Heavenly Beverley : Saved From The Big Smoke.

Wednesday 4 May 2016

Saved From The Big Smoke.

Michael has been unwell, on and off, for the last six weeks. This has been concerning. We both know he is susceptible to chest infections when the cooler weather sets in. Except this year, bronchitis began in March. Not a good omen.

The really good news is that the node in Michael's right lung is not increasing in size, In fact, it may be getting a tad smaller. Which means it is not a tumour. To learn this was like removing a huge weight off our chests.

However, he still has emphysema and asthma and structural lung damage. Bummer. And this autumn has shuddered from very warm to quite cool. We went from wearing shorts and tee shirts to jeans and jumpers in a matter of days. This has not been conducive to Michael's well-being.

Until today, he'd had four courses of oral antibiotics in six weeks. Which was spasmodic in benefit. He was still having sweats and fatigue and generally feeling lousy. When we set out for his appointment at the York GPs this afternoon, I was sure we would be sent to Perth.

We have been Doctor Susie at York on a few occasions. This time, she proved herself to be phenomenal. We will never see another GP in York apart from her if we can help it. She was switched on, progressive, gentle and quick. Switched on - she diagnosed Michael immediately. Progressive -she offered us an IV infusion of antibiotics for Michael. Gentle - she administered Michael's antibiotic infusion with comfort and skill. Quick - I have never, ever had a better Fluvax injection than the one she gave me this afternoon. And she burnt a skin cancer off my hand as efficiently as possible.

She saved us from a trip to hospital and the Big Smoke. She recognised Michael's illness, chose a less than conservative treatment and set up follow-up appointments.

Doctor Susie is our saviour tonight. Michael has had an IV antibiotic and started on prednisolone. He sees Susie again on Friday for another infusion. This is amazing - the difference between feeling in control of Michael's condition or not.

I shall sleep well tonight.