Come on Whitey

[Jonnyboy]

Very good news!

 

A 40 year old friend got fitted with a stent (?) last week and told if he didn't change his lifestyle he wouldn't last another 5 years...

[lloydie]

Get well soon!!

[mcjwills]

Well lads and lasses, I have been totally overwhelmed by all you kind words and I can't tell you how much it means to me when I'm stuck in here. You have all stopped me from climbing up the walls. I have had time to think and if you'll excuse the ramblings of a boring old git I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.

 

'He who does not find time for recreation must sooner or later make time for illness' is supposedly a Chinese proverb, although which Christmas cracker it comes from I've yet to establish. I thought I was reasonably fit, or at least that I used to be. I played football locally on Sunday mornings and later refereed but I was getting old and thought that business men like me did not need to exercise and were entitled to take things easy and drive around in luxury. The weight increased slowly, especially around the middle, and the trouser sizes crept up until Marks & Spencer no longer stocked my sizes. Then last year I found that I was seeing a lot and feeling dry in the mouth which are classic signs of diabetes. A urine glucose test had me called to the doctor urgently and now diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I started a programme of sensible eating and extra exercise, nothing too onerous but there were years of neglect needing to be reversed. I now think I know how I got there. Chronic stress is a much misunderstood term and doesn't mean that you spend all day tearing your hair out. You set yourself targets, maybe you have high ideals, perhaps you just want to get going and do everything at once. You work later in the evening, get home later, eat later, catch up on some more work. Maybe you want to get things straight before that meeting tomorrow, or it's raining this weekend so I'll pop into the office and sort out a few things, just so that it'll be easier on Monday. You can't sleep properly because your mind is still racing with all the thoughts pounding in your head. You'll eat high carbohydrate food, you'll still be on the computer at midnight, you don't sleep properly, the extra visceral fat around the belly means that you snore and suffer from sleep apnoea. All this is stress, which generates cortisol, which raises blood sugar and fat deposits around the belly. The important thing is the release from this stress so that the body can re-create. If you recognise yourself in any of this then maybe it's time for a rethink:

 

Shouting or swearing a lot.

When the phone rings is it 'I wonder who wants to speak to me?' or 'bloody hell, not again!'

Loud noises make you jump

You drive too fast and shout at all the other drivers.

You eat too quickly. Gulp your food without chewing or even tasting it.

You find yourself with a couple of spare hours and find some work to do instead of relaxing.

You hardly have time to talk to your family and/or loved ones (joke).

You drink 'for relaxation'.

You can't sit still for a minute.

 

I'm sure we can all think of many more. Learn that everything takes time, everything has its own natural rate, everything is for a purpose. We don't get long, let's not waste it. Enjoy the journey, just as much as the arrival.

 

I've been very lucky. No big damage has been done and I can be fixed, but others have not been so lucky. Please excuse all the dribbling but I've been talking to the walls and I don't get a lot of sense out of them. All the best to each and very one of you, it's nice to know you care.

 

(Guy Lombardo: Enjoy Yourself)

 

Further reading:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/17/science/the-heavy-cost-of-chronic-stress.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

 

'How I learned to love life and stop worrying' by Whitey Grandad available at all good bookstores (I haven't actually written this yet)

 

Whitey, I spent 6 weeks in Southampton General Heart wards in 1995, with constrictive percarditus (ask your nurse if you do not know what it is), I can tell you the staff there are the BEST and I mean it in the country. You could not be in better hands. If you are going to have a stent placed in, there is nothing too much to worry about, when they did a similar procedure on me, I was riveted to the screen and the doctor/surgeon told me what was happening all the way and you get to watch it on the telly as it is happening.

[dubai_phil]

Whitey.

 

You bloody hero.Well done for sitting down and typing that out. It needs to be said often and loudly. Because very few people ever listen until it is too late.

 

I totally agree with you, a mate went through the stress/diabetes/life change that you mentioned and is now realising why he was put on this earth in the first place (and as he says, reckons he's given himself another 20 years to enjoy it).

