Stephen Meek

Anus Horribilis (love a good dad joke)

Sunday 27th Apr 2025

I was discussing DGR with a new friend recently and mentioned my 2024 experience, and it made me reflect on just how much of the initiative is about communication. So forthwith a repost of my2024 Blog.

Check it Before you wreck it! My personal story DGR 2024

With a history of Prostate issues in the family, I’ve been a Diligent PCA checker since I turned 50 for years annually and the last 10 years three times with my Diabetic check. Always hovering in the 2s then boom late last year (2023) 13.0.

 After the initial WTF moment very rapidly moving into what do we do now mode. A crash course of antibiotics just in case it was an infection, it turns out infection can lurk there with few other symptoms, a few flow issues were about it, and they were dismissed as “old guy plumbing “by me. Initial treatment off for a course if heavy duty antibiotics and more blood tests.

 Jan 2024

Fast forward, Three months of treatment and I’m back to 4.1. Still a little worrying and just outside the next step guidelines (3.0) for raising an eyebrow. Now it’s off to the urologist for the MRI referral (and as it turned out a back passage examination). Despite the organ in question being smooth (the only bit of me that is) an MRI was deemed prudent. More waiting yay.

Feb 2024

Enemas and gut immobiliser onboard it was into the machine for me! Something like laying extremely still in a 44 Gallon drum while someone bangs the outside with a shovel and a Theremin plays the theme music for Forbidden Planet in the background for 20 mins!  Now we wait yet again.

There’s is a lot of waiting involved, between tests, while treatments are tried, waiting for specialist appointments to be available. While tests are analysed. (ironic word). Not to mention the hours sitting in various uncomfortable chairs and waiting rooms.

Mar 2024

Well results for the MRI are in and looks like more investigations instore. Still showing an enlargement 61cc (about the size of a small scooter piston) whatever that means, and an irregular dark spot that must be investigated, it’s Transperineal Biopsy time! On to April (more waiting) for part 4. While the technical description and diagrams of what was to be done was a little confronting, reality of the process as less so but involved, not surprisingly, several more variations on the waiting room theme.

Apr 2024

The recovery from the biopsy was, once more, a little confronting, with some interesting post op special needs (an inflatable seat ring will become your best friend). Discomfort is far outweighed by thoughts of prospective outcomes, the network of friends and acquaintances developed over many years in the motorcycling community, and specifically those associated with DGR and Movember has been invaluable in dealing with the inevitable dark thoughts ( not the least of which was if I would be able to sit on a bike for the DGR ride) that come with yet another wait. 

May 2024

The results are in, two bits of fantastic news! Biopsy all clear !! and my butt has recovered enough to ride a suitably comfortable Triumph for the 19^th!! The support throughout this adventure from friends is invaluable, two fold in that I felt able to talk openly about my feelings and concerns and be heard and that so many were there to support with words and deeds.

  The bottom (another great pun) line…DON’T WAIT get checked regularly and don’t dismiss things as part of getting old. Check it before you wreck it! Have a great ride and remember talk to each other!!

Autumn Leaves and Suits

Monday 24th Mar 2025

Time to get you glad rags on people, Frock up and Rock up!!!

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Friday 21st Mar 2025 On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.