Thursday 21 February 2013

A Snip It Of My Life.

I shall try my best to type this.  Somehow managed to wrench my back and the pain earlier was excruciating.  And, before you ask, I didn't actually use a wrench or any other type of tool.

Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14 and the third straight day of my hospital tests.  Tuesday, February 12, MRI scan.  Wednesday, February 13, ultrasound.   I knew this would be the most memorable Valentine's Day of my life.

My appointment was scheduled for 4:00 P.M.  The consultant being aware that I was early, brought me through before my scheduled appointment time.  Not only did she tell me what the procedure would entail, she thanked me for my input in regards to the vagueness of an appointment letter I'd received.  "Oh, did you read my blog post about it?", I asked.  She said she had and that they had a meeting about the way my appointment was phrased and have rectified the clarity of the appointment letters.  I have the proof of this with the very detailed and clear appointment letters I have received since.  I was very proud of that and also showed that blogs can bring awareness.  Well done to the NHS for taking such swift action.

Valentine's Day, a snippet, or a 'snip it' of my life.  Oh yes, this was prostate biopsy day for me.  I was taken to a waiting area where I got to sit in a really comfy chair.  A nurse came and took my blood pressure.  A few minutes later, a very polite gentleman who was going to check me out, directed me into the biopsy room.  I sat on a chair by his desk and he gave me a thorough explanation of the rest of the procedure.  With him, were two male assistants who put me at ease and we exchanged pleasantries.  Well, when you're lying on your side, are anticipating a probe up your butt, a distraction is most welcome.  "Any hobbies?"  The chap doing the biopsy asked of me.  "I attempt to do a bit of blogging.", was my response.  "Don't really know what to make of blogging.", he said.  My reply as I tried to breathe gently was, "I sort of consider it an email to the world."

I was informed that when he got to the bottom of things, they would be taking 12 samples of my prostate,   I said I thought that was a bit "greedy."

A few minutes later and the end was in sight.  A few minutes later and after some initial discomfort, the biopsy was over.  I was taken back to the comfy chair and one of the assistants asked me if I would like a cup of tea or coffee.  I declined and about 30 minutes later he asked me if I felt like I was okay to go home. Feeling quite okay, I was directed back to the entrance of the clinic.  At this point, the nurse with the strong Northern Irish accent who had been mentioned in the posting that lady consultant had read by me, where I joked about her referring to me as "Mr. Perrick", noticed me.  "Hello Mr. Pennick.", said the nurse with the strong Northern Irish accent.  I replied, "Happy Valentine's Day to you!"  "And you, Mr. Pennick.", was her reply.  Oops, paranoia now kicking in, I start to wonder if she read that posting.  If she did and she, per chance, reads this, "I was only kidding!"

Forget about chocolates and flowers on Valentine's Day. Can't think of anything more enjoyable on Valentine's Day than the experience of having a tube with some kind of snippy thing that sounded very much like a stapler shoved up my butt. Yep, much more fun than having chocolates and flowers shoved up my butt!

I'm rushing this posting for two reasons.  First, the painkillers working on the wrench in my back are losing their effect.  Second, I'm trying to get this published on February 21 and I started this posting an hour ago.  So, all the typos will be corrected at a later time.

And today, February 21, the joy of six.  What a posting to write on the sixth anniversary of my blog.  And speaking of prostate biopsy, this post has reached the bottom.  The end.....

51 comments:

  1. "I said I thought that was a bit "greedy." - Hahahaha, indeed! Well done for managing a post Gary, and I hope your pain recedes soon :) x

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    1. Hi Michelle,

      Loving the new look, by the way :) Good of them to leave me some, I reckon. I'm still typing with a sore back. Most difficult typing with a sore back. Yep, using a mirror to see the keyboard! Seriously, the pain is fading away. Although, my ex wife was dangerously close to my house tonight...Thank you, Michelle.

      Snip, snip :)

      Gary x

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  2. Oh that just sucks...
    Yes, he was greedy!
    Can we send you some flowers? Or send some to your missing parts?
    Hope your back and everything else heals quickly!

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    1. Hi Alex,

      You reveal the cover of your latest novel. I reveal...oh, never mind...

      Perhaps they are going to put my samples in a display cabinet at the Natural History museum in London. My back is much better now, thank you. Cheers.

