Tuesday 23rd August 2016 was the day Gary and I attended his first appointment with the Respiratory consultant. The consultant checked Gary's personal details, his home address in Carluke, that he was living with me, his long term partner, what pain relief medication his GP had prescribed for his pain, and about Gary's past medical history. We were both informed by this consultant that Gary's chest x-ray showed changes, however the consultant did not go into any great depth as to what this meant. Gary's CT Scan of his lungs was to take place the next day on Wednesday 24th August. The Consultant stated that once the CT Scan had been carried out Gary would be called back to discuss the findings of the CT Scan. 24th August 2016 I attended the hospital with Gary and his CT Scan was carried out. I know Gary took great comfort in me being with him very step of the way. We were then informed that an appointment was made for the following Wednesday to discuss Gary's results. We both returned home. Each day my stress levels were rising, however I could not show this to Gary as I knew he relied on me for support. I continued to be with Gary 24/7. When Gary was awake, I was awake, when Gary slept for short periods I tried to do so too. In between, I would to try and relieve his back pain message his back, apply oils and hot packs and just be there for him, anything that would give him some relief. At this point all we could do was wait for the appointment the following Wednesday to be informed of the CT Scan results. In my mind I tried to convince myself that it cannot be anything serious. Gary was a heavy smoker. I thought maybe it will turn out to be Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease which has a good prognosis when treated early, that is the as they say the 'Straw that I held onto' whilst waiting for the appointment the following week with the Consultant. Gary did not at this point discuss with me what he was thinking was wrong with him, he was 'a man of few words'
Tricia
Patricia McCann:
23/08/2021