A couple of weeks ago I had a phone interview with a lady from Monash university who was doing a study into medical tourism. Finding out what motivated people to do such a thing and their personal feelings about making the decision.
My decision to embark on a trip to a foreign country over a year ago was one of (if not) the best decisions of my life. I have my health back and still over time I am slowly getting better and better. I also know other people who have benefitted from traveling for treatment and going overseas basically opens up a much wider scope of treatment options. Hence, I am a big advocate of medical tourism.
BUT, a venture such as what I did or any form of medical tourism should only be undertaken with great caution. There are a great many factors to consider that may effect getting treated properly. Even when I went to the USA, which has the same language and a similar culture there were differences in attitude and procedure that were very different.
However, this is not the main reason to be cautious. In your own country you are normally quite familiar with the ethics and safety of your medical system. In most countries the medical field is very closely scrutinised. In Australia it is impossible to practice medicine without a license and all hospitals and medical bodies are governed by an ethics committee. Above them there are state and federal laws ensuring that medicine is practiced safely and ethically. You go to another country you cannot be sure of this framework so it is important to do your homework. One of the reasons I chose to go to Chicago was I felt very secure with the medical practices of both the country and the hospital.
Another issue that you need to be wary of is the snake oil salesman. These disgusting vile creatures are the lowest of the low. They basically offer services that won't work. Praying on desperate individuals that are trying to rid themselves of illness is worthy of scum who are only one or two rungs from the bottom of societies filth. It is really important be able to identify this and this can be achieved by researching the doctor, the medical institution and the country you are thinking of visiting to see if it is possible for the unscrupulous to fall through the cracks.
At the end of the day the most important thing is to make sure you are comfortable doing what you are doing. If you are in a trial you must be prepared for the treatment to not work. No matter what there is always going to be some risk. As an individual you have to work out the cost and risk vs benefit. If you think it is ok, then go for it. Until next time, stay well:)
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
A big week
I had lots planned for last week. I not only feel well enough now to be able to get off my BFA and do something, I actually feel driven to do so too. Honestly, this is a new feeling for me. I haven't felt like this in the best part of ten years and I had forgotten what is was like to feel motivated and driven. It is amazing to think that when you are sick what effect it has on you that you don't even realise.
Anyway, my motivation took a dive when I started developing a cold on Monday. But this was no time to crawl back under my stone. I just had to suck it up and push on which I did. Not travelling to Sydney and rescheduling all the meetings I had planned was going to be way too hard all things considered.
Anyway, I had my first meeting on Tuesday morning. It was with representatives of the Steve Waugh Foundation and their goal is to help children with rare diseases. They do this by financially assisting sufferers with treatment, medication and equipment. I thought it might be a good fit for me as when I looked at setting up my own charity I was thinking about a treatment based charity that assisted patients finding effective treatments for their condition (starting with HSCT for auto immune diseases).
I have since found out that setting up a charity is ridiculously hard and the advice I received was to find another charity with a similar agenda and assist them from within their structure. Personally, this meant that I could start doing what I wanted sooner and I would not have to waste any time with the administrative duties plus it would decrease my personal liability. From where I stood the Steve Waugh Foundation was a good fit.
My meeting was very constructive however, it was not quite the right fit. I'm sure if I keep on traveling down this path I will deal with them in the future but for now not so. The Steve Waugh Foundation is set up to assist people financially. I want to directly advocate for people and help find treatments for them so it is not a perfect match. On the plus side I got some great contacts and was able to figure out my next step.
In the long run this is the direction I want to go in. I believe that in the course of my education and career, coupled with my experience as a patient and trying to find solutions to my own problems I am ideally suited to advocate for others. So, watch this space. I have only just started.
On the other "professional" note I met with an old friend who has now become a neurologist. Aside from being a great catchup on a personal note it was also an awesome opportunity to show a neurologist first hand how I have improved after HSCT. Doctors can be your biggest advocate or your biggest spoiler and when it comes to a "patient" trying to tell them something they instantly become guarded. Interestingly enough I have been called by doctors both an inspiration (thank you) and a charlatan. I would take the latter personally if I didn't have a thick skin and the doctor wasn't a complete moron.
I also met with someone who could help me with my book. The lady in question has spent a lifetime in publishing and to get some quality feedback was invaluable. I honestly have to say that without her assistance I probably wouldn't finish the book. I was really quite nervous when I went to see her. I have never written a book before and I have to say that I was really worried that she was going to tell me it was rubbish. Luckily, she said she really liked it and keep going. Phew. I once again could breathe and keep going with renewed confidence that I was doing a good job.
But above all the interesting things that happened whilst I was in Sydney there was one that stood out more than the rest. When I first got sick with CIDP I was living in Sydney and I used to play indoor cricket with some friends. After I got sick I had to stop playing as I couldn't run the length of the wicket any more.
When I had my HSCT last year one of my goals was to play cricket again. So I hooked up with old side and went out for a game. As nervy as it was I could once again run the wicket and although my crafty left arm overs had lost their swing and sting I could still put the ball in the right place to cause a few headaches. And it did. According to the score card I was the best performing member of my team! Which doesn't say much, my team isn't very good but I'll take it anyway. Oh and yes, we got severely hammered. What counted for me though is that I played. And I not only played but I was competitive.
I have attached the score card. They have me down as playing as my nickname, Pommie. Which isn't so bad. At least I am not Gobble Gobble or Huggies.
Other than that the only thing to happen of not on my journey was that I caught up with another old university friend and we went and watched Star Trek. What an awesome movie! Until next time, stay well:)
Anyway, my motivation took a dive when I started developing a cold on Monday. But this was no time to crawl back under my stone. I just had to suck it up and push on which I did. Not travelling to Sydney and rescheduling all the meetings I had planned was going to be way too hard all things considered.