      Gary

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  3. Happy sixth blogaversary Gary. That was certainly a Valentines Day for the record books.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Thanks for the anniversary wishes on my shy, humble blog. I had other ideas about announcing it. Just some bizarre timing this year. A Valentine's Day that will um stick in my, in my...head.

      Thank you, Delores.

      Gary :)

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  4. Dear Gary,
    Six years of blogging. Congrats.
    Enough already. Not the back too. Oh well, get it all over at once. I'm happy for you that the snip-snip is over, Get some good rest.
    Thinking of you
    Manzi

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    1. Dear Manzanita,

      Thank you and yes indeed six years of staying discreetly in the background.
      Luckily, my back is much better now. I think I might have strained it lifting an awkward bin. Snip is over and rest must happen real soon. Thank you, Manzanita and your thoughts are cherished.

      Gary :)

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  5. Great post, my friend, and I'm glad to see you can maintain your sense of humor through all this.

    Wishing you nothing but the best during your trying time. Take care!

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    1. Hi Mark,

      Thank you and keeping a sense of humour, an element of fun in stressful situations, sure helps.

      Your wishes are received with much gratitude, Mark.

      Gary :)

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  6. Indeed I can think of no more romantic way to spend Valentine's Day than that. Truly Shakespeare was barking up the wrong tree.

    Get well soon!

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    1. Hi PT,

      Willie Shakespeare aint got nothing on me when it comes to a romantic 'end' on Valentine's Day! Thank you, good sir.

      Gary :)

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  7. It's wonderful that you have a good sense of humor about all of this. After all you have been through, that is inspiring.

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    1. Hi Arleen,

      Thank you for that. I have a good laugh, when appropriate with the folks at the hospital. It helps me challenge my fears. I do like to inspire others who might be feeling stressed. Thank you, Arleen.

      Gary :)

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  8. While he was in your nether regions, did he find your hat? Oh, there's lots of blog fodder here, but I care about you too much to make light of your wrenched back. It seems rather coincidental that your back would feel wrenched after your procedure. Did he leave a screwdriver and a pair of pliers so you can heal yourself? Sorry. I can't even blame drugs. How soon will you have the biopsy results???

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    1. Hi lotta joy,

      Not only did he find a Stetson hat, he discovered my toque, eh. I'm liking making fun of my back problems. It was, I'm quite sure, nothing to do with the several tools, power drills and chainsaws shoved up my butt, that may have caused some later discomfort in my back. (Note to NHS : I wasn't serious in that previous sentence). I was carrying this great big bin and about an hour later...ouch! I should get the results from all my tests on Monday, February 25. Thank you, dear lady.

      Gary :)

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  9. Blessed blogger had a hissy fit and refused to accept my last comment. The hide of it.
    Six years of blogging is an amazing record. Thank you. And please, keep it up for the next six as well. At least.
    12 samples does indeed seem excessive. Perhaps they are preserving them for the day you are even more famous when they will sell them for vast sums...

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    1. Hi The Elephant's Child,

      Ah blogger, when I see it's about to act up, if I can catch it in time, I copy and paste the comment I was trying to publish and try again.

      Six years and still quietly staying in the background and being involved with an intimate community of lovely people such as you.

      I thought 12 samples was rather "greedy". I counted the stapler type noise but it didn't seem that many. My samples on Ebay. Oh my....Thank you and enjoy the remainder of your weekend.

      Gary :)

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  10. Hello Gary:
    So very sorry to learn of the back problem which, we hope, will soon have sorted itself.

    And very glad to know that all was well with the biopsy. Also favourable reports now of the NHS who, in our view, are usually second to none.

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    1. Hello Jane and Lance,

      It seems to just about un-wrenched itself, thank you. Ouch, maybe not....

      Thank you and the biopsy wasn't too bad an experience. Not one I would like to do again, however. The NHS staff have treated me with respect, kindness, dignity and politeness. Cannot praise them enough for how well they have treated me.

      Thank you, Jane and Lance.

      Gary

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  11. 6 years of blogging, congratulations and see even the NHS read your blog, Gary!

    Wishing you and your back a speedy recovery.

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      Thank you for the congratulations on my sixth anniversary of blogging. Yes, the NHS read my blog, heck not like I care about my 'followers' total, but that was very good of them to contact me via a comment.