 

Now go get fixed up, get trim, take up (the much maligned) game of golf to get your fix of exercise and you'll be watching Saints in the CL final with us all in 30 years time

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

Whitey.

 

You bloody hero.Well done for sitting down and typing that out. It needs to be said often and loudly. Because very few people ever listen until it is too late.

 

I totally agree with you, a mate went through the stress/diabetes/life change that you mentioned and is now realising why he was put on this earth in the first place (and as he says, reckons he's given himself another 20 years to enjoy it).

 

Now go get fixed up, get trim, take up (the much maligned) game of golf to get your fix of exercise and you'll be watching Saints in the CL final with us all in 30 years time

 

The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why - Mark Twain

 

We all get too caught up in the day to day living of our lives, that we can't see the forest for the trees sometimes.

[Whitey Grandad]

Yes, but do you like the new kit?

 

Jokes, it's true that far too many get consumed by their jobs and let life pass them by. Many require a wake-up call, in whatever form. Work to live, don't live to work.

 

Not really, it's ****, but somehow doesn't seem important any more. :-)

[Whitey Grandad]

Whitey.

 

You bloody hero.Well done for sitting down and typing that out. It needs to be said often and loudly. Because very few people ever listen until it is too late.

 

I totally agree with you, a mate went through the stress/diabetes/life change that you mentioned and is now realising why he was put on this earth in the first place (and as he says, reckons he's given himself another 20 years to enjoy it).

 

Now go get fixed up, get trim, take up (the much maligned) game of golf to get your fix of exercise and you'll be watching Saints in the CL final with us all in 30 years time

 

Thanks Phil, but is the golf really compulsory? I'm not old enough yet to play that. And do I really have to wait 30 years? I was hoping to have been playing in it, not watching.

[Whitey Grandad]

Whitey, I spent 6 weeks in Southampton General Heart wards in 1995, with constrictive percarditus (ask your nurse if you do not know what it is), I can tell you the staff there are the BEST and I mean it in the country. You could not be in better hands. If you are going to have a stent placed in, there is nothing too much to worry about, when they did a similar procedure on me, I was riveted to the screen and the doctor/surgeon told me what was happening all the way and you get to watch it on the telly as it is happening.

 

Thanks, I have actually heard of it. My younger sister (by six years) had it some time ago. My arteries (all three of them) have too many restrictions for stents, they would have to be too long and too many and with the diabetes it's a bypass for me, hopefully some time next week. You're right though, the angiogram is somehow strangely fascinating and you can't believe it's your own heart. I have the photos and I'll post them when I can.

[wightman35]

Well lads and lasses, I have been totally overwhelmed by all you kind words and I can't tell you how much it means to me when I'm stuck in here. You have all stopped me from climbing up the walls. I have had time to think and if you'll excuse the ramblings of a boring old git I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.

 

'How I learned to love life and stop worrying' by Whitey Grandad available at all good bookstores (I haven't actually written this yet)

 

With a pre-publication order, do we get a signed copy? :)

 

Get well soon.

[modern matron]

Well lads and lasses, I have been totally overwhelmed by all you kind words and I can't tell you how much it means to me when I'm stuck in here. You have all stopped me from climbing up the walls. I have had time to think and if you'll excuse the ramblings of a boring old git I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.

