to try it.

Getting up in the morning at a specific time was the first test - we had to be at the childcare club by 9am and it was no problem at all, especially as my daughter was so excited about going there, that we were awake hours before we needed to be!

Before we had our little holiday to the North West, I'd tried driving the car and it was fine, but pulling the seatbelt across me and turning the steering wheel were really quite hard to do.

Last Monday, the whole driving experience was much improved - no problems with the seatbelt or the steering wheel, and moving in my seat was also much easier. Every day I tried to do a few chores - shopping for groceries was the main one, as I don't really want to do One Big Shop a week, like I used to do, as I still can't carry any heavy bags.

I even made time for some exercise and did a long walk one day, as the weather was reasonable. I did washing and ironing, cooking and washing-up and generally all the household things that I wasn't doing when I had my parents and father-in-law looking after me, and it all went well.

On Friday I went into the office to see my boss. We had a great chat about everything that had happened in the department while I've been away and then we arranged that I will start back to work on Wednesday 5th September! At first I will do just a couple of hours and then increase it slowly over a few days, until I'm working my full hours. I'm very excited about going back to work - I realised just how much I've missed it.

So I'm feeling pretty much Back to Normal from the range of movement I have and also in how I feel physically. I mean, sometimes I do things without thinking, like pulling the bathsheet around me when I get out of the shower and then I get a tweek and quickly realise that I still can't do some things! Or at least that I have to make those movements carefully.

I have no problems walking on the flat and I've tried walking up flights of stairs instead of taking the lift (in the multi-storey car park, for example) and it doesn't cause me to get breathless any longer.

Yesterday we went swimming as a family. I mean I didn't really do any swimming - it was more for our daughter to show off her own swimming skills! But I did manage a few strokes, even though I wasn't keen to do breaststroke, as it didn't feel comfortable. It probably would have been fine, but I didn't want to risk it the first time.

By the end of this week it will be 12 weeks since my surgery. I had heard that it takes about 3 months to get over the surgery and, for me, that will be about right.

My Hospital Story - Part Three

Today it is already two whole months since my surgery and so high time that I completed my Hospital Story. It seems a bit odd to do so, when my recovery is going so well, but to me, the story seems unfinished otherwise.

Day Five - Day Three after surgery

It was all very well to arrive back on the main ward, but I'd had no opportunity to get out of bed and stand on my own legs, so I needed support initially even to get to the toilet (which, from my bed, was very close!).

It was very difficult to move about at all, as I was still attached to the pacing machine, which I wore in a small fabric bag around my neck. The attachments to the central line in my neck also got in the way constantly. Even having a wash was a major event because of these being in the way and, after my visit to the wash-room, I was completely shattered!

My iron levels were particularly low following my surgery so it was decided that I needed a transfusion of blood plus one of iron. That was done late in the afternoon, which restricted my movement even more, but gave me the opportunity for a good rest.

My appetite was starting to return, even though I still asked for a small portion at all meals, and I really enjoyed the food today.

Day Six - Day Four after surgery

I didn't sleep well during the night, as the ward was really warm and it was quite noisy.  I managed to wash, even though I was still finding it really difficult. The nurse changed my dressings and did an ECG, during which some junior doctors, who were visiting my neighbour, managed to pull the curtains around my bed right off the rail!

They scrambled around trying to hold up the curtains around me, unfortunately then managing to knock over my water jug and spill water all over the floor! The nurse was not amused, but all of us patients were hugging our chest cushions with laughter!

I had a further blood transfusion, which allowed me to have another good rest, and later on I also had a chest X-ray, which gave me a little trip in a wheelchair away from the ward.

Day Seven - Day Five after surgery

I had another awful night's sleep, eventually managing a few hours after listening to music on my ipod for a while. There was a more chilled atmosphere on the ward first thing, and I enjoyed my breakfast and chatted to the other patients.

At 11am the nurses started to prepare to take out my pacing wires - I had to have a full hour's bed rest after it and have my blood pressure monitored throughout. I was dreading this, as I thought it might be as awful as the drain removal, but it was over before I'd even noticed!

