And Finally....A Note From The Man Himself!

Elizabeth and Christopher have asked me to write the final entry in the blog which has catalogued a very painful chapter in the history of our household.

It’s almost six weeks since family fortunes took a setback in the form of illness which overtook me whilst on holiday in Italy. Today, thanks to the skill of so many members of the medical profession , I’m back home and despite the weakness which goes with illness I’m making progress towards recovery.

My task now is to say thank you – especially to Beryl, Elizabeth and Christopher for standing alongside for the 3 long weeks I was in Italy and for their support when I returned to the UK.

Beryl has said that ‘ we don’t know what we would have done without the support of Elizabeth and Christopher.’ They arranged hotel bookings, car hire and interpreters from the British Embassy. They were also proactive in implementing the insurance cover. Thanks also for the Blog. By this means news updates, messages of prayer and support from very many people have been readily accessed. Thanks to modern technology this has been an added means of considerable encouragement and support in dark days.

The things which will be of lasting memory for me as this event passes into the mists of time are first the unbelievable kindness and compassion of people everywhere. I was especially moved in Italy by the relatives of a dying man in the two bed ward where I was at the time. His daughters tried to encourage me to eat: they spoke not a word of English but took the trouble to cut my food up and to tempt me to eat. Though at the time it seemed like dust and ashes in my mouth.

In Italy in my better moments I tried to discern what place the Pope has in it all. To my surprise people knew about Manchester United and Christiano Ronaldo – there was much interest when it was known that I was from the UK, the Pope didn’t appear to have a similar hold on hospital workers.

The Italian medical team did an excellent job in bringing me through what family members have described as ‘the jaws of death’ which wasn’t easy giving the barriers of language and culture. Likewise I can’t speak highly enough of the care I’ve received in Kings Mill Hospital following an escorted repatriation from Naples to Gatwick.

Thank you again for your friendship, kindness and prayers at a time when the whole world seemed to turn black and through to the betters days of which I’m able to write now.

With my thanks and love to all,

Frank

There's No Place Like Home

After five weeks, one day and five hours I'm pleased to announce that Frank has finally made it home. He was discharged from King's Mill Hospital (in Mansfield) earlier today and is now basking in the glory of home (and a decent cup of tea!).

He's been like a dog with two tails for most of the day. He couldn't be happier to be back at home and has drawn parallels with how it must feel to be released from prison - I'm sure you'll all be treated to a sermon about it one day!

We know a lot of you will want to pop in and say hello so to stem the flow we've decided to hold a lottery. All you have to do is go to communion in any church in the Southwell diocese on Sunday and if you're lucky enough to receive a golden piece of communion bread you can visit! :-)

Joking aside, he's not quite ready for visitors yet and still gets tired quickly. I'll update as he progresses but we’d be grateful if you could give him a little space for the time being.

Thank you again for all your kind words, prayers and support.

Chris

PS Well done to those of you who worked out which hospital he was in from the hints dropped in previous updates!

Easy Does It

Before I start today’s update I’d like to apologise for the lack of information this past week. Elizabeth and I have both had to return to work so it’s been difficult to find the time to write worthwhile articles for you all - I promise to try harder this week!

Anyway, I'm pleased to report that Frank is making good progress. He's still in hospital but has been moved to a pre-release ward, this is a good sign as it shows the hospital is getting ready for him to ‘check out’. He‘s been disconnected from the monitoring equipment and is no longer reliant on oxygen.

The physiotherapy team are still trying to get him mobile although it's hard as he's been in bed for so long. This problem isn’t helped by his constant weariness due to lack of sleep. The medics have tried to help him with this although it's hit and miss with the drugs - nothing a night or two in his own bed wont fix.

Speaking of drugs, the medics are also trying to figure out the correct dose of anticoagulants to prevent any blood clots. He’s at risk of clots because his heart’s not beating like yours or mine. This means that blood could potentially stop moving which could form a clot. If this were to happen it could cause serious problems so they’re trying to get his blood ‘clotability’ to an appropriate level.

The other fly in the ointment is fluid on his lungs. This isn't fluid in his lungs (as that would drown him) but fluid between his lungs and the membrane they're surrounded in. This fluid is accumulating due to Frank's condition and lack of activity. The medical team have given Dad diuretic tablets to try and flush this fluid out, although this is making him need to loo very regularly (another reason he's not getting a good night's sleep!).

