Hello
So I have had a bit of a journey. Initially late August 24 I suffered what I thought was a bad case of Acid Reflux where I thought I had damaged my rib. I was regularly getting stomach issues and it felt different. At the beginning of October I checked in with the local GP who latched on to the words Acid reflux and put me on some medication but I knew this was something different, I then started getting spasms where I could barely move for 40 minutes or so, on one occasion we dialled 999 but ended up just getting more tablets.
In November, the GP arranges a scan and it shows I have prostate Cancer and some lymph nodes are affected. I then visited a consultant who books more scans after an MRI scan I am advised to go straight to Urology. Here they have determined that I have Cancer in the spine and that surgery is recommended.
Towards the end of November I have surgery to remove part of my spine and have it replaced with braces and screws. The operation goes well and after 10 days go home. All seems well, getting out for walks etc. My wife then noticed my back doesn't look the same and I feel a bit different. So of to A&E where I am readmitted, they tell me I have a bleed, a Hematoma, they are hoping the body will absorb it. It seems to be going well and after another 10 day I am home just before Christmas.
It was great spending Christmas with the family but a couple of days later I started to tremble and after painkillers had a temperature of nearly 40. Back to A&E and after a few days they determine that the hematoma has got infected. They then do a aspiration sucking the fluid out my back. I get a visit from Infectious Diseases who put me on hyper Antibiotics for 90 days. The metalwork has got infected so they cannot give me radiotherapy until it is clear.That was another 10 days in hospital.
So I have been home for a couple of weeks, having blood tests weekly and many appointments lined up.I had fantastic help in the hospital but felt discharge a little lacking, being unsure of what I could and couldn't do.What sort of recovery to expect etc, hence my joining Macmillan.
Also I am taking Degarelix for my Prostate and each time the area become swollen and very sore, it lasts for days, any thoughts?
Hello Chappy123
A warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community, although I am so sorry to find you here - that's some "ride" you've been on.
I am Brian one of the Community Champions here at Macmillan and I hang about on our Prostate Cancer group as I am in the 4th year of my own Prostate Cancer journey. I see you have joined our "band of brothers"" on the Prostate forum but haven't posted anything yet. Can I suggest you post or copy and paste the post above in the "New Here - Say Hello" section of the Prostate Group. You are assured of plenty of advice and help.
If I can do anything for you please do let me know. - I look forward to "meeting" you again in our little corner of the Community.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007