As that was going on, the team of doctors arrived to do their round. Everything has gone well with my surgery and it looks as if I can go home in another 4 days!

After that the nurses took out my central lines, which meant lying very flat and very still throughout and also for some time afterwards.

I had an ECHO appointment after lunch and after that my visitors arrived - it's all going on today, after the comparatively gentle start to the day! My mum helped me wash my hair, which has made me feel loads better.

I am also modelling some attractive green anti-embollism socks, which gave the ward a laugh - not what I need to be wearing when it is so warm, but still...

Day Eight - Day Six after surgery

Woke up to a really sunny and warm day - after getting weighed and having a cuppa with the other ladies, we all managed to go back to sleep until 7.50am, when the hunky French doctor appeared to brighten our day!

He definitely cheered up my day as he told me I might be going home as early as tomorrow!  He came in a good few times to the ward and even the nurses were flustered.

I had to have blood taken from my arm today, now that the delightful central line has been removed - it did have its benefits, after all!

I'm moving about a lot more today and walking regularly to get drinks, as well as to the most distant wash-rooms and to the day room to watch some TV.

I saw another of the doctors later today and he confirmed that if everything stays on track, then I can go home tomorrow as it is Day Seven after surgery!

Day Nine - Day Seven after surgery

I had confirmation by 10am that I'm going home today - I had a glorious shower and then the nurses arrived to take off all the dressings etc. I managed to put a bra on, which was a bit uncomfortable, but seems to hold everything together somehow!

There was no need to wait for any medication as I'm only taking painkillers and iron tablets and I have those already and the discharge letter is done - just need to wait for my lift.

Of course there was someone waiting for my bed, so I enjoyed my lunch and then packed everything up and, after saying my goodbyes, went off to the day room to wait for my husband.

My long-dreaded hospital stay was over and I have no idea why I was so worried. The whole team that looked after me, from registrars to nurses, from porters to surgeons, were totally first class and I couldn't fault them one bit.

*******

I was discharged at 2pm on Friday 15th June, exactly one week after my surgery had finished.

Post-Op Check-up Thumbs Up!

Today it is already 8 weeks since my surgery and yesterday I had my post-op check-up at the hospital to find out if the replacement valve is working as well as it should be.

It was quite an expedition in itself for me, as I travelled into London by train, met my husband at his workplace and then we went by tube and by foot to the hospital. I was expecting that it would be really difficult to travel in London because of the Olympics, but it was reasonably quiet.

We saw many Olympics volunteers, noticable due to their distinctive uniform and all the bright pink direction signs on the station platforms really made me wish that I was going to an Olympic event.

At the hospital it went as out-patient check-ups usually do - lots of hurrying about between different departments & sites to get tests done, before rushing back to get in the queue to see the consultant. I had an ECG (very quick as usual), an ECHO (very slow as usual - as well as slightly uncomfortable, as my chest is still very tender) and a blood test to check my iron levels.

The best thing about the out-patients' waiting room was the TV showing the Olympics, but we didn't get much viewing done as the consultant called my name after just a few minutes.

Basically, all is going well with the valve - it is working properly. There is no fluid around the heart, no infection in the wound and there are no arrhythmias.

I just need to continue my recovery by taking it easy, but by building up what I can do until I am back to normal.  This means I can drive, start doing normal household tasks (but still no heavy lifting!) and starting thinking about when I will be ready to go back to work and to prepare for that.

For the first time since about 2004, I left a check-up feeling positive and up-beat! Long may that continue!

Reflections on Temporary Difficulties

I thought I would interrupt the series of My Hospital Story to reflect on some of the small difficulties I've encountered every day since having my surgery. None of these are particularly great - just an adjustment to what was usual pre-surgery.

As the surgery is now almost 6 weeks ago, some of these Temporary Difficulties have now become Everyday Life, although some have disappeared altogether, or will do soon, I hope!