The good news is that these are all common problems and, all things considered, he’s actually doing pretty well. He’s much brighter and looks much better now than he did a week ago. He’s able to walk un-aided now and we’re looking forward to him escorting us to the door tomorrow!

More Sleep, More Sustenance

Frank has been much brighter over these past few days. He was grumpy on Sunday due to a poor night's sleep on Saturday night, but much brighter when I spoke to him earlier this morning.

The good news is that his heart is beating regularly again and the fluid on his lungs has gone. This has been a massive boost and although he's not quite out of the woods, it shows that progress has been made.

The main issue now is Frank's lack of mobility. This physiotherapists starting working with him yesterday as this is now the main focus of his recovery. Having been in bed for over a month his muscles are weak and it's slow progress, although he's able to sit out of bed and walk/shuffle around the ward. Now he's sleeping better (and eating 'proper' food) I'm sure he'll be under cars, on top of roofs and back in the pulpit in no time!

He's had various visits from his brother and other family members which has cheered him up. He's not quite ready to see other people just yet, but once he's feeling bright again I'm sure he'll welcome you all with open arms!

Sleep and Sustenance

Frank was a little brighter today. He'd had a good nights sleep and was ready to greet the family at visiting time which was just as well as his cousin popped in tonight. This was a surprise for him as he wasn't aware that she was travelling from Staffordshire especially to see him. His sense of humour returned which was needed when Christopher told him he'd sold both Frank's vehicles plus the caravan to buy himself a new motorbike! 

Frank's still hooked up to the machines which are monitoring his heart and oxygen levels. He's got a sensor clipped to his finger which monitors his pulse rate but he keeps waving his hand and arm around and unclipping the sensor which in turn activates the alarms and brings the nurse running over to him. He's realised that he has to reclip the sensor to his finger straight away in order to turn the alarm off. It was suggested today that if he keeps playing with the sensor, it will soon be attached to another part of his anatomy - his nose! 

The Doctors seem to be concentrating on improving his strength through his diet and sleep as both have been lacking over the last four weeks. Now he's able to eat more and as his strength and energy levels rise then he also needs good quality sleep. These combined will assist his recovery. 

So Close, But So Far

Frank is settling in well to his new home. He gets cups of tea, 'proper' food and is able to speak to the medical staff!

The UK doctors confirmed yesterday that the Italians did the right thing (which was a huge relief to all of us). The team here in the UK agreed that he wouldn't have been safe to travel prior to surgery and are very impressed by his wounds (apparently they're beautiful!).

Saying that, Frank isn't quite out of the woods just yet. His heart is still beating irregularly which in turn reduces its efficiency and so Dad gets breathless very easily. He's back on oxygen to help this, although his oxygen stauration levels (which indicate how much oxygen is in the blood) are good. He also has fluid on the lungs which, although not uncommon after surgery, is something the medics are keeping a close eye on.

Frank still isn't mobile yet and the physiotherapists will be working hard to get him back on his feet. The cardiologist yesterday estimated it could be one or two weeks before Frank is allowed to go home.

We understand that lots of you are keen to find out which hospital Frank is in, although he's not up to visitors just yet. Speaking to him yesterday he was weary after the long journey home and doesn't feel like he's able to 'entertain' just yet - I'll update you all on this when he starts to feel a better.

Back To Blighty

The big news today is that Frank has finally made it back to Blighty!

Yesterday was a long day as Frank, Beryl and Elizabeth all returned to the UK. Frank's journey involved hospital > ambulance > Naples airport > plane > Gatwick airport > ambulance > hospital so he's now safely 'checked in' to a local hospital (with a rather fine new cardiac ward).

It was gone 9:30pm last night by the time the party arrived at the hospital. Once Frank had been processed in A&E it was 11pm before he was taken to the cardiac ward. It took a while for the doctors to go through everything so Mum and I didn't leave until 1am this morning!

Speaking to the hospital today he seems to be doing OK. His stats are a little low and he's been put back onto Oxygen although we think this is a precautionary measure given how little the medics know about his situation. For example, there was no information passed from Italy regarding what drug treatments Frank was on. I've been in contact with the British Embassy to try and find this out, so the medics here have to err on the side of caution until they know more.

