The Scruffman Chronicles: Triumphant Return to Europe
Jun 16th, 2010, 10:48 AM
#21
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I wish I had more of an update - for myself as well. The Scruffman is debating his options for some medical tourism - the UK or France, perhaps, where care is cheaper, but I have not heard anything about his plans so don't know where and when. The permanent resident of his squat is Welsh, so they are thinking of heading there - presumably he'd have a place to stay. He's supposed to let me know when he makes up his mind, but of course I haven't heard from him for a week. (I know he's OK, he's logging into his couchsurfing page pretty much daily.)
He now has a plane ticket to return on September 11 (he found that ironic, I didn't even think of it until he mentioned it). Consequently, unless he goes to Britain for 38 days, he'll be overstaying Schengen. I suppose he might well get away with it, as long as he isn't mixing with the police at squat openings, but of course it's risky given that he wants to return to Europe soon. And of course, if he gets into England successfully, perhaps he will have trouble getting back into the Netherlands with a departure ticket out after his Schengen time has expired.
Sigh.
He now has a plane ticket to return on September 11 (he found that ironic, I didn't even think of it until he mentioned it). Consequently, unless he goes to Britain for 38 days, he'll be overstaying Schengen. I suppose he might well get away with it, as long as he isn't mixing with the police at squat openings, but of course it's risky given that he wants to return to Europe soon. And of course, if he gets into England successfully, perhaps he will have trouble getting back into the Netherlands with a departure ticket out after his Schengen time has expired.
Sigh.
Jun 30th, 2010, 12:40 PM
#26
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Me too. I saw the advice on your other thread about medical care in the Netherlands, and have been wanting to hear the outcome.
As I may have mentioned, my son, Chris, got Leishmaniasis from being bitten by sand fleas while living on the beach in Mexico, and I have been trying to bully him into going to a specialist about it for some time. He says he is all right, but I know the little critters stay in the body and can cause damage to the central nervous system years later.
If you get Greg to get proper attention, please tell me what kind of persuasion worked. I've tried everything short of a baseball bat.
As I may have mentioned, my son, Chris, got Leishmaniasis from being bitten by sand fleas while living on the beach in Mexico, and I have been trying to bully him into going to a specialist about it for some time. He says he is all right, but I know the little critters stay in the body and can cause damage to the central nervous system years later.
If you get Greg to get proper attention, please tell me what kind of persuasion worked. I've tried everything short of a baseball bat.
Jun 30th, 2010, 01:04 PM
#27
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That boy is being darn frustrating! Lately I started sending e-mails in 24-point red bold font. The best tactic I have is, "You're the only son I've got and I want you back in one piece!" He loves me enough - and is grateful enough for the assistance I've given that has made this trip possible - to care about that, so eventually he will go. I just hope it's sooner than later.
His best friend and her sister arrived unexpectedly in Amsterdam yesterday, so absolutely everything was put on hold to spend time with them. I guess I can understand; they've been best friends for almost ten years, and they haven't seen each other since he was in New York, lo those many many months ago.
Anyway, I sent him a thorough set of instructions on how to get care in the Netherlands, based on the wonderful help I got here. Then, last night, his couchsurfing page showed a log-on in England. I find it hard to believe he would have met his friends earlier in the day and then dashed across the Channel immediately, but who knows.
I'll be sending him another emphatic e-mail around the beginning of next week (assuming I haven't heard anything from him), and hopefully there will be good news by then. If not, he's going to start getting those e-mails daily!
His best friend and her sister arrived unexpectedly in Amsterdam yesterday, so absolutely everything was put on hold to spend time with them. I guess I can understand; they've been best friends for almost ten years, and they haven't seen each other since he was in New York, lo those many many months ago.
Anyway, I sent him a thorough set of instructions on how to get care in the Netherlands, based on the wonderful help I got here. Then, last night, his couchsurfing page showed a log-on in England. I find it hard to believe he would have met his friends earlier in the day and then dashed across the Channel immediately, but who knows.
