Heart Attack!

Ward 3 Vale of Leven Hospital, Alexandria

Saturday 10^th February 1990 7:30pm

Dear Evelyn,

How nice to get the fancy things from you. I at once put on the Marabou band thing- it’s a lovely idea. I first put it on the head, then as a collar. I love the little card; its what is called découpage. I remember Granny was in to that.

I am in the cardiac section of ward 3. I am the only female, all the rest are men in various stages of decay and illness. I am okay now and up walking about thankfully. I did not feel well last week. Mrs Shutt thought I looked ill. I had a lung pain (sometimes) and sore breast bone, at times. I know now that was the making of a heart attack. It was at 3:30am Tuesday in the study bed (high winds) that I took chest pain and arm pain and heavy profuse sweating. Things happen when one is alone. Luckily I just happened to know the name of the hotel in Aberdeen; luckily CV was delayed there for the night as ship was delayed with bad weather. I got directory enquiries to get me the number. I just lay still after getting up to make tea & fill hot bag. I did not get the doctor right away as I lay still thinking about Steps to take. Quite a thought.

I knew I would have to be put away to hospital also CV would have to get back home and before he got away on the ship to be told about it. Was that the right thing?

I lay exploring all the ways. No ambulances! Who will take me? Wills, Lydia? McGarry? I plucked up courage at 5am & phoned the doctor. He said I should have phoned at 3:30am.

I phoned Imperial Hotel. “I’ve taken a heart attack” No ambulances- only Police vans. Dr Doyle says. So I phoned Dr Will! Kil. 2166. They both came round and Dr Will set off with me leaving Dorothy to shut the front door. Oh yes, I also phoned David Henderson! Laura to come at once- key in lamp hiding place. I even put a furious Dennis out, luckily, as Laura didn’t arrive ‘till 4pm, (things would have been bad by then!).

I got into hospital at 7:30am.

It’s very nice and nice food. I am complicated by diabetes of course and blood sugar counts.

I have my Kewpie beauty bag and even nail varnish on my toes.

I put powder in my hair so as it don’t get greasy, and brush it up very fluffy. Eliz Boyd & Marilyn Wylie are supposed to visit me. I may get out on Tuesday. What happens then I just don’t know. If only Punk could drive. I wont get driving for a few weeks.

So if you ever get a sore breastbone and lungs, pain down the arms, it’s a Heart Attack.

The first time C.V. alone at Glen Eden was last night. No Ghosts! So he says. He’s at home tonight, as it was afternoon visits. He was to light the Library fire for TV with Punk /Dennis.

So Evelyn, I can see I may soon be much better. You can have a lovely holiday and I hope you enjoy it with V&L and with Emma. Don’t get sold into slavery, it’s a bad wee spot Turkey so they tell me. Hope to be better when I see you again,

Have fun – your loving Mother