JournalBCPA

BRITISH CARDIAC PATIENTS ASSOCIATION

Issue 210October / November 2016

The official journal of the

www.BCPA.euadmin@BCPA.euTHE

PATIENT AND CARERS

INDEPENDENT VOICE

From me to youSacrifice - What have you sacrificed for your

Cardiac Fitness - Corey BeecherRicky’s Quickies

RecipesNews from around the areas

Dates for your diariesMembership- How to join

Plus more articles

2

BCPA Journal Issue 210

National Helpline – 01223 846845Do you have concerns or worries that you would like to talk to someone about?Our telephone helpline, as part of our national support services, normally operates 9.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Saturday. If you get no reply please leave your name and number, and we shall attend to your call as soon as possible.All the people who answer our helplines have been patients or carers so are likely to understand your concerns because they have been there.

The Journal is the bimonthly magazine of theBRITISH CARDIAC PATIENTS ASSOCIATIONalso known as BCPA. Registered Charity 289190

President: Professor John Wallwork CBE DL FMedSci; Vice-Presidents: Alan Bowcher DMS FFA, Derek Holley OBE, FCA

Executive OfficersChairman: & Journal Editor: Keith Jackson

Vice-Chairman: Dr Richard Maddison Tel: 01234 212293 Treasurer: Derek Holley

BCPA Head Office: 15 Abbey Road, Bingham, Notts NG13 8EE Tel: 01949 837070Email: admin@BCPA.eu Website: www.BCPA.eu

Opinions expressed in the Journal are not necessarily those of the Editor or the BCPA. No item may be reproduced without consent.

Advertisements must conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the BCPA. © Copyright 2016 BCPA and/or the authors

Designed, printed and mailed by Core Publications Limited - mail@corepublicationslimited.co.uk

Contents Co-ordinatorsCambridge: Tony Ward 01223 860329Halton: Betty Rogers 07710 485727Lincoln: Bill Lawton, Chairman & acting Co-ordinator 01522 703026Peterborough: Gordon Wakefield 01733 577629South East London & Kent: Chris Howell 01689 821413Staffordshire: Eddie Coxon 01782 416143Warrington: Dennis Atkinson 01925 824856Wirral: Barrie Harding 0151 608 6212Wrexham: Alan Ellis 01978 352862

ContactsBedford: contact BCPA Head Office 01949 837070Belfast: John Hamill 028 9081 3649Cannock Area: Brian Nicholls 01922 412753Chester: contact BCPA Head Office 01949 837070Cornwall: John Genower 01209 215220East Suffolk: contact BCPA Head Office 01949 837070Hull & East Riding: Stephen Hackett 01482 561710Huntingdon: Mike Simpson 07840 755513Llandudno: Joan Owen 01492 876926North Staffordshire Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ICD Group: James Lyons 01782 852509Oxfordshire: Chris Gould 01491 872454Swindon: Jim Harris 01793 534130Worthing and the Martlets: George Beer 01903 824373West Suffolk & South West Norfolk: contact BCPA Head Office 01949 837070

Affiliated GroupsChelmsford & District Cardiac Support: Malcolm Gibson 01621 893064Chester Heart Support: Peter Diamond 01244 851441Croydon Heart Support: Ken Morcombe 020 8657 2511King of Hearts, Redbridge, Essex: Tony Roth 020 8252 0877Southend Take Heart: George Turner 01702 421522Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support: Ken Timmis 01902 755695

Cover photo: Autumn Foliage - Shutterstock

2 Co-Ordinators, Contacts and Affiliated Groups3 From Me to You - Keith Jackson4 BCPA Weekend and AGM 20174 Sacrifice - What have you sacrificed for your cardiac fitness - Corey Beecher 5 Ricky’s Quickies - Dr Richard Maddison6 Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to Apedale - Margaret Rimmer7 Recipes7 Try something new- Corey Beecher8 Full Circle - Gordon Wakefield9 Cryptic Crossword10 An Everyday Story - Chris Hodgson11 News from around the areas14 Dates for your diaries15 Membership - How to join

3

www.BCPA.eu

From me to youKeith Jackson, National Chairman

I am producing these notes on the 7th September, much later than usual due to my having been away from home. Looking at the sun shining through the

window causes me to look back on the season. Has it been a good summer? I think so and with many friends telling me how brown I look it must be so. This time last year I was commenting on the August rains. Over the past few weeks it has been gloriously hot while prior to this we were all wondering if any summer weather was to show. What a peculiar season it has been. However, we are now moving into autumn, the colours are starting to change, so make the most of what is left of the good weather before winter comes upon us.Grand Draw 2016We are in the season of the Grand Draw. This is the one event in which the whole Association has the opportunity to support other patients by purchasing tickets for the draw. Proceeds from this go into the Norma Jackson General Hospital fund. It is this fund which assists in the purchase of equipment for cardiac units around the country. Thank you to those of you who have already returned the ticket stubs. To those who have not yet done so there is still time up until the end of October. Perhaps do so while it is in your mind.I am well aware that we are all regularly being asked to purchase raffle tickets and that sales are more difficult as people seem to prefer to purchase Lottery Tickets. However, this is the one time of the year when we all have the opportunity to contribute to this aspect of the Association’s work. May I urge you all to support the Grand Draw, and in turn other patients, as much as you are able. At this stage it would seem that the number of ticket stubs being returned is much reduced.This in turn means a smaller sum of money being available to support patients. If you have not yet done so and are able to support this years Grand Draw your support will be much appreciated.Membership RenewalsAs always, a big thank you to everyone who supports the Association through membership. The vast majority of Annual members renew in April which is a great help. There are always those who overlook doing this but then respond to the reminder sent out in August. To the fifty or so that responded to this final reminder a big thank you. It is regrettable that, for whatever reason a number of members have chosen not to respond and are therefore lost to the Association. Do please remember that it is only by your support that the Association is able to help others.Travel and other insurancesThank you to those of you who have taken advantage of insurance through Unique. Unique have been able to provide travel insurance to many members; members that had in many instances been unable