      I thank you for the speedy recovery wishes, Suzanne.

      Gary :)

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  12. Here's to six more years of sending emails to the world! :-)

    Take care and please rest now!
    x

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    1. Hi Old Kitty,

      Thank you and my emails to the world are read by the nicest folks such as you, Old Kitty! :)

      Okay, I will take care and um rest, eventually :)

      Gary
      x

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  13. Hi Gary .. can't match the six years of blogging - you really do have an email to the world don't you .. Congratulations too that someone read the blog and that posting ...

    So pleased this particular day went off reasonably comfortably .. especially as you were able to sit down soon afterwards ...

    I hope you got some hot chocolate and marshmallow topping on your arrival home, apart from big hugs from Penny ... she of the internet star pawsfame ...

    Wrenched backs aren't any fun at all .. hope it's easing ... keep warm and don't slip on the icy weekend we have ahead ... even we have a sprinkling of snow down here (melted now) ...

    Well that's over for now ... and enjoy the weekend and the start of your 7th year of blogging! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      I know you haven't blogged as long as me. However, your blog is one that stirs the imagination, is informative and gets much well deserved recognition. Thank you for the congratulations and quite something having the NHS responding to a concern of mine in a blog posting.

      Less than a hour after having the biopsy, I was sitting in my car. That was interesting.

      I came home that day, had a cup of coffee, Penny yawned and my son continued playing on his X-Box. Oh well.

      The back is getting better, thank heavens. I could barely type this posting. It's getting very cold and we may be getting some of that snow.

      Thank you for your weekend wishes, Hilary. And now we begin year seven :)

      In peace and kindness,

      Gary

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  14. Happy blog anniversary my friend. I hope they are able to get to the "bottom" of things.

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    1. Hi Keith,

      Thank you for the blog anniversary wishes. I hope to continue to be an um 'well kept secret' :) Cannot quite put my finger on it, 'butt' they got there in the end :)

      Peace be with you, Keith.

      Gary

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  15. Hi Gary,
    Happy blogging anniversary, my hirsute pal. And extremely glad, also, that your terrible week ended up not going too badly. Take care friend.
    Very Best Regards,
    David.

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    1. Hi David,

      Thank you for that, good sir. And yes, you know that the most challenging of weeks ended up on a rather hopeful note. All the best to you, dear David.

      Kind wishes,

      Gary

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  16. Congratulations on the sixth "Blogging Anniversary". Hoping to read many more.
    I am glad that you did go for the biopsy and it did go well. How about the results? Hoping and praying that they will be fine. My husband will not even go for his initial exam. Oh well.
    I like the way you call a blog an email to the world:)
    Take care of yourself.

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    1. Hi Munir,

      Thank you for the congratulations on my blogging anniversary. Sort of snuck that in the posting. I'm flattered you would wish to read many more :)
      The biopsy wasn't that bad, a bit uncomfortable and rather embarrassing. However, I know that it's imperative that gentleman of a certain age should get checked out. We all share our emails to the world. Thank you, Munir.

      You take good care of you and that husband of yours.

      Gary

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  17. Wow 6 years and still going strong. Happy birthday to your blog.

    While I haven't been commenting recently, I have still been reading and enjoying your humourous posts about your various trips to the hospital. Certainly a different way to spend Valentine's day, not a day I've ever had much time for but I do prefer the single life. I just hope that they at the hospital get to the bottom of what is going on for you and that it is nothing too serious. And I hope your back is better now because back pain truly sucks. That is something that I get a lot of and I certainly hate it.

    Positive wishes anyway.

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    1. Hi Lost in Space,

      Thank you for the happy birthday wishes on my blog :)

      I appreciate you reading my posts. I do try to challenge my mental health concerns by at least trying to find a bit of humour in such anxiety inducing situations. It really helped that the NHS staff have been so kind. A most memorable Valentine's Day. Although like you, I quite prefer the single life. Done the marriage thing and well and oh well...

      My silly back is much better now, thank you. Here's wishing you a peaceful Sunday, my friend.

      Gary :)

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  18. I suppose it depends on your definition of "romantic"....

    You are about seven months ahead of me on the blogging trail. I began blogging on 28 Sep 07. May you have 6, or 12, or 50 more years of emailing the world.

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    1. Hi rhymeswithplague,

      My definition of romantic has taken on a deeply profound angle. Bottom line.

