One
or two other patients are already waiting, coughing and spluttering. One old gentleman is constantly spitting
phlegm, into a paper towel but the noises are pretty ghastly. I hope they don't have anything contagious.
My
lungs are filled with air to which has been added some carbon monoxide and
methane as markers. Because they are not
normally in the body the machines can measure how well gases transfer into the
blood as the difference between the amount inhaled and the amount exhaled. Apparently my lung function is pretty good,
which as a runner I would expect. The
tests also indicate a material improvement with Salbutamol, which confirms I do
have some asthma.
On
the way back to the ward I photograph the results. I can Google the tests later.
The
pharmacist visits to talk about drugs.
Aspirin and Clopidogrel will thin the blood. Bisoprolol is a
Beta-blocker, Lisinopril an ACE inhibitor, Artorvastatin deals with cholesterol
and Lansoprazole the stomach acid that will be stimulated by the other bad
boys. A months supply although I will
only be at home for 4 days. Apparently this cocktail is also beneficial
for secondary benefits; the drugs help not only to prevent further plaque
build-up in the arteries, but to break down existing deposits and improve heart
tissue regeneration. I will be on most
of these for the rest of my life. A worrying
side effect of the statins is that they may cause muscle pain and in extremis
muscle deterioration. However they can
be changed or dosages reduced. On the
other hand they don't prevent muscle growth why I get back on the road and in
the gym.
A doctor arrives to tell me my lung function is good. The tests apparently are required so that the anaesthetist knows I can cope with gas during the operation. Now all I need is the discharge letter and a shopping bag full of drugs and I can go home. This actually all takes some time. The nurse chases the SHO three times to sign a prescription for pharmacy and to provide me with a discharge letter. He does the first but not the second. Eventually Mr Shipolini pops in to see me – it is amazing how much more attention you get once you are a private patient. And while he is there signs me out.
Hooray!
I go home.
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