That's not quite right. It is true in the absence of any other stated guidance or position but:
- if the hospital provides a leaflet to patients (or has something on their website) stating a specific timescale, that applies even if you haven't read it or had your attention drawn to it. So if the hospital leaflet says two weeks but you decide after 10 days that you can do an emergency stop, your insurance is invalidated
- if the surgeon tells you that you can drive after 2 weeks, your insurance would be invalidated if you drove earlier, even if you feel on top of the world
- if your insurer has a policy of 4 weeks after abdominal surgery (as many do), you would invalidate your insurance by driving earlier, even if you felt fine and the surgeon said it would be okay after 2 weeks
- if your insurer requires written confirmation from the surgeon or GP that you are fit to drive, you have to do so
The 4th situation was the one that John found himself in. With a company car, his employer's insurer required a letter from the surgeon to confirm J could drive but the surgeon refused to provide this as he said he had no way of knowing for sure. In the event, it took 12 weeks to sort out :-(
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
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I see your point about the need for men to be frank and open about PCa. However, culturally, death and anything is a taboo subject (don't ask me why😃), you only hear within my Community after the disease has claimed another victim, even then, their ailments is usually cloak and dagger, friends and Family are none the wiser. Some within my Community think a faith healer can work miracles to make the issue disappear. Sadly many have lost their lives with this erroneous belief. No doubt, have a positive dispensation, at the same time trust the medics! I still struggle to use myself to my friends as an example, to get them to believe this pca is real and you could have it without symptoms..
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Great advice thanks Lyn. I’ll check my policy and discuss with CNS.
best wishes
Nick
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Hi Gee, I agree, it’s difficult to get men to understand that PCa can be present if there are no symptoms. I’m sure a lot of men would rather not know but of course in some cases, when they do see somebody about it, it’s then too late or treatment has become much more complex and arduous.
In my case I had blood in my sperm, which I put down to a botched vasectomy. Good job the GP did a PSA test!
I too am not keen on fuss but like you and Dave, I talk about it to friends and colleagues and encourage them to get a test if they’re in the target market for it.
all the best, Nick
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Nick,
Sadly PSA screening en-masse apparently is off the table. It is controversial and is not always reflective of what is going on. It is quite conceivable to have low PSA (within acceptable range) and have PCa and also have high PSA and not have PCa. My younger brother had a PSA of 11, no PCa and a guy in hospital next to me had a PSA of 3.8 with PCa! A researcher from UCLH, who wanted me to donate an extra sample for biopsy during my first biopsy informed me there is a new method at detection that is currently being trialled.
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Hi Gee
sorry I meant that I encourage people to do the PCUK risk checker on their website.
I wonder what the new detection method is?
Nick
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I am not 100% certain, but think it is the UEA urine test, which apparently was not only good at accurately predicting PCa, but could also predict how aggressive the cancer is and whether it can be left alone.
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I remember that on the news a few months ago. PSA is not good enough for screening, but is fine for monitoring disease. If the urine test is accurate it would be very useful.
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Absolutely Sir! PSA tests is still the best widely available detection method currently. Sadly the biggest cause of death due to PCa is apathy and ignorance!
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You don't hear much about the PCA3 test that made news a few years ago. It was thought to improve assessment, particularly if used in conjunction with PSA test. The cost was about £300 if I recall and maybe this curtailed its use.
Barry |
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Hi Nick,
I had my RARP last October, I was then 60 now 61. With regards to work, I was told to expect not to work for 3-4 weeks post op. I went in for the operation on a Tuesday morning, home by 6pm the following evening; stayed in bed all day Thursday and sat at my home desk for a couple of hours Friday morning just answering emails etc.; I run my own architectural business. The following two weeks while the catheter was still in, I managed to work for at least 4 hours a day then back almost full time in week 3. Everyone is different, but if your job is not too taxing, its a damn site better than watching Steph's Packed Lunch! Good luck with the operation.
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Ha! Thanks Neptune.
Yes, I can live without daytime TV. My issue now is that the soonest I can see the urologist is 21st June, meaning I’ll have surgery sometime at the start of the school hols. So me, my wife (who will be wfh and looking after me initially) plus my two teenagers will be in the house together. Whilst we don’t hate each other, I’m not looking forward to the pressure cooker vibes. But maybe now is the time when they need to find their feet a bit more and get out of the house! I’m sure it will work itself out and hopefully like you I can do some work. I suppose time will tell.
Out of interest, are you recovered fully?
all the best
Nick
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Hi Bill,
Thanks, that sounds like a lot to deal with but clearly it worked. I hope you feel it was worth the pain and upheaval.
4 months sounds reasonable for the size of your surgery. You’re right, I think a staggered return is sensible for me. We’re moving office in August which will involve an hours drive each way, so we’re investing in a garden office so j won’t need to spend so much time on the road.
My dad is 300 miles away and unfortunately diagnosed with a more aggressive form of the same disease 2 months before me. So no long walks with him but I have a pretty good wife. She walks our dog a lot so maybe I’ll strap a lead on and off we’ll trot to Plymouth Hoe!
all the beat
Nick
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An update on this - I left my job in August and am now on ESA. Looking for part time work as of the start of 2025.
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Sorry to hear this. Was it due to pressures of work or part of a bigger picture and a better work life balance
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Hi Arthur,
It was a whole mix of things which were all influenced by the cancer. If I didn’t have the cancer I’d probably still be working there.
It was the right time to leave as I was on HT and knew I had 20 fractions of salvage RT in November. So leaving in August gave me time to reflect on things, support my wife as she upped her hours and to have treatment without worrying about work.
Now I need to get back to work to keep the wolf from the door and continue supporting my wife, as well as help my son prepare for GCSEs. I’m looking for relatively stress free work where I’m helping people - in healthcare, education or charity.
The cancer has helped me to re-evaluate my life and maybe make me happier in the long run.
I hope all’s good with you.
Nick
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Good on you Nick, PCa does make you reevaluate your life. I’m fortunate that I’m retired and living life to the full(need to to keep my mind from wandering!).
I wish you luck with your quest for another job!
Derek