Anyway, I had my first meeting on Tuesday morning. It was with representatives of the Steve Waugh Foundation and their goal is to help children with rare diseases. They do this by financially assisting sufferers with treatment, medication and equipment. I thought it might be a good fit for me as when I looked at setting up my own charity I was thinking about a treatment based charity that assisted patients finding effective treatments for their condition (starting with HSCT for auto immune diseases).
I have since found out that setting up a charity is ridiculously hard and the advice I received was to find another charity with a similar agenda and assist them from within their structure. Personally, this meant that I could start doing what I wanted sooner and I would not have to waste any time with the administrative duties plus it would decrease my personal liability. From where I stood the Steve Waugh Foundation was a good fit.
My meeting was very constructive however, it was not quite the right fit. I'm sure if I keep on traveling down this path I will deal with them in the future but for now not so. The Steve Waugh Foundation is set up to assist people financially. I want to directly advocate for people and help find treatments for them so it is not a perfect match. On the plus side I got some great contacts and was able to figure out my next step.
In the long run this is the direction I want to go in. I believe that in the course of my education and career, coupled with my experience as a patient and trying to find solutions to my own problems I am ideally suited to advocate for others. So, watch this space. I have only just started.
On the other "professional" note I met with an old friend who has now become a neurologist. Aside from being a great catchup on a personal note it was also an awesome opportunity to show a neurologist first hand how I have improved after HSCT. Doctors can be your biggest advocate or your biggest spoiler and when it comes to a "patient" trying to tell them something they instantly become guarded. Interestingly enough I have been called by doctors both an inspiration (thank you) and a charlatan. I would take the latter personally if I didn't have a thick skin and the doctor wasn't a complete moron.
I also met with someone who could help me with my book. The lady in question has spent a lifetime in publishing and to get some quality feedback was invaluable. I honestly have to say that without her assistance I probably wouldn't finish the book. I was really quite nervous when I went to see her. I have never written a book before and I have to say that I was really worried that she was going to tell me it was rubbish. Luckily, she said she really liked it and keep going. Phew. I once again could breathe and keep going with renewed confidence that I was doing a good job.
But above all the interesting things that happened whilst I was in Sydney there was one that stood out more than the rest. When I first got sick with CIDP I was living in Sydney and I used to play indoor cricket with some friends. After I got sick I had to stop playing as I couldn't run the length of the wicket any more.
When I had my HSCT last year one of my goals was to play cricket again. So I hooked up with old side and went out for a game. As nervy as it was I could once again run the wicket and although my crafty left arm overs had lost their swing and sting I could still put the ball in the right place to cause a few headaches. And it did. According to the score card I was the best performing member of my team! Which doesn't say much, my team isn't very good but I'll take it anyway. Oh and yes, we got severely hammered. What counted for me though is that I played. And I not only played but I was competitive.
I have attached the score card. They have me down as playing as my nickname, Pommie. Which isn't so bad. At least I am not Gobble Gobble or Huggies.
Other than that the only thing to happen of not on my journey was that I caught up with another old university friend and we went and watched Star Trek. What an awesome movie! Until next time, stay well:)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Qantas Sucks
I thought about writing this post a couple of weeks ago after a horror trip from Melbourne to LA. However I decided against it as I started this blog to write about my medical adventures and anything health related that took my fancy. Occasionally I have strayed away from this but never to really vent about something outside this scope.
But on my return voyage from London to Australia I saw something that really made my blood boil. But it is best I start at the beginning when we left Melbourne back at the start of September. First, our flight was eight hours delayed then we were reallocated thirty rows back without any warning where the chairs did not work properly and the kids didn't receive their kids meals. Finally, when my daughter was sick (partly because we were seated at the very back now) we received no help.
I wrote a letter of complaint and in return we received a $200 gift certificate, which I believe hardly enough to placate or silence me as the monetary recompense was not nearly enough to cover the financial loss we incurred due to the delay. And given I purchased four round the world tickets I found their attempt at placating me a little insulting. Ironically though the trip on the way back was much better for us but for one incident that didn't even effect me but I did find disgusting and disgraceful on behalf of Qantas.
As we boarded the plane there was a lady there that was clearly having difficulty walking as she had two crutches and visible foot orthotics. She politely asked at the desk about someone wheel chairing her to the plane and she was subsequently ignored so she struggled down the jetway be herself. I stopped her and asked her if she needed any help and as I looked into her eyes I saw a very familiar picture that I have seen in many others including myself.
It is a look of shame and embarrassment at having to need the assistance and also pride at not insisting on it. I remembered my last overseas trip where I had my transplant and I needed the help. Thankfully now I don't but this situation made me angry. Help is supposed to be there for those who need it and it wasn't. It seemed very different to my Disneyland post where people were, in my opinion, routing a system designed to help people like this poor lady at the Qantas gate.
A couple of weeks ago I was talking with a friend in London who is disabled and she said "it's funny, during the paralympics people looked admirably at the disabled. Now they just see a bunch of dole bludgers. I sincerely hope that this is not the mentality of Qantas and its staff but in the last two years I have flown a number of Airlines including Virgin International, Virgin Australia, Virgin America, Jet Star, Air New Zealand American Airlines, Delta Airlines and British Airway and by far and a way yhe worst were Qantas. Well until next time, stay well:)
But on my return voyage from London to Australia I saw something that really made my blood boil. But it is best I start at the beginning when we left Melbourne back at the start of September. First, our flight was eight hours delayed then we were reallocated thirty rows back without any warning where the chairs did not work properly and the kids didn't receive their kids meals. Finally, when my daughter was sick (partly because we were seated at the very back now) we received no help.