On the plus side his wounds all look good, he's had a wash and even had some breakfast - although I don't think he's been let loose on a full English yet!

His brother (who went through this 23 years ago) is travelling over from Staffordshire to visit him today which will give him a boost. He'll also be pestered by the rest of the family who are all very happy to be finally home!

Good News

Frank's had another busy day with various visitors. Cynzia, the Thompsons Welfare Rep came to the Hospital in order to translate for Dad but was not required today as Dr James was also present and was able to communicate with the Doctors himself. Dr James was able to tell Frank about the results of the two ECG'S he had taken during the night and this morning.

The first ECG showed Frank's heart was behaving as it should. The second one picked up the slight arrhythmia again. Dr James told Frank that the arrhythmia could settle down in a couple of days or take anything up to two weeks, depending on his heart and the treatment given to resolve the irregularity. The Italian Doctors are still not overly concerned by this.

Frank was then given the news we've all been waiting for - he's to be discharged from the hospital and can return to England where he'll receive further treatment. Frank was like a Cheshire Cat and as you can imagine is very pleased about this. The arrangements are being put into place at present as he'll travel from the Hospital straight to the airport with his personal physician Dr James. He will stay with Frank throughout the journey and deliver him to a UK Hospital. We also know that Beryl and Elizabeth will be on the same flight, courtesy of the travel insurance company. Frank will then be transferred to a UK Hospital (awaiting to hear which one) where he'll be assessed and sorted out!

Standing Tall

Frank has had another good day. He has not used any additional oxygen today nor had any more chest x rays. We've been told that he does have a slight arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) which again the Doctors do not seem to be overly concerned about. They have prescribed a different drug to help sort this out.

Frank had another visitor today, Dr Chris James. He's an English Intensive Care/Cardiac Doctor and has been brought in by the Insurance Company, to assess Dad with the view to flying him home soon. Unfortunately Dr James doesn't speak Italian either but his English is brilliant...! This has given Frank an additional boost and although he's still weak and feeling sorry for himself, as soon as planes and home are mentioned he's straight away feeling much better!

Frank has been practising his walking this afternoon and gave Beryl and Elizabeth a demonstration during visiting hours this evening. Whereas he was stooping he is now standing up much straighter and is finding walking slightly easier. He had a lesson from Elizabeth on breathing techniques when he returned to his bed as he tries to reach for the oxygen too often!

On A Positive Note

Frank has had a better day today. At lunchtime he was dining at the table sat in his new set of wheels. He was hoping a steering wheel and engine would appear this afternoon so that he could build his own motorised wheelchair! Unfortunately (or fortunately) when he returned to bed the wheelchair was taken away from him.

He received progress reports from today's translator, Laura from the Embassy. The Doctors are still pleased with the progress he's making. The weakness, shortness of breath, lack of confidence regarding his walking and the lack of sleep, are all symptoms they would expect a patient to experience after an operation of this kind. The chest x rays are being taken because Frank has some air on his lungs. The Doctors are monitoring this, but are not overally concerned.

Christopher consulted with the British Heart Foundation who also confirmed that everything Frank is thinking and feeling is quite normal in these circumstances. Frank was relieved to hear this from both Italian and UK sources and as a result this seemed to give him a boost. The UK Doctors don't use the "Inspirational Device", so now Frank thinks he can teach them something new!

A Little Hiccup...

Frank started this morning by working with the Physiotherapist on his walking. He's coming on but is lacking in confidence and so not walking unassisted at present.

He then had a visit from the Rev Kingsley Joyce, Chaplain from Naples. He brought Communion for Dad which he enjoyed. Frank had been looking forward to the Communion Wine - a break from just drinking Adam's Ale for the last three weeks - but was disappointed as only bread was offered.

Frank is back on oxygen to assist with his breathing after his exercising this morning. He feels that his lungs are not as they should be and has had chest x rays. We are awaiting the results.

On a positive note, he's been having ECG'S on a daily basis and the results are good. The nurses are trying to take regular blood samples as well but we think his blood has dried up in the Italian heat!

After all the excitement this morning plus the lunchtime visit from Beryl and Elizabeth, Frank was very tried. He's got into the routine of having a siesta each day and feels he will miss these when we return to the UK. During his spare moments he has now started planning on how he can incorporate his siesta into his busy daily schedule!

