Shortly after arriving home in 2016 I had an apointment with my Cardiologist who recomended that my Aortic valve had deteriorated to the point that a replacement was required. We all agreed with a time scale of 3-6 months for the op and 3 months recovery. OK, we could be back on Molly Rose about June and spend about 3 months on the canals.
Then the reality of the health system started to show. the 3-6 months was 6 months to the day. So all prepared and ready to travel to Wellington on saturday to book in on Sunday for the op on Monday. WELL Friday afternoon about 3pm I get the call, don't come we haven't got room for you. So when can I expect to have the op? Don't know but it wont be in the next 3 weeks. After a wait of 3 months I arrive in Wellington and check in. Admission tests are made and much talking with the Surgeon has me in a positive mood UNTIL about 6pm the surgeon calls in to say that he will not operate tomorrow as he needs some more up todate scans and reports. Monday I have a scan and am told that evening that another scan/test is required. Tuesday more tests and waiting for results, (Surgeon in Auckland all day). Late In the evening the surgon calls in to say he has the information to proceed, BUT there are no spare beds in ICU so you can go home tommorow. And when can I expect to be back? Won't be in the next 3 weeks! Eventually 3 months later as the northern summer is comming to an end I check in again at Wellington Hospital wandering what is in store this time. During my first meeting with the surgeon I tell him I'm not going home again untill the job is done, he agreed as if wasn't done soon life expectancy was not that long.
Fast forward: In March all was looking good so planning started to get back to Molly Rose in May.
Wednesday 16th May 2018
Started the long flight by catching a plane from Napier at 1545 and 31hrs later with stops in Auckland and Dubai we arrive in Manchester, midday 17th.Take a cab to a holiday let in New Mills, walk into town, do some banking, buy a ready meal from the supermarket, back to the let, eat and into bed.
Started the long flight by catching a plane from Napier at 1545 and 31hrs later with stops in Auckland and Dubai we arrive in Manchester, midday 17th.Take a cab to a holiday let in New Mills, walk into town, do some banking, buy a ready meal from the supermarket, back to the let, eat and into bed.
Friday18th May
Suns up about 0400, we are up about 0630. 0830 and we are walking down the towpath on a beautiful morning to see Molly Rose where we left her, 19 months ago, in the marina across the canal. She is looking a little untidy after so long but inside is dry and home to many a spider and a lot of dust. Some windows are left open for ventilation. Talk to the engineer who says she is ready to go. All good news. Time now to catch a bus and pick up a rental car. On the way back we call into the near by Lyme Park, a National Trust estate to sample scones, jam & cream. Back to the boat to clean up, put back all the things we pack away each year. Getting fairly tired by tea time so it's Cod & Chips and an early night. So that is two ticks in boxes as we get back into our english traditions.
Suns up about 0400, we are up about 0630. 0830 and we are walking down the towpath on a beautiful morning to see Molly Rose where we left her, 19 months ago, in the marina across the canal. She is looking a little untidy after so long but inside is dry and home to many a spider and a lot of dust. Some windows are left open for ventilation. Talk to the engineer who says she is ready to go. All good news. Time now to catch a bus and pick up a rental car. On the way back we call into the near by Lyme Park, a National Trust estate to sample scones, jam & cream. Back to the boat to clean up, put back all the things we pack away each year. Getting fairly tired by tea time so it's Cod & Chips and an early night. So that is two ticks in boxes as we get back into our english traditions.
Scones, fish and chips ..... pork pies?
ReplyDelete