@classic33 I understand and largely agree with much of your post. Thank you. I'm a firm believer in listening to and following medical advice to a point. That point is to get well and continue with my life as before.
I am always determined to get better. In two serious situations doctors have said my overall fitness has both saved me and helped my recovery. To see me you would never know I had a heart attack 3.5 years ago and a brain haemorrage in January.
The haemorrage is very scary as there is no warning. I feel fully recovered but have to await Friday's scan results. My wife says it may have to be a lifestyle choice, in which I would involve her and my sons in. My great friend and confidant told me on Saturday it's about my mental and physical health.
If I decide cycling has to stop I shall throw myself in to other activities. One would be increased walking, another to help set up the new branch of the U3A (University of the Third Age) which is being born locally now.
Apart from my love of cycling for itself my fear is I would lose several good friends. Again my friend put it very well on Saturday. Cycling is the common denominator which pulls us together, without it I would never have met those people.
We shall see. I am fully recovered, I have to understand the cycling risk and I'm not going to watch paint dry!!
Thank you again