tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post7236846471095198061..comments2023-05-24T23:33:57.516+10:00Comments on My Unwelcome Stranger: Beautiful hospital 2Denis Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-53359049015348788142013-07-31T18:52:07.037+10:002013-07-31T18:52:07.037+10:00Ros, just write your heart. You will be surprised,...Ros, just write your heart. You will be surprised, I believe, but just how much you are able to move people.<br /><br />kvdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-15516557326643273702013-07-31T18:36:00.642+10:002013-07-31T18:36:00.642+10:00Denis you flatter with intent (which should be a c...Denis you flatter with intent (which should be a criminal offence), but when you say "you have been through the entire process" you assume, after eight-some years, some sort of 'exit to another life'. This is not necessarily so, I'm afraid.<br /><br />And anyway, when pressed on such, I tend to lapse into quotation of others' words - meaningful to me, but perhaps a little too mournful for others. For instance:<br /><br /><i>"it<br /><br />is difficult to think<br />of you without me in<br />the sentence you depress<br />me when you are alone"</i> (-Frank O’Hara) <br /><br />or:<br /><br /><i>And did you get what<br />you wanted from this life, even so?<br />I did.<br />And what did you want?<br />To call myself beloved, to feel myself<br />beloved on the earth.</i> (-Raymond Carver)<br /><br />or maybe just silence; because what is, is.<br /><br />Taking a chance/hope that this delayed reply is now buried under the weight of the other beautiful/crazy thoughts you've since shared. For which I express my simple gratitude.<br /><br />kvdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-52562379101169489452013-07-30T08:38:34.951+10:002013-07-30T08:38:34.951+10:00Thanks Den. Your nagging is not falling on deaf ea...Thanks Den. Your nagging is not falling on deaf ears. <br />It's a bit daunting to take the leap and begin.<br /><br />There are so many blogs out there - does the world really need another one?<br />When I think about the time and effort, the thoughtfulness, the skill and finesse you pour into this blog, my heart quakes at the thought of what is involved. I couldn't produce anything that's even a shadow of the work of art that is "My Unwelcome Stranger". I don't say this to flatter. Your blog is exquisite. Many others feel the same way about it.<br /><br />Yet, you inspire me/us..<br />So...we will do it.<br />Thank you for the encouragement...<br />I think...<br />xx<br />Roshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13339472107640597921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-35975923658193520722013-07-30T05:53:49.779+10:002013-07-30T05:53:49.779+10:00I suppose it could be so. Now you, kvd, would be a...I suppose it could be so. Now you, kvd, would be a perfect guest blogger for the blog I'm nagging Ros and Dave to write, for your story is another angle on caring; especially that you have been through the entire process, and now have an entirely different role. It's something many of us have yet to face ~ the one left behind to build a new life, which you have done.<br /><br />Just a thought.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-11519042929989971092013-07-30T05:44:35.233+10:002013-07-30T05:44:35.233+10:00Good morning, Julie. It's 5.30 am and one of t...Good morning, Julie. It's 5.30 am and one of the quiet times, by which I mean no-one wants to do obs or anything. Yes it would be almost unbearable to be so far away, and totally so without net access.<br /><br />The nurses put up with me with great good humour. The moderate, even temperature is wonderful. Thanks for the cheerio, even though I sent you to the naughty corner for inattention. You're forgiven. Heh heh.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-38199248216345428942013-07-29T19:17:43.719+10:002013-07-29T19:17:43.719+10:00Why did I think you were in hospital in Newcastle?...Why did I think you were in hospital in Newcastle? I must not be paying close enough attention to your Peerless Prose. I'm glad to realise you are actually much closer to home - and Tracey. It does seem a very pleasant hospital as such places go and I bet all the nurses love you. Who wouldn't! I bet it's nice and snug in there too. It's bloody freezing here tonight and we've got the heating well and truly on - and the electric blankets. It's a bit early to go to sleep yet - but when you do, have a good night. Julie Lakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10268676551467882065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-8356771989847990472013-07-29T11:43:07.044+10:002013-07-29T11:43:07.044+10:00I suppose I should expect it, but I find this reac...I suppose I should expect it, but I find this reaction of a relative astounding. Is it undignified to sprawl on the floor? Of course it is, but Dave was smiling, and it's amused indignity that is one type of humour we all can enjoy, but with a lesson attached. Had he fractured something it would have been a different story and I believe he [rightly] got his ear chewed for taking an unnecessary risk. [I would never do that ho ho ask Tracey.]<br /><br /><b><i>"We are strongly of the opinion that there are many aspects of ill-health and disability which have been kept far too private for far too long. With knowledge comes understanding. When people come to understand something they fear, they are armed with knowledge for their own possible future."</i></b> <br /><br />I challenge anyone to disagree.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-80615810566394069302013-07-29T11:18:50.367+10:002013-07-29T11:18:50.367+10:00You've put it perfectly, Dave. There are psych...You've put it perfectly, Dave. There are psychological barriers we must break down, but if we apply our intelligence then that happens quickly. Fear of the unknown is the worst fear. Break that and much of the problem goes away. This where my Taoist philosophy is useful ~ work with what you've got. Be flexible. We learn and we can contribute.<br /><br />Nurses have or develop vast pools of practical knowledge along with their medical training. I sometimes wonder if it is the greatest pool of untapped expertise in the world, if it doesn't go beyond the nurses that they help train on-the-job [fortunately it gets passed on that way].<br /><br />One thing I'm sure of is that in matters of palliative care, it's the nurses' advice I'd be taking in. And yes, the intelligent patient with as you say beautifully, "...expertise, with an important human twist, that trainee medicos eat for breakfast...." they surely have a unique place in adding to wisdom in what they are suffering. Which is why I'm urging you and Ros to start an MS(+)blog between carer and care-receiver. Both of you know what it's like from the inside. With combined 50+ years experience and with your combined empathy, it would be a hit.