One Day At A Time

Today Frank was feeling a little down to begin with. From his perspective he feels he's not progressing as quickly as he thought he would. This was after an hour of blowing on the "Inspiration Device" and a short walk. He found the walk too tiring and returned to his bed a little annoyed with himself. A visit from Beryl and Elizabeth shortly afterwards helped to put things in order.

He's now finding it easier to complete the "Inspirational" exercise (where he blows into the tube and three balls which are weighted differently and raised to the top of the test tubes). He's spending more time on this device than two days ago and is continuing to strengthen his lungs and heart.

He was quite pleased with his appearance when he checked himself out in the mirror. The Hospital Barber had visited earlier and had tidied him up. He thought he looked quite well considering what's happened over the last three weeks.

Frank came to the conclusion that he has been pushing himself too hard and too soon. He's decided to take a step back and take one day at a time. Frank's realised that a breakthrough will come but has to be patient...not something he's very good at being!

So by the end of visiting hours, Frank was a lot happier and relaxed. Plus a phone-call from Christopher helped as well!

One Step At A Time

Frank had a busy day today and was quite tired this evening. He has been encouraged by the Physiotherapist to be more active - this is not easy after being bed ridden for three weeks. Frank being Dad wants to "get up and go" straight away. He's finding it difficult after always being so active and never being this poorly before.

He's trying to start a new trend by wearing his dog collar around his chest. He'd have us believe that this is to support his wound and to prevent him splitting his difference...although we think he's trying to impress upon the largely Catholic medical team how forward thinking and innovative the Anglican Church is!

This is fitting (excuse the pun) as Frank had a visit from a local Anglican Minister today or as Dad called him, a "Sky Pilot". We're sure that Dad isn't ready to be measured up for a while, but when the Physiotherapist heard via the interpreter about the visit he immediately produced a tape measure and a big smile. It's just a shame we can't understand him as we're sure the banter would be priceless.

We've left Dad with pen and paper as (nearly three weeks in) everyone has realised they can understand more if Dad scribbles down words and pictures. Their understanding of written English is better than spoken, so all being well this should simplify matters going forward.

Frank has been encouraged to sit in his chair for longer periods of time. Not easy when the chairs are not designed for comfort. He is also walking now using a "trapeze". To our disappointment this is not the same trapeze found in a circus, but a walking frame designed to support his weight. That being said I'm sure it'll not be long before he's walking the tight rope once again!

Get Up And Go

Frank was again in good spirits today, especially when Elizabeth arrived to see him (bringing today's newspaper on time...for the first time in three weeks!). He has improved so much in the past 24 hours that he's now had all the medical equipment removed, which is a fantastic sign.

He's still weak (one of the problems of being in bed for three weeks) although the medical team and physiotherapists are working on this. He's being encouraged to get out of bed, to sit in a chair and walk around the ward. He's also been given breathing exercises to help strengthen his heart and lungs.

One of the toys he's been given is designed specifically to improve his lungs inhale air. This device consists of three test tubes that each contain a different coloured ball. The balls are weighted differently and the object is to inhale with enough force to lift all the balls to the top of their respective tubes. Amusingly, this device is called an 'Inspirational Exercise Device' so with a bit of luck this might help his sermons as well as his heart and lungs!

Assuming Frank continues to improve I will be returning to the UK on Friday leaving Elizabeth and Beryl here to hold the fort. She (Elizabeth) will be updating the blog in my absence although I'll still be contactable via email (see above) or by phone (07712 890470) for any of you who would like updates but don't have access to this blog or the Internet.

At this time I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you all again for all the love and support you have shown us over these past few weeks. It is humbling to hear such kind words, thoughts and prayers from so many of you. We are printing your emails and blog comments out daily for Frank who has been overwhelmed by your response - thank you.

Chris

A Room With A View

After five days in intensive care Frank was moved today to a standard (post cardiac surgery) ward. This was great news as it shows he's making positive steps on the road to recovery. He's been unplugged from the monitoring equipment with only a drip and nasal cannula remaining. He was able to sit in a chair and stand today, tomorrow the physiotherapist will be re-introducing him to walking which will be a big step forward (excuse the pun!).

