September 2017 – Dr Rod’s Odd Blog (almondemotion)

Disaster avoided (2)

His autonomy was not violated. We reached a conclusion that avoided any crossing of boundaries between care and carer.

I don’t want to analyse the etymology of this phrase, yet, it is something that I have noticed cropping-up over the years. I suspect people say this outside of medicine, but in the context of a doctor taking to a nurse, ‘he’s a bit of an arse,’ tends to suggest the person has behaved inContinue reading “Bit of an arse.”

The pain of homecoming…

Yes, it is a topsy-turvy world, one of contradictions, complications, improvement and innovation.

Phallic symbols and America

Born down in a dead man’s town The first kick I took was when I hit the ground End up like a dog that’s been beat too much Till you spend half your life just covering up I am not sure why the opening lyrics to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’ are whistling inContinue reading “Phallic symbols and America”

The Red Sea

There was a song we used to sing in primary school, It had to do with the Israelites And the Red Sea. The way it was, back then, in pre-history, Or, if you are a believer, The way it was, was, The Israelites escaping from slavery in Egypt. Moses led them from CairoContinue reading “The Red Sea”

End of Life

I was involved in an interesting conversation this afternoon, during which, I was surprised to learn of the lack of understanding of dying – amongst colleagues who work in healthcare. I thought, to this end, and, given the ruling published today relating to the cessation of feeding and artificial hydration of people in Persistent VegetativeContinue reading “End of Life”

Painful.

Painful to see the happiness and I am not there, difficult to celebrate the success when I am at a distance. Isolated. Severed. I know what is happening. I can see, I have heard. In my heart, I can feel the juddering In my body, I feel the emptiness. Continue reading “Painful.”

I love you, I hate you

Araucaria.

alea iacta est

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out…

iPhone

You wouldn’t necessarily link the iPhone with existentialism, but, there you are. The philosophy connected with our sense of purpose, place and meaning, so beloved of Sartre and Camus has led to our place in the modern world; staring at a pixelated display, where the manufacturers do their best to shrink technology to such anContinue reading “iPhone”

Dementia #

How hard it is to see the person you love fragmenting, progressing through moments without recollection, changing, shape-shifting into someone different, Lost in time, adrift in place. An echo of their self hanging clinging, to moments. As they pass, disintegrate, a flaking headland, eviscerated, hobbled. Pain that sends an echo, through MondayContinue reading “Dementia #”

Wedding photo

I don’t know, and, It is highly likely I will never learn how this photo found its way into my family album. I remember looking at it as a child With my mum, We always found the apparent beauty of the bride and the groom’s wonky moustache appealing That, and her gown Draped overContinue reading “Wedding photo”

Pacemaker

Imagine a bored teenager with your heart in their hands…

G46

Last year, it was, I drove past your flat. I don’t know, you might not have been in. My intention had been to visit, To say hello, See how you were doing, Likely, try my best to hide my feelings, reveal the inevitable changes; thinning of skin and hair, duskiness of eye. LossContinue reading “G46”

I wish you long life

…amidst the Ululating and torn clothes, the covered mirrors and unshaven faces.

Quiet. (photo of my dad, for Paula)

Photo of my dad, black & white, In Nissen Hut During his National Service in the 50’s. Looking straight to the camera, Unblinking, Unusual for him who always seemed off-centre, on the periphery; From the light I assume it was evening, Although, inside those places, there was likely never was much illumination. Continue reading “Quiet. (photo of my dad, for Paula)”

Something medical.

We debated yesterday during the ward round, as to whether I should discontinue one of my patient’s medicines. 85, he’s not in good shape; struggles to walk, confused at night, the stroke ten years ago took his ability to speak. Of all the drugs that are forced upon him morning and night, one is toContinue reading “Something medical.”

Moment

All there is is the moment. Now. Plan ahead by all means, leaf through photos, But, Only now. Pain in the present, Happiness, Fear. Worry is corrosive but, usually about future or past events – did I, will I, should, could I? You die in the moment and are born into theContinue reading “Moment”