To Take or not to Take: Compensation in an age of Cynicism*

I received a phone call this morning from the medical co-ordinator, (Ms. S), informing me that the tests I had done recently have come back fine, and everything so far, is on track.

Then, at her initiative, we briefly discussed how my case is a complicated one, with many factors (such as Hep C) to consider. I agreed with her that my case is indeed complex, and stated, “That is what you get when you are in the medical system long-term”.

To which she laughingly replied, “Yeah, you could write a book. You should write a book”.

Now I am not sure whether she knows that I am creating ‘How I Contracted Hep C and Other Bedtime Stories’, but my experience with some social workers / medical co-ordinators from this one particular large downtown hospital has shown me that they can be sneaky, and will hint at an extraneous (and personal) pieces of information that have been casually mentioned in medical files, hoping that I, the patient, will freely (and at length) divulge more information. I did not. I bid her goodbye and (politely, I might add) hung up the phone.

But immediately upon finishing the call, I had to chuckle to myself. Yes, Ms. S, I will write a book. I will.

Speaking of which, I am currently working on a few pages about having being a part of (one of the) class-action lawsuit(s) against the Canadian Red Cross / Canadian gov’t, and the resulting compensation that ensued. This was a long and arduous process, not only in the sense of the ridiculous amount of paperwork that needed to be completed, but for the emotional reasons as well. Stay tuned as I continue to work on these pages.

*cynicism: refers to the beliefs of an ancient school of Greek philosophers known as the Cynics. Their philosophy was that the purpose of life was in rejecting all conventional desires for wealth, power, health and fame, and by living a simple life free from all possessions.

Dentist woes

Well, I finally have a new dentist. It is embarrassing to admit, but not only have I not gone to my dentist for an unreasonably long amount of time, but my new dentist is less than a block from where I live. In fact, I can actually see the dentist sign from my office window as I type this. That is procrastination, my friends!

So why am I writing about the dentist, you ask. Well, the other day, in my failed attempt to get into see a (medical) doctor at the walk-in clinic just up the street, I had to walk past the aforementioned dentist office. I decided, on the spur of the moment, that today would be the day that I would go in there, and book myself a cleaning. So I did just that -- I walked in.

The receptionist was efficient but friendly, and immediately made me an appointment for the first Monday in March. At that point, however, at the time, the inevitable question floated into my head: do I tell her about my Hep C+ status?

This is a dilemma, as too much information at the wrong time can be as damaging as no information. But, recognizing that dentists put themselves at risk by dealing with my teeth/gums/etc I, at some level, prepare myself to possibly be denied services.

Moreso than the possiblity of needing to inform her of my positive status, I was upset at myself for feeling ashamed (about having the virus). Why would I be shamed? I do not know -- I never engaged in any typical activities associated with Hep C transmission that may be frowned upon by the general public; I simply had blood transfusions that had not been checked properly for HCV. That's it. Not my fault.

So, I quietly gave myself a good talking-to, and in the end, I did not devulge my positive status to the receptionist. I left the office, glad for an appointment, and willing to discuss such "issues" with the dentist him or herself.

In case you did not make it out to the show...

here are a few photos to re-create the event. Imagine with me, if you like, an intimate (small) gallery of two rooms, 30+ illustrations framed in blue and hanging from the walls, 40ish people mingling about, live music filling the air, and finger-food of veggies, dip, cracker, cheese and non-alcoholic beverages (good-for-your-liver wine)...and then it will feel ike you were really there.

All photos courtesy of Mandy Shostal. (Thanks Mandy!)

Highlights from the Edge

The show last Friday was a success, with food being eaten, people meeting each other, artwork being discussed, and of course, live music to round it all off. Although I was exhausted by the end of the evening, I enjoyed myself and appreciated the encouragement such feedback gave. Thank you everyone who came!

The preview illustrations will be available for viewing from 12 - 5pm for the next 2 days (The Edge Gallery at 611 Main st.)

And if you cannot make it out to the gallery by Thursday, then here are a few highlights!

Enjoy the 'show' -- !
1. Whose Fault is it?
I get my best ideas and thoughts sorted when doing seemingly mundane tasks such as brushing my teeth.
I am intrigued by the commonality of brushing one's teeth. I wonder if Bill Clinton brushed his teeth minutes before accepting the role of Governor of Arkansas in 1978? It was during this time, as tainted blood flowed from Arkansas inmates to other countries then-governor Clinton did not act, despite evidence of severe mis-managment in his prison system and medical operations...

At the time, prisoners were paid $7 US for each pint of "donated" blood.



2. Chronic Renal Disease and Other Things Six-Year-Olds Do Not Understand

3. "Housekeeping!"
In response to the Access to Information request, the Canadian Blood Committee destroys all its minutes and taped proceedings of its meetings dating back to its formation in 1981, a move it later tried to pass of as mere “housekeeping.” (PICARD 218)

The Edge this Friday

Come and hear some tunes from Izzy Art and Oh My Darling. Oh, and see some preview artwork from 'How I Contracted Hep C and Other Bedtime Stories'.

Doors open at 7:30pm, no cover

Be there or be square.