This is a side note to a discussion I have only read parts of, but I wanted to chime in about the inadequacies of US pharma.
In Lisbon for a writers conference, I took ill. A basic cold turned nasty probably due to a 17 hour flight and lack of sleep, etc. At any rate, I went to an urgent care. Tests that would have taken referrals and weeks back home were a five minute walk down the hall of a clinic. I left with what would have been considered a physical back home and a nebulizer and other meds-- all for 11 Euros. And, unlike in the US where pills are counted and dealt out like contraband, I got full sized boxes and was sent on my way.
I nearly cried.
For a heart condition, my husband is on a shoe box full of pills and nearly every week it is an argument with the US insurance company over timing, like can he get the 14 pills that his Dr prescribed or will they only give him ten? These are not perceived "fun" or addictive drugs even, mind you. They are heart and blood meds. Plus, half of what he is on have patents and are ten times the price that a generic would be--only there is no generic.
My morning spent in a local clinic in Portugal opened my eyes. They were kind, personal, and caring. Sure the walls needed paint. But there was no bureaucratic mess. It was doctors and patients.They called names, then the doctors met and spoke with each patient. If a test was needed, they performed it right there.
It is insane what we go through in the US to get health care. And the war on drugs? Please do not get me started.
Mill
-----Original Message-----
From: Christopher C Jones <[log in to unmask]>
To: POETRYETC <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sun, Jun 19, 2011 10:03 am
Subject: Re: some brains are homosexual in men
On Sat, 2011-06-18 at 17:21 +0100, David Bircumshaw wrote:
I entirely agree about the inadequacies of pharma
to this I would very strongly disagree on these terms. Free and easy
ccess to pain relieving drugs is a basic human right. In this country
uch access is denied.
By this I mean access to Valium, heroin (dia-morphine) MS Contin, a slow
elease version of morphine, and other pain relieving opiate medication.
As an anti-moralism, most people who deny the need for drugs have never
xperienced severe disabling pain. I would and have chosen methadone
ver not being able to even stand and take a few steps due to severe
ain. Severe pain is dangerous. Heroin is a far safer alternative.
-
ave chronic fatigue syndrome so may be delayed in reply or brain fog weird
just to let you know that's all, Chris Jones.
Blog: http://abdevpoetics.blogspot.com/
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