I wrote a letter of complaint and in return we received a $200 gift certificate, which I believe hardly enough to placate or silence me as the monetary recompense was not nearly enough to cover the financial loss we incurred due to the delay. And given I purchased four round the world tickets I found their attempt at placating me a little insulting. Ironically though the trip on the way back was much better for us but for one incident that didn't even effect me but I did find disgusting and disgraceful on behalf of Qantas.
As we boarded the plane there was a lady there that was clearly having difficulty walking as she had two crutches and visible foot orthotics. She politely asked at the desk about someone wheel chairing her to the plane and she was subsequently ignored so she struggled down the jetway be herself. I stopped her and asked her if she needed any help and as I looked into her eyes I saw a very familiar picture that I have seen in many others including myself.
It is a look of shame and embarrassment at having to need the assistance and also pride at not insisting on it. I remembered my last overseas trip where I had my transplant and I needed the help. Thankfully now I don't but this situation made me angry. Help is supposed to be there for those who need it and it wasn't. It seemed very different to my Disneyland post where people were, in my opinion, routing a system designed to help people like this poor lady at the Qantas gate.
A couple of weeks ago I was talking with a friend in London who is disabled and she said "it's funny, during the paralympics people looked admirably at the disabled. Now they just see a bunch of dole bludgers. I sincerely hope that this is not the mentality of Qantas and its staff but in the last two years I have flown a number of Airlines including Virgin International, Virgin Australia, Virgin America, Jet Star, Air New Zealand American Airlines, Delta Airlines and British Airway and by far and a way yhe worst were Qantas. Well until next time, stay well:)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
A Fantastic Trip
Although I'm still away our overseas trip is coming to a close and I think it is safe to say that we all had a really great time. I really think it is amazing how much we managed to pack into our holiday and I have to say I'm looking forward to the end now and returning home. It is hard to believe that whilst I have been away I have surprised myself with what I have been able to accomplish.
I think that the first thing that has struck me is my stamina. I noticed this at my fellow CIDPer and HSCT recipient Bob's survivor party when I was able to stand for a long period of time without my stick and more incredibly not looking for a chair. Prior to my stem cell transplant the best I could have done would have been about ten minutes before I had to sit down. Now, just the simple act of standing does not bother me.
The second thing I noticed was my ability to walk long distances. In my travels we have visited Disneyland, Chicago, London and Paris and I have to say that without the use of a car we walked everywhere. I didn't manage to measure the lengths of my walks but if I was to hazard a guess I would probably say the the maximum distance would have been about 10 kilometres. I also managed to scale to the top of the Arc de Triomphe which would have been about 300 steps.
But probably my biggest success would have been in the re-ignation of an old time passion of mine. These days in the UK the country is slowly filling up with indoor ski slopes. Now it is no comparison to the lavish and vast ski slopes of Europe or America, but for someone in my position it was perfect. A gentle slope of about 200 metres. Certainly no where near the challenges I would confront myself with 15 years ago but under the circumstances, probably the most daunting skiing experience I have ever had.
Now I am not in the business of overcoming one medical issue (CIDP) and replacing it with another (like a broken leg). But it was on my to do list so I wanted to get it done. So off I went with my brother, an accomplished skier in his own right, to have a crack. I have to say the first couple of runs were really tough, but the return to form was quite successful and the improvement was substantial by the time our hour was out and it was time to be ushered off the snow. Saying that the standard I achieved was no where near where it used to be but there will be another time and who know where that will take me?
Anyway, tomorrow we return to Australia after a wonderful and successful trip. It will be good to be home and hopefully you will hear from me more often once I return. Until then, stay well:)
I think that the first thing that has struck me is my stamina. I noticed this at my fellow CIDPer and HSCT recipient Bob's survivor party when I was able to stand for a long period of time without my stick and more incredibly not looking for a chair. Prior to my stem cell transplant the best I could have done would have been about ten minutes before I had to sit down. Now, just the simple act of standing does not bother me.
The second thing I noticed was my ability to walk long distances. In my travels we have visited Disneyland, Chicago, London and Paris and I have to say that without the use of a car we walked everywhere. I didn't manage to measure the lengths of my walks but if I was to hazard a guess I would probably say the the maximum distance would have been about 10 kilometres. I also managed to scale to the top of the Arc de Triomphe which would have been about 300 steps.
But probably my biggest success would have been in the re-ignation of an old time passion of mine. These days in the UK the country is slowly filling up with indoor ski slopes. Now it is no comparison to the lavish and vast ski slopes of Europe or America, but for someone in my position it was perfect. A gentle slope of about 200 metres. Certainly no where near the challenges I would confront myself with 15 years ago but under the circumstances, probably the most daunting skiing experience I have ever had.
Now I am not in the business of overcoming one medical issue (CIDP) and replacing it with another (like a broken leg). But it was on my to do list so I wanted to get it done. So off I went with my brother, an accomplished skier in his own right, to have a crack. I have to say the first couple of runs were really tough, but the return to form was quite successful and the improvement was substantial by the time our hour was out and it was time to be ushered off the snow. Saying that the standard I achieved was no where near where it used to be but there will be another time and who know where that will take me?
Anyway, tomorrow we return to Australia after a wonderful and successful trip. It will be good to be home and hopefully you will hear from me more often once I return. Until then, stay well:)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Still Home Sweet Home
My word, it is good to be back. But I have to admit that it probably was the hardest trip I have ever had to do. The leg from Chicago to LA was pretty non eventful, but the one thing that never left was the constant fatigue. Every time it was time to get up and go somewhere (on the plane, off the plane etc...) I had this overwhelming feeling of lethargy because I quite simply didn't want to move. But sometimes you do what you must so you just have to suck it up and get on with it. And once I did I felt ok.
