Medical Status of Boardmembers

[JoG2]

Ball Hopper, you've been a real inspiration the last few years on here. Glad you're almost there. The trips will be some adventures and long overdue

[Jeepers Creepers]

Great stuff BH, Always good to hear!

[illdecide]

Good man BH, it's been some journey for you, glad you're almost there. Keep er lit man.

[Nanderson]

Has anyone ever been to Thornsdale Unit in Craigavon Hospital. Have an appointment on Friday and not too sure of where i'm going. Can't find any info of it online

[illdecide]

TBH not 100% sure but in thru main doors and there's a reception facing you and they'll soon point you in the right direction...Good luck with it whatever your issue, hope you're good.

[Nanderson]

TBH not 100% sure but in thru main doors and there's a reception facing you and they'll soon point you in the right direction...Good luck with it whatever your issue, hope you're good.

Thanks 

[Ball Hopper]

Still going well here lads and lassies.

I'd say I'm back to about 90% normal...just the occasional excessive bathroom trips over a few hours...down to about one a month now.

Will have full-body CT scan in July...fully 4 years from my surgery now, so another colonoscopy in July of 2025 with no findings will see me discharged as a cancer patient and go back into the "general population" of regular screening.

Haven't resumed any alcohol yet, and I'm thinking I won't bother...no inclination at all to have a pint.

Enjoying life is my top priority now...no need for alcohol or engaging in foolish discussions in person or on any social media.  Hoping to make a few trips later this year and early next year to scope out some semi-retirement locations (work online) for at least part of the year. Portugal looking good so far... 

No developments in the oncology arena in the second half of 2024...steady progress on diet and bathroom issues, still not 100% but bad nights are fewer and fewer.

BUT...

I felt myself get a bit sluggish on my walks and it took longer to warm up a bit, plus the walks were taking longer.  Add in a few dizzy episodes, but no falls, and away to Doctor.

After the usual barrage of tests, they couldn't pinpoint anything.  Maybe heart was a small bit weaker, but a small adjustment to blood pressure pills will help.  But it didn't...further heart tests were inconclusive until a big cardio cathetherisation appointment was made for 16 Dec.  At that appointment, they were prepared to insert some stents if that would fix the issue

Stents were not required as the doctor said I needed bypass surgery "sooner rather than later".

Result was a quadruple heart bypass on Friday 20 December, Christmas in hospital, and home on Thursday 26 December.  4-hour surgery, but was able to sit on edge of bed same day with assistance.  Only 2 days in ICU and was taking small steps the day after surgery.  Adding a minute or two to each day's walking has me around 10 mins a session now...and I'm plenty tired after 2 of those a day.

What a whirlwind that was/is. 

I'm recovering fairly well now...no more surgeon appointments to review his handiwork, but continuing cardiology reviews until I'll be declared fit enough to start a "cardio rehab" session for 12 weeks at 3 "gym" visits per week under the supervision of a medical team while hooked up to all sorts of monitors.  Not exactly sure what is measured, but I think one exercises at resting heart rate plus 30-50 beats for a set period of time.  As fitness improves, heart rate lowers, so 30-50 beats of an increase is harder work.  Eventually, one hopes to get to a level of exercise that is intense enough and long enough to maintain proper cardio health.  Probably includes jogging and/or hill walking, whether on treadmill with inclines or outdoors.

Needless to say, this was a big shock to me and the family...I did not suffer what I thought was heart attack...a chest-clutching event at a football match with the clock ticking into injury time in a level game...but the scans showed I did.  I had very mild discomfort at the start of my walks that would disappear if I stopped for a minute or two.


As ever, Mrs Hopper continues to lead me in the right direction, even when I'm not keen to walk. 


So that's where I'm at to start 2025...all the surgery and new pills have regressed the progress on my colon a bit, but at least I have a good idea of the dietary path to take.  If I can get to have good night's sleep I'll be very grateful.  I do give thanks every night and send out special prayers for those in worse shape than myself and it does give me comfort.  I expect January to be tough enough and maybe I'll get going properly by early February (when I'll be able to drive again - currently only allowed in back seat for fear of seat belt and/or airbag impacts doing damage).

Hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to a good 2025 - it is the year I expect to be discharged as a cancer patient as well as developing my stronger heart.  I'll update again in February.  Best wishes to all.

[gerrykeegan]

I've said it before. My own heart skips a beat when I see a new post here. As if you haven't been through enough, however you have an incredible positive attitude and I really hope that you are now fully on the road to recovery.

[Milltown Row2]

Still going well here lads and lassies.

