Thursday 9th December 2004 - Dental Hospital Just as the The Forth Bridge needs painting continually, so it is with my gums.   I think the correct medical term is gingival overgrowth.   An unpleasant side effect of my anti rejection steroids.
	As is normal before I have to undergo the Prof's scalpel my blood pressure was a teensy weensy bit high at 161 / 97.   Halfway through the procedure it went to 142 / 104 which I think is a little on the high side too, which proves I am just a big coward.
	The Professor is a genius with the blade and in all honesty I did not feel a thing.   He narrates the procedure to the student dentist as he is performing his craft and some 30 minutes after reclining in my seat it is all over. I cannot speak too highly of the dental hospital and the work they carry out.   I am a lucky bloke having all of these wonderful facilities so close to home.
	Tuesday 7th December - Visit to my GP. I have developed a few lumps and bumps since my transplant and at my 'review' (below) I mentioned a new visitor to the top of my head.   My GP, or one of the partners at the surgery, was very nice and told me that the offending bump was probably a wart.   As it was not causing any problems and not irritable no action was necessary.   Dr Walker, a lady, was very pleasant,  and she asked how I was getting along as she had heard so much about me but never met.   I told her about my sporting activities and she seemed genuinely interested.   So, apart from a few dizzy spells, hand tremors and the odd bout of cramp I was feeling dandy.
	Thursday 2nd December - Freeman - 'Review' On the last couple of visits my blood pressure had been high.   Today it was 135 / 85 which is well within the range considered 'normal'...phew!  There is another figure which gets recorded and that is the heart rate, mine was 93 this morning.  My weight was 70 Kg (no change) and temperature was 36.0 (no change). I have to ring the clinic tomorrow for my results as well as ring my GP for her to have a look at a little 'bobble' on my head.   It does not cause any discomfort but these things need to be looked at.   It is not visible to anyone but I know it is there. Update - 3rd December.   My prednisolone has been reduced from 5mg to 4mg daily.   I have also made an appointment with my GP for next Tuesday about the 'pom pom' hat on my bonce.

 

Monday 25th October - Freeman Hospital - 'Bloods' My blood pressure was high again at 139 / 95.   Although no-one ever seems too alarmed.   My weight was 70 Kg and temperature 36.0.   When I ring for my blood test results tomorrow I will learn if any of my tablets have been tweaked. I am also going to my GP's tomorrow to have my flu jab. Have you had yours yet?   If not, ring up now and book an appointment.

 

	Thursday 9th September - Dental Hospital. I was due to have more surgery to remove the excessive gum growth, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was not necessary for  surgery today and that I should have it done on my next visit. The last time I had surgery was in May this year.   I made my appointment and left, unusually with a smile on my face.   There are not too many people exiting the building who have a broad grin as they re-enter the real world.   Most people look like they have just been to the dentist, which of course they have! I cannot say I was disappointed and can now look forward to my forthcoming trip to Australia for the cricket, golf and athletics.   I leave in 11 days.
	Thursday 2nd September - Freeman Hospital - 'MOT' It's that time again, the 'MOT'.   My annual check up which involves a biopsy, angiogram, ECG, X rays and all of the other tests and checks needed to see that everything is functioning correctly.   I cannot say it is a pleasant experience but as it only happens once a year, just get on with it.
	I arrived at 7.30am and was immediately 'clerked in'. My blood pressure was 136/96.   Proving once again what a big coward I must be. Weight =69kg.   Temperature = 36.0.
	I had to sign a couple of forms in advance of having the biopsy and angiogram.   I actually read the form later in the evening and was fascinated by the odds quoted for serious or frequently recurring risks as a result of the two procedures:   Death / stroke / heart attack less than 1 in 1000. Would you bet on a horse at 1000/1?   Of course you wouldn't.   I remember Foinavon winning the Grand National in the sixties at 100/1, so 1000/1 are fair odds I reckon.
	As normal I was scared witless before my biopsy, but once the procedure is under way the worst part is wondering if I might fall off the operating table.
	Within 2 hours of arriving at The Freeman I was having my angiogram, my second operation of the morning.   Who says the NHS is not very good.
	I am getting used to these procedures by now some 5 years after my transplant and can honestly say that the angiogram is not uncomfortable at all.   The worst bit is definitely the injection to numb the top of my leg, but this is over in seconds.   Once the area is numbed I am able to watch everything live on one of the banks of TV screens next to the operating table.
	It is 10.30am and I am already recovering in my bed on ward 24.   The drill is to lie flat for 2 hours and then be in a sitting position for a further 2 hours.   For the first time ever I am able to eat my lunch comfortably as it is brought to me at 1pm and I am sitting up.
	By 2.30pm my blood pressure has returned to 115/78.
	It is now 3.30pm I am washed and dressed and wander over to have my X-rays and ECG done.   It turns out the radiographer Leigh Bauer- Nason is from Adelaide.   I told him about my forthcoming trip to his hometown to play the Aussies at transplant cricket in less than 3 weeks time.   Check out his message on my 'Guest Book'.
	Back on ward 24 and I receive 5 star treatment from all of the nursing staff as I have a whole bay to myself, the other 5 beds were only used by day patients and I am the only overnight resident.   The ward has been fitted out with the latest TV/Phone/Internet system and I pay £3.50 for a splendid night in a comfy bed with all mod cons.   I recently stayed in a Floatel in Northwich which cost £50 for the night and it was nowhere near as good as this.
	Thanks girls - I know you are reading this, see you all in 12 months.
	PS - My blood pressure was 138/88 on leaving the ward.
	Outcome:   I saw Gareth, my cardiologist at 10.30am on the Friday morning to be told everything is working as it should and my biopsy was  nil points, which means I am can enter the Eurovision song contest. My cyclosporin is reduced to 75mg twice a day (from 100 + 75) Cyclosporin being the main anti rejection / immunosuppressant of all my drugs.

