I just had to tell you this.
Since I was referred to Dr Peter Hopkins, consulting lung physician at Prince Charles Hospital, back in September last year, there have been quite a number of coincidences involving him. First, his wife Danene is a general practitioner who works at the same surgery as my GP, Dr John Golder, the doctor I have been seeing for 18 years since moving from Melbourne in 1987. Peter and Danene's baby Jessica was originally due on my birthday, 1st June, but arrived via caesarian section on 30th May.
Second, since my surgery on 4th May, Peter has seen my son Paul at the Woolworths Supermarket at Bulimba, a suburb of Brisbane.(Paul didn't recognise him with his street gear on).
Then just a few weeks ago, Peter saw both Jacqui and Melissa, who was visiting from Melbourne, in Oxford street Bulimba but Peter was too embarrassed to say hello as he was in his gardening clothes.
Only yesterday, Paul met a lady on the Esplanade at Labrador on the Gold Coast and through a casual conversation discovered that her husband is a patient of Peter's and is awaiting a lung transplant.
Finally, and this is a true story, Janyne went for her regular bike ride this morning to the Hope Island Golf Clubhouse where she has breakfast with her friend Suzanne. Suzanne had her new puppy with her and some of the golfers came over to have a look. In conversation, it emerged that one of the men was visiting from Sydney to play golf for a few days and it turns out that he is Danene's father, Peter's father-in-law.
Is this an omen or is this Peter's covert way of keeping a watchful eye on my recovery process and making sure I'm behaving myself????
Just for good measure, Dr John Fraser, another consultant at Prince Charles Hospital, has a three year old son. And his name is.......? You guessed it, Benedict John, the same as mine.
Life is full of coincidences.
Bye,
Ben
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Back so soon?
We had our two nights at the Sheraton in Noosa, courtesy of Jacqui, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Caught up with George and Wendy from Tassie who were there for the Taxation Institute Conference. Had a great time and the weather was just magnificent. We would love to have stayed longer but holidays will have to wait until some other time.
Received an email from Rebecca who has suspected obliterative bronchiolitis (refer my 9th July post) apparently resulting from her rheumatoid arthritis. I had always thought OB was a common condition following lung transplant and didn't realise it could develop through other medical conditions. I am actually trialing a new drug, everolimus, which it is hoped will prevent or manage this condition. I am one of about 400 transplantees worldwide on this trial program. We won't know for a few years but, if it works, it could mean that, barring complications such as rejection or infection, lung transplantees could go on living for a very long time. Rebecca, thanks for your comment. Perhaps have a chat to your lung physician about this new drug. I wish you well.
We are receiving a very positive response to the fundraising flyer seeking support for a tenth anniversary gift to the Queensland Lung Transplant unit with $400.00 in so far and many promises of more. Considering it's been only a week since the flyer went out, this is very encouraging. Thanks to my brother Rob for his contribution. He felt a donation was better value than buying flowers for me when I was in hospital and I thoroughly agree. Could be food for thought for some of you out there!!!!
I would love to have some feedback in relation to a suitable gift. We hope to have $2,500 to $3,000 to purchase a "thank you" gift to the lung transplant medical team at Prince Charles Hospital. So far a painting or a wishing well has been rejected and it has been suggested that a statue of some sort might be suitable. Can't imagine a "Venus" or "David" achieving the objectives we're seeking however. The theme of the gift should be the giving of life or "new beginnings" and be an inspiration to those involved in the transplant journey be they surgeons and other medical professionals, patients or prospective transplantees and their relatives and friends. If you have any ideas, please let us know by completing the "comments" section below.
Queensland is having a State election on Saturday 9th September. Could we be seeing a new Premier and/or Health Minister at our 10th Anniversary morning tea?