I'd say I'm back to about 90% normal...just the occasional excessive bathroom trips over a few hours...down to about one a month now.

Will have full-body CT scan in July...fully 4 years from my surgery now, so another colonoscopy in July of 2025 with no findings will see me discharged as a cancer patient and go back into the "general population" of regular screening.

Haven't resumed any alcohol yet, and I'm thinking I won't bother...no inclination at all to have a pint.

Enjoying life is my top priority now...no need for alcohol or engaging in foolish discussions in person or on any social media.  Hoping to make a few trips later this year and early next year to scope out some semi-retirement locations (work online) for at least part of the year. Portugal looking good so far... 

No developments in the oncology arena in the second half of 2024...steady progress on diet and bathroom issues, still not 100% but bad nights are fewer and fewer.

BUT...

I felt myself get a bit sluggish on my walks and it took longer to warm up a bit, plus the walks were taking longer.  Add in a few dizzy episodes, but no falls, and away to Doctor.

After the usual barrage of tests, they couldn't pinpoint anything.  Maybe heart was a small bit weaker, but a small adjustment to blood pressure pills will help.  But it didn't...further heart tests were inconclusive until a big cardio cathetherisation appointment was made for 16 Dec.  At that appointment, they were prepared to insert some stents if that would fix the issue

Stents were not required as the doctor said I needed bypass surgery "sooner rather than later".

Result was a quadruple heart bypass on Friday 20 December, Christmas in hospital, and home on Thursday 26 December.  4-hour surgery, but was able to sit on edge of bed same day with assistance.  Only 2 days in ICU and was taking small steps the day after surgery.  Adding a minute or two to each day's walking has me around 10 mins a session now...and I'm plenty tired after 2 of those a day.

What a whirlwind that was/is. 

I'm recovering fairly well now...no more surgeon appointments to review his handiwork, but continuing cardiology reviews until I'll be declared fit enough to start a "cardio rehab" session for 12 weeks at 3 "gym" visits per week under the supervision of a medical team while hooked up to all sorts of monitors.  Not exactly sure what is measured, but I think one exercises at resting heart rate plus 30-50 beats for a set period of time.  As fitness improves, heart rate lowers, so 30-50 beats of an increase is harder work.  Eventually, one hopes to get to a level of exercise that is intense enough and long enough to maintain proper cardio health.  Probably includes jogging and/or hill walking, whether on treadmill with inclines or outdoors.

Needless to say, this was a big shock to me and the family...I did not suffer what I thought was heart attack...a chest-clutching event at a football match with the clock ticking into injury time in a level game...but the scans showed I did.  I had very mild discomfort at the start of my walks that would disappear if I stopped for a minute or two.


As ever, Mrs Hopper continues to lead me in the right direction, even when I'm not keen to walk. 


So that's where I'm at to start 2025...all the surgery and new pills have regressed the progress on my colon a bit, but at least I have a good idea of the dietary path to take.  If I can get to have good night's sleep I'll be very grateful.  I do give thanks every night and send out special prayers for those in worse shape than myself and it does give me comfort.  I expect January to be tough enough and maybe I'll get going properly by early February (when I'll be able to drive again - currently only allowed in back seat for fear of seat belt and/or airbag impacts doing damage).

Hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to a good 2025 - it is the year I expect to be discharged as a cancer patient as well as developing my stronger heart.  I'll update again in February.  Best wishes to all.

That's mad Hopper, your like a character from Final Destination!!  Though pretty bullet proof lol, keep her lit

[Tony Baloney]

I've said it before. My own heart skips a beat when I see a new post here. As if you haven't been through enough, however you have an incredible positive attitude and I really hope that you are now fully on the road to recovery.

Same. None of us are getting any younger so when you click on that link it could be bad news rather than good news.

BH that's another big job you've been through but there's no keeping you down. Hopefully you get to a point in a lot of months where you experience some "normality". Keep us updated as always.

[Jeepers Creepers]

Happy new year to ye BH. Great to hear from you!

[Orior]

Happy new year to ye BH. Great to hear from you!

+1

[AustinPowers]

Whoa, flippin' 'ell, BH

That must have  been a shock for you. Hope your recovery  goes well.  Your positivity was  always very good , so   that should help  with your  recovery.

I'm wondering if  your earlier treatment had an affect  on the heart.

[Rossfan]

Best wishes for your recovery Hopper.
You've certainly been through the mill and the Health system.

[thebuzz]

Yeah best wishes for your full recovery Ball Hopper. I hope it doesn't take long. At least you will work at it.

I know a guy with an aversion to western medicine who had a quadruple bypass a few years ago and didn't do any recovery work.

He's nearly back to square one.