Good news!

We have had a bit of good news! I did put some bits on here in the early Autumn about Del's health problems but as the posts have disappeared into the mists of time I'll do a (very quick I promise) summary! Basically at the beginning of the Summer Del was sent to hospital with a suspected heart attack - fortunately after tests etc it was found not to have been, but along the way they discovered he was suffering from Sleep Apnoea... basically he stops breathing for a few seconds several times throughout the night - he's always snored and apparently this can be a symptom. Because this can leave sufferers tired during the day (he has said in the past he sometimes feels as if he hasn't had a good night's sleep) it is reportable to the DVLA and the requirements for his Bus Driver's licence are higher than for a car licence so he is unable to drive a bus. Anyway having had several weeks off sick whilst the possible heart attack was investigated he went back to work in the Autumn on light duties, sitting at bus stops and doing timings for the buses (boring!) and going out with new drivers to help them learn the routes. His employers have been very good over this as they weren't obliged to find him work. The Hospital have been good but the length of time between appointments etc is amazing! He is now waiting to be fitted for a mask which he will wear at night which should sort the problem out.... he has been waiting for the appointment for this since before Christmas! He was worried earlier in the week as his employers had mentioned the length of time it was taking (whilst acknowledging it was not his fault!) so when he was called into the office yesterday he had that sinking feeling! Anyway turned out they had called him in to offer him a Shunter's job, basically checking and getting the buses ready in the morning ready for the Drivers to take out, on the same money as he is getting now. They have told him that if the sleep thing is all sorted out and he gets his PCV licence back he can go back to driving, otherwise the job is permanent! Obviously this is a weight of our minds :-) The only downside is its a 4.30 a.m. start!