Topic: Mayhem Medical Section (Read 117576 times)

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #300 on:** January 14, 2016, 10:10:34 pm »

Wow Alex, that's a difficult one! I wouldn't want to be in your shoes. Your Dad is still relatively young at 60 but what caused both his kidneys to stop working? You would need to be reasonably sure that whatever it was would not apply to your donated kidney as well, otherwise not much point I would have felt.

Colin

TugCowboy · « **Reply #301 on:** January 15, 2016, 09:11:19 am »

Hi Colin,

Unfortunately it was a medical error. He worked his entire life travelling the Middle/Far East as a senior director for a company that sources clothes for UK Supermarkets. Spending so much time out there he used to have to make use of their medical facilities as he'd only be home in the UK for 4 or 5 weeks a year.

One of the doctors he visited in Bangladesh (a very respected medical facility with International backing) put him on a course of tablets for Gout. The UK recommended dose for these particular tablets was a maximum of a 6 month course with one tablet a day. He was put on them for the last 5 years at 5 tablets a day and it was never reviewed here in the UK. The tablets are known to cause Renal failure in some cases and it seems he was one of those.
He has got a small payout as compensation but there's not really any point fighting an organisation on the other side of the world with very different values to those we might expect here so we are just concentrating on moving on and the future.

Thankfully it does mean that a transplant, if successful, should give him back a pretty normal lifestyle, where as he has so little kidney function left now that dialysis simply can't keep things at a level his body is happy with as the loss was so sudden.

Alex

Mad Scientist · « **Reply #302 on:** January 20, 2016, 07:51:11 pm »

I hope that it's safe to put fingers to keyboard now...when I started this topic, I was simply trying to provide a bit of medical information, just in case anybody should suffer from the same thing in future.

I sure didn't know that I would somehow start a catastrophic loss of celebrities on both sides of the Pond!

Tom

Norseman · « **Reply #303 on:** January 20, 2016, 08:40:41 pm »

Never mind Tom, we are all in the same lifeboat mate.

but I'll look after the ships biscuits.

To add some good news to the thread I am just getting over a double knee arthroscopy. It won't help my actual arthritis but it has sure reduced my pains at rest

I had a lot of people tell me the op probably wouldn't help and they knew people who regretted having it etc. Plus nobody agreed with having both knees done together. My experience has been positive and I'd recommend it as helpful. Good old NHS.

I'm still struggling a bit but if I lose some weight it will certainly help for now. I hope to retire in two years when my daughter finishes university and then I'm certainly having the new knees. ACTion might start have started selling them by then

Dave

Tug-Kenny RIP · « **Reply #304 on:** January 20, 2016, 09:32:03 pm »

Hi Dave,

I have the same knee trouble but managing with pills at the moment. Would you say yours was an improvement and worth the 'aggro'

Private mail to your other mail address.

ken

Norseman · « **Reply #305 on:** January 20, 2016, 10:02:47 pm »

I'm a portly chap

and have spent almost forty years walking on ballast. I have severe arthritis in both knees, meniscal tears, and as a consequence Bakers cysts. I never took a day off work sick with knees until my ops came around. I was in pain when walking but by placing one foot in front of the other I only had to keep doing it until the shift was over. Driving beyond twenty minutes had become a matter of will power that I could win below fifty minutes. In the end my worst time was at home at rest. With the knees unloaded and free to move about I couldn't be away from pain for more than minutes, sleep was elusive and sometimes impossible even when exhausted.

I say all that because now after two keyhole ops (done together) I am largely pain free when at rest (thank you NHS) and walking I am improving but with some discomfort. I find I cannot bear to kneel at all and I am seeing my surgeon about that next week. I would say to anyone that if I can get two done together and manage then anyone can get one done and get around. Go for the op Ken and drop the tablets in the bin.

Dave

Peter Fitness · « **Reply #306 on:** January 20, 2016, 10:40:42 pm »

I suffered from knee pain, caused by arthritis, for years. I had an arthroscopy done during which part of the cartilage was removed, and this gave me great relief for quite a long time. However, the pain eventually returned so my GP suggested a knee replacement 12 years after the arthroscopy. I had the new knee put in more than 5 years ago and haven't looked back since. I did all the recommended exercises and was back driving 3 weeks after the op. I still walk and bike ride to keep my legs strong, and have had no ill effects from the operation. I will be 79 on Monday, so age should be no barrier provided you do all the necessary exercises, particularly after the operation. To anyone contemplating a knee replacement I say "Go for it".

Peter.

