I have seldom been ill and my friends and family expect nothing but robust good health. However, the sad truth is that for the past 18 months I have spent much of my time in various hospitals and our doctor’s surgery.
Just before the parish carol service last December I tripped over a pile of heavy cables. I went for six and was quickly hoisted to my feet. I didn’t examine my leg until after the service. Beneath my trousers was a gory mess and I then spent several days in Stoke Mandeville Hospital being patched up.
My knee had in fact been replaced in 2017 and I have nothing but praise for the surgeon, Mr Baphinder Mann, who performed that operation. My new knee seemed to be stronger than ever and even the heavy fall in the church failed to dislodge it. Mr Mann was delighted with his handiwork.
More surgery in 2019 at St Thomas’s Hospital where my aortic valve was replaced, a brilliant procedure in which the new valve was inserted through a slot in my groin. I now have to do more to keep fit.
No more adventures I hope.