Urology, once again

Why, you might wonder should I post a snowy landscape photograph on a post about urology. I know it’s a bit random but it will have to do for my account of being wired and plumbed in urology.  Here goes.
Regular readers might remember that I have some renal and urology issues, which is easier to refer to as my very own plumbing.  Zooming right up to date, I decided to ask those nice people in urology for a check up.

Following this request, I have had a camera pushed inside me and twizzled around; all good, they said although I still wince at the very thought of that.  While this was being done, I asked if I could see the computer screen, so I could see what was being looked at inside of  me.  I wonder if you might think that was a little creepy and surreal?  I suppose it was, but also quite fascinating and just as well I’m not particularly squeamish.

There were more tests to come and I can now understand why they sequenced things as they did.  Next followed some blood tests, which the results were not altogether brilliant, they added.  Then an ultrasound scan of my kidneys, looking at all kidney to bladder connecting tubes and so on.  As much as I tried, I couldn’t extract anything from the radiographer who was determinedly tight lipped other than the occasional “humm” and twitch of his eyebrow.

A couple of weeks later I had another test to see how well the bladder muscles work.  I will spare you of the details but nevertheless an interesting insight.  I will have to wait until sometime in the New Year before I speak to one of the consultants, who will presumably pull all of the results together and suggest any advice.

To be honest, I think I’m at the end of the road in trying to improve the plumbing.  I do accept the status quo may have to see me out and, to be honest, I could be a lot worse off.  However, medical science does march forward and who knows, perhaps there is some new magical wand which can fix everything.

In the meantime infections seem to be the main bug bear; these are fairly regular and I can feel the early symptoms but sometimes they can suddenly race away.  While I am quite good at drinking lots of water to keep things flushed through, I know that infections can quickly get out of control and make me very poorly.  My biggest fear is sepsis.  Thank goodness for antibiotics!

While on the subject of health, I have also provided the latest batch of blood and urine samples to check a myriad of kidney related tests (it amazes me how many functions are carried out by the kidneys) and I will have my regular telephone appointment with my favourite consultant in January.

While some of these tests etc are a bit of a faff, I do want to be proactive in staying on top of my health.  All that poking, prodding of tubes and sensors in the most intimate of places (just use your imagination), I have to believe it is for the best.   When I was chatting to the urology nurse she definitely approved of my efforts, saying so many people abuse their bodies and simply expect the NHS to fix them, just like a badly serviced car breaking down and needing some serious repairs.  Of course, she explained, the NHS will pick up the pieces and stick someone together but it’s much better not to fall apart in the first place.

My health has had quite a battering since I started this blog, although I have not recorded every event, some I keep to myself.

As ever I am optimistic.  Some people don’t seem to believe they have any influence or control on their lives; I disagree.   Although we cannot control absolutely everything, we can do our bit to steer things along.  I simply have to believe that.

Also I always have to believe the best is still to come, that includes having a strong faith.  I’m sure that through being hopeful, determined etc it will all make a difference.

Lastly, the photograph?  Even when bitterly cold outside at the darkest time of the year, there is always hope out there for an even brighter tomorrow.