Who Said That?
by
William Wood
When I retired, I had difficulty finding the time to do all the things I wanted to fit into each day. I discovered finding enough time to do everything could be a challenge.
One day I wanted to view a programme on television. I was alone, and as I sat back to relax and enjoy the programme, I heard a voice saying something to me. This seemed strange as I knew no one else was in the house. I looked around and saw nothing, but the voice repeated the message. "You have a serious health problem and you must get help soon." This seemed strange as I did not know of any problem with my health and had seen a doctor only recently for a check-up.
If someone I knew said those words I would pass them off without taking any notice, yet that day the words stirred me to action. I went to the telephone and called my doctor's office. He was to leave that day for a holiday, and I could not get an appointment for three weeks. When asked what the problem was, I pulled the old tale about chest pains. I was told to get in as soon as possible. I saw the doctor and, as he never mentioned anything about chest pains, I did not broach the subject. I told him I had a serious medical problem and required medical attention without delay. He checked me over and said he could find nothing wrong. I persisted and, as he seemed at a loss about what to do next, I asked for a chest X-ray. Why a chest X-ray, I have no idea, but something told me to ask. The doctor readily agreed. I must say I had no symptoms I knew about, yet the message stuck in my mind and was so real I could not ignore the words I had heard.
I had the X-ray in the same building and, armed with the picture, returned to my doctor. He seemed surprised at the results and told me I had pneumonia, prescribed antibiotics, and informed me I should be well in ten days, but I could see him again if I wished.
For the next nine days I took the medication and did not feel any better or any worse, but was at least satisfied that I was being treated. On the ninth day, I had a recurrence of the message: I was ill and had to get medical aid without delay. The message seemed real and I could not figure out where it came from, but it spurred me to action once more.
The chest X-ray was repeated. When the doctor told me the results, he informed me that it appeared to be more than pneumonia. He referred me to a specialist for a Cat-scan examination. I had an appointment with a surgeon prior to the Cat-scan and, from his attitude, I realized it meant I had a serious illness. After the test, I was told I had cancer in my left lung and possibly the entire lung would have to be removed. I was a little flippant and told him to remove it all despite his warnings about my age and the mortality rates for this operation. I could not see why I should keep a lung that was no good to me. One thing in my favour was that I was in good health for my age.
I went into the hospital, had surgery and recovered despite a blood clot in my other lung. The medical and nursing staff seemed surprised that I had survived. With a lot of kidding on both sides, I came to enjoy my stay. Thinking positively was also a great help. I had agreed to stay in hospital for no longer than three weeks, and at the end of that time I walked out.
Who or what sent me those messages I will never know, but I assure you the words were real. I feel lucky I got the messages and will always wonder who gave me those warnings. I told the doctor whom I had first visited what I heard, and although he was polite I am sure he thought it a tale of imagination. The message was not imagination to me. It will remain a source of mystery for as long as I live.