In spring of 2024 I had radiotherapy for this cancer diagnosed the previous autumn. This ended with me in a lot of pain and vulnerable to infections, whereas I had been using catheters for 11 years or so without much trouble. This resulted in 2 admissions to the RD&E, the first for 2 weeks there, and 2 weeks at Exmouth Community Hospital for rehabilitation. There was then a few weeks gap before the second episode, this time sepsis, when palliative care was discussed (blood pressure 40/20 on arrival).
Due to the infections I had been unable to use the single use catheters for a while, but having recovered from the radiotherapy and my prostate having shrunk back I am now using them again without further trouble.
I have regular blood tests now. It was difficult to organise this with my GP surgery and queueing at the RD&E was very inconvenient as my mobility has worsened considerably, so I am very happy with the current arrangement with Whipton.
I doubt if the side effects of the radiotherapy and drugs I have taken are fully understood, and I think some of the emergency treatment could have been avoided if I had had earlier some of the care I received later. Also I had painkillers that contained morphine, which not only affected my bowels but gradually took away my voice - fortunately this came back steadily after I stopped taking the stuff.
I have no complaints about my inpatient treatment, and if anyone was annoying it was usually another patient. When I went to Exmouth the man opposite me died, the first time I have ever been in at the death, so to speak.
I would like to give a special commendation to the physios, both at the hospitals and the Independent Living Centre.
"Prostate cancer and infections"
About: Exmouth Community Hospital / Cancer Services Exmouth Community Hospital Cancer Services Exmouth EX8 2JN Exmouth Community Hospital / Therapies Exmouth Community Hospital Therapies Exmouth EX8 2JN Independent Living Centre Independent Living Centre Exeter EX2 5DW Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / Cancer Services Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) Cancer Services Exeter EX2 5DW Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / Therapies Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) Therapies Exeter EX2 5DW Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / Urology Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) Urology EX2 5DW
Posted by Anselm (as ),