 

	Wednesday 4th August - Freeman Hospital - 'Bloods' My blood pressure this morning was 142/98.   Weight = 69kg.   Temperature = 36.1 The waiting room was again very busy and even though I arrived at exactly 7.30am I was the 11th person in the queuing system, which is similar to the deli counter at your local supermarket.   It works very well and prevents queue jumpers standing in the corridor. I handed in my medical form so that I may be given the all clear to take part in the Australian transplant games and cricket tour.   I am due to leave for Adelaide on 20th September.
	Outcome:-
	Once again there is no change in my medication.   I have to admit to a little concern over my blood pressure.    Even though Gareth (cardiologist) told me there is nothing to worry about.
	I have just filled in my medical form for the Australian Transplant Games and it states that the blood pressure reading should be no higher than 150/90.   I am scheduled for my 'MOT' on 2nd September so if there are any doubts about my fitness, they will show up then.

 

Wednesday 30th June - Freeman Hospital -'Bloods' My blood pressure this morning was 137/90.   Weight =70kg.   Temperature = 36.3 An early morning visit to a packed out clinic at 7.30.   The 'bloods' procedure is very simple and also very quick.   I was back home at 8.30am. I was speaking to a couple of patients in the waiting room and took their details.   I will send them info about the next British Games or any other sports that they might like to get involved in.   The more the merrier.

Outcome:- No change to any of my medication this time round.   I take that as a good sign...... whoops I've just fell off my keyboard !   You can never count your chickens eh.

 

Monday 24th May -Freeman Hospital - Review For those of you who are new to this page or were not paying attention the last time I had a 'Review' the procedure is as follows:- Clerk in / Blood Pressure / Temp / Weight check / X rays / ECG / 'breakfast' / See cardiologist. Outcome:- I must have been in pretty good nick because when I rang for my results there were no changes to my medication.   I told the cardiologist about my concerns/worries/niggles and overall he seemed under whelmed by everything. My biggest problem currently is that I am unable to sleep much at night.   I go to bed about 11pm and having woken up once or twice I am generally wide awake by 4 - 4.30am.   Any of you who suffer from insomnia will understand what a nightmare (excuse the pun) this can be.   One solution I must try is to watch Newsnight till the end as the final piece is usually pretty boring and this may make me more sleepy.

Now that I am on the committee of the Freeman Transplant Association I am entitled to wear one of those ID badges that council workers and the like always wear as a badge of honour.   I went for a spot of breakfast before seeing the cardiologist and when I came to pay I was given a reduction in the price.   So what cost me £3.32 last time only set me back £2.00 this time.   Never again will I mock people wearing an ID badge!

 

Thursday 13th May - Dental Hospital - Yet more gum surgery! If you are following my visits to the dental hospital, I am tempted to say you must be sad, but will not as I get lots of Emails about my health and the resultant 'problems' as a consequence of anti rejection medication.   So it was back down to business in the black leather chair and I am not talking Mastermind here.

Outcome:- The gum growth is back with a vengeance so needed removing - again.   On this visit the Professor carried out the surgery and was explaining in great detail to the young dentist who was hanging on his every word.   Meanwhile I was hanging on to the chair!   Just joking. The worst part about the procedure is the numbing of the gum area by local anaesthetic and even that is no worse than your average trip to the dentists.   What am I talking about, this was a trip to the dentist.   My blood pressure rose to 144/100 when I was being numbed and some 10 minutes later when the surgery began was 120/82.   This must prove that I am a complete coward when it comes to needles and I like scalpels.   Everything went well and I can again feel my teeth in the area that was operated on.    I am due back in a few weeks to have the other side done and I just can't wait.