He's now in a room with one other chap (and a TV). Sadly the other gentleman and television are both Italian so there's little there in the way of entertainment for him. On the plus side we are able to visit him more frequently, without the need to get scrubbed up, which makes things easier.

He was again bright and chirpy today. He's not lost his sense of humour and although he's not managed to get his full English yet he is now being fed solids. It's just light pasta soup and cooked fruit at the moment although as he gets stronger he'll be fed more substantially. We're under strict instructions not to 'smuggle' anything in to him as his diet is strictly controlled. However we are allowed to bring him a tea as he's missing a good cuppa, the problem is finding one in Italy!

Elizabeth will be joining us in Italy tomorrow which should also cheer him up. It will be nice to have the whole family together to help him get back on his feet.

A Breath Of Fresh Air

I'm pleased to be telling you all that Frank was much better today. He is no longer on a ventilator and is able to breathe by himself.

We were able to spend around 45 minutes with him and although he's not quite ready to run the London marathon he was looking good. He's still wired in to all kinds of machinery although the important ones (i.e. the mechanical ventilator and inter aortic balloon pump) have been removed so his heart and lungs are working completely on their own.

He is still weak but was fully conscious and coherent. He was very chatty and even cracking the odd joke - he was hungry and tried to explain to the Italians that he wanted a 'Full English'. Needless to say they didn't agree that double egg, sausage, bacon and beans (with a side of fried bread) was the best course of action. But they did give him something out of a jar which looked suspiciously like baby food. Apparently this is standard practice as he's not allowed any solid food for 24 hours after he's been taken off a ventilator...much to his dismay.

He had no recollection of our visit yesterday although both Mum and I had great delight in telling him about his reaction when we mentioned Elizabeth's name!

The medical team seemed happy with his progress and all being well he should be moved onto a standard ward sometime tomorrow (just in time to reap the rewards of this year's bumper spaghetti harvest! :-)

Under The Influence

For the first time since Wednesday 27th May we were able to see Frank today. He’s still in the intensive care unit although the medical team let us visit him for a short while (with rubber gloves and shoe protectors on!).

He was still under the effects of the anaesthetic when we saw him although he did open his eyes a few times. It's difficult to know whether he knew we were there (or whether he'll remember us being there) but his eyes bulged with delight when we told him Elizabeth would be joining us soon. He couldn't move or speak and drifted between eyes closed and eyes half open (a bit like a drunk person does when they've over done things). Saying that though it was nice to see him and talk to him at last. His skin looked good, he had a good colour and if you removed all the tubes and pipes you'd think he was just having a nap.

The latest update from the embassy this evening is that he's completely off the anaesthetic. He's still being ventilated but this is because mechanical ventilation is something that needs to be reduced gradually. Overall, the medical team believe he's making good progress, the situation is under control and it's just a case now of waiting for nature to do its work.

All being well he'll be fully conscious when we go and see him tomorrow - we'll then be able to pass on all the well wishes we've had from everyone reading this blog!

A Dark Day

Things have not been so good today.

Mum and I arrived at the hospital just before midday expecting to see Frank recovering in the cardiac ward. However, after two hours of waiting around we spoke to the medical team and there have been some problems.

Frank was doing well and was all set to be moved to a normal ward and then started having breathing difficulties. These difficulties were so severe that the medical staff have had to put him into a medically induced coma in order to stabilise him.

The problem is that they wont know if he will be able to breathe on his own again until they wake him up. His heart is still weak and the coma is in order for the body to completely rest and heal.

The anaesthetist says that complications of this nature happen in about 10% of patients and that when things go wrong they tend to go wrong quickly. The first few hours after the event are critical. Our last update from the hospital was at 2pm CET and it is now past 6pm CET so we're hoping that no news is good news.

We've still not been able to see him as he's still in the intensive care unit. With a bit of luck the medical staff will relax their stance tomorrow and we'll be able to pop our heads around the door.

I will update again as soon as I find anything out...

The Day After

We’ve not been able to see Frank today as he’s being kept in a clean intensive care unit. This is normal procedure after surgery of this magnitude, so nothing to worry about.

From what the medical team are telling us Frank seems to be doing well, he’s stable and everything has (so far) gone to plan. He’s breathing on his own now although his heart is being assisted by a machine called an Inter Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP). This machine reduces the amount of work the heart needs to do which in turn should expedite the healing process. All being well he should come off this machine later today and then he’ll be ‘flying solo’ once again.

