I’ve been asked a couple of times, and even had an email or three, asking after my medical condition, so I thought perhaps one of these things will be in order.
Those not wishing to read about it, may leave now. AND DON’T BOTHER COMING BACK 😈 😀
Wednesday of last week, I had to pop along for an “Echo” test, what that is exactly I don’t know, anyway I dozed off during the process, and I’m not sure if the poor bloke doing this test, was annoyed, or amused; but I was feeling a bit sleepy and the bed thing I was sprawled out upon was comfy and well…….
On Thursday I had to follow up with a visit to Prof. Jens Kilian; he’s the heart specialist that I’ve been toddling along to see, for the past few years, a good bloke and I like him; he doesn’t beat about the bush, doesn’t mince his words, says what he thinks, I like that in a man, I like it in a woman too! 😈 🙂
Seems during the last six months, the valve thing in my heart has deteriorated somewhat, the valve instead of being open like this O is open like this ° (that’s the degree thing but you get the idea). He did the big O and the little o with his fingers and hands, to illustrate; I was going to this too, and take a selfie, but not knowing how, to take a selfie if both hands are ……. ‘come on get on with it!” the cry goes up; 😀 🙄 😀 😛
So to make a long story longer… 😈
I asked him how long he reckoned I might have without an operation starting at six months, he said a bit longer so I said a year, he told me yes, but I might go on a couple of years, and it was impossible to say for sure.; which is fair enough.
He then swung the conversation around to the cancer business; asked what I was doing about that and I told him nothing, and I’d told him my reasons why last time I was there, and nothing had happened to make me change my mind.
The long and the short of it is, it’s pointless operating to fix the heart valve, if I’m going to die a few months later from cancer, I couldn’t fault that line of reasoning, fact it makes good sense.
I didn’t say so, but I thought it might be better, to go out with a wallop/bang heart attack, whatever, than linger longer with bowel cancer. I have an idea that Prof.Kilians would probably agree.
Still he persevered, he suggested that I see a colleague of his, for another point of view. This colleague, is I believe even higher up the scale, than Prof, K. so he got his receptionist to make an appointment for me to see a Professor Paul Bannon, who has rooms, two floors below.
Naturally, I assumed that it would be a few weeks to wait to get an appointment with such a high powered surgeon as Prof Bannon; I don’t know what Prof K said but I was told an appointment was made for 12.15 on Monday the 12th. THATS TODAY! This is getting ridiculous.
So at 11.45 hours, the War Office, who insisted on coming along to the proceedings, bundled me into the vehicle, (I’ve sort of, not been driving much, lately, think it’s best if I didn’t) and drove me to the RPAH Medical Centre, a good idea really, as I have great difficulty now, hearing what the doctors are actually saying, and I think they probably get a bit , you know…
Prof. Bannon apparently does operations of the type needed to fix my ticker, by entering from the groin (as against open heart surgery, Prof Kilian strong suit); which sounds kind of fun.
Some years ago, I had an angiogram done that way, and I was awake throughout, and it’s absolutely amazing, watching whats going on inside, on a big screen. better than the tele.
Wouldn’t you know it, he got onto the damned cancer business 👿 and we agreed on one thing it’d be a waste of time …… however, he could see my point of view, why I couldn’t have a colonoscopy, I cannot flush my insides out, he said he wouldn’t be able to swallow the amount of fluid that was required and he has a stomach. I like this bloke, 😀 and he has come up with, what he sees, as a way around this pouring several litres of fluid down.
Didn’t waste time got his receptionist to arrange for some sort of cat scans, rang Dr Lee the bowel cancer chappie (don’t know what they discussed) and on Wednesday at 08.30, I’m off to the RPAH Centre, to have the scans, and have to go see Prof. Bannon again next Monday at 11.00 hours.
I might tell you at this point that Prof Bannon is an extraordinary busy doctor, Wednesday, Thursday, & Fridays, he spends operating, fixing peoples hearts in the mighty, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Monday is the only day he has appointments in his rooms, and he’s treating me and making me feel as if I was the only patient he has, and today was the first time I’d met him, another great doctor for me to hold in awe. The War Office was likewise affected by the genuine concern.
