The cost of medical services.

[Tony Taylor]

Two or three years ago, our very unpopular PM decided that the government needed more income and taxes. So he legalizes the use of marijuana. apart from provincial government getting in on the chance to make a few bucks, they opened it up to private enterprise. I live in a small town of about 6000 people and before long we had 3 pot shops open up. They seem to be doing ok, none have closed, but I don't think the feds are making a killing on the taxes etc.. I have tried it without the THC part for severe back pain, but find it does nothing for me... So have to rely on the Doc foe my fix..

Stan, unfortunately, like other decent folks , you will have to tough it out. It seems that its better to be a miscreant and doors will be opened to you.
Today, in a British court, the judge ruled that a Somali with a long criminal record (theft, drug dealing etc) could not be deported because he would struggle to source the drugs (cocaine etc) to feed his habit and his lack of income would prevent him from paying for it.
Might as well chuck the towel in now.

[Stan Carter]

Tony, yep, It's amazing, have to wonder what these judges have between their ears, a brain is not on the list.... Probably will not belong before he injures or kills someone while looking for his next fix.....

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Stan.
You have a different system to Aus, but I think living in a small town has its advantages, we can always get to see our Dr of choice, unless he is on holiday, we have a reasonable large hospital, where the staff all are top class, Dentist's I think there are four in town, having only been to a dentist twice in forty years and still having most of my teeth I am OK in that dept. When I was four years old my older sister gave me a tin of Gibs pink toothpaste and a tooth brush, I have cleaned my teeth ever since.
Cheers Mate
Des

[happy daze john in oz]

Have no problems here in Melbourne getting to see my GP.
In fact more often the medical center will call me to tell me when I am due for vaccinations etc.
My annual medical is due soon and i will spend a very happy hour with the doc and nurse.
On the very first one some 5 years ago I twigged it was more to do with looking for early signs of Dementia.
Both thought I was too smart as I was the only one thta mentioned it.

[Rodney Mills]

Des, I sympathize with your wife and her worn out knees, I'm in the same boat. I've tried everything that's on the market for my knees plus my worn-out 3rd spinal bone on bone, so I have both my knees and my aching back.

Boo Hoo, poor Rodney.

[j.sabourn]

#1. I often wonder about this word Referral in today’s medical experiences where one shudders at the word which should be comparable with Money. A vet can usually treat any animal of any breed type two legged or four, fur coat or bearskin , any disease cancer or Dipthera, give advice with no bull crap . Think if the NHI had such doctors as GPs think of all the out of pocket expenses apart from the exorbindant fees. I can still remember the old GP who was a very wise man who knew his patients personally as well as professionally. Once one gets on the old treadmill of the GP life is a continuous visitation to various specialist , a dogs life would be much better he would just go to the vet he knows it all without sending elsewhere unless totally out of his experience. JS

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi John.
Tomorrow is decision time for me, I have a young woman from the Council driving me up to Canberra for my eye exam, then it's do I or not for the op to remove a cataract, the driving force is my license next year, if I decide yes, it means staying up in Canberra after the op as the Dr wants to see if everything is ok next day, this is where the money thing comes in, as I could just as well see the local optometrist.
Des

[j.sabourn]

Best of luck Des on whatever you decide. I just had 2 pannier type hold alls fitted on back of Gopher at the same time as had two new batteries fitted …Not Cheap by any means , but won’t starve now as can make the nearest shops in my Rolls Royce now. That’s the biggest fault with no car is shopping plus of course getting to Specialist medical advice. Where is all about money. I didn’t fail. Eye test Dr. just forgot to send in and I was in hospital at time with broken hip. But no doubt if had made a fuss would still have lost. Take the cheapest option or they’ll think you’re loaded. Cheers JS

[happy daze john in oz]

Hang in there Des, you will be fine.

Had a GP for over 20 years, great guy who took to making sure all his patients got the best of treatment.
Knew all the specialists and where they were, sorted my Prostate problem no worries,
But he retired, as they do, and I am now on my third GP since.
He is an Indian, but very professional, unlike the other one he vary rarely indulges in conversation other than what the consultation is about.
Like so many things now, they are changing and while he treats my problems me the personal touch is not there.

[Rodney Mills]

JSW John re #36.

John good post....But being the wanker I am, a weird thought crossed me wee mind: If the vet is puzzled about poor fido, he suggests putting the poor beast "to sleep." Now it's true doctors were putting people to sleep, but the hospitals were called Auschwitz, Bergen Belsen. etc.. The cure-all was called Zyclon B. True these swine didn't just have their license pulled the got their necks stretched.

I do enjoy your post mate, and I think the site would be in big trouble if or when you were to stop posting. I'm just having a bit of fun.

Cheers, Rodfney