to get suitable cover with other companies. Unique, (Heath Lambert Ltd), after ten years of working with the BCPA, are no longer able to provide this service to BCPA members. A big thank you to them on behalf of all members that have been able to take advantage of the service during the ten year period. I am currently in negotiation with an alternate provider and anticipate being able to provide full information in the December Journal. Holders of annual travel cover and other insurances with Unique will continue to be covered until the expiry of their current policies.An Invitation.The BCPA Journal is your Journal. It is the main means of communication with Association members. As Journal Editor I do my utmost to keep members informed on cardiac care issues. In addition items of more general information are published as they become availableIn addition it is always pleasing to receive items for inclusion into the Journal from members and others who may be reading this copy. If anyone has items which they would like to see included or ideas and suggestions for future material may I provide an invitation to you all to contact me. Either send me items, or ring to discuss future possibilities. I am always pleased to hear from you. Please phone 01949 837070 or email admin@bcpa.eu BCPA website www.BCPA.eu Not all members have access to the web, an increasing number now do. If you are one of that growing number and have not yet looked what is contained on our website may I urge you to do so. Please be aware of the changed web address to www.BCPA.euAmongst a growing range of information you will find the following:

• A membership application/renewal form should you wish to use it

• Newsletters from some of the BCPSA Area Groups• Travel and other insurances• General health information• Information fact sheets on a range of heart issues and

an extensive Glossary.• Our website continues to attract attention. Why not

become one of that growing number of people using this source.

DonationsMrs S Pollard of Peterborough donated £160 to the BCPA Papworth Hospital Fund received in gifts for her 80th Birthday.Mr J Ankers Newcastle £100 a long time recipient of an Aortic Valve.

4

BCPA Journal Issue 210

Our annual weekend and AGM is to be held at Woodland Grange Hotel and Conference Center, Old Malverton Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 6RN during the weekend of 12-14 May 2017. Woodland Grange is and attractive centre set in 16 acres of parkland. As always the BCPA aim to chose an hotel with easy access. Members have the M40, M42, M6 and M69 to chose from.A very attractive weekend package is available with the hotel at a cost of £140 per person (double room) and £160 (single room) Friday to Sunday including dinner Friday evening and the Gala Dinner on Saturday.The 35th Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 13th May 2017 commencing at 2.45 with a speaker followed by the formal meeting at 3.30pm.Many attractive visiting opportunities are available during the weekend including Coventry Warwick Castle and Stratford.Book the date now to come along and enjoy a delightful relaxing but important weekend in the life of the BCPA. Future Journal will give details, and I’ll have booking forms, tel 01949 836430

BCPA Weekend and AGM 2017

Sacrifice-What have you sacrificed for your Cardiac Fitness? - Corey Beecher

It’s the middle of August in Olympic year, medals are being won by Team GB left, right and centre. There are too many hours I’m spending sitting on the sofa with my children watching sport rather than participating in some. How many pounds will I be gaining with the addition calorific intake of tea? What will I sacrifice to lose these calories when the Olympics is over?

Sacrifice is a word I am hearing the competitors in all sports mentioning when being interviewed after their competition. They explain that they have all made sacrifices, missing children’s birthdays, wedding anniversaries, even the birth of children as their training may be in a foreign country. This applies for all of the competitors, not just the medal winners? Every single competitor has made similar sacrifices. They have put their body on the line to push themselves to the absolute limit, in search of the achievements that the human body is capable of. Even when they are putting themselves through a tough training regime over the Christmas period to find that one fraction of a second difference between them and the others aiming for the same goal? It may be just one extra sacrifice to find that they are the gold medallist. This pushed my mind into a tailspin and I wondered to what level I would sacrifice the valuable time with my family? The endless torture of putting my body through the hardest sessions of training I know. Avoiding illness at all costs, worrying about the way I fuelled my body every single day. Not to mention being available for the random drug tests in and out of competition. Ensuring that I could give the authorities a one hour window where I would be at a certain place very day. Just in case it was my luck for the test to happen to me that day? All in the pursuit of one competition that falls once every four years?My conclusion was that these are very special people and I get a little bit frustrated when a journalist asks them if they are going to make the same sacrifices to gain funding, put in the training hours, hurt their body every day, through thick and thin with no guarantee of even making the qualifying standards, straight after their competition? How insensitive is that? They are trying to manage the excitement or disappointment of winning or losing, lowering the adrenaline flow or emotional release that is only human nature? Just let them work out what they need to and re-evaluate their needs and wants for the next stage of their career? Personally I could not make those sacrifices to my life to aim for such a small opportunity in such a small timeframe. Not that I would have the personal discipline in the first instance.Then I wondered what the cardiac patients have sacrificed in pursuit of their cardiac fitness? However small you may feel it is or was there is probably something that has had to go in pursuit of this additional fitness. Sit yourself down and think about what you have sacrificed or if there is not anything to date, what would you sacrifice for that additional few years of quality of life for your heart? Once you have thought, please put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to let us know what your thoughts are?

5

www.BCPA.eu

Ricky’s QuickiesDr Richard Maddison

Anti-clotting drug approval for longer useNICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, have just recommended that heart attack patients take the anticoagulant ticagrelor for longer. In their new draft guidance, they recommend patients who have had a heart attack should continue the drug for up to three years after their initial 12-month dose.1

Ticagrelor at a higher 90mg dose with aspirin is already standard treatment for 12 months following a heart attack. Patients were previously advised to take aspirin alone after this time.

