Health.....

[JohnD]

And all after robotic surgery, supposed to minimize complications.   Very bad luck, Nick, as "minimise" does not mean "no" just fewer, and you drew the Queen of Spades.

Glad the recovery is on an upward tilt, however long the climb.

Best wishes,

John

[Nick Jones]

Thanks John.  It all stems from one problem - bleeding early in the post-op period, which was not recognised and dealt with.  I know that a DVT is a bad thing too, but persisting in giving anti-coagulant to a patient who's just had surgery in a rather vascular area (where cautery is avoided to minimise nerve damage) and is still actively bleeding.......  The patient was pointing this out too.   Nothing about blood loss on discharge notes either and I'd have thought Hb 150ish down to 106 ought to have been worthy of mention?

I gather that one complication greatly increases the risk of further complications, especially when it occurs early on.

Bleeding aside, the surgery method has lived up to one promise so far (no nappies needed!).  Bit early to say on the other two main criteria!

Nick

[PaulAA]

All the best, Nick.

Really hope this is the home run for you.

Cheers

Paul

[Nick Jones]

Senior Management has the week off and both kids are away. We were also hoping to go away for a few days as yesterday was our 25th wedding anniversary (makes me feel old!).

Going away seemed a bit ambitious, but we have been managing to get out to local National Trust and similar gardens. Still can't walk very far but getting better.

Best bit? Been driving the Vitesse........ it's actually the most comfortable (for me) vehicle we own seating wise, even if the ride quality is a bit abrupt!

Monday's trial was a special blood test at Taunton hospital. No big deal for me, what's another hole in arm, except I had to take myself. Meant driving 20 miles and a fairly long walk. There is a car park on the hospital site, but I'd rather crawl than pay their bandit prices, and anyway it's on the wrong side of the site so not saving much shoe leather..........

Made it, without major drama, didn't even get lost on the way in. This hospital is on a large site and is a real mish-mash of old (WW2!) and new haphazardly joined by a maze of corridors. Then had to wait an hour because although they knew I was coming, no one had done the paperwork and it has to be signed by the consultant, who had to be tracked down. The seats were bloody uncomfortable........ However, as ever a sobering and humbling experience as I was in the waiting area a of the Macmillan.  Most people coming for blood tests to see how their chemo is doing. Many hats and scarves even though it was 24 degrees....... Then, when they finally took my blood, the lab lady herself came in person to collect it and provided the comparative sample from her own arm! There's dedication!

Was a bloody long walk back to the car, not helped by dodgy signage - you could wander the corridors for hours without finding a way out! Beat the parking warden though!

[rogerguzzi]

Hello Nick

                  How about a pair of roller boots? (The engine powered type!)

Roger

Ps its making my eyes water at the thought of it all! You have been dealt a rough hand this time but as the Memsahib says it's better than the alternative 

Still progress Vitesse?

[Kev_tr6]

Hi Nick, glad you managed to get out in the Vitesse. My fingers are crossed that things will improve for you drastically very soon.

Good luck.

Kev.

[Nick Jones]

Thanks all, definitely on the up now.  I can almost pretend to be normal for a few hours a day!  Have even been to a couple of social engagements!

Driving the Vitesse has been a big boost - though it badly needs a wash as very dusty and it just won't blow away, even at speed.....(I tried!).  Mind you, the A6 has been mostly parked under a tree for the last 8 weeks and looks abandoned...... even though it has been used from time to time.  Her ladyship's TT is so uncomfortable even the lure of working AC is not enough!

Nick

[yorkshire_spam]

Well on your way down the long road to recovery! Hang in there and pace yourself. 

Regards, Sam

[Nick Jones]

Saw the surgeon today.  Cancer wise the news is good.  As far as they can tell there is no disease outside the tissue that was removed and the actual tumour was quite small and relatively unaggressive. PSA now basically undetectable, but will be monitored closely. 95% chance of going 10 years without recurrence, which is about as good as it gets.

He also spent some time explaining what had gone wrong post op and how it leads to the issues I've had - which was welcome.  Could have done with the info about 8 weeks ago really, but anyway........  He is sure it will fully resolve without further intervention, and without long-term harm, though is a little vague about how long that might take.......

It is improving though and the rate of improvement seems to be accelerating too, which is very welcome.  Surprising how a big a psychological lift having normal colour wee gives.  Sorry if TMI but when one's wee has varied between tomato juice and rose wine, sometimes both in the same session, for the last 8 weeks, one develops a morbid fascination!  Today, as part of the surgeon visit I drove about 80 miles, walked all round a National Trust garden, had a pub lunch, then saw the surgeon.  Senior Management drove home as I was a bit ragged by then, but an unimaginable level of activity compared to even a week ago.