Tomorrow morning the medics will decide whether he is well enough to be moved onto a normal cardiac ward or whether he’ll have to stay in intensive care. Hopefully he’ll be moved and we’ll be able to see him (for the first time since Wednesday!).

Bypass Day

It was with great surprise that we received a phone call at 11am this morning informing us that the hospital was going to proceed with the bypass operation. This wasn’t due to a medical emergency but because Frank’s blood enzyme levels have returned to normal and they didn’t see the point of waiting any longer.

Unfortunately, with the hospital being 40 miles away we weren’t able to get to see him before they started surgery. However, speaking to the doctors directly after the operation it seemed to go well.

We have had further communication with the medical team, four hours after surgery, and he appears to be doing well. There are no complications or causes for concern and he is sleeping off the affects of the anesthetic.

He is due to be kept in a sterile intensive care unit for the next 48 hours. This is a strictly controlled environment so we wont be able to see him until he’s moved to a regular ward. All being well this should happen on Saturday. So tomorrow is a ‘day off’ from hospital visiting although we will be speaking with the medical team throughout the day and arranging our hotel move to be closer to him.

Sign here please...

Frank was good today. The medical team have been able to get him up and out of bed for the first time since Sunday 17th May. He was out of bed for nearly an hour and in that time was able to sit on a chair, stand up and move his toes and feet around. They’re going to let him loose walking around the ward tomorrow!

The operation is still planned for Monday 1st June. The British Embassy were on hand today and went through the consent form with Frank and the doctors. It turns out they are going to be using a relatively new technique to perform the bypass where they don’t stop the heart. This is called ‘Beating-Heart Surgery’ which (all being well) should reduce the risk of complications arising during the procedure.

The consent form has now been signed by Frank and the medical team so from now until Monday it will be full steam ahead to prepare him for the operation.

The Italian Job

This blog has been created to try and update everyone on Frank's progress while in hospital in Italy.

My aim is to update this blog every day with the latest update from the hospital. It's becoming increasing difficult (and costly) to keep everyone updated by phone so we felt this was the easiest way of keeping everyone up to speed.

Before I begin we'd all like to thank everyone for their love, support and kind words throughout this difficult time.

At 7:30am on Sunday 17th May (two days in to our holiday) Frank started complaining of chest pains. We took him to a local A&E clinic here in Sorrento (expecting to be told it was indigestion) to discover he'd suffered a heart attack. He was then rushed by ambulance to a specialist cardiac clinic 40 miles from Sorrento.

On Monday 18th May at around 2am he suffered a second heart attack. This was more severe than the first, the results of which meant his heart was only able to work at 20% of it's normal capacity.

The Italian medical team (who have been fantastic) have since stablilised him and discovered that he has three blocked arteries that supply blood to the left ventricle. Due to these blockages the medics wont certify him fit to travel until he's had surgery (aka a triple bypass).

After the second attack his heart was being helped by a machine. This machine was removed on Wednesday 20th May and since then he has been 'flying solo'. His heart is much better (the medics have been surprised at how well he's healed) although he's still not in a position to return to the UK before surgery.

He's in a ward called 'UTIC' which stands for Unita Terepia Intensiva Coronarica, or coronary intensive care in English. The hospital he's in is called "Casa Di Cura San Michele" which is in Maddaloni (just in case anyone wants to google it). It's been difficult as the medical team don't speak any English and we don't speak any Italian. Due to the severity of patients on the ward we only get to see him for an hour a day, although we make the best of the time we have together.

Thomsons (our tour operator) have been outstanding with all the help they've provided. We also have the British Embassy involved and they have been providing translations for us.

Every day we go to see him he looks better and stronger. Given the gravity of the situation and circumstances in which it occured he has been coping amazingly well.

The current plan is for him to undergo surgery on Monday 1st June. This will give the heart time to heal before the surgeons perform their magic.

Once again, thank you for all the support we've had. Elizabeth is back in the UK now playing the 'UK Liaison' role whereas myself and Mum have extended our stay in Italy indefinitely.

Christopher

PS Feel free to add comments or posts if you have any messages you'd like us to pass on to Frank.