The main problem came about 3 hours away from home when I finally hit the wall. I started getting the sweats, feeling nauseas and extremely weak. I took my temperature and it was 99.5F. Oh dear, that is a low grade fever. I took some panadol and tried to relax and my temperature came down to 98.5F. Phew, I could start to relax but I still felt weak, nauseas and a general feeling of discomfort. Luckily when we got to Melbourne there was a wheel chair waiting for me, which is not just a easy way through the airport it is a way to fast track immigration so we got through the airport nice and quick.
At the other end it was lovely to see my kids waiting. And they looked very pleased to see me. I don't know whether it was because they were excited about the gifts we had for them or the fact they got the day off school? I'd like to think they were happy to see me;)
After a very smooth transition through the airport, the luck didn't continue and it took an hour to get home as the traffic was so heavy. Normally I wouldn't let that bother me but I'd had enough. Each extra minute I spent in the car felt like a small fire cracker being set off inside me fuelling my anxiety and frustration. The only thing I could do to relieve the stress is remind my father in law that his beloved Bombers lost to Collingwood by a point in the Anzac day blockbuster. Hehehe.
Finally I got home and it was a short trip from car to bed where I slept for best part of three hours. I would have slept longer but I had a doctors appointment so I dragged myself from the comfort of my soft quilted mattress and lovely soft doona and headed down to the doctor.
He gave me a work up seeing as I had a low grade fever which had returned when I saw him, wrote the scripts that they had recommended in Chicago, organised my blood work and told me to call him or go to emergency immediately if my temperature rose above 38C. (Back in Oz now so we're back on the metric system) After seeing the doc I had my blood drawn and then it was back home where I slept on the couch for a couple of hours, then to bed where I slept all night. Man, I needed the sleep.
Well, I think that is enough for today, until next time, stay well:)
The main problem came about 3 hours away from home when I finally hit the wall. I started getting the sweats, feeling nauseas and extremely weak. I took my temperature and it was 99.5F. Oh dear, that is a low grade fever. I took some panadol and tried to relax and my temperature came down to 98.5F. Phew, I could start to relax but I still felt weak, nauseas and a general feeling of discomfort. Luckily when we got to Melbourne there was a wheel chair waiting for me, which is not just a easy way through the airport it is a way to fast track immigration so we got through the airport nice and quick.
At the other end it was lovely to see my kids waiting. And they looked very pleased to see me. I don't know whether it was because they were excited about the gifts we had for them or the fact they got the day off school? I'd like to think they were happy to see me;)
After a very smooth transition through the airport, the luck didn't continue and it took an hour to get home as the traffic was so heavy. Normally I wouldn't let that bother me but I'd had enough. Each extra minute I spent in the car felt like a small fire cracker being set off inside me fuelling my anxiety and frustration. The only thing I could do to relieve the stress is remind my father in law that his beloved Bombers lost to Collingwood by a point in the Anzac day blockbuster. Hehehe.
Finally I got home and it was a short trip from car to bed where I slept for best part of three hours. I would have slept longer but I had a doctors appointment so I dragged myself from the comfort of my soft quilted mattress and lovely soft doona and headed down to the doctor.
He gave me a work up seeing as I had a low grade fever which had returned when I saw him, wrote the scripts that they had recommended in Chicago, organised my blood work and told me to call him or go to emergency immediately if my temperature rose above 38C. (Back in Oz now so we're back on the metric system) After seeing the doc I had my blood drawn and then it was back home where I slept on the couch for a couple of hours, then to bed where I slept all night. Man, I needed the sleep.
Well, I think that is enough for today, until next time, stay well:)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
In Transit
Right now I'm sitting in the Virgin Australia lounge room at LAX, and for lack of a better word, I'm buggered. I woke up this morning and I didn't feel the best. Maybe it was because I had the busiest day I've had since transplant yesterday, or maybe it was because I was nervous about getting sick on the plane, I don't know.
All I know is for the first time in a couple of days I felt nauseous. Luckily, I still had some Zofran so I took one of them and I was right as rain. The other problem I had though that bothered me a little more was for the very first time the site of my PICC line had started to ache. Not good. I had planned on phoning Amy anyway that day to let her know I was going home and just to say thanks, so I raised it with her then. As there was no swelling or redness and I didn't have a fever she said it was most probably nothing but if it still bothered me when I got back to Melbourne to raise it with my doctors there. Most probably I just slept on it in an awkward way.
Anyway, so far today has been really long. Not that things have gone badly they haven't. But airports are tiring at the best of times and we have already had a four hour flight from Chicago to LA and on Chicago time it is currently midnight. I am looking forward to getting on the plane having a bite and then going to sleep. Thankfully I have had no trouble sleeping since SCT which I would imagine has made it much easier for me.
And to think in just 18 hours time I will finally be able to rest my head on my own pillow in my own bed. What a luxury. But it can't last too long as the day I return I have a doctors appointment to organise all my follow up blood tests etc.... It will be interesting to see my counts as I have noticed today I have been getting a little short of breath which would indicate that my haemoglobin is dropping. It would have been artificially boosted by the transfusion I had the day I left hospital but hopefully my stem cells are starting to engraft properly and my red cell count will start to rise naturally. Until next time, stay well:)
All I know is for the first time in a couple of days I felt nauseous. Luckily, I still had some Zofran so I took one of them and I was right as rain. The other problem I had though that bothered me a little more was for the very first time the site of my PICC line had started to ache. Not good. I had planned on phoning Amy anyway that day to let her know I was going home and just to say thanks, so I raised it with her then. As there was no swelling or redness and I didn't have a fever she said it was most probably nothing but if it still bothered me when I got back to Melbourne to raise it with my doctors there. Most probably I just slept on it in an awkward way.
Anyway, so far today has been really long. Not that things have gone badly they haven't. But airports are tiring at the best of times and we have already had a four hour flight from Chicago to LA and on Chicago time it is currently midnight. I am looking forward to getting on the plane having a bite and then going to sleep. Thankfully I have had no trouble sleeping since SCT which I would imagine has made it much easier for me.
And to think in just 18 hours time I will finally be able to rest my head on my own pillow in my own bed. What a luxury. But it can't last too long as the day I return I have a doctors appointment to organise all my follow up blood tests etc.... It will be interesting to see my counts as I have noticed today I have been getting a little short of breath which would indicate that my haemoglobin is dropping. It would have been artificially boosted by the transfusion I had the day I left hospital but hopefully my stem cells are starting to engraft properly and my red cell count will start to rise naturally. Until next time, stay well:)
Friday, April 6, 2012
A change of pace
Two weeks ago I went to the art institute and walked back through millennium park so I thought I'd show you a few of the pictures I took. There is one Monet and an bunch of Picassos. Also there is a photo of the Silver Bean in Millennium Park and look, the daffodils are out in March! Stay well:)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Udvar-Hazy
Arguably you could say that this is the other half of the Air and Space Museum. It has a bucket load of all things aeronautic and astronautic so I was in heaven. THe main difference between this campus and the one in DC is that this one was mainly just showing off the aircraft. The DC campus had more interactive displays and was concerned with more than just aircraft. For example, they had an exhibit dedicated to astronomy.
I had to say that in the morning I wasn't planning on going. Even though I wanted to go my friend did not share my passion so I thought it fair that we go somewhere we would both enjoy. However, her husband also really wanted to go so I put my less selfish side aside and decided to head off to Dulles Airport which was a great decision as Mr Ronald "Reagan" Sigworth was a former senior engineer for Pratt and Whitney so I had my own resident expert of aeroplane engines. You can all share in his wisdom as he gave a little speech on the SR71. Here is the video, please enjoy. Stay well:)
I had to say that in the morning I wasn't planning on going. Even though I wanted to go my friend did not share my passion so I thought it fair that we go somewhere we would both enjoy. However, her husband also really wanted to go so I put my less selfish side aside and decided to head off to Dulles Airport which was a great decision as Mr Ronald "Reagan" Sigworth was a former senior engineer for Pratt and Whitney so I had my own resident expert of aeroplane engines. You can all share in his wisdom as he gave a little speech on the SR71. Here is the video, please enjoy. Stay well:)
DC
As I told you this morning, and as you probably figured from the video I took at the air and space museum, I have been in Washington DC for the last three days. I went there and stayed with a dear friend and her family and we had a great time. It was great to get away. Being away from Chicago and in the company of friends was extremely refreshing. I was able to forget about the stresses of the medical trial and take some time to see some really cool stuff while I was there.
The first day I awoke late in the English basement because the bed was so comfortable and the lack of windows kept the room super dark, the two vital ingredients for waking up late. I won't bore you with chronicling my trip to the Air and Space museum so I will just move on to day two.
Again I woke late, and by the time we had all got ourselves ready and my friend had got her two kids ready, our breakfast outing had turned from brunch and finally into lunch. Since through genuine procrastination and laziness on my part it was time to go see some stuff. And wow, is there some stuff to see! DC has the best museums in the world, and also the best monuments too.
That day I decided it was time to see the monuments. When I was in DC 10 years ago with my wife we saw the Vietnam and Korean memorials, Roosevelt and Lincoln memorials, the Washington monument and Arlington cemetery. So we started at the WWII memorial. Amazingly enough, they only built it two years ago and was constructed due to the dedication of Bob Dole and Tom Hanks who were ashamed that Washington did not have a memorial for the fallen of WWII.
Personally, even as a half Australian half Brit, I was genuinely moved by the memorial. My grandfather fought in the war in the Pacific and for much of that he was fighting alongside Americans. He was the first Australian to win the Distinguished Flying Cross so I have to say I was genuinely moved by the memorial. Here are some pictures I took:-
After the WWII memorial we went to the Jefferson memorial, which was huge. I have to say, I'm not American so maybe I don't understand, but the Jefferson memorial is bigger than the WWI, WWII, Vietnam and Korean memorials put together. I understand that Jefferson was instrumental in building the foundations of the USA, but is his life worth more than the thousands that died for their country? Honestly, I cannot answer that question as I'm not American, but it is merely a discussion point.
I will, talk about the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum tomorrow. Until next time, stay well:)
The first day I awoke late in the English basement because the bed was so comfortable and the lack of windows kept the room super dark, the two vital ingredients for waking up late. I won't bore you with chronicling my trip to the Air and Space museum so I will just move on to day two.
Again I woke late, and by the time we had all got ourselves ready and my friend had got her two kids ready, our breakfast outing had turned from brunch and finally into lunch. Since through genuine procrastination and laziness on my part it was time to go see some stuff. And wow, is there some stuff to see! DC has the best museums in the world, and also the best monuments too.
That day I decided it was time to see the monuments. When I was in DC 10 years ago with my wife we saw the Vietnam and Korean memorials, Roosevelt and Lincoln memorials, the Washington monument and Arlington cemetery. So we started at the WWII memorial. Amazingly enough, they only built it two years ago and was constructed due to the dedication of Bob Dole and Tom Hanks who were ashamed that Washington did not have a memorial for the fallen of WWII.
Personally, even as a half Australian half Brit, I was genuinely moved by the memorial. My grandfather fought in the war in the Pacific and for much of that he was fighting alongside Americans. He was the first Australian to win the Distinguished Flying Cross so I have to say I was genuinely moved by the memorial. Here are some pictures I took:-
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| The Front |
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| The fountain |
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| All 50 states are represented by pillars like this. I took a picture of Illinois as this is where I have spent most of my time. |
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| Something for the overseas allies |
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| I took a picture of Kansas as the friend I was staying with was originally from there. |
I will, talk about the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum tomorrow. Until next time, stay well:)
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The Air and Space Museum
This place is awesome. I went to Washington DC yesterday, and whilst everyone was busy today I took myself off to the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian. And it was great. They have so many great aeroplanes and space vehicles there. I was in awe. To me these kind of artefacts don't just show a piece of history, they show off the tenacity of the dreamers, the dedication off the scientists and engineers and the sheer raw steel of the pilots.
