2011 illness: McGrath of Harlow

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: C-flat
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 02:35 PM

Please keep us updated as and when you can.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: Bugsy
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 06:57 PM

The "Zip Chest Club" just gets bigger and bigger!

We should have a badge.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 07:31 PM

Surgery in Basildon?

Will Kevin be known hereafter as Basildon Bond?

(For those of you across the pond, this is a high-class writing stationery for those who still write proper letters!)

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: C-flat
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 05:35 AM

The "Zip Chest Club" just gets bigger and bigger!

We should have a badge.

That's a great idea Bugsy!!

Or maybe a Mudcat T shirt with a zipper? "in case of emergency...."

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: MartinRyan
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 05:38 AM

Or maybe a Mudcat T shirt with a zipper? "in case of emergency...."

In case of emergency, f*** the doctor, contact Joe Offer!

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: breezy
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 07:54 AM

Wishing M of H a speedy recovery, All the best.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 03:23 PM

Sending positive thoughts to you Kevin. See you in Broadstairs this summer!
Jen

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 07:10 PM

Kevin is going to the Cardiothoracic Centre on Sunday afternoon and will have the operation on Tuesday. I'll be staying in a hotel nearby with friends.

Meanwhile, he is re-reading the Mma Ramotswe books. I've just bought him the latest - The Double Comfort Safari Club. Mma Ramotswe is a comforting person to have around.

Yesterday one of our neighbours, a good friend, was admitted to the cardiac ward here, and has the room next to Kevin. He has to have the same operation. They can visit each other!

I spoke again today to the young couple who gave Kevin CPR when he collapsed. They're going to come and see us when Kevin is better.

Thanks again to everyone for all the kind messages. Kevin has given up on the clanky hospital computer.

Anne

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 07:19 PM

Thanks Anne for the update, and all best wishes to you, Kevin and Ciaran!

Kitty

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 16
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 07:24 PM

Thanks, Anne. We will keep you all in our thoughts, etc. on Tuesday, esp. I agree on the choice of reading material.

ATB, Kevin,

kat

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:40 AM

MartinRyan wrote

"In case of emergency, f*** the doctor"

With the age and attractiveness of some, that begins to seem like an attractive option to this unruly late middle age female.....

I'll get me coat.....

but not before wishing McGrath well - I have been following the thread.
One of my best friends is still thriving 17 years after a quad bypass.

Good luck

Paws

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 05:51 AM

good news is good news.

wishing both the patients fast healing

sandra

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: billybob
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 07:28 AM

Healing thoughts from Walton on the Naze, have had really good feedback about the heart unit at Basildon, you couldnt be in a better place for the op!
Wendy

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: Maryrrf
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 08:54 AM

How wonderful to know that Kevin is in good hands, is comfortable, has friends and family nearby, and a good book! With so much good mojo pouring in from all over, he'll breeze through the bypass. And thank heavens for the kindess of strangers, who also knew how to perform CPR. I learned how to do this years ago, but I think I'll review the procedure just in case I ever need to use it.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 08:59 AM

Go Kevin!

~S~

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:31 PM

If Kevin and the neighbor are both admitted around the same time for the same thing - you might want to check the water!

I look forward to hearing about his continued progress, and he should feel a lot better after the surgery.

SRS

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: Janie
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 04:43 PM

Still thinking of you Kevin, and you as well, Anne, and looking forward to you having a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 02:29 AM

Good luck for the op. I'm sure all will go well. (I can see you and your neighbour like a couple of kids, comparing scars!)

Andrea

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 03:54 PM

Today my dad went over to the cardiothoracic unit (aka Thoracic Park) in Basildon, which is a pretty spectacular £60 million facility next to the main hospital.

He has his own very large room with a magnificent view across bleak, rather beautiful fields straight out of a Thomas Hardy novel. He is in excellent spirits which were buoyed still further when a large plate of fish and chips turned up just before we left him.

In fact by this time he was rather more interested in reading The Observer than talking to either of us! He has three Mma Ramotswe books to read between now and then.

He's due to have his operation on Tuesday morning at 8.

Thank you to everyone for all the messages.

Ciaran

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:37 PM

thanks for the update Ciaran. Glad to know that Kevin is happy in his new room. Good thoughts coming from Maine for Tuesday.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 21
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 04:41 PM

Thanks for the update. I can see his eloquence carried on through the line. I can just *see* the view.

