Men’s Health

Update on Chris Jones v DVA

/ David / Leave a comment

Email just received from Chris Jones re his application for a Gold Card (slightly edited version):

“As you know I have for years trying to obtain a long overdue Gold Card for the back complaint that has dogged me all my life.

I have tried two DVA Advocates, both of whom failed to deliver, so I proceeded myself. 

I wish to acknowledge the mental support of two of my Duntroon classmates: Bogsworthy and Berry. Their support came at a critical time for me when I was at a very low point. I also recall my friend Wise Thomas’ saying: ‘Ýou need to paddle your own canoe’. I am usually pretty good at this legal and insurance type of business. Unfortunately, at that point I couldn’t due to the Myasthenia Gravis and all its steroid medication. However, with the steroids now dropping and with no MG recent relapses, now I can, and I have.

The result is today, after yet another direct call to my case officer in the DVA, I obtained the Gold Card. This is so important due to all the ailments one can get due to the MG impacting my immune system so hard, and the fact that after so many years in Vietnam I have no local medical cover. 

Never give up. Never say die. Will to win.

Thank you Bogs in particular for your timely and on-going mental support. You were there for me when I needed it. If there is anything you need advice wise re contract law, property investment trusts etc, in particular, just say the word. If you are looking for free accommodation if you and your wife ever come to WA, it would be a pleasure if you were my guest.”

Great news.

Men’s Health

/ John Elphinston / Leave a comment

From Gerry Jones:

Hi Elph,
Hope you are well ?
List of major issues:
• 2009 kidney tumor . Half of left kidney taken out by key hole surgery( there are issues with this procedure);
• 2011 Whipple OP to remove pancreatic tumor. Note . Only alive because of CT scans after kidney OP picked up issue early;
. 2011 Whipple scare hernia – fixed;
• 2017 Groin hernia – fixed;
• 2018 Heart Attack – 1 stent inserted;
• 2018 Type 3C Diabetes diagnosis (
from Whipple OP);
• 2019 two separate stomach bleeding issues ( 6 x sacks of blood transfused) Result of taking aspirin after heart attack.
• Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy every year since .
Happy to talk to anyone about issues.
Advice to all , have regular checks and take action ASAP.
Regards
Gerry

Men’s Health – the list is available

/ John Elphinston / 8 Comments

Hi men,

The list is available by going to the Men’s Health menu and clicking on the link towards the bottom of the page.

If you have provided your ailments, please take a look and check the details are correct – mistakes can happen!

And a final word – if you haven’t provided your ailments it doesn’t stop you contacting anyone who has – it’s our site and the better informed we are, the less chance there could be of having a negative experience.

Happy to receive feedback, good or bad.

Cheers

John Elph

Men’s Health – off and running

/ John Elphinston / 3 Comments

Hey men,

Good to see a healthy response to the idea of a men’s health focus for the website. Let’s go ahead and see where it leads us. Just as a simple example of the benefit of sharing information – I am aware of someone recently recommending to a fellow classmate, that if he goes ahead to have a prostate biopsy, he should insist upon doing it under a general anaesthetic! Sounds like bloody good advice to me.

A couple of points in response to questions:

  • The page will be password protected;
  • Even if you don’t contribute your ailments does not mean you can’t make use of the information. Remember, we are all in this together so if you haven’t shared your ailments and something comes up in the future, don’t feel that you can’t reach out to anyone on the list.
  • The aim is not to see who has the longest list of ailments – I wish the only thing I’d ever had was an ingrown toenail – I’d be delighted to share the info.

So feel free to email your ailments to rmcclassof1972@gmail.com and I’ll add you to the table.

Here’s the list of ailments – if you have a further suggestion please email me.

Men’s Health – take a look

/ John Elphinston / 14 Comments

Hey men,

I’ve put a page on the website with a proposal for using the website to share our medical issues and experiences as a means to help others who may encounter a similar issue.

Please read it and let us all know your thoughts. If there are enough who oppose it , it’s dead in the water. Otherwise, we can pursue it – if it works we keep it going but if not we could terminate it at any time.

Your call.

Cheers