Concern? Yes but plenty of laughs chuckles and smiles throughout the whole consultation.
Socialized medicine at it’s finest provided by the finest; I am indeed a lucky chap in a very lucky country.
LordBeariOfBow 
Well, here’s hoping those CAT scans help you and the doctors make the necessary decisions. It’s a complicated situation for sure, but it sounds like you have some great docs. I’m keeping you in my thoughts.
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Anything for peace and quiet and to keep the doctors and the War Office happy; glad I’m in your thoughts;
I do believe that the American way is thoughts & “”prayers””‘ and thank fully you’re of the same page as I am , 😀 👿 🐻
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Yep, no prayers from me. But all the warmest thoughts, hugs, well wishes, and positive vibes I can muster.
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Thank you Susan 😀
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So, a bit disjointed and vague as accounts go. For instance, I don’t remember you previously mentioning a timeframe for the cancer. In fact, I didn’t think you’ve even confirmed its return. More like you couldn’t be bothered and if it’s there, it’s there and that’s that, the operative word being “if”.
If I’m reading the above correctly, the 6-12 estimate is for the heart, and while, sure, a heart attack sounds better than death by cancer, again, do you know for sure that the cancer is, in fact, back?
Also, if it’s such a great country, I assume they have death with dignity laws? That’s where you can choose your own time, place, and method for leaving. I say that because, from my point of view, heart attacks are not a given as far as checking out; you could, in fact, survive a few of them, making yourself and everyone around miserable. I’ve seen the result of micro-heart attacks and the damage they can do to the brain because of interrupted blood flow.
Now, granted, this is a morbid topic, but since you’ve been fairly upfront about it — and even use emojis — I assume it’s not indelicate to continue the conversation.
Perhaps I’m the only one needing a clarification, but that’s OK because I realize I’m fairly dense. Now, you don’t have to reply right away. You can wait until your next fact-finding mission and update me then. Only, when you do, try and provide a clear description of the situation. Use plain English, please.
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You are and I will, I’ll email you 😀
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Nice attitude. Sounds like you could be the only agenda item on a three day medical conference!
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What other attitude is there Andrew? The past dozen or so years have been rather interesting from a doctors point of view I’d imagine
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I think I need you as my advocate when I front up to my surgeons, M’Lord. I think I’d get more than the cursory 5 minutes (if that) from one. The other is okay, he’ll stop and talk and explain stuff.
So, they’re still doing their darndest to keep my curmudgeonly blogging friend going for a lot longer. Good on them. 😙
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I wish you well today; may you grumble on for a long time yet 🙂
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Thanks Derrick 😀
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Bravo for getting to the doctors and for posting this update! Whatever happens, I know you’ll take it with your usual dose of Fortitude and Grit, and let us know about it if and when you would like to do so. In the meantime, grumble on. I love it. Most of the time. 🙂
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Thanks Elouise 😀
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You are in the best of hands, under the best medical expertise,and in the words of Derrick Knight – long may you grumble.
And if you think that this will excuse you from writing your blogs, forget it. Just keep typing.
Love to read them.
And the best, the very best of good health to you.
Ira
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Thanks Ira 😀
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YAY for Prof Bannon and other good doctors!
You do know go into all of this alone! We will be with you in spirit, in thoughts, and with healing wishes and healing (((HUGS))) ! 🙂
I include The War Office in my thoughts and love. I’ve been the patient and I’ve been the person standing by the patient. Both places are difficult places to be.
Hang in there! Lord 🐻 of B!!! Keep your sense of humor sharp and your attitude positive! Give ’em heck when they need to get heck! 😉 😛
You must get well as we need you here!!! 🙂
(((HUGS)))
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Yes indeed Carolyn I’ve been more than fortunate when it comes to doctors 😀
😛 😀
I had my 🐱 scan this morning and am seeing the Prof on Monday,Been a busy busy boy today, my podiatrist made my feet feel marvelous after which I went to have my hearing tests. The WO my docs be nagging me to get aids for hearing. I’m worse than I thought 😥 I might out of sheer cussedness scan and post a copy of the test thingy 😈 😛 just to bore the few a bit more 👿
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So did they find out you had a cat?!?! Ha! 😀
I’m glad you have so many good Docs helping you! 🙂
You never bore me!
