Just a lengthier explanation of why I'm not blogging much lately.
I'm 4 weeks into a 3 or possibly 4 month stay in the National Hospital for Neurology, with severe problems with my nerves meaning I can't stand or walk and have some loss of arm/hand co-ordination and strength too.
Diagnosis is not 100% confirmed but the medics here and at UCH have found a lesion on a bone in my pelvis. They will do a biopsy on this at start of next week and suspect it is a solitary bundle of cancerous cells - a plasma cytoma I think it is called - which is generating proteins into my blood which are attacking my nervous systems amongst other effects. Left untreated this would have proved fatal within under 3 years.
If it is this, it's called POEMS syndrome and can be put into remission by radiotherapy and/or surgical excision. Then my nerves would start to regenerate - a few months for the myelin sheath to regrow (i.e. about same timeframe as my rehab in hospital) but any damage to actual nerve axons may take up to 2 years to repair, so I may be returning to work and political life with some residual walking problems - we won't know until time shows basically.
I'll try to do some political blog posts in due course.
I hope you have as speedy and full a recovery as possible, Luke.
ReplyDeleteOn a political note first, the Gurkha vote in the house was the right result; it is only proper we grant residency to those individuals from the commonwealth and beyond who are willing to die fighting for this country. The bravery of the Gurkhas are legendy and as a nation we owe them a lot.
ReplyDeleteNow to the important issue of your health. Just concentrate on getting better, and I for one hope you'll be back to your usual self soon as I really do enjoy reading your (new labour nonsensical)thoughts!! All the best; get well soon.
Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a speedy recovery. The interweb is not the same without your abrasive, yet correct, analysis of the internal goings-on within the party.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Matt
Hope you have a speedy recovery. The interweb is not the same without your abrasive, ludicrously sectarian, analysis of the internal goings-on within the party.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Tim
Yes, get better soon, Luke. Good that they've spotted it; it's amazing what they can do these days (my Dad is into his 5th week of radiotherapy and is having no ill effects) - thank God for the NHS. Look forward to the return your thought-provoking (if generaly wrong!!) contributions to the political blogosphere in the near future.
ReplyDeleteDuncan
That sounds very serious Luke....
ReplyDeleteIts very good that your doctors have identified what the problem is and I hope you make a full and speedy recovery....
Personally I have been extremely lucky to have received treatment from the NHS which has resulted in me making a very good recovery from a severe mental illness which has lasted about 8 years.
Good luck Luke and concentrate on getting better. Ravi spot on ....the Gurkhas are very brave and very loyal.
ReplyDeleteIf they want to come to the UK well let them. Also It would make a lot of sense to give them a full British army pension..this would make them very wealthy in Nepal.....
Those that serve our Queen and Country should be rewarded.
It's something about Labour bloggers this year, I think they may be jinxed! Anyway all the best for it - never pleasant to have that kind of health scare so get well soon.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a speedy recovery. I know that everyone in the Castle Point Labour Party would also want me to pass on their best wishes.
ReplyDeleteGet better soon Luke - really missed your entertaining (if incorrect) analysis over the last few weeks. Good luck with the recovery.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
ReplyDeleteHope youre back on form soon, after a full, speedy and complete recovery.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Luke
ReplyDeleteHope you get better soon. Enjoy reading the blog.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck and get well soon! All the best
ReplyDeleteHope you get better soon - echoing what tim f said above.
ReplyDeleteVery Good luck to you, and God bless
ReplyDeleteVery best of luck Luke. Will miss your thoughts on the up coming Euro elections. Get well soon
ReplyDeletep.s
Will there be a by-election in Homerton for your council seat?
No, I intend to return to council duties as soon as I can.
ReplyDeleteGood luck
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Luke.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about it all - the world's a little bit quieter in your absence.
Hurry back mate.
PE
We will miss your informative and interesting blogging for a while, and hope you return soon.... Get well!
ReplyDeleteLuke I am truly sorry to hear about your illness. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Luke, the party needs you back ASAP (and sorely needs your wisdom
ReplyDeleteHope you get better soon - A Compass member
ReplyDelete