The new draft guidance recommends ticagrelor at the lower dose of 60mg alongside aspirin without interruption following the initial 12-months treatment, for up to three years or until clinically indicated, to help reduce risk of heart attacks and strokes.1

Heart attack preventionWith existing treatments, up to a quarter of patients who have had a heart attack have another heart attack or a stroke. The aim is to reduce this.

Thousands of patients would reap the benefits of the new recommendation, which comes at a cost of £1 per dose, so £2 daily.

NICE decided to put the cap at three years due to ‘limited data’ on the drug’s efficacy and safety over longer periods than this – particularly regarding how it could affect bleeding risk.Ticagrelor, trade name Brilique, made by AstraZeneca, is an oral antagonist.1 An antagonist is a drug that blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses.2 An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor molecule and causes the receptor to produce a biological response.2 Thus the antagonist blocks the action of the agonist. Antagonists are sometimes called ‘blockers’ – e.g alpha blocker, beta blocker, and calcium channel blocker.

ConclusionResearch evidence has shown that ticagrelor, in combination with aspirin, is effective at reducing the risk of further heart attacks and strokes in people who have already had a heart attack.1

Sources1 www.gponline.com online 12 Aug 20162 Wikipedia

Adolescent Body-Mass Index and later heart-related deathsIn the light of the worldwide increase in childhood obesity, researchers examined the association between body-mass index (BMI) in late adolescence and death from cardiovascular causes in adulthood.3

They grouped data on BMI, as measured from 1967 through 2010 in 2.3 million Israeli adolescents (mean age, 17.3±0.4 years), according to age- and sex-specific percentiles from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Primary outcomes were the number of deaths attributed to coronary heart disease, stroke, sudden death from an unknown cause, or a combination of all three categories (total cardiovascular causes) by mid-2011.

During 42,297,007 person-years of follow-up, 2918 of 32,127 deaths (9.1%) were from cardiovascular causes, including 1497

from coronary heart disease, 528 from stroke, and 893 from sudden death.

ConclusionsA BMI in the 50th to 74th percentiles, within the accepted normal range, during adolescence was associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality during 40 years of follow-up. Overweight and obesity were strongly associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in adulthood.3

Source3 N Engl J Med 2016; 374:2430-2440 June 23, 2016 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1503840

Ticagrelor versus Aspirin in Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic AttackIn summary, ticagrelor may be a more effective antiplatelet therapy than aspirin for the prevention of recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events in patients with acute cerebral ischemia.4

Researchers did a double-blind trial in 674 centres in 33 countries. They gave 13,199 patients with a non-severe stroke or TIA either treatment based on ticagrelor or on aspirin for 90 days. The primary end point was the time to the occurrence of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 90 days.

In the trial involving patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, ticagrelor was not found to be superior to aspirin in reducing the rate of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death at 90 days.

Source4 Ticagrelor versus Aspirin in Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack. Cardiology Update from NEJM.org 6 Jun 2016 online

People’s experiences of heart diseaseLast year, as one of a group of selected patients, I was interviewed about my heart failure and related issues. Those interviews have now been made available online.

My interview is available at http://www.healthtalk.org/peoples-experiences/heart-disease/heart-failure/richard

More widely all the heart-disease interviews can be viewed starting fromhttp://www.healthtalk.org/peoples-experiences/heart-disease.

Other interviews on a wide range of people’s experiences, with an A-Z index of topics, are available fromhttp://www.healthtalk.org/peoples-experiences.

6

BCPA Journal Issue 210

A few years ago friendships were formed between the Staffordshire Group and the Halton Group at the BCPA AGM. Subsequently, the Staffordshire Group came to one of our meetings then we were invited to meet the Staffordshire Group at The Thistleberry Hotel. Both visits were very successful and everyone enjoyed them. Eddie Coxon and his group then came up with the idea of inviting us to meet them again at the Apedale Heritage Centre. So on 26th July we set off from Runcorn for our trip to the Apedale Heritage Centre. The weather forecast was good (well rain wasn’t forecast so that was the best we could hope for). We arrived mid-morning and Eddie was there to meet us and open the gate for us. We all went into the coffee shop where we were welcomed by members of the Staffordshire Group and the staff at The Apedale Heritage Centre. The staff gave us a brief history about how this area had made an important contribution to the economy and culture of generations of Staffordshire people and they explained what we would be doing at the heritage centre that day.We split up into three groups. One group went down the mine, another went on the train (The Apedale Valley Light Valley Railway) and the third group had a guided tour of the museum. The mine tour group put on their safety helmets and went off for the underground tour which took about an hour. They were shown the workings of the mine and found out how the coal was mined and they were also told about the working life of the miners. Everyone who went on the tour said it was a little daunting going down the incline but it was fascinating due to the knowledge of the guides and they said they were pleased they had taken the tour.The guided tour of the museum was very interesting, taking us back to the Romans who built a fort and a settlement in nearby Chesterton. The heritage centre site was once a working coal mine so lots of interesting mining artefacts were on display including a mine rescue van and mining lamps. We were also shown the emotional reports of three local mining disasters including the Minnie Pit disaster. Seeing the names and ages of the young miners who were killed was very thought provoking. The miners’ cottages, complete with outside loo, were a source of great interest and amusement, especially when we all realised we recognised some of the artefacts, such as tin baths, dolly pegs and mangles, from our own childhoods. Once again the tour guide’s knowledge made this a very interesting tour and we were reluctant to leave the museum. We could have stayed there for hours!We found out that the volunteers from the Moseley Railway Trust had opened the railway especially for us because it is usually only open at weekends so we were very grateful to them for this kind gesture. The volunteers have created a 2’0” gauge railway running alongside the Apedale Community Country Park.

