Hi Richard,
A brief update on my health situation. I am currently in respite care at a local hospice. I’ve been here for nearly two weeks but am expecting to be back home on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Generally much improved since coming here. Care is absolutely first class. The longer term scenario remains unaltered but the next few weeks should be more comfortable than would otherwise have been the case.
Well done for all your work on the website and to those alumni who contribute and clearly have more detailed memories than mine. I enjoyed” the various exchanges about corporal punishment.
Best wishes,
Vic
February 2017
Hi Richard,
A Happy New Year to you as well. Please accept my apologies for not responding to your previous message. I have been very unwell since the middle of last year and yes, it was me in a wheelchair at our Rotary District Conference.
Briefly, I have had a cancer tumour removed from my liver plus a broken back and just for good measure have developed atrial fibrillation all at the same time. To remove the tumour about a fifth of my liver was cut away but started bleeding profusely just as I was coming round from the anaesthetic. Rushed back into theatre and given a second full anaesthetic. That nearly saw me off and I was in ITU for 5 days of which I can only recall about two. That has really knocked me back and I have had several side effects from the operation itself plus others from the cocktail of medicines prescribed. My latest issue has been with my kidneys again resulting in a couple of days of unconsciousness.
I was pronounced as having renal failure a couple of weeks before Christmas but have somehow managed to escape the clutches of the grim reaper. I have no idea of how I damaged my back but damage it I most certainly have. Two vertebrae and two discs. Other than wearing a brace support (as in the picture) they have been unable to deal with the matter mainly because I am not fit enough to undergo another major operation plus the fact that screws to hold in place any metal reinforcing plates would just make the bones crumble. So far as the atrial fibrillation is concerned, I have joined the Warfarin club like so many others of my vintage.
All something of a mess but you have to keep going the best you can. My wife and three children have all been fantastic, as have the many doctors and nurses that have been dealing with me. With all of that going on, I trust you will appreciate why I have not been proactive on the likes of Facebook. I trust all is reasonably OK with you.
I still have fond memories of our days at school. With me living up here in Cheshire and somewhat immobile at that, I suspect we won’t ever meet up again but I’ll try to be more active on Facebook.
Best wishes,
Vic
January 2017