update Tuesday 19th April 2016

Tuesday 19th April 2016

I had a conversation with a close neighbour earlier today and once again it highlighted to me  how easy it can be to miss the early signs of Prostate problems.

'R' is in his late 60's and wakes most nights for a pee. He also explained that the flow of pee is not as good as it used to be. Enlarged Prostate is very common but given 'R's age it will be wise to see his doctor and have a PSA test.

I've been feeling quite well with very few problems since I last wrote. I had a telephone consultation with Claire my PC nurse from St Lukes on the 10th March - and received some good news, my PSA level has reduced from 3.9 to 2.2. (it started off at 4.1 pre-operation). My testosterone level has increased so I've cut my Tostran supplement by 30%.

I still have some pain when I pass urine. I spoke to Claire about this and she confirmed that it is quite normal although she was surprised that I was still experiencing it. Claire suggested that I take a ibuprofen to help reduce the swelling which seems to work.

I tried to cut back my Tamulosin tablets from one per day to one every two days but this didn't work. I tried one every 36 hours but again I was having trouble peeing so I'm back to one per day. I'll have another try soon as I think the swelling is beginning to reduce.

I've decided to take a few breaks from work. Not for any health reasons as such but given the scare I've had it does make you think about things. I do love my work and I try to take on most jobs I'm offered but I think I'm doing the right thing. The first holiday is on the 31st May and once again I'm returning to Mexico but this time not with Bev. My very good friend Neil has been feeling a bit low for some time so we decided to have a boys holiday! Bev was very understanding, especially when we confirmed our second break in June.

I've just completed a job in Oxford for the Skoll Foundation. ( www.http://skoll.org/skoll-world-forum/ ) I've been lucky to work at this event for the past 5 years. It's always hard work but very rewarding. We were expecting His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama but unfortunately he was unable to attend due to ill health. Ex US VP Al Gore spoke well as did ex Irish President Mary Robinson, music was provided by Jaunez & Malek Jandali and there were good contributions from many others.

Thats all for now.