"Severe headaches causing blurred vision."

I was aware of rapidly increasing headaches leading to blurred vision and a distinct inability to cope with sunlight or vehicle headlights. I was unable to make an appointment with my GP as they're too busy and short staffed. I rang 111 who advised I attended Stoke Mandeville Hospital. I spoke to the Eye Ophthalmology reception who asked me to return later the same day to see a Dr Chen. My first visit included a CT scan and various tests, including blood pressure and eye-scans. The pain was reduced with a prescription so I could rest once I left the Mandeville Wing at 1am.

My next visit was to meet Consultant of Ophthalmology Mr Kinsella. He has worked tirelessly to diagnose my medical issues that were likely to cause me to lose vision in my right eye. Working with other departments and hospitals, the NHS teamwork was 2nd to none! I was given a specialist head/neck ultrasound at Wycombe General Hospital X-Ray department. I also had several eye imaging scans and diagnostics at the Eye Clinic at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. This resulted in me attending the Eye Operating Theatre were I underwent a quite rare temporal artery biopsy. This was organised by Mr Kinsella and his colleagues late in the afternoon. I was operated on by Nicky and Fiona who always kept me informed and reduced any cause for pain or discomfort.

After the results from the arterial biopsy were observed it was decided a further MRI scan on head, eyes and neck would be required at Stoke Mandeville X-Ray Department. This was another 1 hour scan at the end of an already long day for the excellent staff in this department.

I mention as a side note, if it wasn't for the extra-ordinary long shifts and pure commitment and drive shown by most of the NHS staff the service would collapse.

The results of this last MRI have shown I have a dissected Carotid artery in my neck which is causing severe problems with my right eye and also parts of my brain. So I look forward to further superb investigation, advice and myself being fully involved in the decision making. I'm 100% sure that my Consultant Mr Kinsella and his colleagues in Neurology will decide on the best medical solution to avoid any stroke or loss of eye-sight and worse.