Over a year ago, I had a UTI (urinary tract infection) that required me to undertake a course of anti-biotics. My doctor felt that there might be an underlying cause that was related to my prostate cancer and referred me to the local hospital's urology department.
I was seen by the consultant urologist and as a result I had a flexible cystoscopy which showed that there were tiny nodules in my urinary tract and he felt that these could 'trap' the bacteria that can cause UTIs. I was therefore booked in to have them removed, and in early January I went to Blackheath Hospital for the procedure. However, the anaesthetist was unhappy that the hospital did not have an onsite ICU (Intensive Care Unit) or HDU (High Dependency Unit) and cancelled the operation minutes before I was due to go to theatre.
I have been waiting ever since to have the operation, and underwent a pre-op assessment in May ... but then heard nothing. This 'expired' a few weeks back, and I had another assessment earlier this month. This was followed up by an appointment to go to University Hospital Lewisham for the operation today.
So why am I not in hospital today?
The answer is simple; I came down with a heavy cold earlier this week and the anaesthetist thought that it would be foolhardy for me to be anaesthetised. I have been told that the operation should be rearranged for a date within the next month but I have yet to know when.
I have written this very personal blog post becuase Blogger's statistics indicate that the majority of my regular blog readers are males who fall into the age group who are most likely to suffer from prostate cancer. I am sure that the majority of them are already being screened for this cancer as it is the most common one that afflicts men. However, there may be some who haven't been screened, and to them I direct the following thought:
'DONT THINK ABOUT IT! GET YOU PROSTATE SCREENED! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!'
I left my first test a bit too long, and ended up having to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I now have prostate cancer that will be with me for the rest of my life ... but thanks to my regular treatment, I'll die with the cancer and not from it!
Bob -
ReplyDeleteOne might be forgiven for supposing that a 21st Century 'First World' health system might be able to keep up with requirements. Seemingly not. All the same, the heads up is timely.
Cheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteOnce I read your comment, I realised that I had not made it clear that Blackheath Hospital is a privately-run hospital that does minor surgical procedures for the National Health Service under contract. It is a very well appointed hospital but is not as fully equipped as a major hospital.
All the best,
Bob
Bob -
DeleteUnderstood - although I was thinking the system as a whole, rather than individual (personnel or institutional) health providers.
Cheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteMy local hospital trust contains two NHS hospitals, the Queen Elizabeth, Woolwich, (an ex-military hospital) and University Hospital, Lewisham. The trust uses the private Blackheath Hospital to do minor procedures to meet their waiting list targets. They also work with the Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital Trust to deliver oncology services … at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup. They also work with the King’s College Hospital Trust for specialist neurology services.
Confusing, isn’t it?
All the best,
Bob
Hope the cold clears soon and that you get a new appointment soon. A very timely reminder to all your readers, well done for posting it.
ReplyDeleteTradgardmastare,
DeleteAs thing stand today, my cold is a bit better, but I’m very glad that I’m not going to need to get to the hospital on what is predicted to be the hottest day so far!
As for prostate screening … well, I’m an advocate for it being done early and regularly. That way other men will avoid the problems and treatment I’ve had to deal with
All the best,
Bob
Thank you for the advice. Getting a prostrate exam 8.30 before work still classes as a bizarre moment (just what do you say afterwards?) but any embarrassment is small considering the risks. It's a thing I was putting off due to fear.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
I sorry you've endured so much
Cadan Dalmas,
DeleteI suspect that stories about rubber gloves and rectal examinations have put many men off as they don’t realise that the screening can be done using a simple blood test.
The truth is that if a rise in one’s PSA score can be identified very quickly, it can be treated way before things get too serious … and as we both realise, delays can increase risk.
I hope that by writing blog posts like this, I can help others to remain healthy.
All the best,
Bob
Very good advice Bob. Hope you're coping ok with the heat.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Maudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteCheers! I must admit that the heat (and poor air quality) in London is getting to me, and neither of us is sleeping particularly well. At least I’m not having to work in it!
Keep safe and keep cool!
Bob
Get well soon, and hopefully you will have a quick and successful surgery.
ReplyDeleteMark Cordone,
DeleteCheers! I am sure that I'll be over my head cold by the middle of next week.
All the best,
Bob
Well spoken. Hope your illness clears up soon and they can get you in for that procedure. I understand the frustration this sort of thing is. A few hours of inconvenience that saves your life beats going through all the life saving treatments.
ReplyDeleteWEK 3,
DeleteI hope to get over my head cold by the middle of next week, and that my procedure will have taken place by the beginning of August.
All the best,
Bob
Bob, thanks to a great urologist, I was able to totally beat prostate cancer. My PSA is now .1, such an easy illness to cure if you are alert.
ReplyDeleteNickN,
DeleteThat's great news! I am on medication (twelve-weekly injections of Zoladex) for the rest of my life and my PSA is currently less than 0.03!
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob . I had the full Monty this week ( after being referred due to a UTI) of PSA,Prostate examination,kidney scan and the camera . I was concerned about the camera but must say it was a lot better than expected( I lay back and thought about toy soldiers)
ReplyDeleteI would say to everyone,get tested,it is not as bad as you think !
Also happy to say that all was clear so a few celebratory beers tonight
Cheers
Ian
Ian Callan (Ian),
DeleteGood for you! It sounds as if you really did have everything thrown at you, but as you comment, its not as bad as one expects it will be ... and it's soon over!
All the best for the future,
Bob
My father had prostate cancer. Fortunately, they caught it early. I always get screened for it during my annual physical.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to get that surgery in sooner than later.
--Chris
Chris,
DeleteIt’s good to read that your father’s cancer was caught early and that you are having a yearly screening test.
I am hoping that I will have had my operation by the end of August.
All the best,
Bob
Yep, just had my psa blood test a couple of weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Bob!
Fitz-Badger,
DeleteI hope that your result showed a normal PSA level … and long may it stay so!
All the best,
Bob