I'll be sending him another emphatic e-mail around the beginning of next week (assuming I haven't heard anything from him), and hopefully there will be good news by then. If not, he's going to start getting those e-mails daily!
Jun 30th, 2010, 01:47 PM
#28
Glad this got topped - I missed it the first time round. arts & nukesafe - you both might want to read http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasi...mania.htm#what and take note of this: "If not treated, severe (advanced) cases of visceral leishmaniasis can cause death."
I suppose there's no chance the best friend might persuade the Scruffman to go to the hospital?
I suppose there's no chance the best friend might persuade the Scruffman to go to the hospital?
Jun 30th, 2010, 09:52 PM
#29
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Lordy, Thursday, I REALLY didn't want to see that link! The Wikipedia article on the same subject scared me enough, thank you very much.
I'll post a link to it anyway, though don't look if you are squeamish, as it has pictures. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leishmaniasis
I'll post a link to it anyway, though don't look if you are squeamish, as it has pictures. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leishmaniasis
Jul 1st, 2010, 06:32 AM
#31
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I don't have contact info for his friend. However, this isn't necessarily a bad development. His friends' family is well-to-do and Greg is basically an honorary family member - so much so that he goes over for their annual Oscar party even when his friend is away at school. I am positive she is aware of his health issues, and it's possible that part of their agenda in going to Europe is to get Greg to the doctor. We will hope.
Last I heard from him, last Sunday, he promised to get care within two weeks. I don't think he will break his promise - he isn't that kind of person. I have of course heard nothing since. However, there's that mysterious log-in on his couchsurfing page in England - is he there? I'm giving him until Monday and then I'm sending another howler e-mail.
Last I heard from him, last Sunday, he promised to get care within two weeks. I don't think he will break his promise - he isn't that kind of person. I have of course heard nothing since. However, there's that mysterious log-in on his couchsurfing page in England - is he there? I'm giving him until Monday and then I'm sending another howler e-mail.
Jul 13th, 2010, 09:25 AM
#33
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He reported that he was having trouble locating the free clinic in Amsterdam. I have sent back another howler telling him to just go to a GP and get started. He has 20 euros to spend on that.
I can't tell you how frustrated I am. If money and time permitted, I would fly over and drag him forcibly to the doctor.
I can't tell you how frustrated I am. If money and time permitted, I would fly over and drag him forcibly to the doctor.
Jul 13th, 2010, 09:55 AM
#34
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http://tinyurl.com/3yxeejf
Googlemap for the OLV - send him that and he has no excuse. Or tell him to just go the hospital in Leiden.
Googlemap for the OLV - send him that and he has no excuse. Or tell him to just go the hospital in Leiden.
Jul 13th, 2010, 11:31 AM
#37
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I am thinking of you, artsnletters and sure hope that your son will get himself to a GP and consequently get the proper medical care. I hope the same for your son too, nukesafe. Some kids, even adult ones, don't seem to have a clue how much stress they cause their parents. My very good wishes to both of you and your sons.
Jul 13th, 2010, 01:05 PM
#38
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Not sure it's free but it's unlikely they'll charge him unless he needs medicine or admission.
At least it isn't likely to be malaria or he's be in hospital already. Maybe amoebic dysentery or something?
If he needs help, is worried about going alone or whatever, shout. I'm not in Amsterdam but I'll try and help if I can. Tbh though he is better playing the innocent abroad card I suspect.
At least it isn't likely to be malaria or he's be in hospital already. Maybe amoebic dysentery or something?
If he needs help, is worried about going alone or whatever, shout. I'm not in Amsterdam but I'll try and help if I can. Tbh though he is better playing the innocent abroad card I suspect.
Jul 16th, 2010, 01:04 PM
#39
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OK! I got word this afternoon that Greg saw a doctor at the free clinic, has an appointment for more tests on Monday, and will have the results next Friday.
Huge sigh of relief. At least until we found out what he has.
Huge sigh of relief. At least until we found out what he has.