Light, Love, and Healing Energy,

kat

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 05:15 PM

Here's hoping Kevin will soon be sending for kippers by post....

Kitty
xx

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Janie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 05:56 PM

Really appreciate you taking the time to keep us updated, Ciaran.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Lighter
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 06:36 PM

His own large room? I thought you guys were living under Socialist health-care slavery over there!!

Best wishes for a good op and a speedy recovery!

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: BlueJay
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 01:20 AM

My best regards, Kevin. And thanks for keeping us informed,
Anne and Ciaran. BlueJay

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: alanabit
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 02:40 AM

Thanks for the update Ciaran. We will all be with him.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 02:42 AM

Many thanks for the updates, we're sending positive thoughts for tomorrow!

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Bernard
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 03:27 AM

Hope all goes well,
Bernard

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Maryrrf
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 10:49 AM

It sounds like Kevin is in good hands. Thanks for the update!

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: GUEST,NaomiH
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 11:26 AM

Best wishes for the op - and thanks to Kevin's family for the updates.

Naomi

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 11:43 AM

...will be watching for news.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 12:00 PM

The best to you, Kevin.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Bugsy
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 12:34 AM

Good luck today mate, we're all thinking of you

cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 02:30 PM

Hoping to hear that all went well in Basildon today...

Kitty

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: GUEST,harlowpoet
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:01 PM

Hi Kevin

Hope it all went smoothly today. Praying for your quick recovery.

All the best

Simon

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 07:16 PM

I guess it is in the very wee hours of tomorrow morning in the UK. Hope the operation went well and with no complications. I can imagine how tired Anne and Ciaran are from the watching and waiting. Hope everyone, including Kevin, are tucked away in good hands and resting.

Y'all take care of yourselves and each other.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 07:18 PM

Waiting for news.
Be well.
Mary

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: maeve
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 07:42 PM

Waiting here, as well. May the morning bring you renewed strength, Kevin.

Maeve

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 08:46 PM

me, too!

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Celtaddict
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 10:40 PM

Kevin: have not been on for some time and am rarely below the line so I just saw this. Be well! Healing and light to you!
Good friend had a quint bypass 17 years ago, and last fall had a repeat quad. He is thriving and will be going on a trip to the Caribbean with us next month. Please follow his example closely!!

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: My guru always said
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 02:19 AM

Positive thoughts for a new day!

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 05:56 AM

I am just going to refresh this so everyone knows that we are all thinking of Kevin.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 08:03 AM

All best wishes for the man.

Fish & Chips?????

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: JennyO
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 08:26 AM

Sending you strong positive vibes, Kevin. Hope it went perfectly! I haven't met you yet, and now that we're in the UK, there's a chance we might :)

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Haruo
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 01:23 PM

Hopefully not fried in coconut or palm oil...

Waiting hopefully for news.

Haruo

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: maeve
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 01:32 PM

I am, like your other many friends and acquaintances here, looking forward to your renewed health, Kevin.

Maeve

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 05:52 PM

Dad had his operation yesterday. We got the call to say he was back on the ward at 1.45pm, just as we were watching the finale of The King's Speech at the Empire Cinema in Basildon. (It's very good so we are going back to see it tomorrow morning so that we can give it our full attention. Visiting at Thoracic Park doesn't start till 2pm.)

We saw the surgeon later on and he told us it had gone very well. Dad was pretty groggy yesterday but was sitting up and talking by the time we visited today. He's feeling pretty uncomfortable now the morphine's worn off but that's understandable in the circumstances. He actually had a quadruple bypass rather than a triple.

Our neighbour is now in the same ward and is having his bypass operation in the morning. His wife is at our hotel so we can all help each other.

Internet access is limited where we are staying at the Premier Inn, but we will do our best to keep you posted. Thank you all very much for your kind messages.

Ciaran

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 06:00 PM

Ciaran - thanks so much for posting. Great news, and all best wishes to you, your parents and your neighbours!

Hope your dad will be able to send his own post soon.

Kitty
xx

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 23
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 06:09 PM

Thanks very much Ciaran. I am certainly not alone in looking forward to welcoming your Dad back here.

Subject: RE: McGrath of Harlow: UPDATE Jan. 26
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 06:19 PM

Quadruple by pass!

I suppose after Newbury, they had to go one better.

best wishes to you Kevin