Once again, the volunteers took the time to explain the history of the area and the railway and we enjoyed our trip on the train looking at the lovely scenery.All too soon it was time to leave the heritage centre and make our way to The Thistleberry Hotel where the Staffordshire Group meets. Once again we received friendly hospitality and we had delicious fish and chips. The chips were so delicious some of our members asked the chef how they were cooked! Then we had a raffle with lots of lovely prizes which were kindly provided by the Staffordshire Group. We had found out by this stage that we would be leaving a bit later than we planned because the alternator belt had broken on our coach. While we were waiting for the mechanic to come from Runcorn to fix it Margaret and Eddie from the Staffordshire Group kindly organised tea and coffee for us all. The staff at the Thistleberry Hotel dealt with this unexpected request with patience and humour. Soon it was time to leave and we waved goodbye to our friends at the Staffordshire Group.We are so grateful for Eddie and his group for organising the day out for us. We are still talking about what a great day it was and I am sure we will still be talking about it for many years to come.

Didn’t We Have a Lovely Time the Day We Went to Apedale!

- By Margaret Rimmer Halton Group

7

www.BCPA.eu

The following BCPA Journal recipes are reproduced from earlier issues in memory of the late Janet Jackson

How many do you remember?

• Headlight dimmer switches on the floor.• Ignition switches were on the dashboard and there was a magazine

shelf underneath.• Using hand signals for cars without indicators.• You had to pull the "choke" out to start the engine • MOT's hadn't been invented.• One license covered everything on wheels.• Bicycle clips for bicycles without chain guards.• Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner.

8

BCPA Journal Issue 210

How True is ThisHave you ever thought that we old folk are worth a fortune? We have Silver in our Hair, Gold in our Teeth, Stone in our Kidneys, Lead in our Feet and Gas in our Stomachs. I have become older since I last saw you and a few changes have come into my life, frankly I have become a frivolous old woman, I am seeing six gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed then I go to see jimmy Riddle, by now it’s time for my breakfast with Mr Kellogg followed by the refreshing company of Mr. Tetley or my other friend who I only know by his initials, P.G. Later along comes someone who I don’t like at all, Arthur Ritis – he knows he’s not welcome but insists on being here and stays for the rest of the day, what’s more he doesn’t like staying in the same place , so he’s always taking me from joint to joint.After such a hectic day I am glad to get into bed with Johnnie Walker of course, what a hectic life! Oh yes, I nearly forgot to mention that I am flirting with Al Zeimer too.The vicar came to call the other day and said that at my age I should be thinking of the Hereafter, I told him I did all the time, for no matter where I am, in the bedroom, the kitchen, the sitting room or in the garden I am constantly asking myself “Now what am I after”.Well I’ll close now and hope that Will Power is your constant companion too but make sure that his friend Emma Royd doesn’t creep up on you from behind and always watch for that crafty one Gerry Attic.

From Eddie Coxon.

FULL CIRCLEby GORDON WAKEFIELDFor the last sixteen years I have been the co-ordinator of the Peterborough Branch, and enjoyed the experience.In 1998 after a couple of heart attacks I was taken to the London Chest Hospital in Poplar London, I was living at that time in Clacton on Sea. Nothing was mentioned about the B.C.P.A whilst I was there for four weeks.In 1999 the Cambridge Branch had a trip to Clacton and came to the Summer Cascade Show at the Westcliffe theatre, where Winnie and I did voluntary work as Users and ice-cream sellers. The star of the show was Bernie Clifton, who in his warm up at the start of the show asked who people were and where they came from.The Cambridge party stated they were the ZIPPER Club; this was picked up by Bernie throughout the show, with much fun being made.At the end of the show it was the custom for all the cast to assemble in the foyer to wish the patrons farewell. During this time Bernie was given a copy of the Journal. This I managed to obtain from him and joined the B.C.P.A.In late 1999 I decided it was time to retire, having reached 67, decided to move to Peterborough to be nearer my daughter. Good I thought, there is a Branch there, the second eldest, and then came a shock. Two months before we moved in the December (2000), the Journal arrived with news that Peterborough was closing.A telephone call to Ron and Trish Plant who were retiring, soon arranged a meeting when they explained all about how the branch was run and what it entailed. Winnie and I travelled over to attend the November meeting and decided to have a go at carrying the Branch on.The Branch has had its ups and downs, what with having to change venues and dates for meetings. We finally settled in the Cherry Tree Pub where we still meet today. We had good numbers at first, then as the numbers dropped (some of our members did not like coming out at night in the Winter) and due to people moving away and passing away, also it also got a bit difficult and expensive for speakers, it was decided to carry on as a monthly lunch as we liked the idea of still seeing each other. Sadly now we are down to only nine of us meeting, and for some reason Peterborough people are not responding to the idea of joining. I have now decided it is time for me to give up the post, due mainly to health problems and of course getting older. Our last meeting will be the November 2016 meeting - So this takes in the “Full Circle”, unless????????Footnote: Peterborough Area Group, opening in February 1983, was the first area group to be formed outside of Cambridge. Until recent times it has been a strong group but, like a number of others, has witnessed a decline in members wishing to attend any form of support group. Ron and Trish Plant did a sterling job in co-ordinating the group.

