Dunino Den….. Giving Blood On Halloween……
by Bernie Bell - 08:21 on 01 November 2023
Dunino Den…
I recently saw a reference to this place on the FB page of a friend – it originally appeared on Andy the Highlander’s FB page on 14th of August, and it’s worth scrolling down to as he took some ace pictures….
https://www.facebook.com/andythehighlander
I then ‘Googled‘ it – such dependence on t’Internet/Social Media etc!
https://sobt.co.uk/dunino-den/
It’s not likely that I’ll get to go there - I’m a bit knackered and don’t travel these days - but…..you don’t have to be there to be there and it looks absolutely beautiful – full of The Wild and magicy-ness!
Bringing to mind – Rocky Valley…
https://theorkneynews.scot/2022/04/06/a-bit-of-cornish-archaeology/
Fairy Glen….
https://theorkneynews.scot/2017/10/08/bernie-bell-bernie-mikes-road-trip-spring-2017-10/
Wells & Springs…
https://theorkneynews.scot/2018/11/05/wells-springs-of-orkney/
https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/11/24/another-bit-of-birsay/
…to name but a few…..
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Giving Blood On Halloween……
Very fitting for Halloween – I went to the Balfour to have blood taken – again. In the vestibule I saw this sign…
Which took me back to what could be said to be the start of my health difficulties.
October 2012 – to the Old Balfour – eye checked by specialist from Inverness after a delayed response by the local Optician to a problem with my right eye – sent off down the corridor to have my arm pumped full of steroids – followed by the same for two more days - then a course of strong steroid tablets …plus….
The rest …is history.
At the time, I thought that this was marvellous – a prompt response – but there was no check on my medical history before the large doses of steroids were administered. I have what a doctor referred to as ‘a re-active system’ – and I do – I need to take care with anything that goes on to me or in to me. Also – a history of depression. Depression is known to be a common side-effect of Steroids.
We are very fortunate to have the NHS and must make every effort to make sure that we keep it and maintain it – but – it is there to help us, to serve our needs. We don’t have to blindly accept what doctors or nurses tell us.
As the side-effects multiplied the nurse that I saw regularly at the Dounby surgery had a standard response to each one – “It’s a side-effect of the medication.”
One side-effect, maybe two could be understandable – and bearable - but – one after another accumulating, joining together making my life a misery until I crashed, physically and emotionally.
And I’m still working my way out of the over-all effects.
Prompt treatment is definitely A GOOD THING – but preferably carried out with knowledge of the medical history of the person being treated.
The Specialist from Inverness thought that I was being monitored by my GP – I wasn’t. After I crashed I changed surgery, changed doctor and began my recovery but – I now distrust medics. I value the work that they do. I need them – but I no longer trust them, and don’t intend to un-questioningly take orders from them again.
Seeing that sign in the hospital brought back a lot of memories and resentment – which I am trying to let go as it now serves no purpose – except possibly as a warning.
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Here’s one I made earlier…. https://theorkneynews.scot/2022/02/05/waste-not-want-not-2/
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