Catching UP

• by Blueaustralia
• 2009-08-10 07:08:46
• General Posting
• 794 views
• 1 comments

Hi PM Pals

I haven't posted for a long time as I have been battling with family problems and health problems. It certainly seems to have been a year. We have now put all plans on hold until 2010.

We flew to Melbourne for a fiftyth wedding anniversary and for Brian to see the eye specialist as he was having problems with his glaucoma and irritation in one eye. The specialist fixed his left eye witha simple procedure. We then came home via Launceston to see my specialist and Brian's

I was admitted to hospital last week for an ercp and had gravel removed again from my main billiary duct.

Brian saw his spcialist and following and an MRI has found he
has to have at least two surgeries on his spine. He has compression of the spinal cord. He is losing strength in his arms particularly in his left arm. He also has bulging discs. The next visit to the spinal sp will be on 10 October when a decision for operation date will be made and arrangements to fly us to Melbourne for the surgery.

I am writing this to let all my friends know the outcome of our recent trip. It saves me having to repeat the same message. I am so thankful for all the support members have shown especially Jessie and Pookie who keep in touch and really brighten my day. Thank you to them and thank you to everyone else including Kay.

As we have no family on the mainland I will have to accompany Brian and stay in an hotel whilst he has surgery. I am just glad we found a top specialist who listened and agreed that something could be done for Brian.

The moral of this story is that if you are not happy keep trying until you are. Our doc told Brian he had to just put up with the terrible pain. I think someone was on our side as we were sitting in the wraiting room one day and there was a small booklet with the magazines that listed all the specialists in Australia. We had no compunction in purloining it. Found someone we thought was good dand asked for a direct referral from our GP. He could not refuse as a patient is entitled, by law, to a second apoinion. As luck had it the sp also visited Tasmania so we were able to get an appt here although he operates in Melbourne.

Hope this tale gives courage to those who are feeling down in any way. Believe me, it got me down until I really "lost it" I think that is when steely determination comes to the fore.

Sincere regards to all from OZ

Billie