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-56741989243701458912013-07-29T09:24:38.735+10:002013-07-29T09:24:38.735+10:00Two great comments by David and Ros - thank you! &...Two great comments by David and Ros - thank you! "With knowledge comes understanding" - and perhaps less fear, which itself can turn a normally placid patient to be into a grumpy and unco-operative one.<br /><br />But that's not a correction of Ros' comment; more just a personal observation over the years.<br /><br />kvdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-27329744462663235412013-07-29T08:08:58.760+10:002013-07-29T08:08:58.760+10:00Some people might not think so, but this story nee...Some people might not think so, but this story needed to be told. And, as always, your telling of it is enchanting.<br /><br />By "some people", I am referring to the reaction, for instance, of one of Dave's relatives who was concerned about the series of photos Dave posted on Facebook yesterday. These photos showed, frame by frame, (as you know, Den, but for those who haven't seen it) how we manage to restore Dave to his wheelchair when he has fallen on the floor, trying to transfer from one chair to another. The relative's concerned comment was that "nothing is private any more." <br /><br />We are strongly of the opinion that there are many aspects of ill-health and disability which have been kept far too private for far too long. With knowledge comes understanding. When people come to understand something they fear, they are armed with knowledge for their own possible future. Roshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13339472107640597921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-45303007887988939992013-07-29T08:06:27.512+10:002013-07-29T08:06:27.512+10:00Over and over I recognise the world you speak of a...Over and over I recognise the world you speak of and I delight in your speaking. The apprehension that both you and I felt about hospital came, in part, from not reading stuff like this. <br /><br />One part of time there that I relish is the trainees - mostly nurses and doctors but sometimes the ancillary trades such as physio or occupational therapists. I suppose it is my "used to be a teacher" neuron that get's massaged but the ward has learned that talking to Dave can be a valuable part of their time.<br /><br />We sufferers of whatever, coming from a thinking and enquiring background, are repositories of expertise, with an important human twist, that trainee medicos eat for breakfast. "What do you know about MS?" I asked the two young doctors at the start of a conversation that they will surely remember.<br /><br />I feel good and they feel good. What more can one ask for?David Strattonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07108095795511002148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-80586023491680112592013-07-28T21:26:17.900+10:002013-07-28T21:26:17.900+10:00My first-born came into the world at a beautiful I...My first-born came into the world at a beautiful Intermediate maternity hospital in Brisbane and may be suffering similar problems. That would be a pity. <br /><br />I agree fully with your comments about the benefits of smaller hospitals. Even more when you live in a small city like Armidale, having lived here for so many years. <br /><br />There are so many connections between all the components of the micro-city that a hospital is. Staff may be personal friends, or sisters or brothers of someone I know very well. Tracey is much loved here for her roles in plays and musicals. If one of us isn't known, the other is.<br /><br />But it all comes down to dollars, and we live in a country that could have the absolute best health cover in the world. Community hospitals would be the linch-pin even if they cost more. But of course there are advantages of and necessities for very large hospitals.<br /><br />I have quite a large window and I can see blue sky and a large white latticework. What I really meant - and it's a great boon to me - the temperature in here is round 20 all the time, so I can't tell from that. But I can't get close to the window because of equipment and am basically immobile.<br /><br />The concept of getting better isn't really applicable. Stemming the tide a bit is really more accurate. As you know, it's day by day. Thanks, Z.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-62866851624806193302013-07-28T19:59:02.474+10:002013-07-28T19:59:02.474+10:00Not so generous, Trish, when I'm doing somethi...Not so generous, Trish, when I'm doing something I enjoy. I kept thinking, of course, while writing this that it's a standard of care a lot of people dream of, but I paid all my working like for the public health system and good private health cover without taking more than a tiny bit out during that time. So I feel quite justified in getting something back from those at this critical time.<br /><br />Thanks for the kind personal comments. I'll bask in the glow of my embarrassment. **smile** <br /><br />The really fortunate part is being able to get into such a wonderful hospital a stone's throw from my house, not that that was planned. This was the last place I expected to be when we moved in. But I think when a hospital is run as well as this and as you can see, the staff is/are so good, I want to give credit where it's due.Denis Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786035137418348609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-79398208510423058292013-07-28T19:19:23.408+10:002013-07-28T19:19:23.408+10:00My mother had a couple of stints in her local hosp...My mother had a couple of stints in her local hospital at Yass a while back. I was so impressed with it, partly because it's good but partly because its small scale fostered a pleasanter atmosphere than the great bit horrible place in Canberra. Sadly, at Yass they have theatres for babies to be born in but no funding to allow people to have babies there, so the women of the Yass area have to go all the way into Canberra to have their babies. There is always talk of closing the whole hospital down entirely too. I think small local hospitals are such an important part of the health system and also of communities. Hope you're getting stronger and glad they're looking after you so well (although wondering if I missed something in an earlier post about you having no windows, following your comment about not knowing what the weather's like?)zmkchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08972549292961948240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5722735165669239585.post-47942681842661165732013-07-28T16:52:21.119+10:002013-07-28T16:52:21.119+10:00You are very generous with your time, Denis, to sh...You are very generous with your time, Denis, to share all of this, but it is valuable.Not only to understand better your present experience, but for the many of us who will at some time be in hospital and can only hope for such good conditions. At least we will know what is possible, and how to work with staff for the best results.You are an inspiration - I can embarrass you like that because I know you do not have the time to retaliate:)Trish.Trish Nicholsonhttp://www.trishnicholsonswordsinthetreehouse.comnoreply@blogger.com