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #307 on:** January 20, 2016, 10:43:34 pm »

I am sort of a member of the same club! Very unpleasant episode last May. Excruciating sudden pain in both feet. Confined to bed for a week (had to crawl to the loo) and couldn't leave the house for weeks. Had to cancel much anticipated holiday. Various medications and injections have got me more or less mobile again but cannot walk more than 2 miles without intense discomfort. Fortunately driving is pretty much OK though. I had a MRI scan at the end of November but had to wait over a month for follow up with Specialist after Xmas. Diagnosis is combination of gout and age related moderate osteoarthritis. I have medication for the gout and will be seeing podiatrist (privately) for a biomechanical assessment with a view to getting custom shoe inserts which should hopefully extend my walking range. We are now planning a fly drive to Canada this year as long as I can get the medical insurance cover. They won't give it to me for foot problems without a diagnosis.

Not a good experience but you do realise just how many people are worse off than you are. At least I can get about OK on a day to day basis which came as a great relief after being pretty much crippled for sevral weeks. My knees aren't great, I have problems in getting up without support, but don't normally hurt as such - I just need a personal crane I think.

Getting older is a b****r but at least it only happens once.

Colin

Peter Fitness · « **Reply #308 on:** January 20, 2016, 10:45:40 pm »

Quote from: Colin Bishop on January 20, 2016, 10:43:34 pm

Getting older is a b****r but at least it only happens once.

Colin

And it's better than the alternative

Peter.

irishcarguy · « **Reply #309 on:** January 21, 2016, 12:56:59 am »

Happy birthday Peter & many more of them. When I see young people running on hard pavement & concrete paths I cringe, it is nearly a 100% certain they will have knee trouble later & not that much later for some, your knees can't take that kind pounding day after day. Nice that your knees are semi fixed Dave. Mick B.

Peter Fitness · « **Reply #310 on:** January 22, 2016, 09:01:18 pm »

Thanks, Mick, I'm hoping for quite a few more too

Peter.

essex2visuvesi · « **Reply #311 on:** January 23, 2016, 01:20:12 am »

Quote from: Colin Bishop on January 20, 2016, 10:43:34 pm

Getting older is a b****r but at least it only happens once.

Colin

We all have to grow old but we can refuse to grow up :)

I'm 43 and have had Knee problems for the last 20 odd years due to a badly set multiple leg fracture in 1990.

RAAArtyGunner · « **Reply #312 on:** January 23, 2016, 05:23:41 am »

Quote from: essex2visuvesi on January 23, 2016, 01:20:12 am

We all have to grow old but we can refuse to grow up :)

What's that mean

irishcarguy · « **Reply #313 on:** January 23, 2016, 06:14:45 am »

Hi Arty, if you have not figured it out you are still too young to understand, not like us old geezers. I no longer talk about the Golden years, I now talk about the Rusty years. Mick B.

roycv · « **Reply #314 on:** January 23, 2016, 09:29:37 am »

Hi all re-knees, arthoscopy. I have had 3 clean outs and it is worth doing. Although advised otherwise I walked out of hospital afterwards each time with no problem.

I regularly go ballroom and latin dancing and before I go I use a gel (Piroxicam / Traxxam) on each knee joint. Rubbed well in it, it works well. It is stronger than the Ibubrofen gel sold over the counter.
I also take a pain killer, this takes me through the evening and I do not have pain afterwards as you might expect.
I am not constantly dancing, about 5 mins on and 5 mins off.
Probably the best advice I had from my GP was to take a 20 minute walk each day.

I have been asking about knee joint replacement and have spoken to 9 people who have a new knee it is split evenly from great, to still have pain, to do not do it if you can still walk / limp.
A difficult choice.

I suspect that I may need a hip replacement at some future time but I have a problem. Our local hospital MRI scanner is quite small diameter and although I would fit in OK as I did for my last knee scan there is no way my claustrophobia would allow me to go right inside the scanner as scanning my hip would need. I have asked about the larger ones but not had any success yet.
Anyone else got this problem?
regards
Roy

Bob K · « **Reply #315 on:** January 23, 2016, 11:36:29 am »

My wife had a hip replacement a few months ago and the increase in mobility was almost as great as the freedom from almost constant pain. OK, I have painful legs and can only shuffle a couple of hundred yards at a time. Partly lower spine constriction and partly nerve damage. I have another op' next month (fingers crossed it helps).
However a friend at our club has had numerous medical issues, and both knees replaced, but at ten years older than me I would be delighted to be as bright and positive if I ever get to his age.

inertia · « **Reply #316 on:** January 23, 2016, 12:00:50 pm »

Quote from: roycv on January 23, 2016, 09:29:37 am

I suspect that I may need a hip replacement at some future time but I have a problem. Our local hospital MRI scanner is quite small diameter and although I would fit in OK as I did for my last knee scan there is no way my claustrophobia would allow me to go right inside the scanner as scanning my hip would need. I have asked about the larger ones but not had any success yet.
Anyone else got this problem?
regards
Roy

Roy
I had two MRI scans for prostate cancer and, like you, enclosed spaces give me the horrors. I took a sleep-mask with me, put it on before they slid me into the plastic tube and left it on until I was out again. I was also allowed to take my choice of music CD. As that scanner is LOUD I selected Thin Lizzie - even LOUDER! The scanner technician said it was a 'slightly dubious' choice but my claustrophobia never kicked in.
Good luck!
Dave M

RAAArtyGunner · « **Reply #317 on:** January 23, 2016, 12:07:43 pm »

Quote from: irishcarguy on January 23, 2016, 06:14:45 am

Hi Arty, if you have not figured it out you are still too young to understand, not like us old geezers. I no longer talk about the Golden years, I now talk about the Rusty years. Mick B.