Showering

I have always used a huge bath-sheet towel to dry myself with after a shower, but, post-surgery, I found there was no way I could fling one of those giants around myself, as it was just too heavy! So I've got into the routine of using 3 small hand-towels - one for my hair, one for my body and an extra one specially for my chest, as recommended by the nurse at the hospital.

Dressing

It's quite difficult to dress when you can't open your arms very wide or raise them high enough to put on a top or t-shirt. Fortunately, I had bought a few button-up shirts and they have worked really well. It's only in the last few days that I've been able to put on a t-shirt over my head. Getting the t-shirt off again is another thing, of course!

On the last day in the hospital when all the dressings were removed (as I will share, eventually, in My Hospital Story), I had to put on a bra for the first time. I'd taken about 4 different ones to hospital with me, but the only one that was comfortable enough (and still is!) was the Shock Absorber sports bra, as the straps were wide and plain and it was a really good fit.

Sleeping

Getting into a comfortable position to sleep in the hospital is straightforward, as you have a bed that you can move into just about any position you like. Which is not the case back at home.

As I still have to sleep on my back, I've been using a square Continental-style pillow, a regular pillow plus a v-shaped orthopaedic pillow to get comfortable every night. This means I'm already half-way down the bed before I'm even horizontal! But it is very comfortable. The regular pillow supports my lower back and the v-shaped pillow keeps me in position during the night.

Walking

At first, even something as straightforward as just walking was really hard. I would go for a walk around the block with my Mum and my daughter and I would find it difficult to walk and talk at the same time. Even walking at about half my usual pace, this was not easy, and I would be really tired by the time we got home.

But walking is the best exercise to do during recovery and now, 6 weeks later, after walking every day, I have realised I'm walking more or less at my normal pace, and I can walk and talk at the same time with no problem.

It's quite interesting to discover just how far I've come in my recovery in those few weeks. I mean, I'm still taking it very easy and not doing much at all in terms of housework etc. and I still need my nap every afternoon, so I'm still quite a way from full recovery, but it is definitely a big step in the right direction!

My Hospital Story - Part Two

Day Three - First day after the Operation

The next time I woke up, it was daylight and there was a tray on the table in front of me, holding a small bowl of porridge and a cup of tea!

The porridge was quite runny and I didn't find it easy to eat, as I couldn't sit up properly. I managed a few spoonfuls and it tasted really good. The cup of tea was even better, though, and was so much nicer than a few sips of water.

I could see now that there were just four patients in the ward and that it was much smaller than it had seemed to me the night before.

The nurse looking after me was amazing and as the morning went on, she told me that the plan was to move me to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) by lunchtime.

This meant that they had to move me out of the specialised bed of the ICU into a "normal" ward bed.

That was the hard part, as I was still attached to all the lines/drains etc. But I had to get to my feet, hang on (literally!) to the nurse, wait until I could feel the new bed behind my knees, and then collapse weakly onto it! The nurse had asked me to march a few steps while I was upright, which was a lot of effort. I felt really sick as I sat down on the bed, but it soon subsided and I felt better after a few minutes.

The best part about that morning was when the nurse told me that I was a really good patient! In the past I had never been a good patient, having a fear of going into a hospital (even as a visitor!), but the nurse's words made me feel really pleased.

Lunchtime came and I was wheeled off to the HDU, ready for the visit of my husband and my parents later on.

The High Dependency Unit was much the same really - four patients, but just two nurses to look after us. I was on the right nearest the door, as you came into the room. The door was always propped open and in such a position that I couldn't see the clock on the wall above the door, which meant I had no way of telling the time without asking the nurse, as I still didn't have my watch which was on the main ward in the safe!

By the time my parents and my husband arrived to see me, I was sitting in the chair next to the bed. I think they were very surprised to see me out of bed. I managed to carry on a conversation for a while and read many of the Get Well cards that they had brought for me to look at, but I could feel my eyes starting to shut as I struggled to concentrate on what they were all saying. They left soon after that, saying they would visit again the following day.

