Out of the blue, almost!

[Tinbum]

I missed this thread the first time round and am sorry to hear the news but it also seems encouraging.

I have been having loads of problems since having covid in Feb 2020 with all sorts of problems, both physical and neurological but no symptoms at all relating to the prostate. At the end of last year a trainee GP ran some blood tests and in those tests he also put a PSA test. I had no idea and when I was called in because of it I asked why he requested it. He said because I hadn't had one for a while one and that I'd asked for it- nether which was true I've actually never had one. He apologised profusely and said I could lodge a complaint. I didn't, but did point out that before a PSA test you are supposed to have a discussion due to the reliability of the test. As the result was very slightly high, though I have no past results to go by, he did an exam and referred me urology.

I had an MRI which did show it very slightly enlarged and they suggested a biopsy. As I was suffering very badly with the Long covid at the time I opted to defer. They said they would see me in 3 months and could I get the Dr to do another PSA test before the appointment. I had the PSA test, which was pretty much the same value but no appointment has ever come!! That was over a year ago.

I've found the NHS can be very good but it can also be appalling and they really do waste money. I could give you loads of examples. I have 2 appointments coming up in the next few weeks, one with the chronic fatigue clinic and one with cardiology and I'm sure they have only come up now because they are both nearly at the 1 year since referral. The cardiology one is because the consultant at other trust I was under wasn't interested and referred me back to my GP despite him knowing my pulse goes above 150 at the smallest thing- like having a shower!!

Any improvement in my health has been due to my own research and reading published papers- nothing from any part of the NHS.

This is interesting regarding Prostate cancer;
https://yourphyto.com/phytochemicals-and-cancer

Their have been papers showing increased PSA levels when you have covid!

[Bugtownboy]

Well done Desp - all sounding positive

Firm believer in the benefits of retaining a positive outlook, maintaining your physical activity levels and keeping interests that stimulate the grey stuff.

Have a review of your diet - as Tinbum’s reference states, Lycopene containing fruit and veg have been shown to have a positive benefit.

Not too much of a hardship to eat loads of tomatoes.

Think I’ve said before, I’m 67, 16 years post diagnosis, been managed by a good UroOncology team and live a full and active life.

Think it’s a good reminder to us all not to ignore changes in our body and be your own best advocate when interfacing with medics - don’t get fobbed off and always challenge your management - in the nicest possible way.

[Tinbum]

Have a review of your diet

Their is actually a lot of evidence on how diet etc can reduce the risk of many things. Unfortunately, I have found out while researching my Long Covid, many of the simple things seem to be suppressed as they don't make money.

Another very interesting site, regarding alzheimers; https://foodforthebrain.org/ Well worth doing the cognitive test.

Also well worth taking Vit D supplements.

Keep a good eye on your B12 and folate levels, GP's also seem to know little about them. The B12 test is very inaccurate and they will say your ok despite the fact it should be based on symptoms not levels.

With NHS tests don't always believe the ranges that test labs give as being ok. (I never knew that the ranges are actually based on the results a lab actually gets- so if your in a deprived area the range may be different to that if your in an affluent area. You'd expect them to be national, but no, their not).

Over the next few years I think their's going to be loads come out about how we have all been duped into doing what the powers that be want us to do.

[Yuff]

I missed this too, glad everything is heading in the right direction after what was no doubt a tough 6 months.
I was going to have an examination early next year as I read a TV doctors article in the times , Dr Mark Porter, who intimated a physical examination was a good option rather than the spa blood test.
There isn’t much point trying to get a gp’s appointment as it’s like pulling teeth out.

[Thebeeman]

Yes a digit-al examination is a good idea, I always seem to get a female medic but the procedure is over fairly quickly. I now get regular PSA tests as my prostate is enlarged and is giving grief to the water works. I've recently 'enjoyed a chest Xray, CT scan, PET scan, lung function, Echocardiogram all because I have a minor cough. After all that they put me on anti-biotics for the infection that produced an 'opacity' on the Xray, they have not worked. My fist appt was 14/10 with a P.A. for the cough and on Friday 13/12 I got the phone call from a private number, so I feared the worst, to tell me to collect the pills. 2 months start to finish including checking I was fit enough in case surgery was needed, so a full MOT, the NHS can do it when required. The full body PET scan will have checked the prostate as it went past.

[spread-tee]

Hi people, thank you for your kind words they do help more than you can know.

I am sorry to hear of your trials Tinbum, sadly the NHS has been underfunded for so long the truth is health care is rationed, people like me come along with potentially life threatening conditions and we jump ahead of you in the queue who may have been struggling for years with all kinds of issues. It makes my blood boil because largely it is a political decision , based in no small amount by big Pharma, there is less money in cures than selling meds for long term chronic conditions, lobbyists have too much influence on gutless politicos. There is no need for it to be like that!

I have to say though that in my case the NHS has been truly on the case, as much information as anyone could need, vitamin supplements and drugs to control the side effects all to hand and regular check ups to see if anything is not within the normal ranges, give or take a bit.

Anyway, I have just completed a course of radiotherapy which has made my bowels and bladder pretty unpredictable, but not too much to deal with, I only pooped my shreddies once so far a couple of weeks ago, they didn't tell me farts might well be lumpy Now forewarned I stay well within range of the toilet all is well. For now we play the waiting game with regular bloods and phone consultations and more scans in a few months to see how well or otherwise it is all working.

Thanks again to you all and best wishes.

Desp

[Tinbum]

Thanks Desp.

It's great to here that you are getting great treatment. The NHS can be brilliant but sadly I'm seeing the other side. I'm not sure it's a lack of funding though it's totally disorganised. Over Christmas the GP said my father in law required a blood transfusion but she couldn’t get him one as the hospital wouldn't admit him. One department said he may have cardiac issues so wouldn’t take him and cardiac wouldn’t take him because he was anaemic. The GP, after trying for ages on the phone, said to take him to A&E. They then couldn't get him a bed so they couldn't do it. He had to go back the following day and they then gave him 2 units. He's contracted a chest infection from the hospital. Despite 5 days (only) of antibiotics, today my wife, after speaking to 111, is trying to get him seen by the GP or it's another trip to A&E to possibly be admitted.

I had a cardiology appointment yesterday, (yes Sunday and I’ve had quite a few things on a Sunday) but it was a total waste of time. The cardiologist basically said it wasn’t anything he could do anything with as he doesn't think it's a physical or electrical problem with my heart, which I agree with. I asked what he thought it was and he was blank. I then said could it be dysautonomia to which he said probably but he won't refer me to anyone who can investigate. I seem to know more than them, or more than the medical profession is willing to say.
Interestingly at the hospital their was another patient with a first name the same as me and their surname was the same as mine except for a different first letter. Needless to say it cause a bit of laughter but also confusion. He actually went in to see the cardiologist when it should have been me and we had to swap over after the nurse went in to check that he was seeing the correct patient!!!