Talk again soon,
Ben
Received an email from Rebecca who has suspected obliterative bronchiolitis (refer my 9th July post) apparently resulting from her rheumatoid arthritis. I had always thought OB was a common condition following lung transplant and didn't realise it could develop through other medical conditions. I am actually trialing a new drug, everolimus, which it is hoped will prevent or manage this condition. I am one of about 400 transplantees worldwide on this trial program. We won't know for a few years but, if it works, it could mean that, barring complications such as rejection or infection, lung transplantees could go on living for a very long time. Rebecca, thanks for your comment. Perhaps have a chat to your lung physician about this new drug. I wish you well.
We are receiving a very positive response to the fundraising flyer seeking support for a tenth anniversary gift to the Queensland Lung Transplant unit with $400.00 in so far and many promises of more. Considering it's been only a week since the flyer went out, this is very encouraging. Thanks to my brother Rob for his contribution. He felt a donation was better value than buying flowers for me when I was in hospital and I thoroughly agree. Could be food for thought for some of you out there!!!!
I would love to have some feedback in relation to a suitable gift. We hope to have $2,500 to $3,000 to purchase a "thank you" gift to the lung transplant medical team at Prince Charles Hospital. So far a painting or a wishing well has been rejected and it has been suggested that a statue of some sort might be suitable. Can't imagine a "Venus" or "David" achieving the objectives we're seeking however. The theme of the gift should be the giving of life or "new beginnings" and be an inspiration to those involved in the transplant journey be they surgeons and other medical professionals, patients or prospective transplantees and their relatives and friends. If you have any ideas, please let us know by completing the "comments" section below.
Queensland is having a State election on Saturday 9th September. Could we be seeing a new Premier and/or Health Minister at our 10th Anniversary morning tea?
Talk again soon,
Ben
Monday, August 14, 2006
Hip Hop
Good evening all.
Had my regular visit to Prince Charles Hospital today. All results were good but I seem to have a cold which, hopefully, won't develop into anything further. My left hip has been playing up quite badly for a couple of weeks now and Dr Peter Hopkins has finally agreed that the time has come for a hip replacement. The condition is known as Avascular Necrosis, a break down of the bone tissue of the femur (thighbone) and the acetabulum (pelvis) due the long term use of Corticosteroids (prednisolone in my case). Anyway, I was referred to Dr Scott Crawford, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and he has me booked in for hip replacement surgery at Prince Charles on Thursday 7th September.
Yes I know I'll feel better in the long term but I have to admit I'm not really looking forward to surgery again just four months after the lung transplant. However, if I don't have it the whole femur could shatter and I'd be in worse trouble.
The artist Peter J Hill, who painted "Lemon Orchid", (refer 3rd August entry) the painting we hoped to purchase as a tenth anniversary gift to the Queensland Lung Transplant unit, phoned me today. He had just returned from a trip to outback Queensland and said the "Lemon Orchid" had been sold but he'd be happy to paint another similar painting if we're interested. I explained we'd decided to raise some money first and then see what we can buy. Somehow I don't think it will be a painting. Pity, because Peter sounded like a really nice guy (you know he's nearly 70?) and he paints some amazing stuff. Take a look at his website (http://www.pjart.com/index.htm).
By the way, I have no financial interest in Peter's business nor am I on a commission.
Flyers to transplant patients, discussing the tenth anniversary and requesting donations towards a gift, were sent out last Thursday (10th August) so we're hoping we'll get a good response. My son Paul designed the flyer and did a fantastic job. Have a look at it here!
On the bright side, Janyne and I are off to Noosa for a couple of days and catching up with some friends from Melbourne.
Yes, the Porsche Boxter is definitely for sale and is advertised at Carsales.com.au. We've discovered we really only need one car anyway and the money could be better used elsewhere. If you know anyone who may be interested, please send details via the "comments" section of this blog.
Talk again soon.
Bye,
Ben
Had my regular visit to Prince Charles Hospital today. All results were good but I seem to have a cold which, hopefully, won't develop into anything further. My left hip has been playing up quite badly for a couple of weeks now and Dr Peter Hopkins has finally agreed that the time has come for a hip replacement. The condition is known as Avascular Necrosis, a break down of the bone tissue of the femur (thighbone) and the acetabulum (pelvis) due the long term use of Corticosteroids (prednisolone in my case). Anyway, I was referred to Dr Scott Crawford, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and he has me booked in for hip replacement surgery at Prince Charles on Thursday 7th September.
