I was meant to have a midweek consultation with my stomach surgeon following my latest CT scan, which unfortunately did not happen. The inertia you feel while waiting for test results is probably as stressful as any treatment. Unfortunately, ninety percent of my present stress is not related to my health issues but rather to a dispute with the landlord downstairs and our insurers regarding a property we rely on for our pension income.
It is a legal matter, so I cannot go into detail, but his actions have caused us loss of income as our long-time tenants had to vacate our property. Even before the new Hate Crime Bill in Scotland became law, Police Scotland informed us his actions could possibly be illegal and, while opening a case file, verbally informed our property agents they did not have the resources to deal with it even with the intervention of the local MP. Therefore, no doubt, we will not only suffer a loss of income, but we will incur both legal and building costs, all brought about by a third party. Something you would expect in Zimbabwe, not the UK, or should I define it as Scotland? Grrr.
At least with my medical issues, the medical doctors here deal with them professionally, always there to offer treatment to try and fix my problems. I have no doubt my medical panel discussing my stomach cancer would have contacted me if immediate action was required. I have found the opposite in regard to my dealings with so-called professionals in Scotland, hence my sleepless nights trying to figure out a way to resolve the issues.
Those who have cancer or awaiting results from a scan or biopsy regarding possible cancer will know that the seemingly constant waiting for results or diagnosis is more stressful than when you eventually go into major surgery or some other invasive treatment, be it chemical or radiation. As someone who, coming up on eight years, has had numerous tests, scans and biopsies, most of them while with the knowledge of having malignant cancer, the waiting does not get easier, although, for me, in my mind, the early ones were the most stressful. Tiredness due to lack of sleep is the largest contributor to generating a feeling of melancholy or anxiety; therefore, it is best to keep your mind on other things at night other than the ‘what ifs.’ Rest assured, events in Edinburgh cause me to have more restless nights than my health.
The last thing you want to do is discuss with others the possible outcome of your health before the results. This includes acquaintances, let alone friends and family, as until you know the result, any discussion will be purely hypothetical. You have already accumulated enough ‘ifs and buts’ without adding those of others, despite their well-meaning intentions.
“Often, acquaintances in trying to be nice when enquiring about your health put on their concerned or sorry face, which at times can be mistaken as woeful rather than concern for the sufferer.” - Peter McSporran
When you inquire about a cancer victim's well-being, I advise you to be cheerful and not ask for specific details unless this is volunteered. Just reading back, it sounds as if I am being melancholic. I probably am, as I still have to manage my bladder incontinence to allow for more freedom for at least another six months and try to resolve the property issue in Edinburgh. Thank goodness for free healthcare here. The recent continuous rainy weather does not help my mood as it limits my main daytime pastime, gardening. In saying that thank goodness I am not a sheep farmer in Scotland lambing in this dreadful weather. It is both cold and wet. My farming podcast viewing has been very grim recently; even arable farmers cannot get their spring crops planted. Perhaps to cheer myself up, I should just stick to fishing podcasts and live rugby, although the South African team's results competing in Europe have not been so wonderful lately.
Kevin James and Steven Nutt called me early on Saturday morning for a chat; luckily, I was up as they seemed to have forgotten there was a time difference between here and South Africa. In the conversation, Steve asked me why I had left Zambia rather than retire there. One of the main reasons I gave him for not retiring in Africa was the cost of healthcare. I note Cathy Buckle’s letter (blog) this week touched on it, especially amidst yet another round of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Please, all those who plan to remain in Africa after retirement, ensure you have enough funds in foreign currency to avoid burdening your family or friends in your later life. If you are not capable of this, then seriously think about relocating. I know this is also very difficult, but it is better to do it before your funds or ability to earn no longer exists. Saying you will ‘make a plan’ is not good enough. Of interest, Portugal is presently getting a lot of retired Americans coming to live out their old age due to the cost of health in that country.
Zimbabwe announced the floating of yet another currency this week, the ZIG, which is fixed to the gold price and foreign currency reserves held by the Reserve Bank. The new notes will only be issued four weeks after the currency launch, so I presume US$ will have to be used until then. How awful must it be for the poor in the rural areas with little or no access to any form of usable money until then? By then, I believe all other local currencies and instruments will have to be exchanged for the new currency, once again reducing whatever value the present instruments and currencies have.
To me, as a layman, there are a number of worrying factors. First but not least is the trust in the Government to curb its spending and corruption, especially in regard to access to the currency where millions (billions?) can be made in the parallel market if you have access to hard currency at official and not street rates. This is the sixth time they have attempted to revamp the country’s currency, each time with itself being the main culprit in its undermining through corruption coupled with greed. It also seems they cannot resist printing money, although they promise not to this time. Further, how much gold does the country really have to support this currency, and who has access to it? It is estimated billions are lost each year with its legal/illegal trade to Middle Eastern countries. Will the chefs give up this gravy train to ensure stability in the new currency?
No doubt, the street traders will be able to indicate the value of the new ZIG before the Government. I am told electronic money transfers have stopped, which is the main way of carrying out daily transactions in that country. More pain for the man in the street who will have little trust in the new currency due to the Government's previous track record in trying to stabilise the country’s currency. The street value of US$ must rise in whatever currency is used to buy them.
“ZIG is an unfortunate name for a country whose government is well known for its zigging and zagging when it comes to keeping promises to ensure currency stability. I wonder how long it will be before the ZAG appears, be it official or unofficial?” - Peter McSporran
Does this also mean that until electronic transfers are reinstated, there will be a large hole in tax collection?
A week or so after the new Hate Crime Bill came into effect in Scotland, as I write, the police have been receiving nearly a report per minute. Of interest, is that First Minister Humza Yousaf has had more complaints against him than JK Rowling, one of the main targets of the Snowflakes, with the police saying her statements, contrary to the belief of the Snowflakes, are not Hate Crimes. Unfortunately, Police Scotland has stated publicly every report of hate crime will be investigated, unlike my issue with property rights, a task they are incapable of doing at present due to manpower and lack of training in the new law. Further, its interpretation, due to its ambiguity, is being abused. Dealing with these reports will further deplete the capability of a police force in crisis, unable to investigate many real crimes such as burglaries and theft or even my reported issue.
"The confusion that exists because of the interpretation by people who look at this new legislation through their own viewpoints creates confusion for police officers in Scotland who are trying to deliver this law." - David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation.
So yes, this past week, I have suffered some anxiety more about our property in Scotland than my health this past week.
“Funnily enough, it is easier to accept something when it is being dealt with no matter how bad, as opposed to one you are unsure is getting the required attention.” - Peter McSporran
Disclaimer: Copyright Peter McSporran. The content in this blog represents my personal views and does not reflect corporate entities.
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