Testimonials :
Francis Steventon suffered from a very common condition that affects a third
of men over 50. Mr Steventon from Selly Oak, describes how he ignored the
condition for years until he was left in excruciating pain. The 75-year-old
had benign prostate enlargement and had surgery undertaken by Mr Zaki Almallah
to remove the surplus prostate tissue. Mr Steventon urges other men not to
ignore this painful and awkward condition.
“Once I was over the age of 50, I started to go to the toilet more
frequently. It’s just one of those things which you accept and you
don’t talk about it because it’s a taboo subject. By the time
I was 65, I was often having to get up twice in the night, but I still ignored
it.
I was even at the doctor’s surgery for a check-up when I was
72 and the doctor asked – ‘Have you got anything else to
tell me’. I was going to say that I was going to the toilet a
lot – but I didn’t. By that time, cancer is rearing its
head at the back of your mind. I was scared stiff it could be cancer
and was too frightened to have a test.
Last year, my wife and I went on holiday to the far north of Scotland.
I suddenly had this terrible pain in my bladder. I saw a doctor – but
I was seventy miles from the nearest hospital. I had to go on this
awful long journey for an hour and a half in agony.
I found out that my prostate was two to three times bigger than normal.
I’d never been in hospital before and I’d certainly never
experienced pain to that extent. Mr Almallah is one of the nicest blokes
you could meet and dispenses all your fears. I’m eternally grateful
to him.
If only I’d known how straightforward the operation would be,
I would have had it years ago. I was up and about within two days of
surgery and have made a complete recovery.
I would say to other men – don’t wait until the inevitable.
If you think you may have a problem, have a test and then you can decide
on the best treatment and do something about it.”
Alison Giles, aged 30, a nursery nurse from Birmingham, has had surgery
for kidney stones undertaken by Mr Zaki Almallah and continues to receive
follow-up care at the Priory Hospital.
“Kidney stones are incredibly painful. I haven’t had a
baby, but people told me that if you can cope with the pain from kidney
stones, you can cope with labour.
When I went to see Mr Almallah in March 2003 he was so caring and
considerate. You feel as if you are his only patient.
I had to have surgery to remove the kidney stone because it was so
large. I had not had an operation before in my whole life, but I didn’t
feel at all worried because Mr Almallah had explained it so well and
reassured me.
He was also very conscious of ensuring I didn’t have too many
x-rays because I am of child-bearing age.
I have received 110 per cent care. I have had regular check-ups and
when the problem recurred, Mr Almallah saw me immediately. That it
really important when you have a problem like this, which is really
painful and is likely to come back.”
Hannah Wheeler, aged 27, a property co-ordinator from Solihull, suffered
with frequent, painful cystitis for seven years before seeking treatment
with Mr Zaki Almallah.
“It all started when I was 18 and had just started at university.
The pain was dreadful – it was like going to the toilet and trying
to pass razor blades. I felt like I needed to go to the toilet all
the time, even though there was nothing there. But I couldn’t
leave the bathroom.
“I would have cystitis two or three times a month, lasting two
or three days each time. It ruined my life. I missed lectures, social
events and concerts because I was in so much pain. It was so bad that
I had to rush to the local Accident and Emergency Department one night.
“But when I went to see GPs, they just saw me as a student and
thought I was trying to get out of doing my work. I would be fobbed
off with antibiotics, which never worked. They had this attitude that
cystitis is one of those things you just have to put up with. I don’t
think anyone should have to put up with that sort of pain and distress.
“I became really desperate and went to see Mr Almallah at the
Priory Hospital. It was such a relief to meet someone who took it seriously
and was determined to help.
“I had an exploratory operation to establish what was causing
the repeated cystitis. Mr Almallah discovered that I had Interstitial
Cystitis, which is very different to the form of cystitis caused by
an infection. It means my bladder is particularly prone to inflame
and become really painful and tender.
“I realised why the antibiotics had not worked – the problem
was this underlying condition, not an infection. Mr Almallah explained
that the condition is not curable, but it can be treated.
“I had to go for a treatment where my bladder is filled with
a solution of medication. It’s not too bad. The treatment lasts
about ten minutes and you have to keep the solution in your bladder
for an hour afterwards.
“I can honestly say it has changed my life. After the first
treatment, the cystitis went away. At first, I had to go back for treatment
every two weeks, then three weeks and now it is every month.
“I was about to get married – I had hoped everything would
be sorted out by my wedding and it was amazing to be free from cystitis.
I really helped my relationship with my husband. I’m happier
in my whole life – at work, socially, in every way. I’ve
been clear of cystitis for two years.
“I believe very strongly that no-one should have to put up with
the pain and distress of cystitis. I know a lot of people are reluctant
to have treatment and like me, when they see a doctor, are not given
the support they need.
“But I would say to anyone – don’t put up with cystitis
or other bladder problems. They can ruin your life but there are effective
treatments for them.”