Yes I know I'll feel better in the long term but I have to admit I'm not really looking forward to surgery again just four months after the lung transplant. However, if I don't have it the whole femur could shatter and I'd be in worse trouble.
The artist Peter J Hill, who painted "Lemon Orchid", (refer 3rd August entry) the painting we hoped to purchase as a tenth anniversary gift to the Queensland Lung Transplant unit, phoned me today. He had just returned from a trip to outback Queensland and said the "Lemon Orchid" had been sold but he'd be happy to paint another similar painting if we're interested. I explained we'd decided to raise some money first and then see what we can buy. Somehow I don't think it will be a painting. Pity, because Peter sounded like a really nice guy (you know he's nearly 70?) and he paints some amazing stuff. Take a look at his website (http://www.pjart.com/index.htm).
By the way, I have no financial interest in Peter's business nor am I on a commission.
Flyers to transplant patients, discussing the tenth anniversary and requesting donations towards a gift, were sent out last Thursday (10th August) so we're hoping we'll get a good response. My son Paul designed the flyer and did a fantastic job. Have a look at it here!
On the bright side, Janyne and I are off to Noosa for a couple of days and catching up with some friends from Melbourne.
Yes, the Porsche Boxter is definitely for sale and is advertised at Carsales.com.au. We've discovered we really only need one car anyway and the money could be better used elsewhere. If you know anyone who may be interested, please send details via the "comments" section of this blog.
Talk again soon.
Bye,
Ben
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Change of plans
Back so soon?
Well we've had a mini meeting and decided that we should raise some money first before purchasing an anniversary gift marking ten years since the Queensland Lung Transplant Unit was formed at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane. There wasn't much enthusiasm for the painting I showed you in the last update.
We're looking to raise $2,500 to $3,000 which amounts to about $25.00 to $30.00 per transplantee. There is no reason why relatives and friends shouldn't be part of this as they too have benefited from the fact that their loved one is alive due to the efforts of the transplant team. There are also a number of recipients who had surgery interstate but receive ongoing care at Prince Charles.
Glenda Murray is co-coordinating donations. Anyone who'd like to contribute should make cheques or money orders payable to "Lung Transplant Account" and sent to Glenda Murray, 29 Ballinderry Street, Everton Park, Qld 4053.
Until next time.
Ben
Well we've had a mini meeting and decided that we should raise some money first before purchasing an anniversary gift marking ten years since the Queensland Lung Transplant Unit was formed at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane. There wasn't much enthusiasm for the painting I showed you in the last update.
We're looking to raise $2,500 to $3,000 which amounts to about $25.00 to $30.00 per transplantee. There is no reason why relatives and friends shouldn't be part of this as they too have benefited from the fact that their loved one is alive due to the efforts of the transplant team. There are also a number of recipients who had surgery interstate but receive ongoing care at Prince Charles.
Glenda Murray is co-coordinating donations. Anyone who'd like to contribute should make cheques or money orders payable to "Lung Transplant Account" and sent to Glenda Murray, 29 Ballinderry Street, Everton Park, Qld 4053.
Until next time.
Ben
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Yes, I have been slack.
Yes, I have been slack and not written anything for a couple of weeks. But as tomorrow (4th August) marks three months since transplant, I felt it was about time I stopped being lazy and started writing. I hope some of you out there are still reading!!!!!
I am pleased to say that healthwise nothing has changed. A bronchoscopy and biopsy (tissue samples) yesterday showed no sign of rejection or infection and everything appears fine. Let's hope it stays that way.
There is an important anniversary coming up on 22nd September, the tenth anniversary of the Queensland Lung Transplant Unit. Somehow Janyne and I have involved ourselves in this.
