Today we should be waking up in Chile on the first day of the second phase of our journey. We should be regaling you with tales of the great city of Santiago. Instead we sit in the reception of St Andrew’s hospital in Brisbane at 6:30 in the morning waiting to go up to the cardiac day surgery area for my 8:30 angiogram. The last week has been a little surreal as we waited for today. All the tasks to be completed before our original departure became less important. We have considered the various outcomes of today’s angiogram and the likely impact they have on our travel plans. Our specialist gave no indication of his thoughts on what he will find so all options including medication, stent, pacemaker or surgery are on table, although I have my preference which does not include major surgery!
While the Internet can provide a plethora of information on everything today, too many views and options can be confusing. My research has been confined to trying to understand the latest techniques and some general background information so I can try to ask intelligent questions, which I suspect will only show my lack of knowledge on this subject.
After blogging for over nine months it is interesting to find that I am happy to reveal publicly personal medical information, which previously I would have not discussed, as this is pertinent to, and part of, the journey.
Progressing through the system has seen me move one floor up with the first obstacle, my chart moving around the hospital without me, being resolved. The first challenge was to put on the hospital gown, with three ties on the back and a design I had difficultly understanding at first but think I have managed although I suspect if I move too fast the whole thing will unravel and I will be scrabbling to avoid ending up in my birthday suit!
Paperwork still abounds in hospitals with forms and labels being filled and pasted as I wait. I need to have blood drawn and a drip attached. While attaching the cannula to my wrist, I suffer my first vasovagal, a light headed feeling wanting to throw up and generally unwell: it is a reaction to the cannula I am told. This effect only lasts for a couple of minutes as the kindly staff raise my feet, give me oxygen and provides sick bag. The effect is over in five minutes and I am back to my usual happy self. A new experience and one I will hopefully not repeat.
We now head to lab No. 3 where I meet the team who will treat me along with the specialist. Surrounded by hi-tech equipment and a massive tv screen we are ready to go. The friendly staff are happy to pose for photographs and one of the staff kindly offers to take a photo or two for me during the procedure for this blog. I am covered with nice warm blankets which are very pleasant.
The process starts with the X-ray machine above my chest moves backwards and forwards like something out of a sci-fi movie at the command of the doctor undertaking the procedure calling out to the radiologist.
I am wheeled into recovery and my specialist confirmed that there are no problems with the grafts from six years ago. YES YES YES …….! All look good and are functioning perfectly. No cutting and replacing of parts required! A further check is required by an electrician, their term not just mine, to check out the electrical aspect of my heart’s function, so I will be back tomorrow for round 2 at 14:00. Three hours of recovery fly by and I am out on ‘Leave’ which avoids the $200 fee for each separate admission.
My thanks to all the team at St Andrew’s for my treatment today and to all our family and friends for your support via various messages and phone calls.
Anthony
2slowspeeds 
Hi Ant n Anne, I’m glad you are being checked out here – if you must be in hospital, nothing beats being in your own ones! Our fingers are crossed waiting for the electrical system report.
Love, Wiz and Jane
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Nothing wrong with the fuel pump mechanics, just a wiring loom check to follow. Hoping you guys are well in Melbourne and we can catch up when we return from the second half of the trip.
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Great news indeed. Yet another amusing blog to keep your anxious band of followers happy! We have a friend who is a very good electrician…just a thought!! good luck for tomorrow investigations. Hope you can be on your travels soon and that this is just another chapter in your forthcoming book! XX
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Thanks for the backup electrician. Will keep that in mind should mine be too busy today. Looking forward to a result today and get back to the second part of the trip to keep our blog fans happy.
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Dear both
When I started reading this my face dropped, but by the end it was smiles as usual. Do you deliberately try to worry people ? Glad you seem (physically) ok.
If the ‘doc’ says you should cut out all stodgy foods and alcohol, could you send them to me as there is nothing wrong with my internal combustions. ( I regularly ‘suck, squeeze, bang and blow’).
Get well and get going soon mate.
Throttle on
p.s. There is no truth to the growing in volume rumours that this is all down to Anne’s cooking…… or is there…?
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No trying to worry people. This was written in real time in the hospital so the information changed as the day goes on. First time I have written a real time blog entry. Sorry no food to spare and since all plumbing ok there are no problems in this area.
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No surgery! Relief. Hope for good news tomorrow too.
C x
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Thanks, another update will follow today.
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Well, you really are keeping us on our toes!! very happy toes now! Hope Round 2 goes as smoothly. Can you just feel the vibe from us all in Ol’ Blightey?? Go For It! xxx
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‘Happy Toes’ the sequel to ‘Happy Feet’ can feel the vibes from here, will update tonight on today’s activity.
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When I read “plumbing ok” I thought you may have had a post procedure memory lapse as often colloquially plumbing refers to the elimination path of the body not the heart vessels 🙂 I find your openness refreshing and your account normalises a serious procedure. Watching the video took me back to my days as a radiographer with the specialist barking orders at me to “shoot” and I am sure the first time patients may not have realised it was cine film! Sending my best wishes for a smooth EP study and a simple outcome. xx
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Well hope it is not only “Happy Feet” but “Happy Heart” today. ay you have wings on your feet as you fly through all procedures . Thanks for keeping us updated. Special love and light beaming your way . xxxx
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So glad to hear the news this morning, via Anne’s mobile, that the cardiac specialist has said your condition can be controlled with medication!! You will start to rattle!! Another round of tests and you will be rearing to go!! You can’t keep a good man down!! But perhaps a bit of R & R before you head off might be an idea!!
Lots of love to you both
Tansy, John, Fenella & Deanna xxxx
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All good news, just need to sort out the medication over the next week and will be ready to move again.
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