Debt. Medics and life.

I agree with Retired about adverse comments regarding our NHS. Probably I have in the past been a complainer, who knows. One thing I find similar. Having been a police officer and then a civil/public servant, naturaly contact with the general public is inevetble. It's taken decades for for simple things like a notice in a hospital or other such place. 'Please treat our staff with respect'. I am most grateful that some notice of this is at last taking effect.

Today I was at Guy's hospital for my pre-admission check. I have also an appointment with the cardiologist dept on Thursday. Monday night I got no sleep. An odd thing about me being I don't nee an alarm call, if there is a pending appointment. Add to this, I went to bed a couple of hours earlier than usual and, without having my usual tipple. So, yes I was very tired and peed off.
Amanda sticks to me like a barnacle and we arrived at the hospital some 20 mins early. Time passed and eventually we were asked, were we being seen? Replying, I had been waiting for an hour and a half. It was then like scene from some Easter promise film. A thousand apologies etc. I was called into the room where my height, weight and BP were taken. I have to be honest. Having gained a few years, I am the first to admit. I have become a bit cheeky, all in good fun. I was ushered in by a very attractive young asian lass, wearing a longish type head dressing. Pleasant greetins and I said thank you, nice to meet you, how about a hug. Blow me! she did give me a hug and a great big smile. (Perhaps she'd read my notes and concluded. Sill old whatsit, perfectly harmless.) Next I had to see another nurse. From her looks, I'd say she was oriental. OH! did we have fun and laughter. Amanda mentioned that I had in October had this same surgery as now planned for 19 December, but adding that at another visit by the area for care of the older persons. Ihe younf lady doctor picke dup some heart murmerings. So she set the wheels in motion for an echocardigram and a bone scan. The latter due to elderly folks bones becoming brittle etc. The echocardiogram was funny. At times it sounded like a sinkfull of washing up, draining away, girglr girgle, slurp. Findings. I had an aorta stenosis. Hey this nurse really was on the ball. She. Picked up the phone and got through to the clinich for us oldies. Explaining the situation, and the scheduled surgery. Yours truly now has another appointment on 17th.

Back to me being hugged. Not my fault, says me, blushing like a beetroot. Vry jolly back nurse saw us, and started a bit of banter. My reply was. Jealousy will get you everywhere. This made all concerned laugh, even patients waiting in the corridor. To me. OK a bit cheeky and playful, but I feel it in a way may have lessened the stress that visits to a hospital can have on some folk. It did a lot for me also. At the time I was in a lot of pain. The last op, a stent had been placed into the ureter of my left kidney. This was now really hurting. Then come the moment to provide a sample. Oh No! Steward old chap. Yes Sir? Steward, this Claret, looks more like beetroot juice. I leave you, my friends to tranlslate.

Returning to OUR NHS. Of course Muppet TRUMP, you know. That multi rich bloke from across the pond. Wowee! how he like to get his hands on our NHS. He turn it into a multi billion $ high rise store.

Back to respect and recognition. IMHO, Never before has OUR NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE demand so much respect and support. IMO medical staff from wherever they come from. These people are truly loving, caring and devoted to their calling. GOD bless them all.

 

I am totally puzzled about the Donald references. I cannot believe he would have NHS on his agenda given the other preoccupation with us, the Ukraine, the impeachment trials, etc.

Our system is a poor second to the NHS but far superior to many other countries.

It takes a long time to be booked in to see a specialist here and we grudgingly accept that.

The healthy land up paying for the unfortunate unhealthy but it all evens out or at least is morally fair.

What I find truly shocking is the amount of talk about people left to fend for themselves as far as dealing with making medical appointments.

Where the heck are the families and friends? There's lots who may not be young, but retired and have the freedom of loose time schedules and are in a position to help their family. I ferried a friend to and from physio today and have sat through many waiting room visits in order to "be there". If nothing else, I have a chance to look through old magazines and get reminders of tasty recipes from a few years ago.

So, where are the support buddies?

Sad. Really sad.

And shameful.

 

I had two MRIs this year privately and I think they were around 140 Euros each. mais or menos. On the SNS (Portuguese NHS) it is about 18 Euros ... you always have to contribute a little something here, GP visits 5 Euros, Surgeon Consultation 7.50 Euros, Full Blood Tests 7 Euros, Physio 1.65 Euros. Good system here.

 

Hi,

Not all families and friends are actually friendly Lori. A few years ago I divorced my entire family of vultures who only live for money and who would stab anyone in the back for a penny. I now have two estranged brothers and a sister whom I've not seen or heard of since my mothers cremation; at the crematorium I sat at the back in order not to be associated with them. When my father died it was war between my brothers and sister with my father just died in the bedroom they were fighting as to what to do with my father's car.

My mother left a detached bungalow and the vultures spirited it away; not a single penny have Bron or I seen and we want nothing either; it's well worth a quarter share in any bungalow to be rid of the lot of them.

My uncle was an artist and he always told us he had a stained glass window he would leave us; when he sadly died the stained glass window went with him.

My parents and family did their utmost to prevent me marrying Bron not because of Bron but because I would no longer be supporting their boozing.

Whilst living with my parents/family I had money stolen from my pockets my younger brother stole my trolley jack and my entire collection of tools in order to pay for booze; he was an alcoholic and at night when he returned home drunk he and my father would have a set to with at times the police having to intervene; it sure was fun.

Marrying Bron was the best thing I've ever done in my life; Bron is the kindest; gentlest and generous person I've had the privilege of meeting and I'm over the moon to have Bron as my wife; we've struggled against everything but we've now been happily married for the last 43 years; we've dumped lots of so called friends who have tried to come between us so now we have few friends but the friends we do have are worthy of our trust. We would rather give than receive and surviving our past we now enjoy an enviable lifestyle without help from anyone.

It saddens me that I'm unable to bond with my family but I'm entirely different to them all; I wish them well but I never want to see or hear from them again; they will never know true happiness if all they live for is money.

Dirty laundry in public; so what. I'm fed up of do-gooders covering up for low life when they haven't been involved personally; it's long overdue for people to tell the truth.

Last night we watched a police program; lots of police cars and even the police helicopter at an address where the burglar was still inside; this low life admitted to another 40 burglaries; he received a suspended sentence and as soon as he was back on the streets he burgled again so is at last locked up; I wonder how all those he burgled think of our legal system.

Back to you though Mike; you've got my sympathy because after such an active working life you should be out tinkering with motorcycles not worrying about your health in your hard earned retirement; you've got my sincere best wishes for better times ahead my friend; GOOD LUCK.

Kind regards, Colin.