 

'He who does not find time for recreation must sooner or later make time for illness' is supposedly a Chinese proverb, although which Christmas cracker it comes from I've yet to establish. I thought I was reasonably fit, or at least that I used to be. I played football locally on Sunday mornings and later refereed but I was getting old and thought that business men like me did not need to exercise and were entitled to take things easy and drive around in luxury. The weight increased slowly, especially around the middle, and the trouser sizes crept up until Marks & Spencer no longer stocked my sizes. Then last year I found that I was seeing a lot and feeling dry in the mouth which are classic signs of diabetes. A urine glucose test had me called to the doctor urgently and now diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I started a programme of sensible eating and extra exercise, nothing too onerous but there were years of neglect needing to be reversed. I now think I know how I got there. Chronic stress is a much misunderstood term and doesn't mean that you spend all day tearing your hair out. You set yourself targets, maybe you have high ideals, perhaps you just want to get going and do everything at once. You work later in the evening, get home later, eat later, catch up on some more work. Maybe you want to get things straight before that meeting tomorrow, or it's raining this weekend so I'll pop into the office and sort out a few things, just so that it'll be easier on Monday. You can't sleep properly because your mind is still racing with all the thoughts pounding in your head. You'll eat high carbohydrate food, you'll still be on the computer at midnight, you don't sleep properly, the extra visceral fat around the belly means that you snore and suffer from sleep apnoea. All this is stress, which generates cortisol, which raises blood sugar and fat deposits around the belly. The important thing is the release from this stress so that the body can re-create. If you recognise yourself in any of this then maybe it's time for a rethink:

 

Shouting or swearing a lot.

When the phone rings is it 'I wonder who wants to speak to me?' or 'bloody hell, not again!'

Loud noises make you jump

You drive too fast and shout at all the other drivers.

You eat too quickly. Gulp your food without chewing or even tasting it.

You find yourself with a couple of spare hours and find some work to do instead of relaxing.

You hardly have time to talk to your family and/or loved ones (joke).

You drink 'for relaxation'.

You can't sit still for a minute.

 

I'm sure we can all think of many more. Learn that everything takes time, everything has its own natural rate, everything is for a purpose. We don't get long, let's not waste it. Enjoy the journey, just as much as the arrival.

 

I've been very lucky. No big damage has been done and I can be fixed, but others have not been so lucky. Please excuse all the dribbling but I've been talking to the walls and I don't get a lot of sense out of them. All the best to each and very one of you, it's nice to know you care.

 

(Guy Lombardo: Enjoy Yourself)

 

Further reading:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/17/science/the-heavy-cost-of-chronic-stress.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

 

'How I learned to love life and stop worrying' by Whitey Grandad available at all good bookstores (I haven't actually written this yet)

 

Hey Whitey, I had 2 stents put in on Thursday and feel pretty depressed about it - and I'm a senior nurse! It's an eye opener, and your personal story sounds all too familiar so thanks for putting it on here 'cos I reckon we're not the only ones are we?

 

Anyway, stay well man - let's make a pact Matron will celebrate Champions League footie with you - maybe a beer or 2 in the future to celebrate a lesson learnt and progress made! Take care......?

[St Chalet]

Whitey, if you could try and make your next update Saints related so we don't get moaned at for allowing this to stay on the main board (sticky to boot) it would be much appreciated

 

Sounds like a wake up call for you and a warning for others. Get well soon.

[scotty]

Hey Whitey, I had 2 stents put in on Thursday and feel pretty depressed about it - and I'm a senior nurse! It's an eye opener, and your personal story sounds all too familiar so thanks for putting it on here 'cos I reckon we're not the only ones are we?

 

Anyway, stay well man - let's make a pact Matron will celebrate Champions League footie with you - maybe a beer or 2 in the future to celebrate a lesson learnt and progress made! Take care......?

 

Should either of you really be necking the beers after all that, MM?

 

Get well soon, both of you.

[modern matron]

Should either of you really be necking the beers after all that, MM?

 

Get well soon, both of you.

 

Just what the wife said - and of course she's right (nurse as well)! Thanks for the best wishes!

[dubai_phil]

Whitey, if you could try and make your next update Saints related so we don't get moaned at for allowing this to stay on the main board (sticky to boot) it would be much appreciated

 

Sounds like a wake up call for you and a warning for others. Get well soon.

 

Don't be silly. It IS Saints related.

 

If we are to fill our new 90k capacity stadium for CL & World Club Championship Football then we need EVERY Saints fan to read Whitey's posts and make sure they stay Saints Fit in the coming years.

