I have read with dismay recent speculation over possible cuts to chronic pain management services. Given the working days lost to chronic pain in its many guises such a move would be short-sighted and would imply that chronic pain is not worthy of the same level of medical attention as available for conditions that present in a more physical or obvious way.
A close friend has had his life blighted (that’s the word) by chronic lower back pain for several years
Being of that “stoic, just get on with it” generation he soldiers on, though there are days when it is obvious that every movement or position is painful.
The mental toll on sufferers should not be underestimated.
He explains it like this: “Every day is a lottery or roll of the dice where you wake up, drag your feet over the side of the bed and you wonder: is this a day I am mobile or is this a day I am yet again not moving or doing things that have already been planned?
"It often seems I can never make plans, confirm dates and times and be there for those who count on me. Whether it is work, sport, recreation, dog walking or really just doing simple everyday chores.
"The level of debilitation is not only life-altering but it is relationship-changing. Anything which involves the back or standing is a guessing game which 'ripples out' in that you cannot know how it will be today or impact you tomorrow or at what cost)….will it be the whole day or partial? Each time you get up you have to wonder 'am I useful today'? That is how you speak to yourself.
"This plays such havoc with my state of mind and my once-upon-a-time positive influence on other people. I am no longer a proactive role model, gone from being a doer and problem solver to not being asked.
"It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a lust for life when, from being a good golfer and enthusiastic hillwalker I feel like a decrepit old person who can hardly pull his socks on.”
Chronic pain is not just about “old people”. It affects all age groups and I would strongly argue that pain management services should be protected.
Keith Swinley, Ayr.
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The freedom to protest abortion
Irene Munro (Letters, July 9) says she cannot fail to see a parallel between the arrest of those supporting Palestine Action and those protesting outside gynaecological departments (they are not solely abortion facilities).
I think such a parallel can be overstated. People are free to protest against abortion, hold placards and silently pray at any location other than one specifically chosen to cause maximum distress to women attending appointments (some of whom, again, are not seeking abortions and some of whom may actually have suffered miscarriages or stillbirths). Protests supporting Palestine Action cannot be held anywhere in the UK without risk of arrest.
One is a clear violation of free speech, the other merely restricts the location.
David Clinton, Hamilton.
Need turbines be so big?
I wonder if we have chosen the correct approach to the harnessing of wind power. It would be good to know if there has there ever been a study of alternatives to the present standardised wind-powered generators.
Giant windmills pervade land and sea, sourced from precious mined resources, often from third world countries to their environmental detriment; adding to this the costs of construction and transportation from abroad, with little benefit to local industry, we are made to wonder about the efficiency of these giants.
Might it be possible to design smaller generators to supply the National Grid and attach these to the multitude of upright structures already present in our land? We already have many thousands of masts, steel and wooden pylons, telegraph poles, tall lampposts, ships’ masts, as well as buildings for possible attachment.
If a skilled designer could produce small generators for these supports, there would be no need for further giant turbines or similar replacements at the end of their lives. Although very large numbers of such “mini-generators” would be needed to supply the Grid, standardised construction of such small units could increase efficiency. The mathematics of the outputs of these units and the numbers required would be interesting to see. Local industry could be encouraged to rise to the opportunity and provide a refreshing alternative to the depressing closure of our major industrial sites.
I wonder if Scotland still has a degree of engineering expertise which could rise to this challenge?
Alistair Macleod, Elie.
Protest marred graduation
I had the pleasure and privilege of watching my daughter receiving her Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow University's Bute Hall on July 8. However the event was marred by three Veterinary graduates making political protests in favour of the Palestinians and indicating that Glasgow University was complicit in helping Israel. This childish demonstration spoiled the event for my family and no doubt others.
I shall be writing to the university in the hope that these individuals will be reported to the RCVS Council. There was no such unprofessional behaviour when I graduated in medicine in 1976.
John M Scott, Milton Keynes.
Ashamed of the city I love
I couldn't agree more with David Roxburgh (Letters, May 8) regarding the disgraceful state Glasgow is in.
I have recently returned from a short break to the city of Bradford, which has the honour of being this year's City of Culutre, but I was not aware of seeing any graffiti, litter or general defacement.
I have lived in Glasgow all my life, and I wouldn't wish to live anywhere else. I love the city, and I never ever thought I'd be ashamed of it.
Pull your socks up, Glasgow, before it's too late.
Avril M Dowie, Glasgow.
Blubber and all that muck
To get or not to get a menu (Letters, July 7 & 8)? This menu from a restaurant in Shenzen, China comes from a London Times reader over 20 years ago: Shredded sea blubber; Mad carp soup; Steamed frog with cowpoy; Freshwater goby; Deep fried muck with minced taro; Grilled grass mushroom; Sliced garoupa with fried dragon black and yellow; Sodded pigeon,
Without a menu, I doubt if I could brave deep fried muck or fried dragon whatever the colour and sod the pigeon. Given a menu, I would probably chicken out altogether.
Donald M Manson, Prestwick.
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