NHS - truly amazing service

[AJB Temple]

Had an issue - bleeding and blood clots in urine. Day 1.
Told doc (friend) on day 2, she saw me that morning.
Blood tests on day 3.
Referred to consultant on day 5.
Saw consultant on day 8.
Internal investigation via camera tube on day 10.
Haematology consultant appointment on day 12. (I knew her as it happens).
Pre op assessment on day 14 (today - took an hour), along with 13 blood samples. Zero hanging about.
Operation booked for 30 July or earlier if there is a cancellation (likely). Will include a precautionary chemo shot. Which will be within a month start to finish. I think this is amazing.

Message from the medical team is men are generally very slow at reporting problems. If you have an issue guys, tell your GP pronto. They get you onto the pathway very fast.

 

[Mike G]

I was going to say...."good to hear"......but no. It's not good to hear that you've got issues. I hope you are dealt with well and the operation goes to plan. Best wishes from us both.

 

[AndyP]

We can’t be reminded too often about early diagnosis nor of how good the NHS can be.

Hope it all goes well Adrian.

 

[PAC1]

Adrian, I do not know what your diagnosis is but on Radio 4 today they were talking about an incredibly safe way of dealing with Prostate Cancer. no surgery, no radiology, no Chemo. The problem was not sufficient people (Doctors) know about it. A charity called Prost8 are trying to spread the word.
Very pleased to see the NHS at its best again. Without doubt they are incredibly fast when needed.
I totally agree talk to your GP they will move you along fast.
That said I have just signed up to a third operation to try and sort my problems. Nothing serious just annoying and when they operate they then say no woodworking for x weeks.
Best wishes

 

[AJB Temple]

I was going to say...."good to hear"......but no. It's not good to hear that you've got issues. I hope you are dealt with well and the operation goes to plan. Best wishes from us both.

It will delay our visit Mike. Apologies.

 

[AJB Temple]

Adrian, I do not know what your diagnosis is but on Radio 4 today they were talking about an incredibly safe way of dealing with Prostate Cancer. no surgery, no radiology, no Chemo. The problem was not sufficient people (Doctors) know about it. A charity called Prost8 are trying to spread the word.
Very pleased to see the NHS at its best again. Without doubt they are incredibly fast when needed.
I totally agree talk to your GP they will move you along fast.
That said I have just signed up to a third operation to try and sort my problems. Nothing serious just annoying and when they operate they then say no woodworking for x weeks.
Best wishes

Thank you. It's not prostate with me (we think - but same area), though I heard the same interesting programme on R4. They said they will struggle with the hot and cold treatment over 10 years as few men will take the risk in blind trials. Understandable.

I am good friends with my GP and she says that many men just tolerate issues for a long time before finally speaking to a doctor. This makes outcomes worse. The only reason I posted this is to encourage men not to delay when symptoms appear. Luckily for me my wife is very sensible and supportive.

 

[Lons]

I wish you well and hope it's a quick and successful outcome.

The vast majority of people however are lucky to get an appointment quickly with any available doctor never mind their own nominated GP and I know many in exactly that situation. It's a postcode lottery.

Personally I have no issues at all with our practice and do get a fast response because I don't insist on our own GP though I did manage to have a telephone conversation with him on Wednesday.

I agree that men in general don't rush to seek medical advice but I think that's changing because of all the media exposure.