Bob's Journal

3 months after TAVI and signed off from the hospital in Brighton back to my consultant in Ashford (Kent). From a week after surgery I've walked between 3-4 miles each day with my dog. No longer breathless. My whole body regained warmth. I sleep up to 7 hours a night and have a good appetite. I have no idea who operated, but I shall be eternally grateful. Good luck, America..!

While an anxious wait from diagnosis last June, the TAVI operation in Brighton this week went  like a dream. Admitted 4pm on Monday, discharged with only a nick in my groin and a brand new aortic valve, 4pm on Wednesday. And I have walked the dog twice since.. The new valve is made either of cow or pig skin. I wasn't told which. However, I felt a bit guilty eating the pork pie my wife, Valerie, smuggled in, fearing it might be the new valve's mother! 

Well, tomorrow's the day and I'm sitting here at home waiting for transport to take me 100 miles to the hospital in Brighton. I've never seen the hospital nor met or spoken to the surgeon and team who should care for me. I just hope they have ordered a supper! Anyway, I shall probably shock all the heart people by having a traditional fried English breakfast before leaving. I don't know if there will be any other patients having the procedure with me this week, but if there are I wish them the very best of luck and a successful recovery. And the same to all of you on this excellent and reassuring website....