Dear
Richard,
Saddened to hear the news regarding Tom Lambert. What a great man he
was. He was in Eastney some of the time I served in 'Whaley' and of
course we did the odd job with them. Our thoughts are with his family
at this sad time.
We are pleased to say that Heather appears to have made a full recovery
from her illness at the Cathedral. She has been thoroughly checked out
both in Portsmouth and again on our return home. We were both looking
forward to attending the Sunday gathering at the RMA. But it wasn't
to be!!! Next year then!! (I have just this morning booked our Hotel
for next October!!).
We have had many messages of concern from members of the fantastic "Band
Service Family". How lucky we are to have such good friends.
Take care, stay in good health and we look forward to meeting up again
in 2013.
Barry and Heather
Jan
22/2012
Dear
Richard,
We have been to the Walton Centre today for a check up!!. They are pleased
with the progress and have checked the wounds and 'Gizmo'. We are up
and running and all things being equal, the 'relief' I am getting will
hopefully stay with me and we are now able to mobolise slowly and carefully.
(Suppose that means I have to start ironing again!!!!!). They are going
to ring me regarding driving. But all in all, they (as we are) are very
pleased with results to date.
I have not got to go back now for 6 months. Yippee!!! (but we have got
contact 27/7 if required). So we now look forward to having a somewhat
normal life once again. Margate "All Stars Concert" will not
be possible, but see you all at this years reunion!!!!
Regards to all
Barry
**************************************************
Dear
Richard,
I continue to make good progress. All 'staples' have been removed and
both wounds are healing nicely.
I have had my 'Gizmo' tweaked and thankfully it appears to be doing
it's job! So hopefully my decision to accept this further surgery, was
a good one!! I now look forward to a somewhat less painful life.
I have had numerous messages and cards. Even had one Email message from
an ex pupil of mine (now 42 years young!!) who had tracked me down via
your (our) wonderful web site!!
Regards to all
Barry
****************************************
Nov
3/2011
Had
a call from hospital today. Early Christmas present!
I go for 'Pre OP's Tuesday 6th December, admitted 16th December, operation
day Saturday 17th December, in for 5-6 days. Home for a quiet Christmas!
Taken longer than I expected. (I had hoped to have been fully recovered
by now!) Aye Ho, better late than never. Just hope it works now.
Regards to all.
Barry
*****************************************
Dear
Richard,
I Have been back to hospital today, to have the temporary 'trial gizmo'
removed. Results from the trial proved to be good and my pain levels
seemed to diminish somewhat whilst the electrode was in place. It all
proved to be a little of 'Heath Robinson' set up, and Heather had her
hands full doing running repairs!!
The good news is that I have been offered an implant of a permament
'Gizmo' and I have accepted. There were the usual warnings, that it
involves major surgery and that I could end up in a worse condition
than I am at present. But both Heather and I think that it is a risk
that we have to take. Downside is that I have to wait some 2 or 3 months
to have it done and that I will be in hospital for several days followed
by a recovery period of some 6 weeks.
I would like to say a big "thank you" to everyone who has
been in touch over the past couple of weeks offering their support for
us both. It has been a great help. But that is the big family of us
'Ex Bandies' at work again.
Many thanks.
Kind regards,
Barry
***************************************************************
Finally
got my date for hospital 30th June.
Over in Liverpool 'Walton Centre' I am going to have a 'Gismo' fitted!!
(copper wire inserted alongside the 'Spinal cord, then fixed externally
to a control box which sends impulses thro to my brain!!!!(I know if
they can find one!!!) to disguise the pain with tingling sensations,
this stays in place 7 to 10 days, if this proves to be successful) I
will go back some 2 to 3 months later and have an implant fitted, (by
a nuero-surgeon) shelve life 5 years plus which will stay there!!!.
Got to try these things. I will keep you informed of any progress.
Regards to all.
Barry
*********************************************
Jan
29/2011
Dear
Richard,
Many thanks for your Email and kind words. I continue to struggle on.
I have another appointment at the 'Pain Clinic' on the 8th February.
So I am hoping that they may be able to alter my medication to help
ease my pain. I have been offered further surgery but with only a 30%
or less chance of any success to ease my discomfort, I am at this time
refusing the offer!
Good news to hear that Colonel Nick has had a change of heart about
the reunion. I for one was 'Miffed'' about the decision having been
made to alter it, without it seems, any consultation with the 'Old Brigade'.
I had invested a lot of time and effort in keeping it going. But I hope
to be there this year. Didn't make the last one. I I have had to pull
out of the 'All Stars Concert' this year. I have to date managed 19
of them. But my mobility is not very good.
Both Heather and I continue to enjoy life up here on the Wirral. Plenty
of culture and and things of interest to enjoy. Heather enjoys the theatre
and there is plenty of choice for her to enjoy on 'R.N.R'!
Matt Dillon is indeed in a nursing home. I managed to see him when we
both attended Chris O'Connor's funeral last year. I also have many happy
memories of 'Whale Island' the best 6 years of my time in the Band Service.
So pleased to hear last at long last you have managed to get your life
back on an even keel, it has been a long time coming for you. Enjoy.
Take care Richard and long may you continue to carry on with your great
work for all of us within the great family of 'The Royal Marine Band
Service'
Regards
Barry
