Having family and friends who work in the hospital world, I had heard it said that general medical wards are interesting places. I was about to find out just how true that was - just how interesting a place they can be. I was being moved there because I no longer needed to be on … Continue reading Life On A General Ward: Part One
Eating (and other things) With Your Eyes Closed
Now I've apologised for leaving such a long gap between posts, we can move on with the journey. As we begin this next section I'd just like to say again, please do ask questions and make comments if you'd like to. And if you know of anyone who would be encouraged or helped by reading … Continue reading Eating (and other things) With Your Eyes Closed
We’re Here Again!
I really haven't done a particularly good job at writing more regularly. It's been more than a year since my last post, in which I declared so confidently that I would post more frequently. I've also just reread it. Wow! I left it on quite the cliff-hanger. Sorry about that. I could say it was … Continue reading We’re Here Again!
The Scar of Sirens
Apologies for the delay. Well, if you're reading this at a future date it won't make a difference. So sorry to all those who have been reading these posts as I write them. The truth is, I'm doing really well at the moment. Married life is lots of fun, I have landed a new job … Continue reading The Scar of Sirens
“Good Morning Peter, It’s time to sit in the chair”
The 30th April will always be a memorable day for me. In 2018, it was the day I left St Georges, just five days after having open heart surgery. It still baffles me that they let me leave so soon after they had cut my sternum in two, stopped my heart and sliced it open! … Continue reading “Good Morning Peter, It’s time to sit in the chair”
Waiting with hope
Thank you for waiting. In life, waiting is one of the hardest things we have to do. Be it frustratingly standing in line to pay for the weekly shop, or excitedly anticipating the arrival of the delivery driver, who you know is bringing you a gift from a loved one. Whether you're travelling towards something … Continue reading Waiting with hope
The Eye of The Storm: Better but Broken
In two weeks time, I get married to the beautiful Miriam. It's almost surreal. Proposing from my hospital bed seems like a lifetime ago. I mention this mainly to explain why my blog writing has slowed a little. In all honesty, you probably shouldn't expect much between now and when we return from honeymoon in … Continue reading The Eye of The Storm: Better but Broken
Memories of St Georges: Part One
I had spent four weeks at St Georges, and leaving, despite the initial fear, was incredible. Now, on the whole, I wouldn't describe a long-term stay in hospital as fun. Sure, you get breakfast (and lunch and dinner!) in bed and relaxing is positively encouraged. You even get a hot drinks service a few times … Continue reading Memories of St Georges: Part One
Can I Really Go Home?
Two days ago I went to St Georges for a follow-up appointment with my cardiologist. I was hoping that she would say I could stop taking my drugs. Well, I was mainly hoping that I would be able to stop taking one in particular - Furosemide. Furosemide is a diuretic. A pretty fast acting one … Continue reading Can I Really Go Home?
I Shouldn’t Have Looked!
It wasn't looking good at the end of my last post and I apologise for leaving such a large gap between then and now. I'm aware that some of you don't know me. Perhaps a friend recommended this blog to you, or maybe you have stumbled across it randomly. Regardless of how you got here, … Continue reading I Shouldn’t Have Looked!
Coke Cans Under The Armpits
I had now been in Frimley Park Hospital for just over a week. By which time, I was experiencing serious pain in my right hip. The orthopaedic team had a bit of a problem. They needed to do a scan, which would require me to lie flat. But lying flat resulted in excruciating pain. We … Continue reading Coke Cans Under The Armpits
More Than Cheese
Let's be honest, the subject matter of my posts so far has not been particularly upbeat. For many, I've been told, reading them has been very difficult. Emotions are triggered when we read about or remember traumatic events from our past. I had to throw away a face moisturiser the other day. It was the … Continue reading More Than Cheese
Mum, Is Pete Going To Die?
Apologies for the drastic nature of the title, but it captures the anguish of those who came to visit me during those first few days. I couldn't have many visitors, but family, and a few close friends, came to see me. One moment that brought a smile to my face was when my friends Harry … Continue reading Mum, Is Pete Going To Die?
Oh Dear, You’re Really Not Well At All, Are You?!
Something you should know about me is that I never really get sick. By that, I mean the kind of sick that requires medical attention. Minor sniffles, coughs and colds, sure, I've had those. But illnesses that call for a visit to the doctor have been very rare occurrences throughout my life. In fact, so … Continue reading Oh Dear, You’re Really Not Well At All, Are You?!
It’s Probably Just Flu…
Let's start at the very beginning. The first few days of 2018 started very similarly to this year. A most wonderful Christmas time had just been enjoyed and the new year had been ushered in with joyous anticipation. One year ago today, on Saturday 6th January, I enjoyed a day out at Tilgate Nature Centre … Continue reading It’s Probably Just Flu…
Christmas Makes Way For Spring
Happy New Year Everyone! That is my hope for you all. That by the end of 2019 you will have many wonderful memories. For me, 2018 was packed full of beautiful memories: friends and family time; births and birthdays; weddings and holidays; my parents received an award for services to the community; my brother ran … Continue reading Christmas Makes Way For Spring
A Journey Of The Heart 