I've known for quite a while that things haven't been right, you just know don't you? Speaking to and seeing various medical bods, I knew in the summer that I would have to have major surgery. I met my surgeon on 20 August who told me as much and talked me thru the procedure in some detail. He told me then that he would like to see me 'sooner rather than later.' Although he explained that I was in no imminent danger, my condition will only get worse and left unattended will result in death. That kind of focuses the mind.
We all know about the seven and a half million people currently sitting on various NHS waiting lists so I had no real expectation of being seen this side of the new year. My surgeon, however, had other plans. He said that all things being equal he saw 12 weeks as being realistic. His PA rang me yesterday: my surgeriy is scheduled for 6 December.
Apologies for my previous vague and ambiguous stabs at trying to tell you something was 'up'. But until I'd got a concrete date I didn't know how to play this. Thus far, I've been drip feeding information to close friends and family on a need to know basis. So, I guess, this is me coming out. I've been told that I'll be in hospital for five days, gradually working towards a full recovery in three months. Just writing this down has been cathartic. Message ends.
❤️
I'll keep writing until I go in to hospital (it keeps me sane, you know that); December's Photo Challenge will still happen and that will tie things up quite neatly - two full years of your wonderful photographs (thank you for all the sunrises and sunsets you've being sending me). The photo at the top of the page was taken last night, minutes before I got rid of the goatee. I started growing it in August and said to myself I'd shave it off only when I got a date for my surgery. J x
All the best, John. I'm sure we'll all be thinking of you and sending good vibes for a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rol. That means a lot.
DeleteGood to hear that you have a definite date and that it is not far off.
ReplyDeleteIt's fast approaching, Ernie!
DeleteSounds like you will be. In safe hands John
ReplyDeleteI hope everything goes well.
ReplyDeleteAll the best John, hope all goes well and you have a swift recovery. We'll be thinking of you
ReplyDeleteSwiss Adam
So glad you got your date through and can move forward - not long now until it's all over and done with, you'll be out of there and sick of the sight of grapes... In the meantime though very much thinking of you and wishing you a swift and easy recovery. Lots of love x
ReplyDeleteAll the very best to you, John. Go steady.
ReplyDeleteSending best wishes and good vibes your way, John. I can imagine there’s a heck of a lot to process, even if you have some ‘absolutes’ including a confirmed date.
ReplyDeleteI think I can confidently say that another ‘absolute’ is that there are many, many people out here in the blogosphere rooting for you before, during and after.
Thanks for all that you’ve done and continue to do with your blog, music, photo collections and of course the photo challenge. Hopefully, we can pay some of that back in the coming days, weeks and months.
Kx
As you see, lots of good wishes are coming through from the blogging community - always there when we need them.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best for the op and for a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing the photos for December - curating them will take your mind off things, for a while anyway.
CC - Yep, as safe as can be.
ReplyDeletejd - Thank you. Still in Japan?
Adam - Thank you. Swift sounds good.
C - "Hard boiled eggs and nuts!" If you know you know.
Martin - I'm thinking steady will be my only speed for a while.
K - Absolutely. Your kind words are very kind!
A - If only the world was looking for another super hero, I could be Curator Man. Thank you, Alyson.
And thank you to everyone who has messaged me both here and offline. It means a lot.