This was then so ably taken on by Gordon and Winnie Wakefield. More recently numbers have been small and, understandably Gordon and Win sixteen years on have decide the time has come for them to retire. There are 100 members in the Peterborough group with around 10 members currently meeting monthly for lunch. The Group have always been a staunchly supported of the work of the BCPA in Papworth Hospital. Gordon ends his journal entry with a challenge. “Full circle”, unless?Is there an individual, or a small number of members, currently or not, attending the group that may be interested in taking the group forward. If so please contact either Gordon or myself to discuss the possibility.Keith Jackson BCPA Chairman

9

www.BCPA.eu

Cryptic Crossword

Across1. Head with ponytail is dominating (5)4. All round promotions in short, something to sing about (7)7. Fight angry dispute for small bird (7)8. Monotonous sounding insect (5)10. End of term beers for men (5)11. Headless fish don't start to intimidate floating voter (7)12. A most varied number of particles (5)14. An aspect of character, directed at the audience (5)19. Fables created when part of a journey is over (7)21. Something big in spectacular gesture (5)22. Make a catapult out of a bandage (5)23. Sheepish puff is violent (7)24. Tiny Dickensian character, lazily in a bashful manner (7)25. Is ant confused or something smooth? (5)

Down2. Evidence of wound allowed to become reddish (7)3. Threads and tales can both be spun (5)4. Curve directed, cricketer out (6)5. Tail-end snakes used for climbing (7)6. A boxing match, roughly (5)7. Closely similar but mixed up as me (4)9. Sounds corny but walls have them too (4)13. Male matured, coped well (7)15. Living quarters, insect asleep for now (7)16. Arrange pals to form a chain (4)17. Homeless cat, far from the right path (6)18. Find warmth, sunbathe at noon (4)20. Sounds like gruesome siblings could tell a story (5)21. Switched palms, illuminating (5)

Solution on page 13

• Most seniors never get enough exercise.

In his wisdom God decreed that seniors

become forgetful so that they would have

to search for their glasses keys and other

things thus doing more walking. And God

looked down and saw that it was good.

• Then God saw there was another need.

In his wisdom He made seniors lose

coordination so they would drop things

requiring them to bend, reach & stretch.

And God looked down and saw that it was

good

• Then God considered the function of

bladders and decided seniors would have

additional calls of nature requiring more

trips to the bathroom, thus providing

exercise. God looked down and saw that

it was good. So if you find as you age, you

are getting up and down more, remember

it is God’s will. It is all in your best interest

even though you mutter under your

breath.

Supplied by Guy Jackson

God’s plan for aging

10

BCPA Journal Issue 210

It was 2006 and we were on holiday in South Africa to attend a friend’s wedding, Cape Town is a really beautiful city, we had plans to tour the Eastern Cape up what they call the garden route, climbing a steep hill to catch the view, I noticed a “discomfort” in the chest and had to stop for a moment or two. Very much in the same way 2 years later, we were visiting the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, and whilst dragging heavy suitcases through snow, I got the same “discomfort” in the chest and just had to pause for a

while.These, as far as I recall, were the only warning signs I had that there may have been something wrong in a cardiac sense. Thankfully, I decided that straight after that Christmas I should ask Kettering General Hospital just to check me out, just as a precaution. After an ECG, all fine, I was hooked up and put on a running machine. It was not until right at the end of the 4 minute running test when the operator said “hang on there is something here” next I was sent to have an angiogram. I was lying on my bed waiting for the results when the Egyptian consultant leant over me and said “Mr Hodgson, I don’t think I can stent this, there is a blockage in the left main stem, I think you are going to need a graft.”At the time I had absolutely no idea what a graft was, I explained that in a month’s time we were off to Singapore and Ko Sumui for a special holiday, disappointingly he explained “ I don’t think you are!”I have always been reasonably fit and without being overweight I really had no sense of any cardiac danger but the test advised otherwise albeit my consolation was that I had apparently never had a heart attack.I asked to be referred to Papworth Hospital; we are a St. Ives family and I had a good knowledge of Papworth right from the early days of heart transplants. I knew that I would be in a specialist heart hospital and would also feel more comfortable on home ground. Before Debbie and myself went to Papworth for my appointment with Mr Samer Nashef, I had a telephone call from Kettering General Hospital inviting me to physio sessions now I had had my heart surgery! I thought this was slightly ahead of events but I was never the less booked in.At our meeting with Mr Nashef, he started the conversation with “you are going to have an operation that could kill you!”, we asked what are the chances of that happening to be told it is a 1/400 chance. Not the worst odds, so we were ok with that on the basis that he hadn’t just completed 399 successful bypasses.He reassured us that I was fairly low risk as I had had no heart attacks and was relatively healthy. I think it is true to say that we were very happy with Mr Nashef’s direct approach and had faith in him from the word go, he explained the waiting list for cardiac surgery at Papworth was three to six months but that the hospital had

an arrangement at the time with the Cromwell Hospital in London whereby Papworth consultants could use the operating theatres there; if I was willing to travel to London, I could have the operation done there within a two to three week period. We readily agreed.A couple of weeks later we travelled to the Cromwell Hospital on a Sunday afternoon and were shown into what looked like a hotel room with a hospital bed in, we sat and watched the six nations rugby. The staff were very service orientated and very helpful. The operation was scheduled for the following day. I was told I could eat nothing after 3am that Monday morning, perhaps rather cheekily, I had breakfast served at 2:45am.I don’t think I was particularly concerned about the operation and I felt I was in good hands, but Deb was I think, quite worried, and after going to theatre, Deb interestingly took herself off on the 78 bus to Harrods and booked herself in to have a full body massage to take her mind off things - in hindsight that is not quite as crazy as it sounds! The next thing I remember was Deb talking to me around 6:00pm that Monday evening and I recall waking several times that night in intensive care, I was really quite comfortable with no pain to speak of and remember being impressed by the number of tubes and wires connecting me to the adjacent apparatus. By 8:00am the following morning, the physios had me walking round a chair in ICU. Breakfast was not doable as I had no appetite.Mr Nashef appeared and I asked him how the operation had gone, he said it was a disaster from start to finish! - jokingly saying I was too healthy to be in here. That evening my tubes and wires were removed, the most painful part of the process, it was explained to me that I was to be taken to Papworth Hospital by ambulance the following morning. I did quietly question my readiness for such a journey but was assured that it would not be a problem. A private company duly arrived the Wednesday morning and took me from the hospital in a wheelchair to the back of what I thought looked like a 1960’s ambulance, it did cross my mind that they had rented it from the Beaulieu National Motor Museum!!No matter we were off, me in a hammock style stretcher bed, together with the Spanish ward sister from the Cromwell. Having driven around in London for many years, I could recognise the route we were taking and when we reached the Mill Hill roundabout at the end of the A1, I heard the two drivers talking about getting the Sat Nav out to find their way to Papworth. On hearing the suggested route, I spoke to the ward sister and said that surely we needed to stick to the smoother main roads rather than wend our way back through the villages of Bedfordshire so I navigated, bizarre but true!Papworth hospital had a totally different atmosphere, the nursing staff were much more assertive and every bit as professional. I decided to be as independent as I possibly could be and regularly have a short walk around the ward block. In fact, I found I could walk around the corridor and connecting wards almost every hour, still no appetite. Because I had come from a different hospital, I was quarantined in a private room with a view over the duck pond. I am still surprised today that you can have major

