March 2015.
My implantable loop recorder was inserted under local anaesthetic, in March 2015. It only hurt when the needle went into my chest to give the local anaesthetic injection. It lasted about half an hour, and was disappointed not to experience that relaxed, sedated feeling.
For three years the implant will be inside my chest, regulating my heart-beat. This will record any irregularities, if they are present. I am aware of it inside my chest, but it doesn’t hurt.
When I finish with my Fine Art course, I plan to find out what has caused my Stroke by monitoring my heart rate constantly. I will do this by using medical equipment from the Cardiology department at Ipswich Hospital. In three years time, if there is no findings from my loop recorder, then I don’t know what the cause could be. I think it could be quite beautiful if I don’t find out.
Mystery and my art being like a magic trick, have always been strong themes in my work. The cause being unknown would give the illusion that I have switched sides. Once I was the magician performing all types of illusions, now it feels that I have become part of the audience.
