Checked in

After a lovely sleep-in this morning and a quiet breakfast at home, we packed some lunch and Laetitia's bag, then caught a train and tram to the hospital in Richmond.

Since checking her in, we have met many specialists including her surgeon, surgeon's assistant and anaesthetist .. each stopping for a chat about their part in tomorrow's operation and answering our many questions with grace and humour. We were taken for a tour of the ICU, where Laetitia will be taken straight after surgery. She'll be there for one or maybe two nights before going to the cardiac ward. ICU is a busy place, every patient has their own nurse and there's a constant hum of machines. Apparently sleeping can be difficult there!

Laetitia also had an ECG and a chest X-ray and gave some blood. After I left she was to have a shower and scrub, then later she'll get some sleeping tablets to ensure she gets a good night's rest (anaesthetist's orders). Tomorrow morning another scrub and then off to theatre around 7:30. (I'm intending to try to be there by about 6:30.)

The operation should be finished and Laetitia settled in ICU by midday tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers!