Days 637 to 643

This was supposed after my last blog entry to be a continuing health improvement story. However this last week has been a right trial.

Looking back to an entry last September, I wrote about one particular acid attack that had caused a bad cough which wouldn't go away without anti biotics. History has I am afraid started to repeat itself. The acid had been rolling around in the system and I started coughing quite violently. At first coming up was acid but gradually that went away but alas not so the cough. Though I managed to get through the show on Angel I had to cancel my other radio work. I had to miss Martin's Dad's Birthday Bash on Sunday. Once again I tried the usual non prescription stuff such as Lemsip, Cough Candy(sweets), Honey, Hot Juice etc. all to no avail.

Thus I went back to the Surgery today and saw a new Doctor. She actually listened to me, then checked temperature, blood pressure and chest. She said she could find no evidence of infection. However like me she wasn't happy that this problem was recurring. I was given some anti biotics and asked to go for another chest x ray. However the difference this time is that I am to have it before the course of anti biotics has kicked in. Not only that but she has made me an appointment on Friday 4 March when the results are back to discuss things further. This is an improvement on what has gone before where all you get is a comment from the reception that no further action is required.

Now I don't want this to sound like I have what is sometimes described as a medical condition. However I could do with losing the dratted cough. It's always worse when I lie down so for the last week I have been sleeping downstairs which at least means poor Ev gets some chance for some peace and quiet.

What has been a pity is that I have had this whilst we have had Grandson Harry with us for 10 days whilst his parents had a holiday. It was great fun having him here. He certainly likes his Grandma's house. He is well across the fact that to get here he has to travel on a boat. We returned him to North Wales on Monday and the poor soul didn't want to get off the ferry(well he is only three).

More next week when hopefully the anti biotics have done their work.

Days 629 to 636

I saw the Consultant who operated on me in August 2009 today. No offence but I hope never to see him again unless it's for a social event. He was very pleased with me.

We had the opportunity to discuss my acid problems. Most of the talking was done by Donna the Nurse Specialist. I am to be given a much stronger tablet to take along with medicine to assist in food digestion. She also recommended that I take the tablets half an hour before having a meal. This new regime will last for a minimum of 3 months.

From now on I shall be under the care of the Oncologists whom I shall see every 3 months. My next appointment is in April. Should any problems occur then the Consultant will get to know sharpish.

Thus no more trekking across to Southampton. This is good news. There will be more from me next week when the new tablets have had a chance to do their work.

Days 622 to 628

It's not been the best week to be honest. Not only have I had more acid attacks in the last week than nights of peace and quiet but the night before had a real sting in the tail. As I have recorded before the drill when it happens is to get up, get a glass of water and sit in an arm chair for an hour. I then go back to bed and get a bit more sleep. Thus when I woke up at 230AM downstairs I went. I watched the end of the Super Bowl and at about 330 went back to bed. At 700 I was woken up with another attack. As I have reported here I am struggling to have confidence in the GPs at the surgery who seem to think this is something up with which I should put. Next Wednesday I am due to see the Consultant who operated on me so we shall see how that works.

Last Saturday we had two very pleasant and entertaining guests for a meal. It was one of the those good nights where the hours just flew by. My guest on Angel Radio last Thursday was an organiser of Classical Music Concerts here on the Island. He proved to be a highly entertaining guest with some informative chat about how you go about promoting a concert.

My next post will be on either Wednesday or Thursday next week after I have seen the Consultant.

Days 615 to 621

I have only had one acid attack since my last blog. I have been given a larger strength tablet to take. However it would seem that when I eat is as important as the type of food I use. The acid followed a trip to London to see Charles and Jess. I had Lunch in town which was fine. However as I have recorded in the past I do need to for want of a better expression need to keep grazing. On the way home I bought myself a sandwich and crisps from Marks and Spencer. This was a little bit later than normal. Otherwise my health is doing well. My weight has remained unchanged for the last 4 weeks and I am able to follow a normal life.

Martin has entered the whole family based here on the Island into a sponsored walk in May. It's not the main walk across the Island(that's 26 odd miles of hilly terrain). This is an 8 mile trip along an old railway line. This has the merit of being flat. So Ev and I may well be in the market for sponsorship. Some preparation and training is needed. Let's hope this long and rather dreary winter weather comes to an end soon.

My guest on Angel Radio last week was Dave Kitching who in December 2010 retired after 18 years as a Primary School Head Teacher. It was a classic story of someone born on the Island who left determined never to return deciding to come back.

Here's looking forward to a good week I hope.