Ken Clare wants to stay in touch on LinkedIn

2010-01-06T22:07:00.001Z

Mens,

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

- Ken Clare

Bipolar.

2006-06-17T17:18:00.000+01:00

Where was I before the taxi came. Fessing up to mental health probs I think. This post is being posted in two blogs so apols to personal blog readers for any repeats. I was off to see my clinical psychologist peter kinderman this week. He had been off to london to a menshealth forum gig. A question was raised why mens mental services are so poor. He said its coz all services are poor.
Jim the mens health forum top editor has had a hell of week I'll bet.
So as homage to jim and for readers everywhere. A small piece living with bipolar.
So what is it?
Bi-polar affective disorder - bi-polar two poles opposites for me they are depths of depression, and hypomania, loud reckless lacking in judgement sexually inappropriate and a bit non stop. These are exagerations of what I see as an features of my normal (if such a thing exsists) personality. It used to be called manic depressive psychosis, when I was a boy. Tis popular in crap american telly as a trendy diagnosis. My psychiatrist who was exceptional said if he had to choose a psychosis this would be the one he would choose. Told him he could have mine.
Its an affective disorder it effects your moods. I have had it all my adult life. Mostly untreated I have always been a moody bugger with overactive phases followed by deep dark depressions. Usually spend winter depressed which makes for a great christmas. Two years ago I had a hypomanic episode. Was quickly picked up and referred to th psychiatrist. He accurately diagnosed it and offered apprpriate treatment. Being abloke and a health care professional I declined. Took it when landed in depth of a another deep dark depression that winter. Speak later I am going to an african

Blogs blackberry and BAD

2006-06-17T13:44:00.000+01:00

Taxi man says bad news 20 mins wait. Doesn't phase this blogger. I have a blackberry (also called a crackberry). For the geek I have the supersexy 8700g. Its a phone with attitude. It has a keyboard and sends and recieves wireless email. Its the mutts nutts. So here I am outside Tesco Allerton road addressing my readership at the end of Mens health weekn last year it was obesity this year the focus is mental health. My sister has fessed up to tuning in. Respect big sis.
My name is Ken Clare, and I have a mental health problem.

Stardom to Starbucks.

2006-06-13T16:08:00.000+01:00

Collaborating with granada on a documentary. Had the first meeting yesterday, the timescale frightens me but I have faith in Ian and Rachel. Working with Christians and witnessing has strengthened my faith. Close friends will know that the subarachnoid has tested my belief and found me wanting.
Talk of location and and ideas has me going. It is an wxciting prospect. I bag a lift from jean.

Trippy man, as Taratino said

2006-06-10T20:04:00.000+01:00

So seizures. First thing I know is a headache, then the smell of jossticks, sandalwood if I recall correctly. Then a space shuttle launching from the tennis club at the end of our road, and an anticlockwise spinning fireball outside the window. Trippy man! Even this dumbo realised all was not well. I was chatting to a mate on MSN she noticed my typing was worse than usual. I managed to type words mixed up. She told me to switch on the webcam – she witness my face in a variety of grimaces before I fell off the chair and banged me nut. Meantime (shes in Yorkshire ) she fones a friend in wales to get my address then fones an ambulance.

I am lying on the floor peeing myself and fitting. Sort of wake up before realizing my daughter is screaming, and the ambulance men are calling for help to move a heavy guy in an awkward space. I decide to fit again they give me diazepam IV. I am out the game I wake up in the Royal feeling like a bag of boiled shite (same colour too). My mate visits in a surreal fashion, I remember that my pressing concern is not for my health but the fact Shakespeare our rabbit is wild in the garden. Seems easier to fit again so I watch my heart rate decorate and wake up spitting blood from a bitten cheek.

They aren’t sure whats gone on, they home in on the fact I like drink too much and recently gave up ( as a prelude to my Lenten promise). The first night was mad my head hurts and I cant see out of one lens of my glasses – when fitting I had rubbed them against an abrasive surface. That strangely is one of the worst bits.

Next day I am prodded by the top gaffer nice bloke with an entourage. He wants to do a CT scan. His junior boys think I am an old soak who has dried out too quick. They compromise and do a CT scan and ask the “lifestyles” nurse to see me.

She diagnoses a tremor – I always have one its due to the fact that I am on a shed full of medicine for my Bipolar Affective Disorder (more of that later). She sees this as damning proof of my alcoholic status. She says stay in and go home see you in 4 weeks. I am not convinced (but I acknowledge I would deny it all).

I am trundled off for a CT scan that’s scary bit common now but knew to me. The radiographer obviously doesn’t know I have wanton lush written on my notes so strangely treats me with respect. She understands that I may have some insight after nearly 30 years in the NHS. 11am this was, will get reported on 3.30 (tis Friday). Hear nothing and you are laughing kiddo. My head feels like a girder has collided with it. They give me paracetamol.

About 7pm get to a ward staffed by a nerd I knew years ago who delights in subjecting me to sub human treatment. Headache Mr Clare?? Hangover?? Here’s two paracetamol. Now let me see what you in for ah….seizures following alcohol withdrawal.

