tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post3291077567184454967..comments2024-03-13T07:34:24.149+00:00Comments on The Age of Uncertainty: New Year, New LookSteerforthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-82071898745194165092014-01-20T19:18:20.475+00:002014-01-20T19:18:20.475+00:00Hi Steerforth, I first read you on the Dabbler and...Hi Steerforth, I first read you on the Dabbler and have been checking into your blog ever since. I also had a "shitty" Christmas and spent most of December suffering from a kidney stone {now removed}, a horrible cold, and then a nasty bout of the flu.I laughed in sympathy, when I read your experiences in the hospital. I was distracted from my misery in Emergency by listening in to cell phone conversations, nurses gossiping and the constant din of voices.I decided that the Emergency Ward was the "great Equalizer", as people from all walks of life, all nationalities, rich, poor and middle class were brought together by sickness and pain.I am in awe of the people that work in hospitals and truly appreciate our Canadian Healthcare system, despite its flaws, even more after my experience. I enjoy your blog and am now going to search for the books you have recommended.Take it easy as you are able to! <br />Prudencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084056972609301628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-80134015855304535162014-01-15T20:58:15.891+00:002014-01-15T20:58:15.891+00:00Yes, I think the other patients were very jealous ...Yes, I think the other patients were very jealous of my corner.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-86969217615735420432014-01-15T20:36:30.002+00:002014-01-15T20:36:30.002+00:00Nice socks, but great corner.Nice socks, but <i>great</i> corner.lividlilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15071660710883089618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-75815393365794367852014-01-13T17:05:20.626+00:002014-01-13T17:05:20.626+00:00Lord Dranlor - apparently I spoke in my sleep last...Lord Dranlor - apparently I spoke in my sleep last night as well. I said: "Can I have seven £1 stamps please?"<br /><br />How mundane can you get?<br /><br />Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-55878937507741341682014-01-13T15:53:08.665+00:002014-01-13T15:53:08.665+00:00Hey Steerforth, Very pleased to know you're ou...Hey Steerforth, Very pleased to know you're out the other side and recovering. All I can add at this juncture; knowing so much of your past, is that if you woke up under the influence of opiates in the mental care ward - it's a very good job you didn't utter 'Aldric hitch up the horses' again, or else you's still be there !TEL Dranlorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12692006195718094076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-88842828419910353102014-01-10T08:08:54.872+00:002014-01-10T08:08:54.872+00:00Debra - France is a unique case, quite different f...Debra - France is a unique case, quite different from any other country I've encountered. Like many English people, I've always been in awe of its rich cultural life, but felt baffled by certain aspects of the national character. But I don't know enough about the subject to pass comment.<br /><br />The point about the attitude of some Americans towards the idea of an NHS backs up what I read in a book a few months ago. The author claimed that because American society is made up of distinct ethnic groups that don't interact very much, one group would be reluctant to pay for a system that would largely seem to be for the benefit of another.<br /><br />Helenalex - That's true. All I've fancied during the last week has been poached egg on toast, ice cream and Frosties. My lentil soups, avocados and healthy snacks don't appeal at all!Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-80942656297479480802014-01-09T22:41:59.895+00:002014-01-09T22:41:59.895+00:00In defense of fast food places in hospitals: somet...In defense of fast food places in hospitals: sometimes the patient just needs to eat *something*, even if it's unhealthy in the long term. Hospital food is often pretty rubbish, and the average patient doesn't have much of an appetite, so getting them a Big Mac or whatever is great if it means they will actually eat. Particularly if they have lost a lot of weight; fat and calories are good things sometimes. The heavily processed nature of the food can be a good thing too - it makes it easier to digest.<br /><br />Of course it would be better all round if hospital food actually tasted good, but given the logistics of feeding hundreds of people with dozens of dietary restrictions between them, on a limited budget, I can't see that happening.helenalexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-72913991316761110642014-01-09T19:15:28.730+00:002014-01-09T19:15:28.730+00:00Comparing American culture to Continental culture ...Comparing American culture to Continental culture is a subject I never get tired of.<br />I'm a kind of American Tocqueville, if you like, although I will never write books about it.