 

	Monday 5th April - Freeman Hospital - Bloods. My blood pressure was 136/94 this morning.   Weight 70 kgs. I gave blood and did not cry once as a young nurse, named Paula  was making her debut in the transplant clinic, and I don't want her to think we're all softies. I have to ring tomorrow for my results.
	Outcome:- I rang for the results of my tests and for a change there was no change. All of my tablets and doses remain the same.   Next visit is due on Monday 24th May for a review.
	Thursday 18th March '04 - Dental Hospital  Resume gum removal treatment.   I think they are having a look to decide which part to work on next.
	Outcome:- One of the more unpleasant consequences of having a heart transplant is the many side effects of the medication.   In my case one of these is that  I have excessive gum growth, and so today I paid yet another visit to the excellent dental hospital in Newcastle.   They were only having a poke about today and an appointment was made for a few weeks time when I and my gums will be separated from each other.....until the next time! The brilliant young dental surgeon who has been looking after me for three years is nearing the end of his studies in the UK and he will be soon be returning to his home in Athens.   Before he can start up his own dental practice, he was telling me this morning, he has to serve 18 months in the Greek army and do his compulsory national service.   At the moment he is expecting to join an artillery division.   He may or may not be called upon to practice as a dental surgeon whilst in the military.   He made no complaint and was very philosophical about it all as if it was perfectly normal, which of course it is to him. I am due back for surgical removal of the gum overgrowth on Thursday 13th May.
	Wednesday 18th February '04  - Freeman Hospital - Transplant Clinic. I am in for a 'Review', which consists of Blood Pressure / Temp / Weight check / X rays / ECG / 'breakfast' / See cardiologist.
	Outcome = In order to try and stop my dizzy spells Gareth - the cardiologist - suggests I take only 1 dose of lisinopril (10mg) daily, instead of my normal dose of 10mg in am and 10mg in pm.   This is possible as my blood pressure on my last two or three visits has been 'good'.   Approx 125/80.
	I was quite surprised at the cost of my breakfast in the hospital restaurant.   £3.32 seems a little expensive for 2 rashers of bacon / beans / scrambled egg / 2 slices of toast and a cup of tea.   Or am I a bit out of touch?
	Wednesday 14th January '04 - Freeman Hospital - Transplant Clinic. As it is my birthday today I thought I would spend it in the company of the nursing staff at the Freeman.   Really, I am in for my 6 weekly 'bloods'.
	Outcome = Everything is OK.   No change to any of my medication

	Tuesday 13th January  '04 - GP surgery with nurse. My GP would like an update on my medication / tablets.   If this not done regularly my prescription sheet would look like a shopping list.
	Outcome = The nurse who I saw was not aware that I had had a heart transplant until I told her.   It came out in conversation when she asked why I needed to go to the Freeman Hospital tomorrow.   It makes you wonder eh?

	Monday 12th January '04  - Dental Hospital - 'Photo shoot'. That's correct.   They have lost the photographs of my laser surgery / scalpel surgery comparisons.   Due to my vanity I have agreed to go to the Dental Hospital in Newcastle for an extra photo shoot to help out.
	Outcome = next phase of my guinea pig status is to be resumed on Thursday 18th March 2004

Heart Games - Interview
 

	January 2004 I have received a copy today of a CD.   It is a recording of interviews I did with a media student from Sunderland University.   The title of the piece is 'Heart Games', and is absolutely first rate. Annabel Jefferson has edited the piece about me , Joan Whitney and David Lyth.   Joan and David have also had heart transplants at the Freeman and take part in transplant games.   There are also comments from Professor John Dark, who is the top man at the Freeman and is recognised as a leading surgeon throughout the country in heart transplants.   Gareth Parry who is consultant cardiologist at the Freeman also speaks on the CD.
	If I say so myself it is a very moving piece of work and encapsulates heart transplants and sport in a very informative way.   I am certain if you wanted a copy, that if you contacted Annabel she would be delighted to let you have one.
	You can now listen to it by using the link on my 'contacts page.'
	I will gladly pass on her details if you contact me first.   I am assuming that by reading this far that you are interested in personal experiences and could well be involved in the transplant process, be it a donor / recipient or medic.
	Believe me it is well worth a listen.   Annabel tells me that a Radio 4 producer has heard it and is very impressed.