Each exhibit tells an amazing story. I just sit in wonderment of what humankind has been able to do and the knowledge we have been able to gain in order to accomplish what we have. If only we could focus that kind of dedication into curing some medical diseases. Please enjoy the video I took. Stay well:)
Each exhibit tells an amazing story. I just sit in wonderment of what humankind has been able to do and the knowledge we have been able to gain in order to accomplish what we have. If only we could focus that kind of dedication into curing some medical diseases. Please enjoy the video I took. Stay well:)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Back to MSI
I had such a good time the last time I went to the Museum of Science and Industry that I decided to go back. This time I went with my parents which was both good and bad. To start with, things like this are better when you go with someone, but on the other hand I am a bit of a geek and I move a fair bit slower through a museum than most people that I know. And not because of my medical impairment, but because I like to read all the literature provided with all the exhibits, but it means that I take my time.
I did have a mission whilst I was there. And that was mainly to re-experience the U505 submarine and its exhibit once again. The first time that I saw it I had a hurry through the sec on part of the exhibit. This time I had plenty of time and I also bought a ticket to experience the inside of the submarine. I was inspired by my first visit, this time I wanted to leave no stone unturned. I was on a mission to see everything. To read everything. To learn everything. I found the whole story of the battle in the Atlantic extremely compelling as well as the specific story behind U505.
The following video I took at the exhibit. Although the submarine looks pretty big on the outside, believe me, with 59 people on board it would have been extremely cramped. The junior sailors didn't even get their own bed and a sleep rotation system had to be employed. Also most of the crew would not have been allowed 'topside' for the voyage which could last up to six months and there were no showers. Could you imagine the smell? Here is the video:-
I also have some pictures of the exhibit. I have no pictures or video of the inside because we were not allowed to take any. Here are the pictures:-
I guess the only thing left to say is if you like museums and you are in Chicago, MSI is a must. This and the space exhibit are my two favourite exhibits, but I have to say, they are all fantastic. Until next time, stay well:)
I did have a mission whilst I was there. And that was mainly to re-experience the U505 submarine and its exhibit once again. The first time that I saw it I had a hurry through the sec on part of the exhibit. This time I had plenty of time and I also bought a ticket to experience the inside of the submarine. I was inspired by my first visit, this time I wanted to leave no stone unturned. I was on a mission to see everything. To read everything. To learn everything. I found the whole story of the battle in the Atlantic extremely compelling as well as the specific story behind U505.
The following video I took at the exhibit. Although the submarine looks pretty big on the outside, believe me, with 59 people on board it would have been extremely cramped. The junior sailors didn't even get their own bed and a sleep rotation system had to be employed. Also most of the crew would not have been allowed 'topside' for the voyage which could last up to six months and there were no showers. Could you imagine the smell? Here is the video:-
I also have some pictures of the exhibit. I have no pictures or video of the inside because we were not allowed to take any. Here are the pictures:-
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| Not a great picture, but these were the hedgehogs and depth chargers. Hedgehogs only exploded when they hit something making a spread of them ideal for locating a hidden U boat. Depth chargers exploded at a certain depth. As long as they exploded near the U boat they could inflict substantial damage. |
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| The stern of the ship with the rudders, propellers and the aft torpedo tube |
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| Guns for when the submarine had surfaced |
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| Torpedo. Much bigger than I imagined |
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| Forward torpedo tube |
I guess the only thing left to say is if you like museums and you are in Chicago, MSI is a must. This and the space exhibit are my two favourite exhibits, but I have to say, they are all fantastic. Until next time, stay well:)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
A day with my Wife
I meant to post about this earlier. Before I had mobilisation I spent a day in Chicago with my wife. We had a wonderful day and here are some of the pictures we have of that day. Stay well:)
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| Suzie at Navy Pier |
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| The Original Ferris Wheel |
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| Suzie a top the John Hancock Building |
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| Can you believe she locked me out on the window cleaning ledge |
What Difference a Day Can Make
I don't want to try and make a big deal about how bad I felt yesterday and the day before because I really didn't feel that bad. Just tired and a little yucky. My energy levels were way down but I felt very comfortable and perfectly fine sprawled out on the couch sleeping and watching TV. My choice to be a little proactive was probably the wrong one but hey, I still managed to get plenty of rest and on the plus side, today I felt great.
I decided to have a small breakfast as I seem to feel a little better just after I eat, but I didn't want too much to eat as we were going out for brunch later. And that is what I did. I surprised myself too. We went to a great little place about four blocks from the hotel and I managed to walk the whole way without even feeling a little tired. I managed to eat all my brunch and I have gone the whole day without felling any nausea or fatigue.
It is quite a relief. Although I want to stress that it really wasn't that bad, I also was not relishing the possibility that yesterday was the best I was going to feel between now and my transplant day. Luckily for me it wasn't. So today I got back on board the tourist band wagon.
With my parents for company, my friend from DC and her sister, cousins and sister's boyfriend we headed down south to visit the Robie House, located on the grounds of the University of Chicago. It was a stunning piece of architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright who really set a new bench mark for the style of American architecture.
After that we did a mini driving tour of Chicago and saw some of the other marvellous Chicago land marks including Barack Obama's house. Tonight we are off to dinner again, which I am looking forward to. Until next time, stay well:)
I decided to have a small breakfast as I seem to feel a little better just after I eat, but I didn't want too much to eat as we were going out for brunch later. And that is what I did. I surprised myself too. We went to a great little place about four blocks from the hotel and I managed to walk the whole way without even feeling a little tired. I managed to eat all my brunch and I have gone the whole day without felling any nausea or fatigue.
It is quite a relief. Although I want to stress that it really wasn't that bad, I also was not relishing the possibility that yesterday was the best I was going to feel between now and my transplant day. Luckily for me it wasn't. So today I got back on board the tourist band wagon.
With my parents for company, my friend from DC and her sister, cousins and sister's boyfriend we headed down south to visit the Robie House, located on the grounds of the University of Chicago. It was a stunning piece of architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright who really set a new bench mark for the style of American architecture.
After that we did a mini driving tour of Chicago and saw some of the other marvellous Chicago land marks including Barack Obama's house. Tonight we are off to dinner again, which I am looking forward to. Until next time, stay well:)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Museum Pictures
In my post about the science and industry museum I talked about how visually stunning all the museum's were. So, I thought I'd show you some pictures. I cannot take credit for taking these myself, I ripped them off google images. Stay well:)
Science and Industry Museum
Field Museum
Adler Planetarium
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Science and Industry Museum
One thing I love about the museums here in Chicago is the way they look from the outside. The Adler Planetarium was an awesome dome shaped building out on a spit into lake Michigan. The Field Museum and the Science and Industry Museum are both large magnificent looking building that truly look majestic in nature, made of a beautiful sandstone with large pillars out the front. It is exactly what one would expect a museum to look like. All three of them fit right in with the wonderful architecture that this city has to offer.
But today I am talking about the museum of science and industry. It did not disappoint. As far as my museum experiences go here in Chicago I am now shooting three for three. Again, the biggest problem that I had was time. There was way too much to see in one day so I think that I will have to go back to finish off seeing all the exhibits.
When I went to the Field Museum I made the mistake of paying for the extra exhibits, this time I did not and I wished I had. One of the most fantastic exhibits I have ever seen in any museum anywhere was the exhibit of submarine U505. The exhibit told a story that was both engaging and educational. It was brilliantly displayed with all kind of different ways of displaying the material. It really was a treat. Unfortunately if you wanted to go inside the submarine that cost extra, but by the time I was there I really wanted to go inside.
The other funny thing was that it said I should give half an hour for the exhibit. I had an hour and twenty minutes until I was due at the auditorium to watch storm chasers and I ran out of time. It was that good. If I manage to get back I will take another look and take the tour inside the submarine.
As I just said, after the submarine I went to see storm chasers at the auditorium. The auditorium was one of these massive dome shaped screens. It wasn't 3D, but you felt surrounded by the screen which was extremely effective. The movie was quite spectacular too. Some of the footage they got was quite spectacular.
After the movie was over I some how ended up in the space exhibit if you can believe that. They had great displays from the early pioneers of the space program right through to the future of space travel. I got lost in that one for over an hour too. After that I had time for a couple of the more minor exhibits and then it was time to go. I will have more for you from Andy and his wonderful Chicago adventure tomorrow. Until then, stay well:)
But today I am talking about the museum of science and industry. It did not disappoint. As far as my museum experiences go here in Chicago I am now shooting three for three. Again, the biggest problem that I had was time. There was way too much to see in one day so I think that I will have to go back to finish off seeing all the exhibits.
When I went to the Field Museum I made the mistake of paying for the extra exhibits, this time I did not and I wished I had. One of the most fantastic exhibits I have ever seen in any museum anywhere was the exhibit of submarine U505. The exhibit told a story that was both engaging and educational. It was brilliantly displayed with all kind of different ways of displaying the material. It really was a treat. Unfortunately if you wanted to go inside the submarine that cost extra, but by the time I was there I really wanted to go inside.
The other funny thing was that it said I should give half an hour for the exhibit. I had an hour and twenty minutes until I was due at the auditorium to watch storm chasers and I ran out of time. It was that good. If I manage to get back I will take another look and take the tour inside the submarine.
As I just said, after the submarine I went to see storm chasers at the auditorium. The auditorium was one of these massive dome shaped screens. It wasn't 3D, but you felt surrounded by the screen which was extremely effective. The movie was quite spectacular too. Some of the footage they got was quite spectacular.
After the movie was over I some how ended up in the space exhibit if you can believe that. They had great displays from the early pioneers of the space program right through to the future of space travel. I got lost in that one for over an hour too. After that I had time for a couple of the more minor exhibits and then it was time to go. I will have more for you from Andy and his wonderful Chicago adventure tomorrow. Until then, stay well:)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
The Field Museum
Before I tell you about the Field Museum which I visited yesterday I just want to tell you something of a more personal nature. Tomorrow I will be joined by my wife for a week. And I am really looking forward to it. Sure these days you are never quite as alone given the communication tools available (Skype, FaceTime, etc) but you still can't beat that personal contact. I have missed my wife and I have missed my family and having my wife here will be very comforting. However, there is a downside. Never have both my wife and I been away from our kids for this length of time and when we have we have never been more than a couple of hours drive away. I understand that I have to do this, but I do feel guilty dragging my wife half way across the planet and away from the people that need her most just to be with me.
Well now onto the Field Museum. As far as Chicago museums go I'm batting 2 for 2 now. All the exhibits were great. The only problem was there was not enough hours in the day and I only got to see about a third of the place. But, if the remaining two thirds are as good as the first I am in for a real treat if I go back.
I did make one mistake however. I decided to pay a little extra to see the Mummy and Genghis Kahn exhibits and although they were both fantastic, educational and informative I could have spent more time in other exhibits that were just as good and required no extra funding. I have to say I loved the exhibit on the Native American Indians. If you're going to learn about that it is always best to go straight to the source. And there would be nowhere closer to the source than the heartland of the American mid-west.
