Monday 15 December 2008

Miracles Do Happen

Since Last Post P/L: £412.68
Monthly P/L: £412.68
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The last few weeks have been hugely demanding and extremely stressful but I’m very happy to report that Caden has had his heart repair surgery and is now on the road to recovery. However, there’ve been many highs and lows and I wouldn’t wish an experience like this on my worst enemy.
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To begin with we were told the night before the operation that due to a lack of beds within intensive care, the operation would need to be postponed with there likely to be a 1-2 week delay. After travelling to Bristol you can imagine our despair – his condition was becoming more noticeable and we were now ready, we needed this to happen.
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Fortunately the surgeon could see our determination and agreed for us to stay at the hospital in the unlikely event that a slot became available. Luckily for us one did and the operation took place on the 20th November. For what seemed like the longest 5 hours we lulled around shopping centres and restaurants waiting for the phone call telling us everything was okay and when we were told that everything was over we all shared a huge sigh of relief. Apparently he had suffered 2 : 1 Heart Block when coming out of theatre but this was something they were able to treat quickly and in general things had gone well.
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It was at this point I thought the worst was over. What I hadn’t considered was the possibility of any setbacks.
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The first day after the operation went to plan but when he started to show signs of deterioration on the second day panic started to set in. It turned out that fluid had started to collect around his heart and lungs and that another operation would be needed to drain what was there. The risks weren’t as great but I still had to sign the consent form and whenever that happens there’s always an element of doubt. A stark reminder of this was the 6 month year old boy in the next bed. He’d been admitted for a similar heart operation but following complications during the procedure he’d suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain. Unfortunately there was no way back and he passed away whilst we were there.
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With these thoughts fresh in the memory it was practically impossible to remain completely calm but I shouldn’t have worried as he sailed through. Even though this complication did set him back he started to show signs of improvement pretty quickly afterwards and within a few days he was fully conscious and trying to become more mobile. He was discharged a week later but within 48 hours were back in hospital. His temperature was spiking for no apparent reason and with the risk of infection high on the radar the doctors wanted to be safe rather than sorry.
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That worry has now died down and since then he’s been gradually on the mend. As of today the progress he’s made completely astounds me. He’s nearly back to being normal and if any of you reading this want proof of a living miracle then you’re welcome to visit :-) The little guy’s been through so much we’re now going to make sure he has the best ever first Christmas!
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At this point of my post I’d love to be able lift the mood but unfortunately I can’t as I was deeply saddened this week to read of the passing of
Richard Wildman. Richard was a fellow blogger who fought a courageous battle against cancer throughout 2008 before finally succumbing on the 5th December. If medals were awarded for having a ‘positive outlook’ then Richard would have been at the front of queue as anyone who has read his posts would testify. At the age of 36 he leaves behind a wife and two children and my thoughts are with them at this desperately tough time.
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What I’ve mentioned above really does highlight how precious our time is in this life and this is something I need to make sure stays fresh in my mind. If in future I ever take Caden or any of my family for granted I need to stop, take stock and think about how much others who are less fortunate would love to swap places.
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For what it’s worth I’ve now also been able to start trading again. The Heineken Cup Rugby has been the main focus of my attention and here’s my full results for the month so far:
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American Football : £95.91
Horse Racing :
£25.55
Rugby Union : £368.55
Special Bets :
£8.26
Poker : £34.49
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The highlight of December always seems to be the PDC Darts World Championship and this year appears to be no exception. Things kickoff on Friday and even though Phil Taylor has had a phenomenal year I’m not sure if the tournament being hosted at Alexandra Palace suits him. The Circus Tavern was his territory but last year he looked a little lost in the new surroundings so it’s difficult for me to get too excited about his chances when his odds are hovering around the 1.60 mark. He’ll surely reach the latter stages but I’d be surprised if you aren’t able to get better odds at some point along the line.
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Either way, the 13 days of competition will determine how I finish the year – will I be a ‘star’ or a ‘turkey’?
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Thanks again to everyone who’s left supportive messages during the past few weeks – they meant a great deal.
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Merry Christmas to you all.
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Mark
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22 comments:

Alistair Hamilton said...

That's brilliant news Mark. The best Christmas present that you and your family could have had.

As ever, best wishes to you all.

Alistair

Gus said...

Fantastic stuff Mark.

Cassini said...

Great news Mark - life is precious. Enjoy your baby. Time will fly by and before you know it he's grown.

Man of Mystery said...

Hi Mark, great to read Caden's recovering. Happy Christmas to you and yours mate.

Anonymous said...

Ver pleased for Caden and you family and friends.

TG.

Anonymous said...

Pleased to see its all coming good for you Mark, that pic with all the tubes and wires looks a bit scary!It must of been very tough to get through that, go and have a bloody good drink now! But no rugby tackles! lol

Ray said...

Great to hear your news on Caden. I have often thought about you all over the past few weeks but did not like to contact you just in case.
Have a great Christmas and good luck with the trading.

Ray

Mark Iverson said...

Too true Alistair, an amazing Christmas present and we now have a future to think of!

It's such a relief.

All the best mate.

Mark

Mark Iverson said...

Many thanks Gus! :-)

Mark Iverson said...

Cheers Cassini. I can't believe how quickly this first year has gone so I'm sure those ahead will fly by just as quick.

Thanks for the best wishes.

Mark

Mark Iverson said...

Happy Christmas John.

Many thanks for the best wishes and I hope you and your family have a great break too.

All the best,

Mark

Mark Iverson said...

Many thanks TG!

Mark Iverson said...

Hi Gary,

It was tough. Intensive Care for any length of time is not a pleasant place to be. Fingers crossed we won't be going back!

Now, where's my drink?.... (hic)

All the best,

Mark

Mark Iverson said...

Hi Ray,

Many thanks for your kind thoughts. I hope you have a great Christmas.

All the best,

Mark

leonthefixer said...

Hi Mate - great news!!! Very happy for you and your family!!!

It was very sad about Richard - he came across as a real nice guy and I feel for his family.

Make sure you enjoy your little one as much as possible and take full advantage of the fact you now trade from home rather having to go to work all the time - I am sure even if you are earning less trading than you would from working a normal job the extra time with your family will more than offset the drop in earnings - as you say life is to short so enjoy it while you can!!!

Mark Iverson said...

Thanks Leon.

You're spot on mate - even though the money situation has remained about the same I'm much richer now as I get an extra 2 days a week around those I want to spend my time with.

I don't think I could ever go back to working a 5 day week!

All the best and have a great Christmas :-)

Mark

Talkbet said...

Hi Mark, Great news about Caden, all the best to you and family.

Mark Iverson said...

Hi Talkbet,

Many thanks mate.

Have a great Christmas!

Mark

Anonymous said...

What a relief Mark. Glad it all passed successfully.
Anthony

Mark Iverson said...

Hi Anthony,

A complete relief mate!

Many thanks for your support.

Mark

Anonymous said...

Great news Mark, best Christmas present of all for you!!!!

Hey, are you still using Betfair or have moved on to the purple yet?

Mark Iverson said...

Hi Anonymous - yep, it was the best pressie I could have hoped for!

Unfortunately, as this is my quiet time of the year I'm having to use Betfair more than I'd like. The reason for this is that with my levels of profit being quite small I can't risk not getting matched and having to take a big hit.

When the cricket season kicks off again I'll be back on Betdaq to see how things look.

All the best,

Mark

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