<br />Compare : My French family has recently become very gung ho about bio foods, and spends mucho dinero on bio food products. BUT... the average French person is only interested in bio products to save his skin and innards, and doesn't care a flying fuck about the planet. He is worried about his intestines, and catching cancer. <br />The country that put brotherly love on the map with the French Revolution has some of the most individualistic people I have ever seen. But many of these very individualistic people stand around with their hands lolling at their sides, waiting for somebody to tell them what to do, because their imagination and initiative have been sucked out of them early on.<br />Self interest is taken to great heights in a country where people I hang out with are constantly congratulating themselves on being progressive, and liberal. (France is the country that put progressive on the map, too...)<br />On the other side of the ocean, I met several Americans over the web, and even before who are unwilling to put up money for national health care, out of the belief that they shouldn't fork out for somebody else.<br />Who is more individualistic, in your opinion ?<br />I am still refraining from drawing any hasty conclusions.<br />If you live in France, you will understand what a SOCIALIST country is. It is a country that promotes an anthill mentality, basically. (So.. maybe the U.S. is a socialist country now, too ? Adolf figured out if you heard somebody say something often enough, you would eventually take it as truth, even if it didn't fit your observation. Nobody says the U.S. is a socialist country, but... from a certain perspective it looks a lot like one.)<br />For many years, I was a good socialist. Then something happened, and around six years ago, I suddenly lost all faith in the anthill mentality. The web is an excellent example of the anthill mentality at work, moreover.<br />The more we think we are individuals, the more we are kidding ourselves... in the anthill.<br />Good for you, Steerforth, if you manage to read those long books, and if they are good ones. You will be a true aristocrat, in my book, and that's not an insult, coming from me. And...although you may not escape from the anthill, at least you will be able to feel its outline and grip. (I'm not sure that's a blessing, either.)<br />Last night in a bio store, I told a man that I considered myself rich, because I had lots of time at my disposal.<br />That's one way of looking at it, and not such a bad one at that. <br />Happy reading !Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01510189619803992336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-47368783924906286362014-01-09T08:44:30.252+00:002014-01-09T08:44:30.252+00:00Dale - It's appalling isn't it. The pharma...Dale - It's appalling isn't it. The pharmaceutical industry holds us to ransom, claiming that the money mostly goes towards research and development, but apparently cancer drugs are simply priced at "a level that the market will bear". In other words, what they can get away with. There is no ethical dimension to their business, whatever their saccharine PR might claim. Only recently, they tried to stop Indians getting cheap cancer drugs.<br /><br />I'd establish a not-for-profit state-run pharmaceutical sector, in competition with the cartels, to drive the costs down.<br /><br />Brett - I think socialism is quite alien to the American character, but there is a spirit of communitarianism, or simple 'neighbourliness' that goes back to the days of the setlers and the pioneers, which has been eroded in the postwar period. <br /><br />But it hasn't been completely crushed. Your library is a beacon of hope - a place where some of the most vulnerable people in society can get help applying for a job online, or discover their legal rights. A local hospital, offering unconditional free healthcare to all, wouldn't be <i>Un-American</i>, it would be <i>neighborly</i>.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-58316562933322005622014-01-09T04:48:44.006+00:002014-01-09T04:48:44.006+00:00Sorry your opiate experience was not more rewardin...Sorry your opiate experience was not more rewarding. A hospital ward is not a conducive setting. Anyway, doesn't Brighton already have a pleasure dome, or have they torn it down? I'm very glad you are past the crisis, and are recovering.<br /><br />I gave up hoping for socialism in the U.S. a long time ago. I saw that if I wanted to be "coddled by a nanny-state", I would have to get a government job, which I did.Bretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09389916070547430075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-69306811902854777132014-01-09T02:48:28.565+00:002014-01-09T02:48:28.565+00:00And the US likes to export their medical ethics: o...And the US likes to export their medical ethics: one of the biggest blocks to the US and New Zealand achieving a Free Trade agreement at present (apart from their clinging to agricultural subsidies as though their votes depended on them) is the US insistence that we hobble our Pharmac, a drug-buying collective that keeps medicinal drug prices in New Zealand low and allocates them fairly. <br /><br />Apparently Pharmac represents the worst kind of Communism and should be abolished in order to let the US drug companies rule the world, I mean, operate without legal impediment or fair competition.