In all, it was a fantastic museum and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Tomorrow I will tell you about the visit I had to the science and industry museum. Until then, stay well:)
Well now onto the Field Museum. As far as Chicago museums go I'm batting 2 for 2 now. All the exhibits were great. The only problem was there was not enough hours in the day and I only got to see about a third of the place. But, if the remaining two thirds are as good as the first I am in for a real treat if I go back.
I did make one mistake however. I decided to pay a little extra to see the Mummy and Genghis Kahn exhibits and although they were both fantastic, educational and informative I could have spent more time in other exhibits that were just as good and required no extra funding. I have to say I loved the exhibit on the Native American Indians. If you're going to learn about that it is always best to go straight to the source. And there would be nowhere closer to the source than the heartland of the American mid-west.
In all, it was a fantastic museum and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Tomorrow I will tell you about the visit I had to the science and industry museum. Until then, stay well:)
Friday, March 2, 2012
It keeps rolling on...
After I had my biopsy I actually felt quite tense, a little anxious and a little flustered. I thought that going back to the hotel would not be the smartest idea as sitting down and doing nothing would merely intensify my negative emotions as I would have plenty of time to ponder the procedure. Instead I decided to distract myself by ascending the Sears Tower (ST). Sorry, the Willis Tower. Oh who cares, whatever it's called if you take my advice you'll go no where near it.
Yes, I was severely disappointed. If you visit Chitown and have a hankering to scale a tall building may I suggest the John Hancock building (JH). I will elaborate:-
Yes, I was severely disappointed. If you visit Chitown and have a hankering to scale a tall building may I suggest the John Hancock building (JH). I will elaborate:-
- The only win for ST is it's higher.
- Elevators. JH has the fastest lifts in the northern hemisphere. The express elevators in the ST were broken. The trip to the top was three lifts. If felt like someone promising you a ride in an Astin Martin DB9 and then turning up in a Toyota Kluger.
- The view is better from the JH. It is on the peripheral of the city so you can see the whole city, it is also closer to the water so you get better lake views too.
- JH has a coffee shop and bar at the top. ST does not.
- JH had better off window displays.
- JH had an informative and interesting audio tour even if it was by David Schwimmer. ST did not.
- ST did have the glass floor experience, but the JH had an outside area so you could really experience the height of the tower.
Now my experience may have been skewed because I had only two hours before had a stick in my arse. But even in hindsight, the JH was way better. After I finally descended the structure I sat down for a well earned coffee before I caught up with friends where we had dinner at the Bedford Bar, which was very nice. Then we went and watched some country and western music. Normally I am not a fan of C and W, but here they just do it so much better. The musicians were extremely talented.
On another note, I got the results of my bone marrow test and they were all good, so I don't have cancer and I am all go for next tuesday. Next time I will post my pictures atop the ST, until then, stay well:)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Chi Tour
Some of the highlights of my tour of Chicago. I really like the snippet I got of the el. Stay Well:)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tour and Adler
I have been busy. Chicago is a big city and I figured that the best way to see as much as possible was to take a bus tour around the city. So about Sunday lunch time I got on a bus driven by Leon for a four hour tour of the Windy City.
We started off heading south. We saw lots of magnificent buildings etc. I wish I could tell you more about it, but the guide talked so much I couldn't take it all in. We saw the home base ball stadium of the White Sox, the university of Chicago, Barrack Obamas home and all the museums.
We had a short break before we headed north where we saw much more of the city, Harpo studios, the home baseball ground of the Cubs and Lincoln Park. We then had a quick stop at the Chicago conservatory before we headed home. The tour was ok, but if I didn't get it free with the Go Chicago card I would have felt that the $40 cover excessive. I didn't think it was that good.
That night I was invited out again by Abby, to her house for dinner and to watch the Oscars. Again I overwhelmed by the generosity and warmth of the people here. It is not easy coming to a new town all by yourself, but when people are so willing to let you into their house it is so much easier.
The next day I had a wonderful outing when I indulged myself into one of my hobbies and took myself off to the Adler Planetarium. It was great. I saw a very fun and creative show on deep space, a 3D movie on the Sun, exhibits on Apollo, telescopes, astronomical observations through history, living in space the solar system and many more. Although it was great to see all these exhibits and take my time enjoying them I couldn't help thinking how much my son would love to see this stuff. If I get to bring them back for my sixth month evaluation we will definitely pay this place a visit.
Well tonight is a stay home night while I charge my stimulator. It will give me a chance to figure out what I'm going to do tomorrow. Until then, stay well:)
We started off heading south. We saw lots of magnificent buildings etc. I wish I could tell you more about it, but the guide talked so much I couldn't take it all in. We saw the home base ball stadium of the White Sox, the university of Chicago, Barrack Obamas home and all the museums.
We had a short break before we headed north where we saw much more of the city, Harpo studios, the home baseball ground of the Cubs and Lincoln Park. We then had a quick stop at the Chicago conservatory before we headed home. The tour was ok, but if I didn't get it free with the Go Chicago card I would have felt that the $40 cover excessive. I didn't think it was that good.
That night I was invited out again by Abby, to her house for dinner and to watch the Oscars. Again I overwhelmed by the generosity and warmth of the people here. It is not easy coming to a new town all by yourself, but when people are so willing to let you into their house it is so much easier.
The next day I had a wonderful outing when I indulged myself into one of my hobbies and took myself off to the Adler Planetarium. It was great. I saw a very fun and creative show on deep space, a 3D movie on the Sun, exhibits on Apollo, telescopes, astronomical observations through history, living in space the solar system and many more. Although it was great to see all these exhibits and take my time enjoying them I couldn't help thinking how much my son would love to see this stuff. If I get to bring them back for my sixth month evaluation we will definitely pay this place a visit.
Well tonight is a stay home night while I charge my stimulator. It will give me a chance to figure out what I'm going to do tomorrow. Until then, stay well:)
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