Ray was born with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. This did not affect his quality of life until after he had developed coronary heart disease. He was lucky that by this time, cardiac ablation could be carried out on him. This is one of the rare procedures which cures, rather than treats, a heart problem.
After years of Ray's CHD being misdiagnosed, a heart attack was correctly diagnosed and coronary artery by-pass surgery was performed.
At this time Ray had a confusion of feelings – relief at finally being taken seriously, anger at having been regarded as a hypochondriac, depression and confusion caused by PTSD, and fear of what the future held. His condition was helped by meeting other heart patients at support group meetings.
Being diagnosed with CHD taught Ray to make the most of his life. It also taught him that if he wanted to try something new, he should do it while he had the opportunity.
At the time of his heel surgery, he decided to learn to play a musical instrument for the first time in his life. This led to learning to sing and learning to play numerous other instruments. He now plays saxophone in two band, ukulele in two bands, sings in three choirs, and performs solo. His musical activities have played a huge part in his recovery. His heart problems ended his life as an engineer but started his new life as a musician.
When Ray was first told that he had coronary heart disease he was 48 and he thought his life was almost over. His first thoughts were that he would not see his young children grow up. He is now 70 and has two grandchildren.
When coronavirus curtailed his musical activities, Ray travelled to Lancashire and spent a very busy 14 weeks with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He then returned to London and started to busk for the first time, raising money for his heart support group.
At the age of 70, and 22 years after his CABG, Ray is now feeling fitter than at any time since his mid-thirties and thoroughly enjoying life.
Online resources mentioned in this episode:
Artful Dodgers (Lewisham Heart Support Group):
www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/find-bhf-near-you/artful-dodgers-lewisham-heart-support-group
www.facebook.com/groups/artfuldodgerslewisham
Blowjangles:
www.facebook.com/Blowjanglesfamousstreetban
Disclaimer
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Getting to know Sallie Crawley
Survivorship after a life-changing event can be challenging. You can rebuild the puzzle of your life and thrive. It takes one beat at a time and the support of people that have had similar experiences. Join me and other hearties in the My Heart & Mind Community, you'll get a warm welcome. You can also visit my website, like me on Facebook, or follow me on Instagram.