Day Four - Day Two after the Operation

I slept quite well that night, as I felt really rested when I woke up. I enjoyed my breakfast - porridge again, but this time I ate it all!  The doctors visited and, once again, it was likely that I would only spend one night in the HDU and be back on the main ward by the end of the day.

The worst part of my hospital stay occurred today - the removal of the drains! As part of my preparation for surgery I had read many accounts of what happens in the first few days post-op, and the removal of the drains was something that I wasn't looking forward to at all. The doctor explained to the nurse that she could take them out, and explained to me that it was "a little bit uncomfortable, but even small children find it no problem".

Now, sorry, but that I find hard to believe! As a child following my first surgery, I remember having stitches removed from my chest and it being quite unpleasant, but now I can look back and know that that particular experience was not about stitch removal but about the removal of the drains!

Unfortunately, this time another two patients on the ward had to have their drains removed just before me, so that I had to sit in bed and listen to their moans & groans of what I imagined was excruciating pain, before it was my turn!

Of course, it wasn't nearly as bad as that. I had my self-administered morphine dose, then breathe-in, breathe-out, breathe-in, breathe-out, breathe-in-and-hold....and the first one was out! It wasn't painful, just the oddest & most uncomfortable feeling of someone pulling your insides out very quickly! I had four drains, so had to go through it another three times, but the first one was definitely the worst.

After a quick trip to X-ray in a wheelchair, I sat in the chair for a bit and my husband arrived for his visit and we had a good chat this time, as I was feeling more like myself and not so weak as the day before.

My move back to the main ward was scheduled for 5pm, but before that the nurse from the next shift removed everything that restricted my movement, ready for my return to the ward, including all the cannula's in my hands, leaving just pacing wires in my chest and the central line in my neck.

And then we were off to the main ward, where I was pleased to find that two of the ladies that I had shared the bay with pre-surgery were still there. I retrieved my watch from the ward safe and all was well!

My Hospital Story - Part One

First of all, I would like to say how devastated I am for the patients and their families of the three children's heart surgery units that are due to close as a result of the Safe And Sustainable review by the NHS.

I'm particularly sad for the little patients of the Royal Brompton Hospital where I was looked after and cared for so well just 4 weeks ago - the hospital is a world-class unit carrying out highly regarded research into congenital heart defects in babies, even before those babies are born.

As mentioned in my previous blogs, I stayed in the hospital for just 8 nights - this is Part One of that stay.

Day One - Admission

It was a terrible day. Despite all my best efforts I couldn't stop myself crying when I said goodbye to my little girl before she went to school, and that set the tone for the whole day. I could hardly speak by the time we left the house, leaving my parents and father-in-law standing on the doorstep.

The journey to the hospital took about an hour and a half and we stopped for a sandwich in South Kensington before going into the hospital.

It took some time before there was a bed available and the seemingly interminable wait before anyone talks to you at all.  I must've said my name and date of birth a dozen times to confirm my identity.

Is it likely that a stranger would just walk in off the street and pretend to be me to get a pulmonary valve replacement?!?

Eventually we saw the registrar and he explained about the surgery and the risks involved and I had to reach for my husband's hand for support. I couldn't stop the tears once again and I think the registrar was a bit taken aback.  I got through a whole pack of tissues, as once I started I couldn't stop.

The anaesthetist arrived to go through my file and to explain his part in my surgery. He was very down-to-earth and told me that my case was not complex, it was in fact very straight-forward. He did this same surgery with the same surgeon about once or twice a week. For some reason this calmed me down and by the time my husband had to leave to find his accommodation in the hospital, I was feeling much better. I'd also been prescribed some sleeping pills, which was good news, as I don't think I would've slept otherwise.

The other ladies on the ward were friendly and we chatted until bedtime, sharing our heart stories and that made me feel better too.

Day Two - The Day of the Operation

I woke up feeling really woozy after the sleeping pills but had to rush to shower and pack all my bags, as I could only take my toilet bag with me. I even had to leave my watch and phone with my husband, which left me feeling really cut off from the world. Luckily they left me my glasses which they would put into my toilet bag once I was in surgery.

