Peter’s Hospital Diary

I have just returned from my trip up to Guy’s and the visit to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department. I am delighted that my ear, nose and throat all look healthy (ever had a camera stuck up a nostril? – an ‘interesting’ experience…) and so no complications there. The only slight abnormality is that a tonsil on the lumpy side is slightly enlarged, but he couldn’t feel any other enlarged lymph nodes in my neck.

Which leaves the matter of the lump itself. Although the ENT registrar was slightly less bullish than the haematologists, there is still no need to hit the panic button! However they think that there may be a slot for me on next Tuesday’s operating list. The bad news is that the removal will have to be done under a general anaesthetic because it is very close to both the jugular vein and the carotid artery, two major bits of plumbing, which they will have to operate around. This would make the procedure very uncomfortable for me under a local anaesthetic.. More seriously, if I moved at the wrong moment there is an increased risk of damage to them, which would NOT be a good thing!

The consequences of that is that I will probably be admitted on Monday evening, operated on on Tuesday morning, and then released on Wednesday, so it will be at least a two night stay, possibly three if they have to put a drain in as that will need to be removed. The good news is that it should all heal up within a week or two, so it shouldn’t interfere with my diving medical, or the Cyprus trip!

So much for the medical news.

On other topics, my first full time week back at work has gone well, although consistent early starts are a bit tiring! Last night we had a bit of a bash for eldest daughter’s (Vicki) birthday which went well, and the conservatory furniture is due to arrive on Tuesday – when I won’t be here!

Finally, it’s a lovely sunny day here (40C in the conservatory when I got back – vents and windows now opened) although it is getting cooler at nigfht time. Definite feel of autumn round the corner.

And it is now over 33 weeks since the transplant, so…. Onwards and Upwards!

Update – just had confirmation that I will be admitted on Monday.