As we get older our parts begin to turn against us. Why do they do that, I wonder? All these years I’ve had grand adventures and astonishingly good times. And, for every one of those escapades I’ve taken all my parts along to enjoy it with me! So, how dare they turn against me now?

As with most men “of a certain age” the old prostate begins to proliferate until it reaches such a size that it restricts the flow of one’s urine. You can imagine how miserable life can be when you feel you have to make a run to the toilet every ten minutes.

When the diagnosis isn’t cancer related, one treatment is TURP; transurethral resection of the prostate. They go in with a scope and shave away portions of the prostate until a clear flow of liquids is established. Enough said about that!

For my procedure I was admitted to UAB Highlands hospital. Those of you who know me understand that I’m a bit of a history nut, so before I tell you about my experience, I must tell you about the hospital, itself.

It wasn’t always called UAB/Highlands. The hospital started its life back in 1910 as South Highland Infirmary. They offered long-term care as well as surgery. Sadly, as was true most everywhere in those days, they had separate facilities for white and non-white patients, and for disabled children.

The hospital also had a school of nursing until 1952. More than 1500 nurses are practicing or have practiced because of that school. Imagine how many thousands of patients have benefitted from the expertise and compassion taught at South Highlands School of Nursing! In 1971 it was decided to change the name to South Highlands Hospital, and that name was kept until 1989 when HealthSouth bought it to serve as the flagship medical center. HealthSouth added more bricks and mortar and began to offer neurosurgery and sports and orthopaedic medicine.

In 1994 UAB got into the act and partnered in the purchase of a gamma knife for the Ophthalmologic center where they pioneered the Fluidic Internal Limiting Membrane Separation procedure. Finally, in 2006 UAB forked over $33 million and added the hospital to their growing campus.

Fast forward to 2021 when yours truly is admitted for prostate surgery. Financially, it was quite painful, as most of my readers in Leftpondia can appreciate. In all other respects my praise couldn’t possibly be higher. The surgery and anaesthesia personnel were warm, caring, and patiently answered all my questions.

The two days spent on the ward were especially telling, simply because I spent the most time with them. The nursing staff were especially observant, keeping me well informed of everything happening to me. No matter how many questions I asked, no one seemed in a hurry to get away. The nursing staff at UAB Highlands are most compassionate and their empathy is always on display as they go about their duties without a lot of fuss and bother.

I don’t recommend surgery and hospitalization for anyone. However, if you need it, UAB Highlands is a good place to have your problems seen to.

Now that you, Gentle Reader, have brought it up I will tell you that my book New Yesterdays is still available at Amazon. Domestic readers can email me (theolbigjim@gmail.com) and I’ll happily get a signed copy out to you for a mere $8. Free postage and shipping! Get it now, so it’s fresh in your mind when I finish and release the sequel, Changed Tomorrows!