04Oct 2023 by R&O No Comments
Temporarily Heartless

Temporarily Heartless

Health
And so life continues... My ability to walk up hills or even slight inclines without feeling winded was becoming a real concern and even though my GP suggested it was due to age and "being out of shape" (which is easy for a guy in his early 30's to say and not completely true in my case), I insisted on a cardiologist referral. It was a good thing I insisted. After numerous scans and tests it was established that I had Atrial Fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the heart's upper chambers with symptoms including fatigue, heart palpitations, trouble breathing and dizziness. I was prescribed a collection of medications and scheduled for a checkup. Not a great outcome but AFib, as it's commonly referred to, it quite common…
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31Jul 2015 by R&O No Comments
Our Pathetic Healthcare System

Our Pathetic Healthcare System

Health, Life in Vancouver, Rants
I'm running out of options. I've been getting progressively more ill over the last 8 years and can't find anyone to help. As a last resort I decided to try one of our controversial 'private' healthcare clinics, one of a small selection of medical hired guns located in downtown Vancouver. I selected False Creek Healthcare Centre, made an appointment. I also walked out before seeing a doctor and giving them the opportunity to charge me their one hour 'consultation fee' of $450. Here's the note I sent to Falsecreek Medical after walking out of my appointment: I walked out of my appointment today, Monday June 1 at 415pm and here is the reason why... I made the appointment last week and was instructed to arrive 15 minutes early to fill…
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20Aug 2014 by R&O No Comments
A Most Dignified Death

A Most Dignified Death

Health, Observations, People, The Law
[caption id="attachment_5554" align="alignleft" width="220"] Jonathan & Gillian Bennett in 2014[/caption]We will all die one day. Sorry, but that's a fact. The only issue is exactly how we will die. In pain? Alone? Quickly? Slowly? Gillian Bennett knew exactly how and when she would die. She lived on Bowen Island with her husband Jonathan. Her two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren all live in Greater Vancouver and were close enough to visit. Gillian was diagnosed with dementia, a progressive loss of memory and judgment, three years ago. Since then she has been planning her end with dignity, love for her family and friends and a clear-minded understanding of how she would eventually die. Dementia offers a slow painful death, not so much for the victim but for those left to…
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27Jun 2013 by R&O No Comments
Prostate Cancer: Round Two

Prostate Cancer: Round Two

Cancer, Health, Of Interest
In the second half of 2009 I discovered I had prostate cancer and outlined the situation within this blog. I had surgery, endured some of the bad bits, healed and moved on. I even raised a bit of cash for the cause. And that, I thought, was that. Until last month. I've had regular PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests to ensure the nasty stuff isn't still lurking inside my body and, until the end of last year, all was good. But then the tests began showing a slow increase in the amount of PSA in my blood which meant that some cancer cells remain even after the host prostate was yanked out and dropped in the trash. To say I was bummed out is an understatement as I figured the…
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