HUGS!!! for you 🐻 😀 🙂
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What a pity the War Office doesn’t follow my posts and the comments made,she might then appreciate what a gem she has 😈 😀 😛
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HA! Yes, she would! 🙂
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HA! 😛 no she wouldn’t 😈 🐻 🐱
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. . . not all the comments . . .
. . . and even then, no one commenting has to actually live with you. My thinking is more along the lines that the woman is heroic and made of sterner stuff than most.
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I’m not inclined to show her your comment 👿 🐻
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HA! You two and your banter crack me up! 😀
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Banter ❓ ❓ ❓ this is not banter! This is serious stuff! 👿 😀 and he knows all about ‘stuff’ he writes about stuff all the time 🙄
that and SPAM, he likes SPAM, I always delete the stuff 😀 😉
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How brave of you . . . no, wait . . . the opposite.
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Brian,
I’m pleased you have decided to take Prof Bannon’s option, but I’d back you whatever option you chose. Yes, the Royal Prince Alfred is a great hospital.
Neill.
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Well next Monday the situation will be clearer; I’m hoping Tuesday week to get to the Museum for a few hours.
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It will be good to see you back.
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Hey, my first comment has disappeared, and I can’t recall what I said. I’m sure it was something warm and cuddly, addressed to my favourite curmudgeon. ❤
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It seems like you are cooperating with all of the doctors, and they are doing their best for you. Yes, thank the Health System, and all of the wonderful people who have made sure it is in place for folk who need it! Take care, Bear, we want you around for a long time!
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It’s the only way Diane, they know what they’re doing and I have so much confidence in them that I never worry or feel concerned, which is as it should be.
I fail to understand why our American cousins will not embrace a National Health Scheme/Service in this day and age. If run properly by professionals it’s the WTG as they like to say,
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Thinking of you again today and will be thinking of you tomorrow. Sending continued well wishes, healing thoughts, and (((HUGS)))
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Thank you diem3 with all the good wishes and encouragement I’m receiving I’d better not turn my toes up yet, 😈 😛 there’d be hell to pay, 😈
🙄
Hang on I’d be there to collect all the money 👿 🐻
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All best wishes, Brian. I’m glad you have such caring doctors. Take care!
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Thanks Lauren, I couldn’t wish for or ask for better. 😀
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Lord Beari, I know you’re testing today. I once again have got behind in commenting on yours and others’ posts, which puts me out of the club again, I suppose. However I think of you often and send good wishes and positive energy. When you next post, I will be right there, because I do love your posts! Not to get soppy, but your kind friendship means a lot. You have kept me going on WordPress. In fact, you’re the only one generally who reads my posts and shared thoughts! My friends are few and far between… I count you as one. Take good care and update when you wish. Sending best wishes and thoughts today for you and the lovely WO, and Coco. Hugs and all.
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Thanks Pamela, I haven’t done much in the way of posting and my mail box is chocker with unanswered mail, but believe it or not everybody still cares as you’ll find out. Once in the club as you ut it you’re there to stay, Takes one hell of a lot to get kicked out or excommunicated. I should know,.
So when your ready just go look at those that you have on your list read and leave a comment and it is liken you’ve never missed a beat.
Our blogging friends are always happy to read and hear from each other.
Thanks again Pamela for the kind words and good wishes. 😀 🐱 🐻
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Appreciate the update. (If it’s quiet and calm in the doc’s office, of course you go to sleep – it’s so rare to get a chance to be still. – without demands or people chattering. I always worry about dozing off…but then if I did perhaps my blood pressure from white coat anxiety would go down HAHA)
Well connected docs are great to have. Wait and see what all the tests say and all the timelines. Gotta love a hospital called Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. It just sounds fancy and authoritative – like a uniform on a man. Impressions are important, right?
Onward through the fog
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