HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART (VALVE) PART 2

HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART( VALVE ) PART 2

Since I was informed that I had a heart condition by my doctor in October 2014 I decided to write a blog to help myself come to terms with the condition and to understand what effects it will have on my life. Also family and friends will hopefully understand how it is affecting me and my thoughts.

I actually stopped working for Tamworth Borough Council on November 27 the day my official notice period was due to start! A bit naughty but in my 17 years working for the council I had a good attendance record, but because I was now having to attend the occasional hospital or doctors appointment they were being awkward and so this was my way of getting a little something back!

My head was all over the place now that I realised my working life was virtually over and also trying to come to terms with my suspected heart problem was putting a lot of strain on me, and I have to admit it was causing me a lot of stress. I was spending so much time at Measham medical unit that I was on first name terms with the staff and was getting invites to staff functions! Only joking!!

It is hard to explain just what was going around in my head but slowly I began to see things a little clearer, also two very good friends of mine and my wife Theresa,bless her,helped me through what was a very difficult period for me. I will always be indebted to Wayne and especially Lee. Thank you my friends.

Throughout December and January I was attending hospital and doctors appointments and also trying to establish some pattern to my life now that I wasn't working. The dizzy spells kept coming and the doctor was telling me that I was probably suffering with vertigo, and all of the stress I had been under hadn't helped.

Wednesday 18^th February was the official day that I finished work and my employment was terminated. I have to admit that in some ways it was a relief. But in another it was a little scary knowing that after years of working it was probably now over.

I was settling down more and was enjoying spending time with Theresa and our two dogs Lincoln and Richmond. They thought it was great that I was spending more time taking them for walks. It was also a bonus that I wouldn’t have to miss any more football because of shift work! For those that know me I am a dedicated follower ( not of fashion ) but of Leicester City Football Club.

The days and weeks were passing bye and although I was still getting the occasional dizzy spell I was learning to accept them! They couldn't be that serious as they only lasted seconds, and I hadn't seen the doctor since the first week in March. And then on April 7^th I had an appointment at Burton hospital for an ultrasound scan. Following the appointment I saw the consultant and he explained to me about the condition of my heart. He told me that there were three stages to the condition, a moderate stage, a moderate to severe stage and a severe stage. He said that my condition was bordering on the moderate to severe stage and that they were happy to monitor my condition and he would see me again in a few months.

I left the hospital and I still wasn't that worried. It can't be a serious problem as they are only going to monitor me and see me in a few months! Carry on as normal Alan

I was now walking 10 or 12 miles every week as it is now officially walking season for me,so despite the dizzy spells, I was getting on with my life. Football, cinema, walking, the occasional meal out at lunch time, life was good and I was sorting myself out. And then on Thursday 11^th June I went to the toilet during the early hours of the morning and collapsed! I don't remember what happened, I just remember Theresa trying to bring me around. After a few minutes I got back into bed. Theresa said she heard a bang and found me on the floor! I suppose I should have let Theresa phone for an ambulance but I was OK now and I would see the doctor in the morning. Stubborn until the end!

I saw doctor Charles on the afternoon and he was now convinced that my dizzy spells were connected to my heart problem and not vertigo. You don't say! More blood tests carried out, I was now in serious danger of springing a leak with all the holes in my arm.

It was now June and I wasn’t due to see the consultant until September. But because my blood test results had shown all clear I was to wait until I saw the consultant and if I had any more bad dizzy spells or if I was to collapse again! then I was to see the doctor right away!

Life settled down again and luckily I experienced no dizzy spells and no passing out experiences! In July we went on our annual excursion to West Wales and I felt OK and as the weeks sauntered along I slowly went back into the mode where I was thinking there is nothing seriously wrong with me. Everything was going to be fine and so I carried on with my life. Everything was fine!

At the end of July I joined a walking football group at Whitwick Leisure Centre. At the age of 64 it was great to be able to play football again. Although the term walking was misleading! It was no leisurely stroll but it was competitive with some decent players. It was good to play football again.

All was going well until during the second half, and I had a slight dizzy spell! Obviously the exertion and exercise I was doing was something I hadn't put my body through for a long time and it was telling me to slow down. After a short rest I carried on and thoroughly enjoyed this new venture, walking football!.

Throughout August I carried on with life. Walking, playing football, the football season had started and so I was able to follow Leicester again and add it to my busy social calendar. Life was indeed good. But the appointment with Dr Martos Martinez was approaching !!! But I wasn’t worried. I was feeling fine and everything was going to be OK !!!!!!!!!!!