The Problem of pain. Something we all fear, but find we cannot really remember.
Thoughts on Nursing. My experiences of nursing as seen for the first time from the patient's point of view.
Thoughts on Radiotherapy. Rumours abound about the nasty effects of treatment. I found it a curious experience.
Thoughts on Ward Etiquette. Some people seem to be highly experienced in the ways of hospital life. Here is my guide on how to behave as a patient.
Thoughts on a Tracheostomy. Living with a tracheostomy instead of a larynx and a voice is different: but is perfectly compatible with normal life.
Eleemosynary thoughts. Just an aside inspired by a beggar on London Bridge.
Thoughts on the Demand of the Yen. ...not the monetary variety, but the sudden urges to eat all sorts of strange foodstuffs when surgery leaves you literally 'with your stomach in your mouth.'
Thoughts on Oesophageal Speech. One of the methods of communication after laryngectomy: difficult, but not impossible if you are left without an oesophagus as well...
Thoughts on being an ex-General Practitioner. It was difficult breaking from a life-long career, and from life-long relationships with patients. And this applied to all parties concerned.
Thoughts about 'Trachy Bits'. Really only of interest to those who are perhaps struggling to live with a tracheostomy. All is not lost...
Final thoughts... for the Time Being. I have survived 18 months after the operation, and remain perfectly fit; but waiting for what is going to happen next...
Three doctors' ways of dealing with their illnesses. A most interesting paper written by Leila M Hover, of Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, as part of her doctorate in medical humanities.
Download a plain-text zip file (30k) of all my essays.
Download a plain-text zip file (13k) of Leila Hover's paper.