Saturday 30 June 2018

In Praise of the NHS


I’ve had a break from blogging for a couple of weeks and thought I’d return to it with a rather different post since the 70th anniversary of the NHS has coincided with my husband needing hospital treatment.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer around two years ago, we were happy for husband to be monitored as it was a low enough level to hopefully remain static for many years. However, after biopsies, scans and regular PSA blood tests, it was evident the cancer was on the move.
Courtesy of Pixabay

Fast-forward to a few months ago, and a nail-biting wait for the results of a bone scan to confirm it had not spread outside the prostate. Thankfully, husband was given a date for the full operation which could go ahead. It is now almost four weeks since he went through the mill (a 4 to 5 hour operation) and lived to tell the tale! He’s not without discomfort and extra ‘baggage’ that he can’t wait to be rid of, but he is healing well as far as we can tell.
During these past couple of years, we have been full of praise for the care and attention he’s received from the health service, both where we used to live in the west of Scotland and the current hospital near Edinburgh. Nothing has been too much bother, from the regular blood tests, to the medical procedures, to the dedicated cancer nurse specialist at the end of the phone.
Some might think he escaped from hospital too soon after the operation, as we’ve had to attend to all his after-care ourselves, but most people tend to get on better in their own home and we had an emergency number to phone in case of any problems (not needed). He has two more scheduled hospital appointments and will no doubt receive regular checks in case any further treatment is required. Like me, he works from home so is able to resume his travel consultancy to some extent while I get back to writing.  
An unexpected side effect of this lengthy recuperation at home has been our closeness after forty plus years of marriage. For the first two weeks, I was curtailed from my usual gallivanting while helping with hubby’s care, but it’s been a pleasure. He keeps thanking me for being patient, but I’ve been relieved he’s still around! Of course, it’s frustrating at times and he’s still a little restricted but we’ll get there and can look forward to planning a short holiday eventually.
So, thank you NHS and all the dedicated staff who provide such free expert medical care and attention, allowing so many patients to look forward to a future.
Rosemary

17 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosemary - that's excellent news to read ... and I'm so pleased for you, your hubby and the family. All the best for continued healing - enjoy the weekend ... cheers Hilary

Carolb said...

So pleased your husband is on the mend, and you'll both be able to enjoy more time together- whether working at home or out and about.x

The NHS does a great job, and I'm grateful for all they do.

Janice said...

Hi Rosemary - what an anxious time and how wonderful that the NHS has been so pro-active and caring. Glad to hear your husband is recovering well from his surgery and hopefully quickly too so that you can both enjoy your summer. I hear the weather is glorious in Scotland right now. Sending my love and best wishes to you and your family from across the seas. Janice xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you so much for your kind comment, Hilary. At least the weather means he can sit outside now and then which will help recovery!

Thanks a lot Carol. Yes, we should all be very proud of the NHS.

Thanks so much for commenting, Janice. Yes, it's very warm (too much for me!) but good for recovery. Look forward to reading your 'Backpacking Housewife' book.

Teresa Ashby said...

It must have been a very worrying time for you, Rosemary. I'm so pleased that your husband is recovering well and I hope it's not too long before you can plan that holiday. You both deserve it! The NHS is wonderful isn't it xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Many thanks, Teresa. We are so grateful to the health service and that we have this time of recuperation.

Unknown said...

We are so lucky to have the NHS, something I appreciated anew after a discussion with a friend who lived in America for some years.

Glad to hear that your husband has come through such a big op and love to you both as he recuperates. Lovely to hear, also, that you've had the chance to spend time together and are still enjoying each other's company so much.

Unknown said...

Best wishes to Simon for a speedy recovery. So nice to hear he has received excellent care!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Many thanks, Fiona! We are lucky indeed on so many levels.


Thanks for the kind wishes, Unknown!

Lorna Fraser said...

Interesting post and glad you're husband is getting better. I totally agree with you about the NHS experience, after going through 2 operations myself in the past few months, I could not fault how I was treated. And yes, I got home very quickly too as I had my husband and mum to look after me as I recuperated. I do think though that the NHS is in a better position in Scotland than in England and it is too bad when so often it is only the negative headlines which are promoted.

Anonymous said...

Nice to hear something positive about the NHS Rosemary. We've all been glad of it. All the best for tomorrow. Catriona XO

Rae Cowie said...

So pleased that the operation went well, Rosemary and your husband is receiving the very best of care. Your positive disposition shines through this post, and I wish your husband a speedy recovery and hope you're both off on your travels again very soon. My family has also had to make use of the NHS recently, and has only the highest praise for the quality of care received and the caring, up-beat attitude of staff, even when at the end of a long shift. Sending a hug. xx

Joanna said...

It's so good to hear about your husband's excellent care and support from the NHS, Rosemary. And heartwarming to know how well you have managed to continue his care at home and enjoyed the closeness it has brought. You have such a positive attitude and that must have stood you in very good stead throughout. I'm so glad for you both that your husband has come through this ordeal so well and I hope you can start planning your next holiday very soon. Sending you both very warm wishes xxx

Patsy said...

I'm very pleased he's recovering so well.

The NHS is not without faults and problems, but I'm extremely glad we have it.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Many thanks for commenting, Lorna - I know you've had to avail yourself of the NHS too recently and I do hope you're recovering well. I suspect you're right about being in Scotland and we were grateful to be at an excellent teaching hospital.

Thanks, Catriona - good to know you've produced two more excellent doctors yourself! Update being emailed to you.

Thanks very much for your kind comment, Rae. Positivity, patience and humour have got us through so far!

Many thanks, Joanna - we feel very grateful to have come this far and husband just to remain positive until he's completely healed again!

Absolutely, Patsy - we need more positive headlines at times as we're very lucky to have such health care.

Frances Garrood said...

That's great news for you both that he's now on the mend. You've obviously had a very worrying time, and really deserve that holiday.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Frances - hopefully we'll get away at some point!