Monday 28 October 2019

Roommate at hospital was a fellow, Junior Dolores, who broke both legs thirteen years ago and has apparently been institutionalized ever since. Don't know how he got to Jackson Memorial, but was told he's being warehoused until they can find a permanent facility to put him in. He's ambulatory. He constantly talked to himself, the TV (which was always on loud until we asked him to lower volume, which he did), sang, groaned, grunted, complained and generally made a nuisance of himself to the nurses, which he called regularly for something or other. They were remarkably patient. Every morning around 0400 the big light came on, TV sound went up and he started his concert. In Spanish dolores means pain. The lesson is never go into hospital unless necessary and stay minimum. It's where people go to die or wish they could.

Always had sympathy for people with chronic pain as opposed, apparently, to those moralistic, self-righteous, political fabricators of public policy who prevent people from available means to deal with it. Have a whole new appreciation. A week is nothing, but gave an inkling as it takes a force of will to make any movement. Over weeks, months and years it must eventually wear you down. To not allow someone to relieve that pain is not just cruel, it's immoral. We each own our own body and nobody should have the right to tell you what to do with yours. Also, not that it ought to make any difference, but dependence on a pain killer is just not the same as addiction. Don't know whether Junior is in pain or just nuts, but suspect there's an unexplored way to find out.

Tuesday

Grenada is apparently very popular right now. DAN wouldn't put me in coach and couldn't find business non-stop until Thursday, so that's when we go. They arranged all transport, door to door. Should be home mid-afternoon. Diver DAN and AIG who underwrite the evac insurance have been great. Don't leave home without it.

At risk of beating a dead horse, may have shamed doctor into giving out more meds, but ones prescribed are so weak that Panadeine Extra (contains codeine and available over the counter until recently) Jan brought with us works better. Should have taken Oxynorm from boat, but who knew? Although nurses we talked to seemed to agree with me, doctors appear to have successfully rationalized that avoiding any possible harm (also to themselves getting prosecuted) by letting patients suffer is their sacred duty. Thanks guys for protecting me from myself.

Apologize for so much medical matter and, no doubt non-compelling, kvetching. Should get back to more interesting, not to say sick and twisted, content shortly. Muscle as opposed to deeper bone pain and friskiness (seldom used, highly technical medical term) improving by the hour. Should be dancing in the street with Bowie and Jagger in a week or so (Being dead, David may not be able to keep up).

Jack & Jan