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SPENDING A PENNY

a polite old English phase meaning to Urinate

What every man should know about his Prostate 

MY STORY

So, you've made it here, and then I guess you're looking for help and information or perhaps someone who has been in the same situation. You may be in a 'dark place'... I'm very sorry'. From experience I know exactly how you are feeling and I hope this helps in someway. 

October 2016

I'm now72! I cannot believe it! Is this old? Or the new '52' lol!  I've just returned from a few weeks in Kiev, Sunshine, swimming, restaurants, visiting friends, the Opera house. No, I'm not wealthy, that's why I go to Kiev ... 

Life is good!

October 2016 Thursday 13th

Visited my Doctor today as I wanted some ointment. I worked stock-taking in the '70's that required my driving 50,000 miles on top of a 40 hour week, not well for the bottom. I cannot complain, it's my only health problem.  While there I mention that over the last couple of years I get up in the night to go to the toilet, maybe once or twice a week, annoying as I have slept well all my life.   'You're getting old, things wear out'   I'm told... Just as I'm leaving I'm called back.   'We'll do a blood test'...

October 2016 Wednesday 26th

I'm off to the surgery to give blood... no problem. Note says FBC GPIP PSA! Whatever that means.   ...A few days later I receive a phone call from the receptionist,   'Doctor wants to see you next Tuesday 1st. November'.

'Nothing to worry about!'

November 2016 Tuesday 1st

I've known my doctor many years, he's even performed surgery on me... I'm called in and open with   'Nothing to worry about',   upon which I'm met with a short serious reply,   'Sit down'...   Whoa! I'm thinking, I then ask about the tests. FBC?   'Full Blood Count... 'Nothing'   GPIP?   'Liver... Nothing'   PSA?   'Prostate it's 37 should be 4'.   I'll feel your prostate, okay?...

And?   'It's a little large; I'll get you to a surgeon at the Royal as soon as possible'.   Thanks Doctor, I leave the surgery none the wiser.

Nothing to worry about... Ugh!   I'm in trouble.

November 2016 Thursday 10th

A few days after seeing my doctor I receive a hospital appointment. And this is the day!

I've done a lot of reading and am a little wiser. I'm thinking... why don't men receive a simple blood test every so often to check their PSA number. The meeting with the surgeon is short and after reading my information. 'A PSA of 37,  we will book a MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) before carrying out a template biopsy, it's the gold standard treatment and we will have another blood test. I'll now feel your prostate, okay ?'

My doctor said it was large. 'No, it's of normal size.' The surgeon is very reassuring, 'We are with you all the way on this journey'.

Journey? I leave the hospital. I certainly don't want to go on any journey, and what on earth is a Template Biopsy!

November / December

Now, I am starting to worry about my prostate problem; I get the sense that it is serious as everything is happening so quickly, but nothing is said... I need to get my mind straight.

My father, who was 93 when he died, was a teacher and surrounded by books. I search and try to find some answers and inspiration. A small book about 'Spending a Penny' very informative, and another regarding Herbal Remedies with a page about the Prostate Gland. 'Horsetail', 'Couch Grass', 'Hydrangea', 'Juniper Berries', and 'Roberts' Black Willow' I'm off to the health food shop.

Nothing on my list, but I'm offered tablets for Prostate health and two bottles containing Zinc tablets.

After a week or so I get a sensation around the pelvis as if my body want to get rid of something. Maybe my immune system has gone into overdrive. Too much Zinc!  


December 2016 Monday 19th

Within a few days after seeing the surgeon I receive a hospital appointment for the MRI scan but unfortunately I cannot get to the hospital on that day and request another appointment.

I have been away and at the weekend visited my son who lives in London but I get to the hospital for 8:00 in the morning. My appointment is at 8:15. The MRI Suite is locked! I must be the first patient. A nurse opens the door and I sit alone in the waiting area, I'm then given a form to complete regarding any metal items about me that could disrupt the imaging process.

I'm waiting while two television screens give out news about teenage suicides. I get a cup of water from the vending machine; I could do with some soft music.

Soon I am called into the changing area and given a gown with more questions about metal objects. I must look worried; the nurse says 'Now, this isn't for everyone'. I ask how long the scan takes to complete.   'Oh! It depends, usually 25 to 35 minutes, but sometimes an hour.'   Whoa!, this isn't a scan more a procedure and certainly a session.

I'm taken Into the room where the machine stands ready and I'm asked if I want to listen to music on headphones as the equipment makes some noise? No, I can manage noise, thanks. I'm then placed into the centre head first and a board is placed on me. My head starts to feel peculiar and I am really uncomfortable. The nurses who have left to operate the machine can see me and ask if I'm okay? No, I reply... I'm brought out.

I sit for a moment, trying to relax, this must be really important for my diagnosis. Then I ask if can go in feet first? Yes, of course...

 The machine starts, it is noisy, very noisy and I can feel some slight movement. After three or four scans I'm so uncomfortable that I ask to stop. I do hope they have some information.   

        

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