Wasting Disease

Joe McConnell

A terrible wasting disease is sweeping the country. Not a day passes without coverage of its progress being carried in all newspapers and broadcast on all radio and television stations. Successive governments have honestly attempted to stamp out this scourge, or, at least, stem the tide, unfortunately to no avail. The number of those afflicted grows daily, not alone in this country, but in Britain, Europe, America and Canada, even the Iron Curtain countries. In fact, many millions all round the world. Experts are now forecasting imminent epidemics on a global scale. The E.E.C. and the United Nations have recognised the need for urgent action. Even the Pope has spoken of the wasting effects of this disease.  Because it has not been proved satisfactorily that the disease can kill directly, people are not as concerned as they should be. There is an abundance of evidence which proves categorically that it can kill indirectly. It is a very personal disease, and definitely not contagious. The good news is that many individuals have been cured with no side effects whatsoever, but the disease itself still spreads.  Symptoms may differ from person to person. There can be mild shock when first afflicted, as the body fights to adjust. This is usually followed by lack of appetite, irritability, loss of concentration and complete apathy. It can drive one to alcoholism, drug abuse, divorce and even suicide. Sufferers may lie in bed for days at a time, unable or unwilling to get out of it. Severe weight loss and hallucinations may develop in some cases and still others may, through no fault of their own, become involved in crime, (drunkenness, assault, theft and robbery being the most common.) Those afflicted can be easily identified by their slow shuffling walk, empty stares, deep scowls and nervous tics. Feelings of complete inadequacy, ineptitude and inferiority complexes are not uncommon to this type of ailment and may, in the long term, lead to other more serious afflictions, e.g. insanity, heart disorders, manic depression, violent antisocial tendencies and loss of memory.  As this is not a prescribed disease at the moment, treatment is not available on any Medical Health Scheme. Nor indeed can treatment be assured at any private hospital or institution. Prescription would only cause a panic and Governments are obviously loathe to add to existing problems. Far better to allow research into its causes and plans for an efficient remedy develop quietly, behind the scenes.  Nursing at home by family members and relations provides caring and invaluable lifelines for the unfortunates, as well as saving the already over-burdened Health Service millions of pounds per year.  Practical assistance in the way of weekly monetary grants is not enough, yet Governments are no nearer discovering a long term solution than they were a decade ago. Until they do, we are faced with a disease which can strike anyone, anytime. And remember, unemployment is a wasting disease. Copyright © 2001 Joe McConnell