Bloke in next bed is a decent geezer gulf war 1 vet with gulf war syndrome and post traumatic stress, and high blood pressure. I buy him a paper I am the only one deemed fit to walk. I come back to the room and feel like death, obviously a lazy lush. My head is bursting can I have something yes Mr C…paracetamol they are not touching it says I. I want to see a Doctor ….they inform one apparently by second class carrier pigeon. This goes on till Sunday night I am getting pissed off now the boyy in pain is not pleasant. Wife demands a doctor he sees me, does a competent neuro exam and then hey presto looks at the CT scan report. Hes to scared to face me so sends his boss. Both nice guys he says what do you thinks happened Mr Clare, I can tell from their tone I have been upgraded and I no longer flying in Lush class. I have had a brain bleed says I, but I am pessimistic hypochondriac I jape. Nope you’re right, we better transfer you to the Neurological Unit in another hospital you have had a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Oh shit…………………………………………………………..

The boy is back

2006-06-10T18:14:00.000+01:00

Spurred on by an England victory and prods from Uncle Jim Pollard I am off the subs bench. Not quite match fit but will take a run out for half the game.
Have you missed me? A lot has happened and I should update you. On march the second I had three seizures. Give me a moment I need a screen break.

So a test

2006-03-10T09:13:00.000Z

I started with a cracking headache last wednesday. I put it down to the dodgy day I had spent in manchester. Coupled with my need for booze. Regular readers will now I am fond of the sauce and I have tried to cut down. So I decided to knock it on the head after sunday cold turkey done. Thursday afternoon I had a fit then another witnessed by the ambulance service. Then taken to royal hospital admitted ct scanned and head aching. No other apparent signs apart from headache. That was enuff. Was not a happy bunny. By the time thay looked at my ct report I was in agony and ther transferred me to neurosurgery unit.

Out and about in Manchester

2006-02-28T21:14:00.000Z

I met the fella who designed this http://www.prostate-link.org.uk/ a seful portal style gateway to all matter s of the prozzie. Of special interest as a mate of mine has recently been diagnosed and successfully treated, ad one of my uncles as well.

He is also involved in this site http://www.prime-cfs.org/ about chronic fatigue syndrome and ME. So a useful gig for me and a blog post for the menshealth blog in to the bargain.

The wild...............

2006-02-06T15:37:00.000Z

The last 4 days I have been laid aside with diarrheoa. Its wicked, interfering with every aspect of my life. My sleep has been disturbed by sometimes successful visits to the bathroom. I think its food poisoning (had some dodgy seafood). Dilemma is this should I just let nature take its course, or attempt to medicate. http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/diarrhoea.htm has some interesting views.

Boxing day evening

2006-01-04T12:05:00.000Z

A tradition in our family is we get together on boxing day. The women go into one room and the men into another.

The blokes

Paul 55 – teacher

Colin 49 – lettings manager – fittest of the lot.

Alan Engineer 52 - smoker

Tommy 52 – Unemployed

And me Ken 44 semi retired.

We talk about allsorts – Liverpool and Everton.

Grumpy old men stuff in general, and then I swing it round to health.

Turns out good friend Phil who is seventy something has a recurrence of his cancer of the prostate. We mumble uncomfortably at replays of the Billy Connolly gag about rectal examination. Being a pessimist I visit

http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/index.asp first to have a look and also scare the crap out of me.

http://www.malehealth.co.uk/userpage1.cfm?item_id=128 this provides a better view and is far more balanced.

Happy new year gents – by the way we drank too much port that night so the next post may be about gout.

A Christmas Present

2005-12-23T18:08:00.000Z

http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=614265

Seems its available for free – and I the author had to pay 19$ to see it.

Enjoy.

Hangover cures

2005-12-23T18:05:00.000Z

Last night I was in the local Asda with my mum. Saw a stand labeled cold cures/party medicine. Then I happen across this today http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article334813.ece

Abstinence always seems like the best cure. It is Christmas and overindulgence is planned at Clare Towers. Lunch for 10 on the big day, traditional food and a new pair of aperitifs from our hols. Kir Royale and Kir Breton. Crème de cassis with champers or cider, with bucks fizz for the drivers and youngsters.

Have a good holiday all.

Doctor Crippen

2005-12-19T09:25:00.000Z

http://nhsblogdoc.blogspot.com/

Oh how I laughed and weeped and felt elation I had got out after 26 years. One for the favourites list for sure.

A really good idea

2005-12-06T10:43:00.000Z

Whilst browsing for some mens health fodder I found this gem amongst the muscular bodies and lingerie buying advice.Is it me or am I too old for the general target audience for mens health advice. The byeline - Tuesdays daily dose - Work your entire body with the Turkish get up, inspire her to dress sexier and learn techniques to cut cravings. Plus make broccoli and beef stir fry on this typical laddish site did nothing for me. Though I must confess to feeling something aimed at chilblain advice for my alter ego might be appropriate. Typical public service broadcaster the quiz isnt working but from my reaction, I think I score v.v. high in the meldrew stakes

This appeared on an Informatics mailing list to which I subscribe and was taken from a Doctors mailing list I think.

