Interview with Ray Bishop – Misdiagnosed more than once, having a forgiving heart and becoming the music man.

04/01/21 • 72 min

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:

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any ideas, please get in touch.

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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.

After years of Ray's CHD being misdiagnosed, a heart attack was correctly diagnosed and coronary artery by-pass surgery was performed.

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 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:

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any ideas, please get in touch.

Previous Episode

Interview with Tena Kennedy – Life with chronic illnesses, it’s good to talk

Just before her 50th birthday Tena was admitted to hospital with unstable angina, and this was just the beginning of her story. Tena lives with many cardiac and respiratory chronic illnesses and she shares with us her journey and her coping mechanisms that helped her with her glass half full outlook despite the many changes to her life.
She talks about her diagnosis and some of the procedures she has undergone, including TOE (Transoesophageal Echocardiogram) and explains what that is. We also talk about acceptance of using a CPAP machine at night, how scary the thought is compared to reality.
Tena shares her thoughts about honesty with the people that love you.
We talk about fear, and how not knowing or understanding can add to the worry. We also continue to discuss becoming confident and that you need to be your own advocate with your medical team. She shares her top tips for making the most of medical and hospital appointments.
Tena shares her top tip for managing your emotions and thoughts is about using your voice. How finding people who share similar experiences, can help you not with the medical side but with how it was for them. She shares her story about the support she got from finding Facebook groups on the internet.
Another topic we discuss is the importance of acceptance and liking the new you after diagnosis.
Tena talks us through what motivates her, how having a mobility scooter is of great benefit to family life and the impact of her health on her mental health.
And so much more, did I mention one of the key tips from Tena is to talk ....
And now, let me introduce you to ... Tena Kennedy
Facebook groups mentioned in this episode:

Free resources
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Next Episode

Interview with Steve Wrigley - Having a cardiac arrest at 30,000 feet and recovering from a heart attack in Singapore

Steve Wrigley was flying home when he had a heart attack on the plane. He was fit and healthy, he loved adventure holidays that revolved around cycling.

He went with friends he’d met on previous adventures on a trip to Bali. Steve shares his story of amazing luck as he survived two accidents on his bike. Then the third event when he was on his way home. He had a cardiac arrest caused by a heart attack while 30,000 feet up in the sky.

Steve describes waking up in Singapore, not remembering anything other than plugging his phone when he first got on the plane.

He tells me about his ‘heroes’ how his friends, the flight crew and pilot saved his life but he did forget to tell me about his broken ribs due to receiving lifesaving CPR.

His story starts and ends with chocolate, and he shares with us his recommended book and his tips for recovery, and his life now.

How you can access the resources that were mentioned in this episode:

Dale Carnegie on Facebook

Amazon Book: How to worrying and start living

Amazon Book: How to win friends and influence people

British Heart Foundation - Beating heartbreak together

Getting to know Sallie Crawley

Join me and other hearties on Facebook in the My Heart & Mind Community

Please read my disclaimer, visit my website and help yourself to free resources.

And the beat goes on ... one moment at a time
If you enjoy my podcast, I would appreciate it if you would

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any ideas, please get in touch.