One day at a time. (Part 2 of the story of Joanne and Paul. Now complete!)

Chapter 20 - 27th February 2002

Joanne woke with the alarm. She felt totally drained having. only had a few hours sleep. Despite the tiredness she got up, showered and dressed, keen to be at the hospital to see Paul before he went into theatre. On arriving at his room, she knocked softly and went in. He was dozing since he wasn't allowed breakfast before surgery.

"Hi baby!" Joanne smiled at him. He looked a lot less tired today than he had for months she noticed."I didn't expect to see you before my op!"

Joanne gave him a soft kiss, "I wanted to come and see you and I'll be here waiting until you come back to this room too! How are you feeling today?"

"Me? I'm feleing tonnes better. I think the rest and medication have definately helped." he looked at her in concern, "You look dreadful though love,"

"Thanks McCartney!"

Paul took her hand. "Hey, I mean that in a worried way. You look exhausted! What's wrong baby?"

Joanne shook her head. "What's wrong? Are you seriously asking me what's wrong? Paul, the man I adore and hope to one day marry is waiting to go into surgery for a heart operation. I spent all day yesterday travelling from Manchester to London and all last night comforting your son who was scared his dad just might die in theatre when really I'm terrified it could happen! That's what's wrong!" She suddenly burst into tears, totally overwhelmed by the whole situation.

Paul leaned over to her, clearly concerned. "Oh Joanne, I'm going to be fine. You've heard what the doctor said. It's a routine operation. I'm going to be fine afterwards. Come on baby, smile. I don't want to go into theatre thinking of you crying!" He wiped her tears and kissed her softly. Taking her hand in his, he gave it a gentle squeeze. "Any better now?"

Joanne nodded silently. "What time are you due to go down?" she asked.

"Around 10am they said. Although it depends if there's any emergencies obviously." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Everything will be fine Joanne."

Again she nodded. "I want to stay until you go down. Is that ok?"

"I don't see why not love," said Paul.

They chatted for a short while longer then, just after 9am a nurse appeared.

"Mr McCartney, I need to complete some checks before you are taken for your preop, if that's OK?"

Paul nodded. "It's OK if my fiancee stays with me though isn't?"

The nurse smiled."That's no problem."

Joanne watched as the nurse checked Paul's stats. "How's he doing?" she asked quietly.

She smiled at her. "He's looking good. Try not to worry." She turned her attention back to Paul. "Mr McCartney, Mr Houseman, the surgeon, will be in shortly to speak to you and then Mr Aldridge will administer your premed."

Paul nodded. Joanne couldn't help but notice how his smile was beginning to fade. He was worried, she knew that. This time she squeezed his hand to reassure him. The nurse left them alone. Neither of them spoke, they both sat hand in hand, waiting. After a few minutes, two more doctors arrived. They introduced themselves to Joanne who shook hands with them. They explained to Paul once more the procedure they would be undertaking and gave them a chance for questions.

"How long will Paul be in theatre for?"

"About an hour usually, then he'll spend another 30 minutes or so in recovery."

Joanne nodded. "Will he return here or....?"

"We expect Mr McCartney to return to the CCU however there can be some instances where patients require a short stay in ICU."