Still alive and kicking

This is a self-indulgent blip. Just 10 years ago I suffered a heart attack at home; had a cardiac arrest in the ambulance but was brought back; and had stents put in, in hospital, though after first op they failed and so a second procedure was required to fit a new set of stents. I have survived without any real ill effects 10 years since then; 10 years of added life; 10 years that have been eventful and given me many happy moments. Recovery took time, but I was a fortunate one to recover fully and to have lived so long, and now I am planning for the next 10 years.

The blip are the two cards I got on leaving hospital, describing the clot-busting drug and indicating where the three stents are located. I still carry them around in my wallet just in case; they would still give useful information should I be wheeled into A&E again with heart problems! They are a reminder of how lucky I was to have good paramedics and first rate attention from the NHS. I have been fortunate; I know it; and I am ever so grateful.