Hi Gents,

This will be the post that I have been putting off for the past week or so, a delay which probably exhibits my reluctance to reveal the unfortunate events experienced since my posting on the 24th April, titled “Stress Can Strengthen Cancer Cells”. A somewhat intuitive title perhaps, considering what was also about to transpire.

In my previous articles on the 31st March, 4th April and 14th April I had discussed my recent heart issues, but I will now try to encapsulate the whole period as these events may all be inter-related somehow.

This episode really started on the 19 March with a suspected thrombosis (DVT) in my legs for which I undertook an ultrasound test, which proved negative.

This was shortly followed on the 29th March by a severe pain I my right upper chest which I ignored for several days, believing it to be a torn chest muscle. A visit to the local hospital emergency department quickly revealed my foolishness. Not only did I have deep vein thrombosis (DVT), that is, a blood clot blocking the flow of blood to the heart (eschemia?) it was similarly discovered that I had atrial fibrillation (arrhythmias) whereby the electrical impulses of the heart’s own electrical system is disturbed, causing fluctuations. This was later followed up on the 3rd April, with an echo-cardiogram when a mild aortic root dilatation was detected, and on the 12th April, when an ‘exercise stress test’ identified eschemia.

Not to be satisfied with all that stuff, which remains ongoing with further tests in train, my frank Haematuria (blood in the urine) chose to return with a vengeance on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of May. Not only was the major difference this time being new (light coloured) blood, as to previous occasions when I only experienced old, (dark) Blood, but it worsened over the three days with even larger blood clots, culminating with a blocked urethra with urine retention, on the evening of the 4th May, necessitating another visit to the local hospital emergency department. The insertion of a catheter tube, the second largest available, quickly unblocked the urethra and after an overnight stay I was discharged the following morning, with catheter tube intact. My instruction being, to return after the holiday week-end to have the catheter removed.

Some four hours later I was back at the emergency department, this time with a blocked catheter tube. Seems my blood clots were getting even bigger. Well, two rather wonderful, dedicated, lady doctors decided I’d be better off in a urology department of which the hospital had none, so they went to considerable lengths ringing around other hospitals trying to get me a bed. A difficult task under normal conditions but this was a Saturday beginning a long week-end, public holiday. Anyhow, they somehow succeeded and I was whisked off to Royal Brisbane Hospital, 30 kms away, by ambulance.

Still with the 3 way catheter intact I was given an anti-biotic and put on an irrigation system for 48 hours to totally cleanse the bladder and perhaaps also stop the bleeding.
All was well on Tuesday 8th May and I was discharged, minus the catheter, sore but thankful.

As to the source of the bleeding and what actually caused it to stop, I can’t be sure, but I am reasonably confident that the source is my prostate. What caused this episode and why it came out as fresh blood this time I haven’t a clue. And neither do the doctors’ know, or at least, they are not prepared to commit themselves to anything in particular.

The stopping of the bleeding was, I believe, a joint effort between the doctors’ and my naturopath/homeopath. The former cleansed my bladder and urinary track and the latter had given me special pills to take to stop the bleeding before I went into hospital. I took them religiously throughout.

I should note however, that for the duration of my hospital stay I did not consume any other supplements or herbal formulas in deference to normal medical practice and not wishing to complicate the doctors’ efforts to help me. Having said that, the experience has caused me to think more carefully about the particular natural medicines I am taking, and to take a fresh look to establish if any have contraindications regarding my high blood pressure, haematruria and, of course, my heart issues.

So there you have it. Exciting times, yes, but ones I could certainly do without. I met some really lovely people I my travels though and also, I do look upon it as a learning experience.

Unfortunately, I can’t put it all behind me just yet as I still have cardiology and urology tests to go through but this is but a distraction from my main pursuit; that of combating my prostate cancer, the natural way. So far, things are looking bright in that area and I am pleased with the results.

I have been reflecting of late as to how I would have been able to cope physically and mentally with these recent events had I previously undergone a prostatectomy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, or, hormone therapy treatments? Not too well I venture to say. My immune system would have been all but destroyed; I would have been full of poisons and with my general health and wellbeing seriously undermined. Actually, I think I am rather fortunate in that regard, don’t you?

Here’s to the next time…

Today’s Quote

“Statistically, life expectancy of untreated cancer patients is greater than treated ones”
Hardin Jones. MD. Former President of the American Cancer Society.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 19th, 2007 at 12:01 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.