The Preston Commuter

Commuting to Preston seems to be a feature of life these days!

On Tuesday I saw the consultant neurologist to whom I had been referred to determine whether or not I had an infection rather than a tumour.  He examined me and then explained in detail why he has ruled out an infection. The implication is that the problem is, as originally thought, a tumour, hopefully benign.  Superficially that sounds like bad news but I don’t think that is necessarily the case.  Had it had been an infection it would have been encephalitis and I would have been getting progressively worse.

I am scheduled for admission next Monday evening for a biopsy on Tuesday and expect to be in for two to three days, assuming all goes well.  In anticipation of that, today I had my pre-op examination down in Preston following which I should have had another MRI scan of my brain however the machine had broken down.  This has been rescheduled for Monday afternoon.

So, for the next four days I can relax and enjoy being with all the family; Scott has come over from Germany to join Emma and Luca whilst Danae has arrived from Crete to be with Jamie meaning we now have a full complement.  And then, on Monday, it’s back to Preston!


Don, 23^th Feb 2011

A Second Opinion

Some days I feel a bit of a fraud.  After all, someone who can manage an eight mile hike (see BOOTboys) can’t be that ill, can they? 

Then I remind myself that the problem is in the brain, not the body.  There are two practical manifestations of this.

The first is that I get occasional very strange feelings in my head.  They don’t last long, just a few seconds, but they are not pleasant.  Fortunately they have been getting less intense, shorter and rarer.

The second is the confusion that I face from time to time when asked even a simple question.  It is as if some of the links in my brain have broken.  Then, after a few moments puzzlement, the link is usually re-established.

My consultant has referred me to one of his colleagues for a second opinion on the cause of the problems.  I see him on Tuesday and will report further in due course.

Don, 19^th Feb 2011

Tests and Walks

I had a very relaxing test at Preston hospital yesterday.  Basically I just lay there for half an hour or so with some head gear on whilst a lady sat behind a desk and pushed various buttons.  Hopefully we will know more later in the week.

Meanwhile, physically I seem to be in quite good shape, all things considered.  I have just got back from a surprisingly vigorous walk with Jamie along the river and, although I feel tired, there do not seem to be any other after effects.  But then, the problem is in the brain, not the body!

Don, 15^th Feb 2011

Nearing The Diagnosis

Firstly, Margaret and I would like to thank the very many of you who, one way or another, have been in touch to express your concerns and best wishes for the problems we are experiencing.  It has been a quite humbling yet motivating process to receive so many expressions of goodwill.


Things have moved forward somewhat this week.  We had a very constructive meeting on Wednesday with a consultant neurologist who has helped us better to understand what has been happening inside my brain.  Some more tests are needed to confirm his diagnosis and we will report further when this has happened.


Each day has given me a greater realisation of what has been going on.  I now understand that on Sunday 23rd January I had a fit and that the subsequent hospitalisation was as a direct result. Fortunately, both Jamie and Emma (plus Luca) were able to come home whilst I was in hospital to help out and take some of the load off Margaret.  I also realise that my clarity of thought and understanding a week ago was considerably less than it is now!


One frustrating aspect for me is that the fact of the fit means that, for the time being, I am not allowed to drive!  However, I seem to have my wits back and am able to get on with things, even if they are taking rather longer than they would do normally.  I am in good spirits and greatly encouraged by the support I have received from so many, for which my grateful thanks.


Don

What Is Wrong With Don?

In recent weeks it has become clear that something has been going wrong with my body.  Without going into too much detail, I have developed a condition that has at times led to confusion and lack of understanding on my part coupled with lack of energy, mild hallucinations and other issues.


The preliminary diagnosis points to some form of low grade tumour on my brain that is interfering with normal activity.  Further tests are ongoing and it could be some weeks before we have the full diagnosis and prognosis.


I have therefore asked Jamie, my son, to set up this blogger facility for me in order that between us we can keep friends and contacts informed about progress with the problems I am currently having.  If there are knock-on consequences for you, then please accept my apologies and let's discuss how they can be best resolved.


Whilst these medical problems exist, it is going to be difficult for me to carry out my normal social and business responsibilities.  Where there is a direct impact on a group of people, I hope to contact them about interim or new arrangements, but if I fail to do so, please do get in touch with me and I will do my best to redress matters.  You should be able to contact me in your usual way but if that fails please either e-mail ds@lakeland-enterprise.co.uk or phone 01539561027.


Several of you will already know about at least some of these difficulties and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and good wishes.


I look forward to us resuming our normal relationships as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Margaret and I thank you for your ongoing support.


Don