I have never been great with doctor’s surgeries.  I’ve always felt that being “under the doctor” was something to be avoided, an acknowledgement of weakness.  In fact, I think this was my first visit to the doctors in over 12 years.

Looking around the waiting room I felt I was healthy, certainly in the top quartile (and that’s including the carers, drivers, etc.).  There really seem to be a lot of sick people around these days!

Fortunately the doctor seemed to agree.  Given it’s the first time I’ve seen him since the heart attack, he seemed remarkably relaxed about the whole situation.  You’d think it was run-of-the-mill.  Something he sees every day!

A quick review of my hospital discharge information “letter” confirmed:

• I am 42
• I have had a heart attack
• Stents were fitted to my left anterior descending (LAD) branch
• The procedure was a “complete success”
• The ECHO revealed mild-moderate damage
• I was well following the procedure

So that’s all good!

If they had got my address right it would have been a full house!  I don’t know how many times we corrected the address when I was in hospital – they have a hybrid between the flat I lived in when I first came to Aberdeen and my current address.  It’s incorrect.  Wrong.  Useless.  The letter helpfully states “An appointment will be sent to the address above”… but don’t hold your breath!

A further review of my medical history revealed:

“The pies may well have been a factor, but the fags are the main culprit.”

It appears that smoking is, far and away, the biggest factor in (my) heart health.  I don’t quite understand why I should have had my heart attack after having given up smoking (over 9 months ago), but I did.

Having given up, there have been no guilt-trips or nagging, just confirmation that I’ve “done the most important thing”.

I really would not like to be in my situation and still addicted to nicotine.  Smoking is bad for you!

The doctor confirmed that, as the stents are ensuring blood flow to my heart, I should be in better shape now than before the heart attack.  My blood pressure is also “perfect”… the pills are working.

So it’s full speed ahead to the next stage of my recuperation… rehab here I come (after a wee nap of course, it’s been a busy day)!