 

Whitey - time to get in touch with the club & rename your recovery The Saints Way

[suewhistle]

Thanks Phil, but is the golf really compulsory? I'm not old enough yet to play that.

 

YES! It looks like you've got the right attitude. Golf, hah! Now personally I reckon I've got another season of footie in me even if over half way through my 50s: on the bench as an impact CF or reserve keeper (I'm also too young for golf..). I've never been a type A personality; that's why I play team sports to get someone else to motivate me; my trainer but mainly being part of a team. But I'll certainly start personal pre-season training next week -the proper team stuff starts in August - and you've given me just the kick I need. Thanks!

 

In the meantime I'm relaxing after an open-air concert with a cold beer. Hope I'm getting the balance right. I'm so looking forward to Saint's first European match in Italy in a few years time and we've _all_ got to keep well for that!

[positivepete]

Well lads and lasses, I have been totally overwhelmed by all you kind words and I can't tell you how much it means to me when I'm stuck in here. You have all stopped me from climbing up the walls. I have had time to think and if you'll excuse the ramblings of a boring old git I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.

 

'He who does not find time for recreation must sooner or later make time for illness' is supposedly a Chinese proverb, although which Christmas cracker it comes from I've yet to establish. I thought I was reasonably fit, or at least that I used to be. I played football locally on Sunday mornings and later refereed but I was getting old and thought that business men like me did not need to exercise and were entitled to take things easy and drive around in luxury. The weight increased slowly, especially around the middle, and the trouser sizes crept up until Marks & Spencer no longer stocked my sizes. Then last year I found that I was seeing a lot and feeling dry in the mouth which are classic signs of diabetes. A urine glucose test had me called to the doctor urgently and now diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I started a programme of sensible eating and extra exercise, nothing too onerous but there were years of neglect needing to be reversed. I now think I know how I got there. Chronic stress is a much misunderstood term and doesn't mean that you spend all day tearing your hair out. You set yourself targets, maybe you have high ideals, perhaps you just want to get going and do everything at once. You work later in the evening, get home later, eat later, catch up on some more work. Maybe you want to get things straight before that meeting tomorrow, or it's raining this weekend so I'll pop into the office and sort out a few things, just so that it'll be easier on Monday. You can't sleep properly because your mind is still racing with all the thoughts pounding in your head. You'll eat high carbohydrate food, you'll still be on the computer at midnight, you don't sleep properly, the extra visceral fat around the belly means that you snore and suffer from sleep apnoea. All this is stress, which generates cortisol, which raises blood sugar and fat deposits around the belly. The important thing is the release from this stress so that the body can re-create. If you recognise yourself in any of this then maybe it's time for a rethink:

 

Shouting or swearing a lot.

When the phone rings is it 'I wonder who wants to speak to me?' or 'bloody hell, not again!'

Loud noises make you jump

You drive too fast and shout at all the other drivers.

You eat too quickly. Gulp your food without chewing or even tasting it.

You find yourself with a couple of spare hours and find some work to do instead of relaxing.

You hardly have time to talk to your family and/or loved ones (joke).

You drink 'for relaxation'.

You can't sit still for a minute.

 

I'm sure we can all think of many more. Learn that everything takes time, everything has its own natural rate, everything is for a purpose. We don't get long, let's not waste it. Enjoy the journey, just as much as the arrival.

 

I've been very lucky. No big damage has been done and I can be fixed, but others have not been so lucky. Please excuse all the dribbling but I've been talking to the walls and I don't get a lot of sense out of them. All the best to each and very one of you, it's nice to know you care.

