Walking The Robotic

Since my operation on Friday I haven't got out much (not surprising after being hung upside down and disembowelled for six hours). Thanks to everyone for the good wishes, emails, cards and phone calls. They gave me a real boost. I'm pleased to report that recovery continues well.

I was out of hospital on Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after being delivered back to the ward. Having been monitored through the night, the drips were removed on Saturday morning. By 9.00am I was sitting in a chair and at 10.00am a nurse came to assist me to walk the length of the main ward.

"I'm just walking the robotic" she said to a colleague

"That's a bit impersonal" said I.

"You guys are in for such a short time that we never remember names", she smiled. "So we always call our DaVinci patient 'the robotic', and everyone knows who we're talking about"

She then told me that once I managed ten lengths of the ward on my own, the doctors would discharge me. So after a bit of a rest and a light lunch, off I toddled, and by 3.30 pm I was out. My old mate Alan Sloman rolled up in his limousine to whisk me home, feeling bruised and battered but very relieved!

Phil at the old chicken hut

The first couple of days were a bit uncomfortable, and I get tired very quickly. Although 'minimally invasive' this is quite a major op after all, so that's not surprising. However, Miss Whiplash got me out for a slow stagger to the post box the day after my return, and the next day a bit further. Gradually the soreness is easing off, and yesterday she drove me to our local country park and we did almost a mile to the old chicken hut and back.

Miss W intends to have me 'hill fit' for Christmas, and ready for her TGO Challenge training regime (brace yourself, Sloman) by the end of January, so plenty of outings in the pipeline. Me? I can't wait.

It's good to be back!