the "getting rather ancient" phrase comes from an email from a fellow
genealogy researcher responding to a message I'd posted on one of the
other lists I'm subscribed to.
That message had to do with the fact that I have been suffering the
usual prostate problems that affect men over a certain age but that as
my problem wasn't responding too well to the medication I've been on
for several years I was referred by my GP to a Urology specialist at my
local (ie Yeovil) hospital.
During one of the examinations I went through the surgeon found a small
growth in my bladder. I'd not had any symptoms to suggest I had
this growth so it was a bit of a surprise. A web search revealed that
bladder tumours are quite common but that they are not always invasive.
Within a couple of weeks I was in hospital for it to be removed and
apart from a minor complication which meant I stayed in hospital for 4
days rather than going home the next day (the trauma of the operation
caused my bladder to stop working properly so I couldn't empty it,
this has now been sorted out)
I saw the consultant a week after the op and it was confirmed that the
tumour was cancerous but _not_ invasive. I will be having regular
checkups from now on (the first next May) to make sure it doesn't
return. I am still having to attend the hospital to see if I need any
further 'proceedures' to correct the prostate problem.
Please _don't_ send me any sympathy messages as I feel perfectly OK and
I am not worrying about having cancer (I don't 'do' worry), the only
reason for mentioning this on the list is that there could be
someone else on the list or a family member who could end up with a
similar tumour (women get them as well as men) and not recognise the
symptoms.
This is one of many websites that you could look at:
www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/b/bladder-tumours
So if you too are having prostate problems that medication isn't sorting
out, get _your_ GP to refer you to a specialist. I am really thankful
that my GP was on the ball and that my local hospital has been so quick
to react and treat me.
--
John Lewis
using Debian sid