 

(Guy Lombardo: Enjoy Yourself)

 

Further reading:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/17/science/the-heavy-cost-of-chronic-stress.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

 

'How I learned to love life and stop worrying' by Whitey Grandad available at all good bookstores (I haven't actually written this yet)

 

Interesting reading Whitey, wish you well. I have had similar issues over the last couple of years, and have now at the grand young age of 55 I have been offered the chance to live and work in Brisbane. The big attraction is the work life balance here, I the four months I have recently spent here my blood pressure has gone down, and I await the results of my glucose test to confirm I have moved out of the type 2 danger zone.

I should have learned about balance when my wife died 12 years ago, but alas after a few years I was back in the rut. I have learned this time and your story only reinforces the commitment I am about to make to join the ranks of Brizzie Saints. And Juddie if you are reading this also take note!

[ibizasaint]

all the best whitey

[Saint137]

We are genuinely fortunate to have this great Heart facility in Southampton (and fantastic news that the kid's cardiac surgery will continue too). Seven years ago they spent three months fighting to save my Dad's life after multiple cardiac arrests and he's still here now thanks to them - ICD fitted (implanted defibrillator) and their care has meant over the intervening years his heart muscle has actually recovered and repaired previous damage. More importantly of course we've had him for 7 more years than we probably should, and he's got to see Saints win at Wembley again and the glorious return to the Prem. Dr Roberts there is a bloody genius and a genuinely nice bloke who cares about his patients and shows it (so often senior consultants are aloof and lack patient skills). If you're going to have heart disease Southampton is probably the best place in the country to have it.

[dingbattigger]

Whitey, if you could try and make your next update Saints related so we don't get moaned at for allowing this to stay on the main board (sticky to boot) it would be much appreciated

 

Sounds like a wake up call for you and a warning for others. Get well soon.

 

Whitey is very kindly checking out the heart unit in case one of our players has a Muamba moment. Doesn't get much more Saints related

[Dimond Geezer]

I have the photos and I'll post them when I can.

 

Excellent. I'm fascinated by medical pics. You should start a new thread & invite others to post up intimate pictures. I'll add the piccy of the firm, slender, probe like thing that was inserted into my derriere, steady on, don't get to excited ........ especially in your condition. it was a colonosopy.

[pap]

To Whitey G (hope you don't mind me using the 'urban' variation of your moniker!).

 

Get well soon mate. Need you in fine form for the upcoming left vs right contests, m'good man.

 

Seriously - best wishes.

[Whitey Grandad]

From Whitey G - in da hosp.

 

All your best wishes have obviously worked. Had a quadruple bypass last Wednesday and am very slowly getting there but won't be able to make the matches tonight which is disappointing, especially as today's my birthday but if anybody catches a glimpse of the lesser-spotted giant could they please post up a photo or else I might have to wait another year for it. Thanks again, I should be back in time for Wigan.

[Fowllyd]

Happy birthday Whitey! Glad to hear your recovery's going well, keep your pecker up and all that...

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Great news Whitey G....delighted to hear your are on the up:)

 

Best wishes for your 21st......

[ooh it's a corner]

Happy birthday and thanks for posting.

 

I recognise big bits of me in your description of a working, stressing, growing, Englishman.

 

I was at my daughter's 8th birthday pool party recently and the mother in law mocked my growing girth, so I've embarked on the first diet of my life. Need to lose 2.5 stone and lower the bp.

 

so far lost 12 pounds, and would be quite happy to stop, but reading your post does add some much needed determination.

 

Sincerely, thank you and best wishes for your road to recovery

[ottery st mary]

Best wishes for today and going forwards to another great year for you , your family and the mighty Saints...

 

Hope the Saints give you a couple of good results today as a present..

 

This silly old boy will be their tonight in his new Saints shirt...holding his tum in:rolleyes: as I know it offends some of my fellow posters.

 

Hope the weather improves.....pouring down her in sunny Devon....

 

Keep smiling Whitey.....and ask the female Nurse not to keep bending over:blush:

 

 

Setting off about half 12......Can you ring Nigel for me re progress report on our ground...Cheerrrrs;)

Edited 14 July, 2012 by ottery st mary
SPELLIN AGIN