The surgeon came to see me at about 7.15am. It was the first time I'd met him and I was relieved to find him so friendly and laid-back. He didn't go into any details about the surgery but looked at my notes and asked about my family and my little girl (managed not to cry this time!). He said "See you later" and gave me a wave!

I was first in the line for surgery that day, which was a huge relief. We left the ward at 8am and my husband came with me as far as he could. By that point I was as ready as I was ever going to be for the surgery and was feeling pretty good - I remember joking with the porters, when they accidentally bumped my bed against a wall, that I didn't want to be battered and bruised before surgery!

And then suddenly we were in the room and the lovely anaesthetist from the day before was there and gave me a big thumbs-up.  They asked me what surgery I was expecting to have that day, which I found quite funny! One of the team was from Wales and he kept me talking about where I was from in Wales and whether I knew Llandovery (!), before putting an oxygen mask over my face and suddenly I was out of it!

The next thing I remember someone is calling my name and telling me they were going to remove the breathing tube. I thought "Oh no, I'm not going to like this....", but the voice asked me to cough a couple of times and out it came! No problem! I was so relieved, as I'd been dreading that bit.

I knew I was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but the place looked huge with lots of people moving around - in reality there were just four patients in this particular bay. Someone told me that there had been a few phone calls asking about my progress, including from my husband. I asked the time and it was 7pm, about 11 hours since I'd last been awake.

They let me have a few sips of water through a straw, but no more. It was difficult to get comfortable and get any sleep, as I was attached to so many lines. Also the specialist bed kept adjusting itself automatically (I think so that patients don't get bed sores) and the blood pressure pad squeezed my right arm at regular intervals. I asked what the time was on a few more occasions, when I could get the attention of the nurse, as I couldn't really speak very well, and that's all I remember until the next day.

Part Two of My Hospital Story will follow in my next blog.

Why CHD awareness is so important...

Two weeks ago at this time I was on my way to the Intensive Care Unit, following my successful pulmonary valve replacement surgery.

A week ago at this time I was being driven through the London traffic on my way home to start my recovery.

Today I'm writing my first post-op blog about my hospital experience and the first few days of a long recovery.  I've had so many lovely messages from friends and family via text, email and Get Well Cards - lots of flowers, chocolates and luxurious gifts have been delivered on a daily basis and I'm so grateful for the all the support and good wishes.

Interestingly, no-one has thought to send me David Tennant yet, but surely it can only be a matter of time...

I consider myself to be very lucky. Despite the huge risks of open heart surgery, I was told that my case was straightforward and uncomplicated, which my short and uneventful hospital stay shows.

My new valve should give me many more years of health and exercise and, if it should need to be replaced again, it won't need to be via open heart surgery. The care I received in the hospital was second to none - I shook hands with all those who held my own heart in their hands, they are doctors and surgeons of the very highest calibre!

One thing is clear though from my hospital stay - the vital need for the promotion of Congenital Heart Defect awareness, both to expectant parents & parents of new-borns, as well as to adults who had open heart surgery for CHD in their childhood.

As I said, I was lucky - I've had a heart check-up every other year since I was a child and so the need for this recent surgery was first suggested about 4 years ago. There are some adults with CHD who have "slipped through the net", as it were, since their childhood surgery, and will only know that they need more surgery when they become an emergency case, rather than taking the gentler route to elective surgery, with more chance to get their head around things first.

The other horror stories I heard in the hospital were from those whose CHD remained undiagnosed until early adulthood. With approximately 1 in 100 babies being born with a CHD, so much more awareness is needed to ensure that early and accurate diagnosis is made.

So, that's my first recovery up-date. My hospital diary will follow in future posts.

The waiting is almost over!

I'm all packed and ready to go!

In just under an hour I'll be setting off for London. I'm due to arrive at the hospital by 12 noon, for last minute checks and tests, ready for my surgery tomorrow, Friday 8th June.

I was so relieved when I called the ward yesterday and was told that yes, there is a bed for you! My thoughts are so different even to a year ago, when I would never have imagined preparing to go into hospital for such an operation with such calmness.

