Morton legend Andy Ritchie reveals how he discovered he'd had two heart attacks
If you have been following closely, and I am grateful that you have, you may have noticed a pattern: all my sports activity has come from being parked on the sofa in front of the telly.
Now, there was always a school of thought that, if I wasn't kicking a ball, I would be lying idly in front of the box.
I can tell you – not true.
Well, mostly not true!
Andy Ritchie reveals the health concerns that have affected him over the last 18 months or so. (Image: George Munro) However, the reason I am not out much has been, regrettably, a wee downturn in my physical health. I have felt for the best part of the last 18 months that I was not in full vigour, and I was putting that down to a lot of factors.
I now know, that really since the turn of the year, my health has deteriorated and, after a spell of not feeling myself, I eventually went to a doctor who referred me to a consultant.
I have had an ECG, I'm waiting on an angiogram, and my medication has increased - because, according to said consultant, I have had a couple of what I believe are called 'cardiac episodes'.
In plain talk, that means heart attacks. Two of them. Naturally, I couldn't be happy with just one. I needed the full bhuna with nan bread.
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I have also become aware in my local manor that there has been a bit of talk about this and, before the dam bursts, so to speak, I wanted to let everyone know in my own way.
This sort of news can travel faster than a Carlos Alcaraz forehand, so I wanted to be in charge of the story.
So, where am I now?
Well, as I said, the angiogram awaits, and from there, a precise course of treatment will be acted upon. That could range from even more meds up to a possible bypass. We shall see.
Of course, the worst thing about this, and don't judge me, is that the fags are on their way out.
I have smoked for over 50 years, even as a professional player. Then again, so did Johan Cruyff and John Robertson, so I am in good company.
Andy Ritchie says that after more than 50 years he's given the fags the boot. (Image: Archant) I have curtailed my habit and, going forward, I will conquer it - not least of all because of Robin, my local pharmacist, who is helping me with this one.
Night times are difficult because the new meds disrupt my sleeping pattern, but on the whole, I am generally fine and looking forward to the new season.
I just felt that I wanted to share this with the good folk of Inverclyde who have shown me many kindnesses in the past.
Hopefully, I will see some of you in due course perhaps at Cappielow but do not offer me a ciggy!
Onwards and upwards, folks!
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