Deborah Trenchard
This is a story about a woman in her 70’s with an undiminished appetite for life, love and adventure. Her journey takes us through South London SurgerySerious illness and survivalBereavementPolitical change and optimistic personal decisionsIt tells of the creation of a new life that may inspire others to see their third age as a place of opportunities and liberation rather than a place that, for some, pickles them in familiarity, predictability and acceptance. As vivid a personality as the colours of the clothes she wears this is her story... so far...My Timely Arrival is a fascinating account of Deborah’s narrow escape from death due to bacterial endocarditis coupled with sepsis. She wants to tell the world about the importance of knowing ’the cause’ - no matter the situation. In her case, it was a streptococcal sore throat. A bacterial infection treated by her grandmother with homely remedies when she was a child. She had no idea that this childhood contagion could have caused such devastation later in life.Deborah has become a befriender of patients and a challenger of medical paternalism, as well as an educator of medics and patients alike. She skillfully imparts her knowledge throughout the book.Dr Jane Mounty, Consultant Psychiatrist (Retired)