Chris Hodgson

AN EVERYDAY STORY - by Chris Hodgson

11

www.BCPA.eu

News from around the areasLocal news from some of our Groups

Dates for your diary are on page 14 and the list of co-ordinators and contacts is on page 2

Continues on page 12

I am sad to begin my report by

announcing the death of Arthur Christian. Arthur, along with his wife Ethel, was a member of our group for many years. Unfortunately, Arthur has not been able to attend our sessions recently due to his ill health but he is remembered fondly by everyone who knew him. We would like to send our condolences to Arthur’s family.We had our annual day out in Llandudno at the beginning of July and once again it was a lovely day. We had our lunch at The Imperial Hotel and then members had free time to look around Llandudno. Any members who did not want to walk around could spend the afternoon in the hotel’s conservatory. We had a raffle with wine and chocolates as prizes. We would like to thank Beryl for organising the day. Later on in July we had a day out to the Apedale Heritage Centre (See Page 6) where we met the Staffordshire group – there was a lot to write about so I had to send a separate report for that! I just wanted to mention that Halton Area Forum kindly donated the cost of our transport to Staffordshire so thank you to them.

Halton - Betty Rogers07710 485727

Arthur Christian

Cambridge - Tony Ward 01223 860329Email: tandcw@btinternet.com

Doug and Barbara Mottram once again came up trumps when they organised a seaside trip.

August 3rd saw a happy group assemble at Milton to pick up the coach. A pleasant stop was arranged for refreshment at Mundford before progressing to Cromer, Norfolk.Dropping us off outside Cromer Church, members made their own way to lunch, then assembling on Cromer Pier for the “End of Pier Show”. Once again this proved to be a winner with smiles on everyone’s face before making our way back to Cambridge.Our thanks to Doug and Barbara for a good day out.We hope to hold another Garden Party in early September. Once again Doug and Barbara are offering their premises.The Committee are hoping to arrange a Social meeting after our holidays and come up with a venue and date for a Christmas Tea, followed by a lunch in the New Year. All to be announced later.The other day we were surprised to see two of our regular members pictured in the local press. Brian and Ruth Lorman, who as members of a Classic Car Club, displayed their 1962 Triumph Vitesse 6 outside of Ely Cathedral. Well done, you looked as if you enjoyed your day.Enjoy your holidays and hope to be in touch shortly.

The Naked Surgeon addresses the crucial decisions faced by anyone contemplating a medical intervention: Should I keep taking the tablets? Should I have an operation? Which surgeon should I choose to do it? Written by a leading cardiac surgeon, it offers an unprecedented and eye-opening insider’s view of medicine.Published by Scribe, £14.99. Available in all good bookshops.

The Naked Surgeoninvasive surgery, suffer almost no pain and be mobile within hours.On the Saturday after my operation, I was tested on a flight of stairs for mobility and discharged home. What a fantastic service and result basically in and out of hospital in less than a week. The only downside of Papworth I can recall, was the noise of the ducks on the pond at night outside my window in Mallard Ward. The first week at home, I did have a problem with hiccoughs, apparently my phrenic nerve had been slightly disrupted during the operation and was under pressure from some unavoidable internal swelling, this induced a near permanent state of hiccoughs for ten days. We eventually managed to alleviate the symptoms with a dairy diet.I am ashamed to admit, I attended a business meeting two weeks after leaving hospital, much against the advice of Deb but now, three years on, I lead a very full and busy life and regard my triple bypass operation simply as a “re-plumbing” exercise making me twenty years younger. If you are facing such an operation, I know it is major surgery, but really it is quite routine these days and for me was really ok.

12

BCPA Journal Issue 210

Continued from page 11

Peterborough - Gordon Wakefield 01733 577629

Our third Thursday in the month lunches continue and we would be delighted for you to join us at the Cherry Tree.For further details please give me, Gordon, a call on the above number. We will guarantee you a warm welcome and a good meal.

Lincoln - Bill LawtonChairman & acting Co-ordinator 01522 703026

On Tuesday 9 August or afternoon meeting was held at the Methodist Chapel, North Hykeham. We had a most interesting

presentation by Chris Hewis, Saxilby History Group Chairman, Broadcaster and well known local historian.Chris told us of the infamous Tom Otter, convicted of murdering his wife in 1805 on what was Saxilby Moor just off the A57 at Drinsey Nook, at Lincoln assizes in 1806 – he was found guilty and hanged at Lincoln prison. His body was taken to the place where the crime was committed and displayed for the public to see.

Separating fact from fiction has taken many hours of research into the Lincolnshire Archives, and to establish the real history was most interesting – using excerpts from the Staffordshire Chronicle and other local newspapers Chris was able to come up with a most fascinating story.