In other news, I drove the Vitesse so much last week I got a screw in a rear tyre causing a puncture.  Happily it was graceful enough to go flat at home.  Chris got a puncture repair lesson.......  Oh, and the clutch master cylinder is leaking...... it's been fitted about a year.  Bah!  I wonder if it's a close enough copy of the Girling to take a Girling seal kit?

Nick

[yorkshire_spam]

Great news Nick! 

[rogerguzzi]

Hello Nick

                   That is exellent news (we need your expertise!)

I always judge my state of health by my p**s and how strong it smells how else can you judge?(vino does affect it if enough water is not taken!)

Been doing a dry run for local TSSC group today only 200 miles!(will they last?)

Whats on offer

Roger

[JohnD]

Gosh, Nick!   It's been that coloured for that long!    I've noticed - they put them up right in front of you at the urinal - the posters encouraging you to see your doctor if you see blood in your urine "even just a bit"!     Your symptoms must have been so worrying!

I had 'just a bit' last year, and needed no poster to take me to my GP - it terrified me!    Led to the most uncomfortable investigation I've ever had, a CT of my urinary tract.    Had to drink TWO LITRES of water, then lie in the machine, first on my back then front.  With a very, very full bladder that last was not pleasant!

They found some tiny stones in my kidney, one of which probably passed and caused a tiny bleed, so nothing needed doing.   Phew!

John

[Nick Jones]

On 8/19/2018 at 10:46 AM, JohnD said:

Led to the most uncomfortable investigation I've ever had, a CT of my urinary tract. 

Good to hear it was nothing serious John.  Though a kidney stone can certainly feel serious I understand.

Yeah...... had a cystogram a few weeks back where they filled my bladder to somewhat beyond the comfort point (!) with contrast media via my suprapubic catheter and then suggested (with a slightly evil grin) that I try not to wet myself (or their table) while they did their scan.  The scan was quite brief but the consultation that followed (by phone, with my surgeon who was elsewhere) less so.  when the radiologist wandered back in I was force to enquire (maybe a little plaintively) whether he'd finished and if so would he like to empty me before I emptied myself.......  He had the good grace to look slightly abashed and got right on with it.  I was grateful.

Remember something similar years ago with an ultrasound where I had to fill myself as you did, wait much longer than the advertised time and then endure someone leaning on my bladder (which felt like it was up to my rib cage) with the US probe for 5 mins....... lucky the loo was close by!!

Template biopsy of the prostate isn't a great experience either.  Can safely say I won't be having another of those though.  Small mercies.....

Bloody sadists these medics....... except the anaesthetists of course!

Back at work last week for mornings (quite long mornings it felt like) and lasted until 4pm today.  Still can't walk all that far before things get sore so desperate for some exercise (the weight I lost in muscle is going back on as fat around my middle!) I've been lane swimming for the first time in decades. 40 lengths (1000m) on Friday morning and 50 lengths on Sunday morning.  I ache a bit.... but mostly muscles I'd forgotten existed rather than the surgery affected areas.

GT6 lost a bit of weight too.....

Nick

[Nick Jones]

Swam 72 lengths on Friday.  Upset my super-fit cyclist younger son by being able to go faster and further than him.  In cycling speak I "dropped him" then "lapped him" - twice.

Still he did well too - he's certainly never swum a mile before.  He could even walk afterwards, which I was finding challenging!

Only 64 lengths this morning (1 mile) plus some workshop time plus some lawn mowing (first time since early June), so I must be nearly mended, though long periods sitting are still a problem.

Would like to thank you all for your support over the last 3 months - it has been very much appreciated! 

Nick

[Nick Jones]

Just had the “pleasure” of a gastroscopy..... unrelated to previous events (as you would sincerely hope!). 

Apparently I’ll live a bit longer yet. Meanwhile, having been nil-by-mouth since 9.30, I’m spitting feathers.....

[Hamish]

Keep up the good progress nick. 

You are a fitter man than I. I walk the dogs and that’s about it for exercise I’m ashamed to say. 

And in the recent past I have had some long days in the garage, in out and under my tr  and I certainly felt long forgotten muscles. 

H

[Rod1883]

I've been put on the list for one of those after chest pains a few months ago were diagnosed as a possible hiatus hernia by a GP.

It was originally due yesterday, but I was unable to make that date and have requested a consultation with a specialist before any procedure is carried out. I really have a problem with anything invasive, even a blood test, and I go into a vasovagal attack.

I hope the experience wasn't too bad (and no I don't want a description) and nothing untoward was found. I hadn't spotted this thread previously, so hopefully you are over whatever it was that ailed you earlier this year.

Rod

[Nick Jones]

Apparently I do have a hiatus hernia along with a sizeable chunk of the population, But nothing else untoward other than the lower section of the oesophagus looks a bit acid blasted. That came as no surprise whatsoever! I only went to the Docs to get something to knock the acid levels down a bit as sometimes I’m so raw in the mornings toast is a complete no no.

