On May 2, 2007 I had a radical prostatectomy. My doctor originally said my stay in the hospital would last 2 or 3 days. It ended up being for five. The next day after the surgery I had a stoke caused by a blockage in my left vertebral artery. Other doctors said I dodged a "bullet" concerning the stroke. When the stroke occurred I was just lieing in the bed when suddenly I felt an annoying buzz in my left ear. Then immediately I felt my ear lobe begin tingling and going numb; it then went down the left side of my face, throat, shoulder and left arm to the finger tips. Fortunately, all of this subsided after a few hours, except for tingling in my finger tips. My urologist said he thought at first it was just the way I was positioned in surgery. However, after telling my nurse about my feelings she informed the doctor she thought something more serious was going on. Tests were ordered and indeed she was correct. I feel really blessed that I had a veteran nurse of 30 years who pursued this for me. I am now being treated with blood thinner - surgery not possible. A few days ago my blood pressure started bouncing around, so on a temporary time trial my primary-care doctor has put me on high blood pressure medicine.
For the last year and a half I have experienced several kidney stones which had to be removed by extraction or by lythotripsey treatments (around 10 hospital out-patient sessions). During one of these treatments I discovered I was a diabetic and in between another treatment I discovered I had ulcerated colitis. I feel all of the anti-boditics played a major role for the colitis by possibly killing off the good bacteria in my digestive system. Along with these aggrevations I also have to deal with polio and post polio syndrome and also have stinosis of my spine (neck).
Now, getting back to the Prostectomy, my primary doctor has been checking my PSA for several years. My number has never been over 1.2 until February of this year it jumped up to 4.0. Fortunately, I always ask for my blood work reports. I would suggest everyone do this. The doctor never said anything about this. It was when I got home and had turned to the last page I noticed it. It was not flagged, but I already knew that anything over 3.0 was considered suspicious. It just turns out I was scheduled to see my urologist to check the status of two kidney stones that are still onboard. He said he was glad I brought this report. He set up ultasound and biopsy session. The exam showed no irregularities. It turned out after the biopsy report I had cancer with a Gleason score of 7 (I think). Today I am dealing with incontinence. Hopefully, this will go away. I am doing the Kegel exercises. I wish I could exercise and take the 30 minute walks that are suggested, but the Post Polio Syndrome does not allow over-doing it. Today I am celebrating week 8 from my surgery and tomorrow I will celebrate, God willing, week 8 from the stroke.
Just looking at me you would think I am a "picture of health". I am 58 years old, 5' 8" tall and weigh 170 pounds. I have never smoked nor have I ever even tasted liquor of any kind. Even with all of these aggravations I feel very fortunate that God has spared me. I hope to do more for Him.
Thanks for reading,
JL