2005-11-11T09:27:00.000Z

Made me smile in a David Brent type way.

1) To save time, please remove knickers before entering the consulting room. No more than one layer of loose fitting clothing should be worn.

Breast lumps should be clearly marked. Before you ask, the reason your stomach is swollen is that you are fat.

(2) Nice Lady Doctors (NLD) are trained to completely ignore inflammatory terms such as " constant projectile vomiting", "hair falling out in handfuls" and "I feel like a ninety year old". So don't bother using them.

(3) Please consider bringing the NLD a gift of some extra strength air freshener or pot pourri. It really pisses us off that we have to buy our own. It isn't us who stink.

(4) Nice Lady Doctors have no additional training in period problems. We have our own periods, of course, but consider periods to be a strictly private matter of absolutely no interest whatsoever to anyone else, and we wouldn't dream of boring you with the details.

(5) Don't consult the NLD to discuss your concerns about the health and habits of your beer-swilling, couch-potato, half-witted husband. We can assure you that you are the only female on this planet concerned with his welfare

(6) The NLD may appear tired, frazzled or even suicidal to you. This is because she may have problems of her own. If you wish to see a doctor who can devote their entire attention to your numerous worries, make an appointment with a male doctor.

(7) Do not make the mistake of believing we know just what you are talking about. Our lives are not like yours. For example, we do not have time to consult our GP.

(8) It may astonish you to learn that no cures exist for feeling tired all the time, farting noisily, or a pain in your right ear which occurs once every 200 years. Nice Lady Doctors do not, in actual fact, have a magic wand in their desk. Weak kittens should be treated by a vet.

(9) NLDs greatly appreciate your expensive gifts and public expressions of gratitude However, offering to loan the doctor your size 22 purple chiffon Marquee style evening dress will result in your removal from our list

(10) Men should not consult Nice Lady Doctors. We will think you are a wimp or a pervert. We will laugh hilariously at your inadequate physique when we meet up with other NLDs

(11) Only use approved laboratory containers for urine specimens. Using a Bacardi miniature can put us off our favourite tipple for life.

(12) Lists should be legibly written on clean paper. Please show the doctor the entire list to increase our amusement. Expect to have at least half of what you have written ignored. We haven't got all day.

(13) Nice Lady Doctors are not born with a special slimness gene. If your NLD is a size 10 it is because she does not gorge herself on fish and chips whilst watching Australian soaps all day, and nor should you. If the NLD is generously proportioned, she probably has a medical problem with her glands

(14) Nice Lady Doctors are not clairvoyants. We do not know exactly when your baby will be born, nor do we know when your menopause will be. We do not know how long you will continue to suffer terribly, or when they will finally invent a cure for your red cheeks or sweaty feet.

(15) Nice Lady Doctors do not know for certain why your husband doesn't listen to you, or why he ran off with a neighbour, or why he never remembers your Wedding Anniversary. We can, however, hazard a reasonable guess

(16) Nice Lady Doctors will often have children of their own. Such children, will, of course, never be bed-wetters, fussy eaters, drug addicts or obese slobs because we are the founts of all knowledge, blessed with perfect lives.

Doh!

2005-11-08T14:27:00.000Z

I retired from work on ill health grounds yesterday. Everyone says I look younger/healthier than ever, well the thought of escaping one grind is liberating. Here I am at my desk when I happen across this from the management blog. That cheered me up - not. The Management issues blog is a place I have bookmarked. Todays entry made me smile - moaning at work is a sackable offence.
I knew something was going to go wrong today after four successive interactions with customer services helplines - it was too good to be true. Which brings to mind an old favourite of mine call centre confidential sadly now defunct but still there if you need a chuckle.

Doctors as Pundits.

2005-11-03T20:02:00.000Z

Medpundit provides a practising docs views on "wonder cures" and new research. Thanks for point me to a sensible page on "bird flu".

Wednesdays - Ramblings

2005-11-02T10:21:00.000Z

Gruntdoc - Ramblings of an Emegency Physician in Texas - I like this guy - Interesting stuff and aquestioning sense of "why do we do it like this", usual answer because we always have.
He leads me to Blackberry Thumb which i could be a candidate for.

Please Sir, Can I Have My Ball Back

2005-11-01T12:29:00.000Z

This is the title of a funny book that looks at the serious issue of testicular cancer. This page provides a synopsis and a 13 minute interview for radio, which is well worth a listen. His style makes a difficult subject accessible. Malehealth provides a useful resource.

First of the month - First post

2005-11-01T10:41:00.000Z

Welcome to a new feature on Malehealth. Every week I'll be serving up mens health related websites that I have come across in my trawl of the web. Hopefully you'll get to know me and my odd surfing habits over the next few months.
To open my account I offer you Random Acts of Reality a gritty down to earth blog written by Tom Reynolds a serving Emergency Medical Technician in London. I have been reading it for over a year know and his insight into a side of life I seldom see is fascinating. I am also entranced by things with flashing lights and two tone horns. Hope you enjoy it.

Malehealth Blog Watch