6 years ago, Paul Ward faced death ...
Paul Ward went to his GP with a stomach complaint three times back in August 1994, and was initially told that he had a virus, then a stomach ulcer and on the third visit he was told that he irritable bowl syndrome. Soon after this Paul collapsed and was rushed into hospital seriously ill. It was discovered that his intestines had become so constricted that he couldn鈥檛 eat. Following tests, he was diagnosed as having the HIV virus and Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (blood cancer) - having both diseases at the same time meant that he was categorised as having full blown AIDS.
He was told that the cancerous tissues would have to be removed from his intestines鈥nd that without this operation he would die. His chances of surviving the operation without complications i.e. a colostomy bag were about 30%鈥ut doctors also said he had a 30% chance of dying. Not surprisingly, he went ahead with the operation. It was a success, although he was very weak. Within three months his weight had dropped from 11st - 7st.
He spent more time in hospital and was eventually able to build up his strength in order to undergo another course of chemotherapy, which did appear to be working although he suffered the usual side effects, hair loss and sickness.
Throughout his illness, Paul says that he always remained positive and was determined to beat it. In the middle of his chemotherapy he and his partner, Martin took a break from the treatment as Paul wanted to have a good Christmas and New Year, so they went to France on Holiday. This was in 1994. The doctors had said that he needed to have a break from the treatment in order to establish whether it had been successful. Throughout Paul鈥檚 illness, Martin remained strong and supportive.
Paul's chemotherapy finished in March 1995 and following various tests was placed in remission in terms of the Non Hodgkin Lymphoma , although technically he is still categorised as having AIDS.
Before his illness, Paul was a senior director in the Health Service. Ater being given the all-clear he was determined to get back to work and prove AIDS didn't stop him being as good as anyone else. He didn鈥檛 immediately tell his employers about his illness, although he suspected that they had guessed what was wrong with him. So about six weeks after returning to work he told his boss, who was very supportive as were his colleagues. Again, Martin remained at his side, supporting him all the way.
After about a year back at his old job, Paul began to think about his shot at life and he was determined that he wanted more out of life. He had gone from school, to University then University to work and hadn鈥檛 had a break for routine and long working hours. In Spring 1996, he decided that he needed new challenges and had to experience new things. So again with Martin's support, he quit the NHS and cashed in his pension, and went in search of voluntary work.
But as time went on and Paul鈥檚 good health continued, fears of imminent death, obviously, began to recede. Paul had to reassess his life again, not in terms of living each day as though it was his last鈥ut as a longer term option. He thought again about his financial security and again about his career.
One thing that occasionally plays on his mind is should he begin taking HIV treatment or not? He thinks if it ain鈥檛 broke why mend it? But is also aware that this is something he will have to consider as time goes on. He is realistic and knows a lot about the treatments and their side effects and wonders what the mental and emotional impact of embarking on HIV treatment could have on him Martin has told him that he鈥檒l stick by his decision and even his GP has told him that Paul will know himself when it's right to start treatment.