<br /><br />But as a cheerful user of socialised medicine, perhaps I'm biassed...Dale againnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-17174379863751860052014-01-08T23:38:31.582+00:002014-01-08T23:38:31.582+00:00Scribbler - No, I was only ordered tea or coffee. ...Scribbler - No, I was only ordered tea or coffee. Coffee is the last thing I'd want after surgery! You're right about the Horlicks - packed full of vitamins and far better than the food. <br /><br />It's odd how hospitals sell unhealthy food, but I suppose they raise vital funds. It's still sending out the wrong signals. And I was annoyed when I couldn't find a drinks machine that sold real fruit juice, only ones with sugar and chemicals. <br /><br />Carol - Ah yes, I forgotten about the religious right. If Jesus came back tomorrow, they'd probably accuse him of being a socialist.<br /><br />It does seem as if many of the most sensible ideas - gun control, free healthcare and public transport - fail because they're undermined by very powerful lobbies. <br /><br />In her excellent book 'Dark Age Ahead' the late Jane Jacobs gave an example of how the oil and motor industries effectively bribed local politicians to dismantle a very successful public transport system so that people would have to buy cars. I can't remeember which city it was.<br /><br />Another idea that has been suggested is that many white Americans are unwilling to invest in a system that, in their perception, is largely for the benefit of other ethnic groups. I don't know if there's any truth in that.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-25772423943302350502014-01-08T23:08:28.110+00:002014-01-08T23:08:28.110+00:00Self-reliance my left foot, Steerforth. You'r...Self-reliance my left foot, Steerforth. You're being too kind, and polite. The forces driving the opposition behind Obamacare's problems are two-fold. <br /><br /> First, the vast amounts of money to be made by the private insurers and drug companies as long as health care is not government mandated and monitored. <br /><br />And second, the religious right whose knickers ALWAYS get in a twist the minute anyone mentions paying for birth control or abortions under any circumstances whatsoever, even incest or rape. And until this puritanical mindset changes, Obamacare is going to have a very tough row to hoe. <br /><br />So, even though the program passed a couple of years ago, it will be touch and go to see if it ever gets fully implemented. Canadian Chickadeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995693884248628958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-55900256315379309832014-01-08T18:27:39.586+00:002014-01-08T18:27:39.586+00:00Your account of your stay in hospital proves what ...Your account of your stay in hospital proves what fertile grounds they are for a writer. It's one positive at least, particularly from your time on the dementia ward.<br />Did they give you Horlicks? It was the one joy my mother found during an extended stay in Southampton General (which, incidentally, has a Burger King actually INSIDE the building: the Horlicks trolly arriving during Eastenders. I wondered about this until a recent cold led me to purchase some (an inexplicable desire for malted, hot, milk). It is jam packed, rammed indeed, with vitamins. 150% and more of most of one's daily dose. This is how the NHS ensure adequate nutrition during a stay in hospital. The food is mere entertainment. Get well soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-43603403727322007722014-01-08T17:45:04.076+00:002014-01-08T17:45:04.076+00:00You're right Andrea. All human life is there a...You're right Andrea. All human life is there and illness is a great leveller of social background.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-56809140468324139072014-01-08T16:40:01.421+00:002014-01-08T16:40:01.421+00:00I'm sorry about your trouble, but very glad yo...I'm sorry about your trouble, but very glad you're getting better!<br /><br />Loved your description of the hospital. There's nothing quite like the exposed vulnerability, sadness, and absurdity of an emergency room. Andreahttp://andreatsurumi.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-65704051299719098552014-01-08T14:22:41.255+00:002014-01-08T14:22:41.255+00:00Lucille - How awful! Poor little chap. Thank goodn...Lucille - How awful! Poor little chap. Thank goodness it was discovered in time.<br /><br />Nota Bene - I have to say I was quite taken with the frock. Very comfortable indeed. Why would a woman ever want to wear trousers?<br /><br />Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-64398738709241444462014-01-08T13:40:14.744+00:002014-01-08T13:40:14.744+00:00Nice frock...was it a Christmas present?