Mick,
You're right.
I am younger in years than Peter, but not by much.
But at heart many, many, years younger.
Had a look at my vintage Marklin train sets recently, but packed them away for ????????
Can't complain about my health as there are a lot of younger people worse of.
Can't get used to the number of young people, 20's, at Cardiology Clinics, or Neurology, recovering from a Stroke.

roycv · « **Reply #318 on:** January 23, 2016, 12:29:49 pm »

Hi Dave some time ago I went for a head scan in a mobile MRI unit it was very small about the size of a bucket! I was given a 'panic' button and I lasted nearly 10 seconds and then pressed it like crazy. I had to sleep that night with the light on, it's quitw scary.
I do not have any other problems fortunately. By chance I checked with my brother this morning and he has the same problem.
regards,
Roy

Plastic - RIP · « **Reply #319 on:** January 23, 2016, 01:25:06 pm »

Not too keen on MRIs - I spent 90 minutes in one last year with my head bolted into position having a Gadolinium scan for pituitary investigations - I was about 5 seconds away from freaking out completely and hitting the abort button by the end of it all.

In the end, my back had locked out from laying on the hard, flat board bed and all the circulation had stopped in my legs with them up on a box support - couldn't move to get off the table..

Not pleasant.

After all that, the results were 'inconclusive'.

roycv · « **Reply #320 on:** January 23, 2016, 02:04:37 pm »

Hi, I bought my last X-ray (dvd) for my son's partner to look at, (Consultant Radiographer) and she was not impressed by the picture quality. I also have the MRI scan on disc for her to see but the op is done now.
The consultant who saw that then asked for an X-ray before deciding what to do.
I do remember that during the MRI scan I was told how long it was taking and when we would be finished.
In my first MRI scan I had my head locked in place I think that was very difficult for me.
Bye for now, just going out for my 20 minute walk which now usually takes 30 ins.
Roy

Norseman · « **Reply #321 on:** January 23, 2016, 11:19:32 pm »

Quote from: plastic on January 23, 2016, 01:25:06 pm

Not too keen on MRIs

Loved my forty minutes even though the music never came on. A whole forty minutes when I didnt get pestered for money nor get asked to be a taxI

I also know several people with new knees and the jury is split. What does surprise me is that the thinner people were less than happy but not the cake eaters.

Dave (currently wondering what Simnel cake is)

essex2visuvesi · « **Reply #322 on:** January 24, 2016, 12:51:26 am »

Quote from: Norseman on January 23, 2016, 11:19:32 pm

Dave (currently wondering what Simnel cake is)

Very Tasty

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simnel_cake

david48 · « **Reply #323 on:** January 24, 2016, 12:52:13 am »

Simnel is nice it's a fruit cake with almond paste On it ,usually eaten at Easter (if you don't like fruit cake and almond paste it won't be nice ) , I think that what it is .
MRI scan I went for one for suspect gall stones /liver fault , it was in a mobile one ,the operator was of not British extraction and could not speak very good English , told me to hold my breath for 30 seconds (try it ) and do not move ,I could not understand his instructions ,as previously said all very uncomfortable so I pressed the get me out of here button .I was recalled to have another this time in the main hospital all very good and done very efficient , I was talking to the MRI driver and she said it's not neccessary to hold your breath she went on to say that there are drivers and and people who no how to operate them correctly , it's a bit like driving a car she said but I can not drive a formular1 car , There are tremendous people in the NHS but it must be the luck of the game to get the right person .
David

inertia · « **Reply #324 on:** February 07, 2016, 02:38:31 pm »

I've been musing over common allergies which affect many model boaters and I've come up with a list. Would anyone care to put them in a different order or add to the list?
(Please note that any offense caused by the contents of the following is entirely intentional:)

1. Spraying or airbrushing paint
2. Soldering
3. Anything involving electricity in a model
4. Understanding brushless motors
5. Instruction manuals
6. Reading the previous postings in a Forum thread
7. Magazine subscriptions
8. BEC
9. Paying more than £10 for a receiver or (£50 for a Tx/Rx combo)
10. Researching a subject before asking a question about it

I shall now go away, watch the rugby and return to see what mayhem has ensued .....

DM

News:

Author Topic: Mayhem Medical Section (Read 117576 times)

inertia

inertia