Keeping me swimming
Subject: Mr Simon Thompson
Dear Sir/ Madam,
I would like to commend Mr Thompson, not only one great guy but I cannot believe how lucky I have been to have Simon as my knee surgeon. Yes, I call him Simon. No disrespecting him in any way from his post, this is far from it! I don't know if it's the norm or Mr Thompson or surgeon. This is how these past few years of three operations and very successful, he has made me feel personally on every occasion; calm, relaxed, positive and with full confidence in his abilities. I would sign my life over.
After snapping my first ACL many years ago and having the pleasure of Mr Andy Williams. Unfortunately, I snapped it again! This was after an accident with a lack of manhole covers. Two operations later, I was finally "back in the zone" of being able to take on my dream again being the English Channel solo swim. Unfortunately, after being mugged, I had a slight issue, which has now been fixed. My last operation going into Lister Hospital was full of excitement and confidence! Even to a point, the Lead nurses were surprised they had never seen anyone so happy to be having an operation. After I explained, they understood why.
After the operation, I was asked if I would like painkillers and my reply was no thank you. I wasn't in pain. They suggested I took maybe two Tramadol, which I agreed to just in case. The next morning after the nurse removed my bandages she could not believe my knee was hardly swollen and I explained jokingly that maybe to do partly with my Wim Hof Method (Ice Bath and meditation) and Simons surgery. The following evening, I took only two Tramadol. After that, it wasn't required. Within one week I was walking around the flat without crutches. For all my family to be amazed.
Today I have been given the go-ahead by Mr Thompson to start swimming again, and this will be great news for my swim coach! As the English Channel is only one of seven channels I'll be attempting. I have been told due to my last accident, I have arthritis in my knee which I will need further surgery. I only hope Mr Thompson stays at Chelsea & Westminster to carry on with my knee. I can't imagine anyone else looking after it.
To conclude; I cannot thank Simon enough over these past years and I look forward to him "keeping me swimming"!!! I do hope he gets the recognition he well deserves!
Thank you Mr. Simon Thompson
Kindest regards