It was after the Woodmice went here...
And after we met this friendly face...
And after we ate this...
And after we took Sally here for a cup of tea and an empty plate...
We ended up here... here is Maidstone hospital where Woody was admitted after going to an appointment at the Rapid Access Chest Clinic. He spent time in 2 wards moving from C ward in the Cardiac area to another ward after his angiogram revealed that stents were not possible as an option due to location of the blockages and it was going to be a triple heart bypass
I got to see the old Kent County Asylum in Barming (probably giving rise to the word Barmy)
There was not much time to wait as suddenly he was whisked off to St Thomas hospital in London in a blues and twos ambulance. Thankfully I was able to travel with him and stayed with a friend arriving at half past midnight ready to crash into bed.
We stayed with him not really knowing til the last moment that he was going to be done that day as it was a toss up between Woody and another patient who would get done that day. After that they told us he wasn’t going til 1-2pm if he was chosen by the surgeons in bypass roulette and at 12 they arrived with porter and chair to whisk him off. After that it was a big sleep for him and a long wait for the rest of us.
I had a call from the surgeon at 6.30pm to say it had all gone well and that he was in recovery. Once he was stepped down to the overnight intensive recovery ward I was able to see him. Manda came to support me and we went in to see him that night which was hard and amazing because he was totally out of it but had clearly survived the major op. I felt his hand slightly moving in mine but thought it was more likely muscle spasm but later woody said he had felt a hand and had squeezed really hard but with muscle relaxants and anaesthetic it had felt like the lightest of movements
A million pound view from the hospital.
Manda and I spent the next morning at Eltham Palace as visiting not open til 2pm and I knew she would love it. It really was Good Friday in the afternoon when I could see and talk to Woody.
When my mum came to visit we had somewhat more sobering entertainment...sober as a nurse...
The Florence Nightingale Museum... just opposite St Thomas Hospital
The next morning it was enjoying the climate protests leaving roads to Trafalgar square free of polluting traffic
On the train from Eltham to Waterloo there is a giant real life YouTube video illusion complete with play button...
And ever on went the recovery, every day small steps ... chocolates brought in by Jonathon and Naila yum yum won’t spoil your lunch
And on the fifth day it was discharge... home to the tender care of the furry furries
And to Some stunning flowers from Sally
And to both a care bear package from Manda complete with handmade uniform
And all in time for his birthday!!! Romanian recipe made for a not too sweet but light and tasty birthday cake
Woody’s sister Pippa and brother in law Martin came to stay to help out with stopping him overdoing it so we went to this veggie cafe for a slice of pug
To here for a Pip at Pips
Martin cooked us a lovely potjie - South African cooking in a cauldron on our fire pit
They headed back and I’ve been back to my work and usual hours and Woody is still at home as not ready for work (it’s only 6 weeks post op)
We’ve been to some local gardens which are part of the National Garden Scheme
Met the odd suffragette digging for victory
Today was a trip back to St Thomas hospital to see the consultant. This time more sedately on a train
Spent some quality time with the doc...
Who was pleased with his progress and has discharged him back to the gp
Don’t need to come back here no more
Woody got to see the outside of the hospital for a change!
And celebrations all round!
So he continues to recover and other than dropping out of energy and pain it is hard to know anything happened if you didn’t know. Incredible once you hear the gory details of what they really do when they perform a bypass. Not recommended bedtime reading. Apparently each surgeon does about 4 a week and they do 6 of the ops a day. Really incredible and we have an awful lot to be grateful for.
Thank you also to everyone who has offered care, support and prayers because it has been tremendously important and helpful for both of us. Thank you xxx
Love to all
W& B xxx
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