The English Patient

I've now been informed that my heart surgery is to be slightly delayed again. But this time the reason is not to make way for more urgent cases, but because it turns out that I am a suitable candidate for 'minimally invasive mitral surgery' or MIMS, or keyhole. It amazes me that this complex structure in one of the most inaccessible parts of the body can be surgically manipulated via a 5 cm port between the ribs. Needless to say, avoiding going through the sternum means a much faster recovery and less pain, both of which sound very appealing.

The delay is because the process requires a special MIMS team and equipment in theatre, so the plan now is that I will be admitted on Wednesday (25th), op the next day, and then home just three days later! Apparently I could even return to work within a couple of weeks, and be lifting sacks of coal and shot-putting anvils by three weeks. However, much more likely that I'll restrict my physical exertions to raising the occasional glass of wine, and contemplate a return to work in January.

In the meantime, I will unfortunately miss the 'Blue Skies' debate with Lord Drayson at the Wellcome Collection on the 30th (#sciblue on Twitter), for which I managed to get a ticket. My good friend and colleague, John Greenwood, will go in my place. But hats off to the THE who will be live streaming the event on their website.