Tuesday 23 August saw members travelling to Laxton by coach on a

glorious hot summers day via the Ossington Estate renowned for its many acres of great beauty - produced over many generations by the Dennison family. Home of the speaker of the Hours of Commons during William Gladstone’s premiership.

Picture of Drinsley Nook and acknowledgement.By courtesy of Chris Hewis of Lincolnshire Archives.

Dovecote Inn

A Pinfold used for stray cattle

We held a Summer Bingo in August and Pam kindly organised the bingo for us. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon. We were pleased to welcome Keith Jackson to that session. Keith brought us a PA system which was kindly donated by the Folk Dance and Song Group. The acoustics are not very good in the hall where we meet and members often struggle to hear. We tried the system out at the bingo session and it was much easier to hear the numbers so we are already gaining the benefit of it. Keith was pleased to get help off Raymond setting the system up. We would like to thankKeith for his visit.We will be having a busy few months coming up organising our Christmas events and also an afternoon tea for our members. We meet every Thursday at the Grangeway Centre, Runcorn from 1pm to 3pm for various activities such as line dancing and gentle exercise. Or just call in for a cup of tea and a chat. Contact our co-ordinator, Betty Rogers, on the above number for more details.

Arriving at the Dovecote Inn, lunch was served. We then moved into the visitors centre for a film and talk by Chief Steward Stuart Rose explaining the work of the Leet Court and jurors in the management of the open fields practiced for hundreds of years. Many villagers have run their small farms now being totally uneconomic and in need of Crown support, handed down from Saxon period, perfected by the Normans and entered in the Doomsday Book – the only one surviving in Europe.

After a coach tour of the open fields – heading for home feeling what a great day we had had and how fortunate we were to witness the natural history that has made the structure of our way of life.

It is always a pleasure for us to visit Laxton and renew old friendships. We are always given a warm welcome – life has not changed over the past centuries, satisfied with modest incomes – they celebrate all the old festivals Christmas, Easter, Whitsun, Harvest Suppers and the Solstice quarter days with home brewed ale and hog roast (oxen up to a hundred years ago) – respect for each other, Queen and Country – the community being independent refuse to become part of the National Trust – their loyalty and obvious pride it gives one is so good to see.FUTURE EVENTSTuesday 18th October Afternoon meeting at the Methodist Chapel, North Hykeham, Lincoln at 1.30pm. (Please note the earlier time). Audio visual Presentation by Liz and Wendy of Lincolnshire Co-operative Holiday Shop – holidays and Cruises for 2017 – help and advice in making your choice. Tuesday 25th October – Autumn Trip to Clumber Park and the Dukeries – see Sherwood Forest in the Fall – a blaze of breathtaking colour through the estates of the Dukes of Newcastle, Rutland, Portland and Earl Manvers. Great Britain at its bestTuesday 15th November – Afternoon meeting at 2.00pm. – a welcome return of Karen Crow (Town Crier) with her special presentation The Numerous Ghosts and a part of Lincoln’s history – The Ghost Walks.Wednesday 14th December – Christmas Dinner at the Olde Bell, Markham Moor, Retford Notts.

13

www.BCPA.eu

South East London & Kent - Chris Howell 01689 821413

On 4th July, a bright sunny morning, four members met on the 9.54am train to Victoria, London, even though we had to

change trains due to an earlier broken train, we eventually arrived in Victoria Station. Coffee was next on the agenda, followed by a short tube journey on the District Line to Mansion House and a short walk to Guildhall Gallery & Roman Amphitheatre, Guildhall Yard, London EC2V5AE.The Guildhall Gallery (free entrance) holds a collection of world famous masterpieces and works by some great artists.Walking down the stairs to the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre, discovered in 1988. The Amphitheatre could seat up to 6,000 spectators and hosted wild animal flights, public executions and gladiatorial matches. On the visit we saw the remains of the walls to the amphitheatre, wooden drains and chambers. On the entrance floor of the building there is a small gift shop.On leaving the Gallery we walked down to No 1 The Poultry for lunch in The Green Man a JD Wetherspoon pub and then home.On 15th July we held our Strawberry & Cream Evening at the Victory Social Club. It was brought forward by one week as works were being carried out to the kitchen area. The weather was not great so we had to stay indoors this year.

We woke up on the 16th August to the news that our day could be wet, urgh I did not want to wear a coat, so brollies to hand, four members met at Victoria Station and headed to the tube for a short journey to Putney Bridge Station (rain had not appeared).

We ate an early lunch at the newly refurbished Kings Arms in New Kings Road, Fulham, (would recommend!) Following lunch, we walked down to Fulham Place, Bishop’s Avenue, London SW6 for our visit (free entrance).Fulham Place is the historic home of the Bishops of London since 704AD. The last Bishop moved out in 1973 and the site is managed by the Fulham Place Trust. You can learn the history of the Museum, also join a tour of the botanical gardens, plus lunch (if you want) in the Drawing Room Café. What I found

interesting about the garden, besides growing flowers they were also growing vegetables which are sold to the public.

Crossword solution from page 9

Staffordshire - Eddie Coxon 01782 416143

On the 26th July we arranged to meet with the members of the Halton “Zipper Club”. We met up at the Apedale Mining Museum. After having a cup of tea we all divided and went either underground

on the train, or visited the mining museum itself (This is a must). Something I am sure everyone would enjoy. A part of history which should never be forgotten!. Then at 1.30 we went to the Thistlebury Hotel, the regular monthly meeting place for the Stafford Group, where Gary the landlord and his son provided us all (42) with a fish and chip lunch; as usual he did not let us down.After lunch it was time to chat; I don’t think it stopped

for breath. The club members from Halton are wonderful people and a pleasure to know. We are hoping to have many more get-togethers in the future.