      On September 28, perhaps we could party at your blog. Hopefully not like my um party that was more about my bummer of a day. May we both have, if you also wish, many more years of emailing the world. Thank you.

      Gary

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  19. I think it's thrilling that any of them read your post. You know what that means? You're on your way to becoming an internet sensation like Penny! Too kewl!

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    1. Hi Joylene,

      I think it's thrilling that anybody even bothers reading my garbage. Still, yes it was amazing that the hospital got back to me via a comment. Penny will continue to be an internet superstar, for sure, eh. As for me, if after six years, I'm still not that well known, I doubt that will ever change. Most importantly, I'm blessed knowing lovely folks such as you, Joylene.

      Take care,

      Gary :)

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  20. "reached the bottom." Ha! You're cute.

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    1. Hi middle child,

      And you're real cute. This comment has an end :)

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  21. I'm so impressed that you haven't lost your sense of humor throughout all of this. Keep up the great work. You are a model patient, and a wonderful human being. We are all rooting for you Gary! Happy 6th blogging anniversary!

    Julie

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    1. Hi Julie,

      Thank you and my sense of humour and the positive interaction I'm blessed with on here, keeps me inspired. And thus, Julie, I thank you.

      I treat the staff, the other patients with respect and goodwill. And yes, I mostly get back what I give out. I thank you for the rooting. Although the 'rooting' at the hospital on Valentine's Day, I think I'd like to forget :)

      Thank you for the sixth anniversary of blogging wishes.

      Be well, Julie.

      Gary

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  22. I am impressed that they read your blog!! That is a rarity for me to run across anyone that reads mine!
    Sending you ((((hugs)))) and HUGE congratulations on SIX YEARS!! Doubt if I can make it that long lol

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    1. Hi Caren,

      I'm impressed anybody, or for that matter, anything with a pulse, reads my blog. Are you kidding, your blog is terrific and not a contest, but yours is way more popular than mine. That's if we go by the 'followers' total.

      Thank you for the hugs and the huge congratulations on me sticking with it for six years. You will be delighting us, Caren, for many a year to come. And yes, even your blog will delight us! :)

      In peace and warm wishes,

      Gary :)

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  23. In my experience your type of humour will be more beneficial ( to you) than anything bar morphine!
    Hope your pain has subsided somewhat.......
    Do you want me to send you a blow up cushion?

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    1. Hi John,

      My alleged humour helps get me through it all. That and my friends in blogland, my family and my 'magic' pills. Okay, no magic pills, just loads of coffee. Too much coffee. Must peel down my eyebrows from the top of my forehead.

      The back pain has virtually gone, thank you.

      A blow up sheep, sorry, a blow up cushion would be great. Thanks and be well, John.

      Gary

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  24. Glad you got through it all okay - and with your usual flair to boot! :)

    Congrats on the 6 years - the bloggy-verse wouldn't be the same without you & Penny! :)

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    1. Hi Jemi,

      Thank you and I think I got a boot up my usual flair :)

      Thanks for the congrats on me actually hanging around for six years. Penny, ah yes, Penny is the real superstar of this blog show. I'm a mere extra to her writing plans :) Thank you, Jemi.

      Have a good one, eh. Sorry, couldn't resist!

      Gary

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  25. Hi Pat,

    Monkey wrench and suddenly I'm thinking of a song by the Foo FIghters! Sorry about your past back pain. So I had a pain in the back and a pain in the...well ya know what I mean...

    I thought the thing I had in common with the cat is my incredible urge to go outside, sit on a fence and meow at the moon! Ha ha!

    Gary :)

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  26. That was indeed greedy, and more than a bit. I do admire your resolve to find humor in this situation. You're handling everything like a champ and you have my admiration and my wishes of good health. Stay strong. Stay sane--well, not too sane or your posts might not be as entertaining. (just kidding.)

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    1. Hi Jeff,

      Well, thank heavens they weren't so greedy that I ended up with a high-pitched voice :) Thank you and I find that keeping my sense of humour takes the edge of the situation. I suppose the snipper thingy took the edge of also. I stay strong. Thank you for the good health wishes, Jeff. I shall endeavour to stay bordering on sane in a bizarre sort of way. Take care and have fun, Jeff.

      Gary :)

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.