"Double Whammy"

10 years ago at the age of 50 I was diagnosed with prostate Cancer, after the operation and radiotherapy I was still left with a small reading, which has been managed by the oncology unit at Lincoln. Part of maintaining this treatment as most of the specialist told me was to maintain my high level of fitness.

This is where my latest story starts. At the end of 2017, I was out on my bike for a ride over 30 miles to take my year total over 5000 miles. 2 miles in and I had pains in my chest, which after a little rest went, and I finished my ride. 2 days later, set off but this time I had to sit on the grass verge and be collected by my wife. I put this down to not leaving enough time after eating. Later having been checked out by my doctor said you have Angina, disbelief was an understatement. I have a very healthy diet and exercise regularly surely they have got it wrong!

After test they confirmed I had and needed a stent fitting. Recently I went in to have a stent fitted, routine as lots of people kept telling me. Not quite, 2 hours 20min in the cardiac catheter lab and 4 stents later, I was told they were very pleased at the outcome even though it was a little more challenging than they expected. The Professionalism and teamwork was incredible and even though I felt a little unsure I never felt anything was out of control. Once back on the ward and then moved to a ward for an overnight stay the same level of care carried on.

 I am writing this only 2 days on from the operation and don’t know quite how well things will be but I am very hopeful that I will be back out on my bike very soon. I have already been for a walk and generally feel much brighter and given I have not had as much sleep as normal in the last 2 day, i feel very alert.

 It seems you cannot get away from your family Genes; my farther had a heart attack in his 50’s and then suffered with Angina for the rest of his life.

 I would like to thanks all the Staff on the Cardiac Catheter ward and short stay ward for their fantastic care.