Personal

Medical history of David S Halpin as of 12-11-2025 DOB 14-04-1940

in narrative style

Briefly - I qualified MB BS via St Mary's in 1964, spent 11 years in surgical training as was usual, FRCS 1969, and in 1975 was appointed as a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital Exeter where I mostly trained and eventually lead, and at Torbay Hospital.

I include some of the many adverse effects of Lithium started in me in 1992, continued for 27 years without any review, and concentrate on the renal tract. Lithium is useful in mania and possibly in the longer term for so called bipolar disease which I do not have. It is both neurotoxic and nephrotoxic. Its mechanism of action is unknown! I am sure that it binds securely to cell membranes. I learned recently that Susan my wife was instructed by Dr Galli my GP and Dr Gillespie psychiatrist that I should never stop taking this.

Most relevant history. Some note form for brevity

Fit young man - rugby, rowing in racing eights. Married Susan at age 21. No babies - azoospermia found sadly, after Sue first investigated! Probably did well in 'finals'. About 10 days after qualifying after three weeks of examination started as HP to the Medical Unit at St Mary's under the inspiring Prof W.S Peart - a 'plum job' as we would say which I had applied for. BUT - 'they' could not get locums and I was the only house doctor for 2 wards - with 50 patients, most of whom were very ill. + Emergencies coming by ambulance via GPs etc and via ‘Casualty’. The unit concentrated on renal disease and hypertension. I hardly slept for the ten days and did not go back to Sue and our flat in Kew in that time.

Read more: Socrates BC "Primum no nocere" "Do NO Harm"

Our dear Fiona underwent an emergency colostomy for obstruction due to a rectal cancer last July. Symptoms had first appeared about two months before. The advance of the cancer was rapid.

She underwent two courses of chemotherapy, and then palliative radiotherapy for a mass in her tummy on the right side. The cancer was not checked and in her final month of life the obstruction of her large bowel was total. Happily, and with the help of an anti-spasmodic, she was able to drink and eat sorbets etc

Throughout her illness she never complained.  She continued to live her life as actively as possible, and with good humour.

She had wonderful support within our NHS, and especially the 'end of life' care provided by District and Weldmar Hospice nurses. The care given by her partner Andy Napper was exceptional, and added to by the close family. The family is stronger for this.

Sue and I have had many cards and messages in sympathy and love. We have realised how much this sustains people in their grief.

This post is  -  to thank the many, and in celebration of Fiona's life - with her caring at the centre.

PDF's:

The eulogy written by Sue and by Fiona's brother Andrew, and read at the service by the celebrant Antonia Burt.

The service order with an image of Fee.  This includes a short piece by me the father, in thanks for all the care given.