"I owe them everything."

I am just writing a short note to pass on my thanks to Doctor Gerlach of Worsley Mesnes Health Centre. (Marus Bridge Practice)

In December last year I visited my surgery with breathlessness and chest pains, he immediately ordered blood tests and an ECG. Although the ECG (RESTING) was normal my cholesterol was raised and he treated that with immediate effect. He then referred me to the cardiology unit at Wigan Infirmary where I had a treadmill ECG test which this time showed an abnormality. The consultant requested I have an ANGIOGRAM which I did in late March. This revealed I had ‘a significant blockage in a critical position’ which made it impossible to treat by ‘stent’

I was then referred to Wythenshawe Hospital where I saw Mr John Carey the Consultant who informed me I was to have by pass surgery which took place at The Alexander Hospital Cheadle (as an NHS patient) in early August. The operation went well and I have since attended Physio and Stress Management Class at Boston House as part of my rehabilitation.

I today revisited Dr Gerlach who signed off to return to work from next Monday, a period of 13 weeks after my surgery.

I would like to place on record my thanks to the teams who diagnosed and treated me at Wigan and Wythenshawe including the Physio and Stress Management staff. My surgeon and his team were wonderful and the Rehab has been completely professional and caring but without Doctor Gerlach having the presence of mind to refer me in the first place I could still be a heart attack waiting to happen with all that comes with it. Therefore I would like to officially thank him and his practice nurse Mrs Angela Foster for their dedication and observation.

I owe them everything.