When I wrote my previous M and B chat in April 2023 it ended on an optimistic note. The health of my M and B seemed to be fairly stable. What has happened since?

M: Body, we are back on the Moodscope chat show.

B:  How do we describe what has happened during the last 18 months when we are only allowed 500 words?

M: Well, you do the typing so you must control the amount we produce.

B: To say it has been an eventful period is an understatement. My heart problems reoccurred in the summer of 2023.

M: Yes, we attended numerous cardiac tests.

B: My breathlessness and fatigue were very debilitating.

M: This also had an adverse effect on my mental health. It is more difficult to feel positive mentally when your physical capabilities are so curtailed.

B: Yes and matters got worse. My cardiac surgeon decided I needed heart surgery again.

M: I remember the problems we encountered trying to a fix a date for the surgery.  Our quality of life was deteriorating so I was very pleased when a date was agreed.

B: Little did we know there was more drama to come. Three weeks in a post operative coma!

M: I was totally flabbergasted when we were informed and realised we had totally missed this period of our life.

B: Yes, it took several months afterwards to regain all bodily functions. Learning to walk again was so frustrating.

M: Eventually we got there and I think the cardiac rehabilitation course has been really helpful. At the final assessment I agreed with the physiotherapist that I had made great progress over the 7 week programme. As well being involved in the exercise course it was useful to meet others in similar situations.

B: Certainly I am amazed at my physical condition today.

M: Mental health has also improved. There has been research showing a direct link between heart problems and poor MH.

B: Now the immediate trauma has subsided, what have we learnt from the last 18 months?

M: I can immediately think of two lessons we have been taught: Firstly, never give up hope. There were times when survival seemed slim but we are here to tell the tale.

Secondly, there is a definite link between us. What happens to you affects me and vice versa. I have done a bit of research and found these two quotes;

“The mind and body are like parallel universes. Any thing that happens in the mental universe must leave tracks in the physical one” (Deepak Chopra)

“The mind and body are not separate. They are like 2 sides of the same coin” (Eckhart Tolle)

B: I agree. Have we finished now?

M: I think so.

B: Perhaps next time we could include a close friend of mine.

M: Who is that?

B: His name is “Soul”. 

Teg

A Moodscope member