At a recent support group meeting, it was decided that a gift of thanks from lung transplant recipients to mark this occasion, would be appropriate. The theme of such a gift should be an expression of gratitude to the medical professionals who make transplants possible and to the wonderful support staff post transplant who continue to look after us today, not to mention the organ donors without whom most of us would not be here. After much discussion, it was decided that an original work of art depicting the concept of new life or new beginnings might be appropriate together with a plaque expressing our gratitude.
“Lemon Orchid”, a painting of a Western Australian wildflower by Australian and Mt Tamborine artist, Peter J Hill, (http://www.pjart.com/index.htm) has been put forward as a possible contender.
It measures 90cm x 60cm and is beautifully framed. The picture doesn’t do it justice as the colours are quite striking. As fellow transplantee, Phil Griffiths stated, “the stages of opening of the flowers is able to be interpreted as similar to the phases of life a transplant recipient experiences or even the ray of hope for those waiting for transplants.”
Asking price for this original painting is $3,000 but I am meeting with the artist after 8th August in the hope of negotiating a better price. With about 100 transplantees who enjoy a second life and who continue to benefit from ongoing care at Prince Charles Hospital's lung transplant unit, we are seeking donations of $30.00 or less per head. I know that some may find such a donation difficult but perhaps families and friends could also chip in as a way of saying thank you for saving the life of a loved one.
If anyone else out there wants to make a donation, please contact me by email and I will direct them to the appropriate person at Prince Charles Hospital to arrange it.
The anniversary will be marked by a morning tea to be held at the hospital and unveiling of a commemorative plaque, with as many transplantees, current and former staff attending as possible. It is hoped the Premier, Mr Peter Beattie and/or Health Minister Mr Stephen Robertson MP will attend.
Anyway that's all my news for now. Talk again next week.
Ben Brian
I am pleased to say that healthwise nothing has changed. A bronchoscopy and biopsy (tissue samples) yesterday showed no sign of rejection or infection and everything appears fine. Let's hope it stays that way.
There is an important anniversary coming up on 22nd September, the tenth anniversary of the Queensland Lung Transplant Unit. Somehow Janyne and I have involved ourselves in this.
At a recent support group meeting, it was decided that a gift of thanks from lung transplant recipients to mark this occasion, would be appropriate. The theme of such a gift should be an expression of gratitude to the medical professionals who make transplants possible and to the wonderful support staff post transplant who continue to look after us today, not to mention the organ donors without whom most of us would not be here. After much discussion, it was decided that an original work of art depicting the concept of new life or new beginnings might be appropriate together with a plaque expressing our gratitude.
“Lemon Orchid”, a painting of a Western Australian wildflower by Australian and Mt Tamborine artist, Peter J Hill, (http://www.pjart.com/index.htm) has been put forward as a possible contender.
It measures 90cm x 60cm and is beautifully framed. The picture doesn’t do it justice as the colours are quite striking. As fellow transplantee, Phil Griffiths stated, “the stages of opening of the flowers is able to be interpreted as similar to the phases of life a transplant recipient experiences or even the ray of hope for those waiting for transplants.”
Asking price for this original painting is $3,000 but I am meeting with the artist after 8th August in the hope of negotiating a better price. With about 100 transplantees who enjoy a second life and who continue to benefit from ongoing care at Prince Charles Hospital's lung transplant unit, we are seeking donations of $30.00 or less per head. I know that some may find such a donation difficult but perhaps families and friends could also chip in as a way of saying thank you for saving the life of a loved one.
If anyone else out there wants to make a donation, please contact me by email and I will direct them to the appropriate person at Prince Charles Hospital to arrange it.
The anniversary will be marked by a morning tea to be held at the hospital and unveiling of a commemorative plaque, with as many transplantees, current and former staff attending as possible. It is hoped the Premier, Mr Peter Beattie and/or Health Minister Mr Stephen Robertson MP will attend.
Anyway that's all my news for now. Talk again next week.
Ben Brian
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