Everyone has been so supportive and helpful - even the girl who cut my hair yesterday suggested the salon brand of dry shampoo, which apparently her colleagues (who have hair extensions for example) use to avoid washing their hair for up to 2 weeks!

So here we go! I hope I'll be able to update on how things have gone before too long.

The Waiting Continues....

Today at this time I was supposed to be in the operating theatre having my pulmonary valve replaced, but unfortunately my wait goes on, as an emergency case had to take priority over my surgery.

So, I'm still at home...waiting.

I'd just left work on Monday for what I thought would be the last time for a long while, ready to go up to London the following day.  When I got out of the car outside my house, I realised I had a voicemail and there it was, the bed co-ordinator apologising profusely that my operation would be delayed.

I called the hospital immediately and took their alternative date for surgery (Friday 8th June) without hesitation.

I've decided to take some annual leave from work until then, as I'm just not in the right frame of mind to go back to work...unless the surgery gets postponed once again, and then there will be no choice.

I was very disappointed, as I felt I was as ready as I could be to face the surgery and yet, here we go, another 9 days to wait. It feels strangely like a reprieve, yet I know that, in a few days' time, I'll be as anxious as I was on Monday, before I got that voicemail at 12.20pm.

My parents are staying with us and so that is a distraction, as will be the Queen's Jubilee celebrations this weekend. We'll probably have a barbecue and enjoy what is left of the lovely weather, and try to avoid thinking about surgery until after the bank holidays!

Ten days to go!

With just ten days to go until my surgery, the practicalities are keeping me busy and taking my mind off the realities of the ordeal to come. I've made a long To-Do list and I'm working my way through it gradually.

I've sorted out accommodation at the hospital for my husband to stay the night before my surgery and made arrangements for my family to stay at our house to make sure my daughter gets to school every day and to ensure that her life stays as normal as possible.

At work, I've sorted out cover for my role and I'm preparing an extended hand-over to my deputy this week, which will be my last week at work for some time.

At home, I've sorted out paperwork like never before. I've also found many items, especially old clothes and baby stuff that my daughter has grown out of, to donate to Isabel Hospice this week.

It's a bit like preparing for an extended holiday in a way, in that I've bought new clothes (front-fastening, including undies & nightwear), small sized toiletries for my toilet bag, and am making sure that all bills are paid and arrangements made for when I'm away.

I'm also adding audio-books and relaxation music to my iTouch ready for use at the hospital and afterwards, when I'm relaxing.

This week I'm catching up with our friends and then trying to relax and not over-do things.

With all the news about the arrival of the Olympic torch last week and the upcoming Jubilee celebrations I was a bit miffed that I'm going to miss out on all the partying and fun, but relieved to see that the Olympic torch won't be going through our town until early July, so with luck and a fair wind, I'll be able to see it!

The Countdown Begins...!

On 30th May 2012 I am scheduled to have the pulmonary valve in my heart replaced at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.

I have a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot, which was fully repaired in 1975 but, as is common with this particular defect, over time the valve starts to leak and then it needs to be replaced.

This weekend I've received confirmation by letter of the date of the operation and so the countdown begins - two weeks to go.

I hope that this blog will record my thoughts and feelings during the Countdown as well as my thoughts and feelings during my recovery, which according to reports is usually long and hard. I'm expecting to be on sick leave for about 3 months.

Which leaves plenty of time to enjoy the summer, watch the football (European Championships) and also take in the Olympics in London on the tv.

So far I feel excited that I finally have a date for surgery - given that I was first told I would need surgery about 5 years ago. I have received so many good wishes from my friends and colleagues, from others who've had similar surgery and so, all in all, I feel quite positive.

I'm scared about the thought of all that pain and the restrictions on being able to move about and just not being able to do the things I normally do. On the other hand, as my recovery continues, I hope to be to do a lot MORE than I can do at the moment and, ultimately, to be able to get back into proper exercise and fitness. Here's to that!