Vernon Emergency

[Tracey Newman]

Get well soon Vernon. I'm praying for your fast recovery

[Louis the fly]

Let us hope Doc makes a full recovery his many friends around the world will be wishing him well.

[Roger Dyer]

Hi Shipmates,

Just wanted to share this latest update with you. This afternoon, with Irene's blessing, Pauline and I visited Vernon at the Nepean Hospital, Penrith (at the foot of the Blue Mountains) following his transfer down from Katoomba Hospital. Although we've always kept in touch, we hadn't seen one another for almost five years which does perhaps account for the initial uncertainty of what followed (think Livingstone and Stanley). As I entered the room the bed was empty, then from behind a curtain emerged the image of an undernourished Santa Claus. "Mr.MacDonald ?", I said, somewhat tentatively. "Yes" he said, staring at me with a total lack of recognition. Thinking the worst, I said "It's me, Roger Dyer". He seemed to recognise the name, but still had a puzzled look on his face, " But, what...? " Then it dawned on me that since our last encounter I too had changed a bit, having lost 10 kilos in weight and acquired a grey beard and moustache of my own. Once identities were confirmed it was like old home week. I must say that for someone who had suffered a major heart attack 36 hours ago he didn't look too bad. However, he then brought me up to date. The angiogram revealed the presence of several clots and, unknowingly, he has been suffering from heart disease for some considerable time. His attendant surgeons have advised that to permanently correct the problem will require 'open-heart' surgery which they hope to carry out within the next week or so. You will, I'm sure, be pleased to know that in spite of this unwelcome event in his life,our mate is in good spirits. He was clearly delighted when I told him of the kind wishes and words of support so many of you have expressed on this thread and he asked me to pass on his thanks to you all. Although it will probably be several weeks before he is back on deck he also wanted you to know that as soon as he is well enough to do so he will be back.

........................Roger


P.S. Forgot to mention that the proposed heart surgery will be conducted at Westmead Hospital (which is another 20 miles or so east of Penrith). It is said to be the largest hospital in the southern
hemisphere and should have all the latest equipment to hand. Vernon does not have access to a 'puter whilst he is in hospital so shall try and get a hard copy of this thread to him the
next time we visit, then he can see for himself how much you lot really care.

[Keith Tindell]

Thanks for the update Roger, its good for us to know that you down under guys are in touch with Vernon, and obviously his wife as well. It sounds as if he is as well as can be expected at this time, kt

[John Arton]

Roger
Thanks for the update on Vernon's health.
Fortunately the op planned is fairly common, I know of at least two of my relatives who have had triple and even quadruple heart valve bypass surgery and they have all recovered well and lead active lives, so best wishes to Vernon, fingers crossed for successful operation and speedy recovery.
Rgds
J.A.

[Captain Kong]

Many thanks for the update on Vernon, Roger, sorry we didnt meet him in Sydney when he had another hospital appointment.
I see you still have that beard, it should be a magnificent sight by now,
All the best to Vernon and to yourself.
Cheers
Brian

[Chris Allman]

Many many thanks Roger for the update. Having been a friend of Vernon for a number of years and also worked very closely with him as a Moderator over the last year, I feel so frustrated being thousands of miles away and I cannot get to personally see him and talk to him. I am, as I am sure all of us are, anxious to hear how he is and bearing up. Thank you for putting us all in the picture and perhaps if you do hear of what is happening in the next days and weeks, you could pass it on to us all. Thanks Roger, thanks very much for your kindness.

[David Williams]

Can you please pass on our best regards to Vernon.
David and Molly.

[Trader]

Thanks for your update on Vernon Roger. Get well soon Vernon, hope everything goes well. Missing your quizzes already.

[happy daze john in oz]

Richard, my heart felt thanks for taking time to visit Vernon.
It is time such as this that confirms my belief once you have been to sea you will be always be part of the brotherhood of the sea.

Though most of us have not met we share an understanding that many ashore would never comprehend.
It is this comradeship that take persons like you Roger on such errands of mercy.