Interventional Radiology Theatre

19/06/2014

8 am arrival at main x-Ray , Good Hope Hospital.

Procedure:- Insertion of a Vena Cava Filter, via the neck, main vein.

Local anaesthetic. Painless procedure undertaken by Dr Jaffe, who was informative and reassuring throughout the entire process.

I lay on the bed, in theatre, with my head to the side,swathed in disposable tissue; the dr was assisted by three other staff.
I was shown the position of the filter on the x-Ray screen; looked like a little parachute.
It’s purpose is to prevent any clots reaching the brain, during surgery.
This is a consequence of the Embolism discovered after the last CTC Scan.
It will be removed at some point after surgery.

Back in recovery room, by 10am , where I was offered tea and sandwiches which were very welcome after the Fast!

As ever, the care and consideration of all staff was brilliant.

And next in this sometimes unpredictable journey?

Monday,23 rd June, a Fitness Test at Heartlands Hospital, to see if I can cope with amount of anaesthetic needed to keep me senseless for a seven hour operation.
Then on Friday 27 th, a meeting with the Urologist at Heartlands, where I shall be expected to sign my life away on a Consent Form.

Well, that’s what we know about….

‘Doctor, doctor, you’ve taken out my tonsils, my adenoids, my gall bladder, my varicose veins and my appendix, but I still don’t feel well.’ ‘That’s quite enough out of you!’