Both groups outside the Thistleberry Hotel

The Place is a registered charity. To raise funds, weddings and receptions are held at the Place, and some of the space is rented out to Companies. Whilst we were there they had a photo shoot taking place in the gardens.

14

BCPA Journal Issue 210

Dates for your diaries

Cambridge Contact Tony Ward 01223 860329 for further details and other meeting dates

Chelmsford and District CardiacSupport Group

Fri 21 OctFri 18 NovFriday 2 Dec

A year in the Wildlife on the Suffolk Heritage CoastThe Great Wall of ChinaThe History of Glass and BeadsAll 8:00pm at Broomfield Village Hall

Halton Thursdays Every Thu 1:00 - 3:00pm at The Grangeway Community Centre, Runcorn, for line dancing and gentle T’ai Chi

Havering Hearties 2nd Thursdays 7:30pm At The Royal British Legion Club premises, Western Road, Romford, Essex

King of HeartsRedbridge, Essex

2nd Wednesdays 7:30pm

The Aldborough Room, Fulwell Cross Library, High Street, Barkingside IG 2EAFor details contact Tony Roth 020 8252 0877

Lincoln Tues 18 Oct 1:30pmTues 25 OctTues 15 NovWed 4 Dec

Presentation by Lincoln Co-operative Holiday ShopAutumn visit to Columber ParkVisit of Karen Cro Lincoln Town CrierChristmas dinner at the Olde Bell, Markham Moor For meetings before this please ring 01522 703026Monthly meetings at the methodist Chapel, North Hykeham

Peterborough 3rd Thu 12:00 for 12:30pm

Lunches on the 3rd Thursday of each month excluding December at the Cherry Tree Public House, Oundle Road for details contact Gordon to attend

SE London & Kent

Fri 21 OctTue 8 NovFri 2 Dec

Quiz NightMeal at the Toby Carvery Bromley CommonChristmas LunchMeetings at the Victory Social Club, Kechill Gardens, HayesMeals at the Toby Carvery Bromley Common are at 7:00 for 7:30pm

Staffs & District Tue 25 OctTue 29 NovTue 6 DecTue 13 Dec

Beetle Drive with Jeff PorterVisit to Emma Bridgewater Factory, Litchfield Street Hanley 10:00amChristmas Lunch at The Grange HotelCarol Service

Meetings 7:30 for 8:00pm Thistleberry Hotel, Newcastle, Staffs

Take HeartSouthend

2nd Thursdays 8:00pm At Eastwood Community Centre, Western Approaches, Leigh-On-Sea

Warrington Please contact Dennis Atkinson 01925 824856 for meeting details

Wirral Please contact Barrie harding 0151 6086212

Wrexham 3rd Tuesdays 7:00pm At Association of Voluntary Organisations, AVOW, Egerton Street, Wrexham

15

www.BCPA.eu

Membership and aimsWhatever your interest it may be that becoming a member is something you have never considered.Are you reading this Journal as someone who is not a member of the Association? If so, we are pleased to count you as a valuable part of our readership.However, might you take a few moments to consider making use of the application form to join the Association. It may be that you are a heart patient, a relative or carer of someone with a heart condition, or indeed someone taking a general interest in the Association and the support we are able to offer. Whatever your interest it may be that becoming a member is something you have never considered. May we invite you to consider it now. We would be delighted to hear from you.We partly rely on donations to help us support cardiac patients and their families or carers. We aim to provide advice, information and support to help anyone who has had a heart condition, and aim to help reduce or prevent heart-related troubles.

Your generosity could help us to help others to live a fuller and healthier life.If you do not have a group near you and would be willing to help start one in your area, please contact our Head Office for an informal discussion.If you have any questions that we can help you with please write them on a separate sheet of paper and we will do our best to help you.

Address BCPA, 15 Abbey Road, Bingham, NottsNG13 8EE

Telephone 01949 837070Email admin@bcpa.euWebsite www.BCPA.euRegistered Charity

289190

Subscription enquiries telephone: 01949 837070

Membership £10 per annum

Joint Membership £15 per annum

Overseas subscriptions £10 per annum

New Member Renewal

Membership application or renewalPlease send this application to : BCPA, 15 Abbey Road, Bingham, Notts NG13 8EE

If you wish to make a donation, please add the amount to your membership, or send it with your name and address and a signed copy of the Gift Aid wording if appropriate to the Head Office address. Donations will be acknowledged.Amount of donation £ ..........If over £50, may we also put it in the BCPA Journal? Yes/NoIf you would like your donation to go to your local group, giveName of Group ........................................Please make cheques payable to : BCPA (The British Cardiac Patients Association)If you are paying income or capital gains tax at the standard rate or above, you should make the following declaration.

I want the BCPA to treat all donations I make in this tax year and all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid donations.I understand that I must pay an amount of UK income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax the BCPA reclaims on my donations in each tax year.

Yes, Gift Aid No

1. You can cancel this declaration at any time by notifying the BCPA.

2. If your circumstances change and you no longer pay income or capital gains tax equal to the tax that the BCPA reclaims, you should cancel your declaration.

3. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief in your self-assessment tax return.

4. If you are unsure if your donations qualify for Gift Aid tax relief, ask the BCPA or refer to help sheet IR65 on the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities

Signed ............................................................ ...................................

Mr/Mrs/Ms ................ Date of Birth ................................................

Forename(s) ......................................................................................

Surname ............................................................................................

Address .............................................................................................

.........................................................................................................

.................................................. Postcode .......................................

Telephone . .........................................................................................

Email . ................................................................................................

Joint member’s name . .......................................................................

..........................................................................................................

Date ........................................

Type(s) of treatment(s), date(s) & hospital(s) ...................................

...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................

Is there anything you would like to help with or information about?

.......................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................