It’s all pretty low drama Rod. Actual procedure took less than 4 mins and is no worse than uncomfortable. I just had the local anaesthetic spray in the back of the throat as if you take up their offer of supplementary sedation you have to hang around for 2 hours afterwards and need someone to take you home and keep an eye on you afterwards.

[Rod1883]

Thanks Nick

I was prescribed Lansoprazole 30mg to reduce acid production in the stomach, and told to eat more frequent smaller meals (as opposed to just two or three larger meals a day) - and to lose some weight!

I don't suffer from acid reflux/heartburn particularly frequently or excessively - or at least I don't think I do, but the episode that caused me to visit the GP was excessive chest pain that moved around and up and down my arm - worryingly not unlike a cardiac problem. The Lansoprazole certainly reduced the symptoms, and I have stopped taking them after a couple of months and the symptoms are greatly reduced. I have reduced meal sizes, and lost a few pounds but nothing major. I do find that alcohol can cause some issues if I overindulge.

[Nick Jones]

1 hour ago, Hamish said:

Keep up the good progress nick. 

You are a fitter man than I. I walk the dogs and that’s about it for exercise I’m ashamed to say. 

And in the recent past I have had some long days in the garage, in out and under my tr  and I certainly felt long forgotten muscles. 

H

Well, I have to confess that I haven’t been swimming in a while. The dark mornings....... I’m really not a mornings person!

Did do some quite serious walking when we were in Spain a few weeks ago, including about 9 hours on the hoof around Seville, which nearly finished me and a couple of very hilly walks over 10km long so I reckon I’m pretty much fixed.

[PaulAA]

16 hours ago, Nick Jones said:

Just had the “pleasure” of a gastroscopy..... unrelated to previous events (as you would sincerely hope!). 

Apparently I’ll live a bit longer yet. Meanwhile, having been nil-by-mouth since 9.30, I’m spitting feathers.....

Nick

The 'cheat' is to make sure that you have the other end of your alimentary canal probed at the same time.  Certainly over here, you're popped under for an hour and wake up none the wiser.  Being the unwilling recipient of the 'probe' every two years, I only discovered this about ten years ago, having endured the 'can you try to relax, please, sir' instruction for the, erm, lower part of the inspection.

But the thorough emptying process for 36 hours beforehand is an endurance run...

Paul

[JohnD]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!   Picolax!

J.

[Nick Jones]

Have so far avoided any attack from the south end..... will probably come one day.........

Though the first nurse yesterday seemed to think that what I was there for. I had to ask how I was going to be able to use gas & air with a camera in my face......

You don’t get put out for either end here...... stiff upper lip........ but relaxed elsewhere!

Picolax.....!! That thread on the mountain-biking forum.......

[JohnD]

I have an interventional investigation forthcoming, which I am assured will include sedation, but which I would rather like to watch.  It's called cardiac ablation.

Earlier this year, I had several episodes of 'feeling funny', during which I had a very fast heart beat.     When one occurred during an operating list (!) I nipped out to the anaesthetic room, slapped on some electrodes and took my own ECG.      I thought it was SVT, supraventricular tachycardia, which is a tad worrying, but after wearing a monitor for a week, I was told it was paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).  I won't explain these terms - you can look them up as well as I!    You may also be reassured that I had already intended to retire completely from practice at the end of the summer, so no risk to my patients, 'cos I don't have any now!

My treatment choices included cardiac ablation, in which the accessory pathways in the heart that trigger the AF are cut, my cardiologist tells me by a laser!   The laser needs to go down a catheter, like Nick's but there ain't no natural opening, so it goes in through a needle into the vein in the groin.   That is the bit that the sedation is given for.  Then the catheter is passed up through the veins into the left atrium of the heart and through (!) the wall into the right atrium where it can do the business.      I was a bit surprised to hear that a laser would be used, as while it would work well through clear watery solution, blood is a bit thick.   But they inflate a tiny balloon on the cather end with heavy water, press that against the atrial wall and fire the laser at the wall!    Yes, I said HEAVY water, deuterium oxide!  None of yer ordinary H2O!   Apparently D2O passes the laser better.

All this is done under the image intensifier, live X-ray movies!   And I'd rather like to watch!     

There's an eight month waiting list (!) so meanwhile I'm on betablockers and anticoagulants, to inhibit the AF and protect me if I get one.  Roll on next June!

Just went for my annual racing licence medical, and the GP (never met him before) seemed a bit surprised that there was no prohibition for such as I, but still signed on the dotted line and accepted my fee.  Now have to wazit and see if the MSA  Motorsport UK raises any objection - but they shouldn't!

JOhn

[Rod1883]

John - hope you don't mind me asking, but as a medical person, have you any advice on how to control/treat my vasovagal tendency? It's something that at the moment I can't control - anything to do with needles etc and I'm in a cold sweat and passing out!

Rod