Apart fr...Nice frock...was it a Christmas present?<br /><br />Apart from that, glad the NHS sorted you out...its a much under appreciated organisation, and full of the most wonderful people intent on doing good to and for others...<br /><br />...happy and healthy New Year to youNota Benehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00969705852180234416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-80367950174948043662014-01-08T13:37:17.631+00:002014-01-08T13:37:17.631+00:00So glad you are out the other side and didn't ...So glad you are out the other side and didn't tarry. My brother's peritonitis was diagnosed as wind at age 4. He nearly didn't make it.Lucillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14414527658216916537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-45120968860669271882014-01-08T08:33:29.940+00:002014-01-08T08:33:29.940+00:00Thanks Annabel. I agree about the pro-biotics. I r...Thanks Annabel. I agree about the pro-biotics. I read an article recently claiming that they were largely a placebo, but if I have a dodgy tummy, a large pot of plain live yoghurt usually helps. Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-27079983052107562292014-01-08T08:30:13.570+00:002014-01-08T08:30:13.570+00:00Annie - I know, it seems absurd in hindsight, part...Annie - I know, it seems absurd in hindsight, particularly as I've just read that some people go to A&E once a week!<br /><br />Lucy - Yes, they are wonderful. I couldn't do their job in a million years. I was already a fan of the NHS, but after last weekend, I admire them even more.<br /><br />Debra - I agree, there does seem to be an Anglo-Saxon obsession with continual improvement and the pursuit of growth. Blame the Enlightenment for circulating that myth. <br /><br />That's why I've moved to a town where the opportunities for growth, development and 'improvement' are strictly limited. <br /><br />The prospect of an increasing population of people who have severe dementia is chilling in so many ways and I don't doubt that the time will come when some very unpleasant decisions have to be made. As you say, they'll be made for 'humanitarian reasons'.<br /><br />Have you ever seen the film <i>Soylent Green</i>? It's very good.<br /><br />Carol - I think the USA deserves an NHS of its own. I know that self-reliance is a key part of American culture, but so is egalitarianism and fraternity. <br /><br />Dale - Luckily, my fellow patients were too ancient for MP3s and smartphones, although they made enough noises of their own. <br /><br />I found the harsh lighting and constant noise draining, but a lovely nurse gave me some earplugs.<br /><br />Sorry to read that you had gall stones. I'ver heard that on a pain scale of one to ten, they hit eleven.<br /><br />Tororo - Thanks. I don't think there'll be any réveillons for quite a while, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity to read some very long books without feeling guilty!Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-85412119815141579652014-01-08T08:00:15.877+00:002014-01-08T08:00:15.877+00:00I'm glad you didn't delay any longer befor...I'm glad you didn't delay any longer before going to hospital, Steerforth. Hope the recovery continues to go well. <br /><br />As I had my appendix out when I was ten, I always wondered what use it was. Funnily enough, although I'm skeptical about stuff like pro-biotics, I do feel better gut-wise when I use them - now I know why.Annabel (gaskella)http://gaskella.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-60257836399507274012014-01-08T00:10:54.702+00:002014-01-08T00:10:54.702+00:00So sorry to read this. Please feel better soon, St...So sorry to read this. Please feel better soon, Steerforth, so you can enjoy, no matter how belatedly, a well-deserved <i>réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre</i>.Tororohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16635264152016312595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-23991376620767767502014-01-07T23:13:45.404+00:002014-01-07T23:13:45.404+00:00All the best for a quick recovery, and I hope your...All the best for a quick recovery, and I hope your family are coping well in your absence. Surgery is never fun.<br /><br />Save those sexy socks. I've been hospitalised three times in the last two years and it was good to know the saved socks were getting some wear! (The first time, they tried to treat me for appendicitis, too, before discovering that it was actually gall stones pushing their way through the gall bladder wall causing the pain. Not so simple.)<br /><br />I think the worst thing in shared wards is the gadgetry people bring in with them these days. You have to suffer through a constant miscellany of loud beeps and assertive ringtones, and conversations at four in the morning when someone feels the need to share every detail of their ghastly symptoms with friends and family. Or like the one in my ward, demonstrate her karaoke prowess. <br />I had to remind myself that seething was not conducive to healing!Dalenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-69349195635078423992014-01-07T22:43:30.889+00:002014-01-07T22:43:30.889+00:00I'm glad that you're recovering so well. ...I'm glad that you're recovering so well. And I can't fault your logic. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the state of health care insurance in the United States. But then, having spent much of my youth in Canada (which has socialized medicine) and in Britain as an adult, my perspective is probably different from that of many Americans. Because I too have seen how the system(s) work, and why people are so glad to have this social safety net to rely on.<br />Get well quickly. Here's to more posts soon. Happy New Year and God bless. xoxo Carol Canadian Chickadeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995693884248628958noreply@blogger.com