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Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to live

Discussions related to the physiological and psychological effects of peak oil on our members and future generations.

Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to live

Unread postby What_Went_Wrong » Thu 10 May 2007, 21:29:43

Hey everyone

A thread like this might already exist and sorry but I just wanted to start a new one anyway for newer posters like myself in this situation, I’m sure there are many.

The Peak oil aftermath is not actually something I fear for as far as myself goes, as crazy as that sounds. I feel I know enough to be ahead of the crowd, and have made many preparations both in my mind and in life to embraces the challenge ahead. It’s easy for me of course, I am young, fit and have no children, so I do not share the fears that most do. My parents are pretty well off and will not be the first hit by the next (and ongoing) great depression, plus for now both are in pretty good health, they also have a chance with my help.

But one thing almost brings me to tears every time I think about it. I have a very good friend who’s my age (25) and I care for her greatly. She’s class 1 diabetic, and needs insulin to survive, or a very specialized diet that would be basically impossible to stick to in a post peak world. I’ve read and read… but it’s useless, without the modern medical system she is going to die an very unpleasant death ( if I’m wrong or misinformed, and if someone can correct me here , please do!!!). All I can do is encourage her to make the most of life now, and try and hide her for the peak oil reality (yeah maybe that’s wrong too but I’m not about to tell her that her life line might not be available in 5-10 years, when there is nothing she can do to help herself.)

Again, if anyone knows of a way someone can live, unmediated with this illness I’d be very happy to hear from you.

Anyone else have a loved one that will perish if/when the medical system collapses? Or anyone themselves dependent on it to live?

Thanks for reading.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby Jack » Thu 10 May 2007, 21:50:03

I recognize that the situation is painful for you - and, in fact, most of us know at least one such person. As our lifespans have expanded, our need - our absolute requirement - for ongoing medical care has increased.

Your young friend's age is, of course, an issue; that said, the prospective pain of loss remains despite age. And that's the problem, you see - because it's most unlikely that any of us will live as long as we might have expected to. Her problem is a reflection of the same problem we will all share.

If I may suggest - enjoy the here and now. The present. Perhaps Peak will be delayed. Maybe a cure will be found - lots of people are working on it, and it may be that the race will be run on that front. And keep in mind that neither you, nor I, nor anyone else has any certainty that we'll outlive your friend.

Good luck.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby wisconsin_cur » Thu 10 May 2007, 21:54:32

I think we also feel despair for the people we love who will be caught up in events and either die as a result of those events or who are so caught up in the dominant paradigm will never be the people we loved, even if they continue physically.

I showed a co-worker A Crude Awakening last week and his response was, "If 50% of this is true I need to call my kids and say, "Sorry, I just didn't know." That is a sentiment we all feel.
http://www.thenewfederalistpapers.com
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby What_Went_Wrong » Thu 10 May 2007, 22:01:15

I guess it's just the feeling of being powerless for her, I feel with the plan I have, I have a chance to live on longer then many and be a part of forming what the future will be post peak, albeit in a very small way. It just pains me she can not be part of that mission as shes very bright and would understand the issues at hand.

I'm a doomer with a positive attitude in the role I can play, I just wish to god she was not going to suffer such a death at a young age when shes someone that could have made it otherwise. Ah I dunno, Just venting, I understand it's not an exclusive situation to myself.

Thanks for your input guys.
Last edited by What_Went_Wrong on Thu 10 May 2007, 22:10:39, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby Sheb » Thu 10 May 2007, 22:10:16

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('What_Went_Wrong', ' '),,,She’s class 1 diabetic, and needs insulin to survive, or a very specialized diet that would be basically impossible to stick to in a post peak world. I’ve read and read… but it’s useless, without the modern medical system she is going to die an very unpleasant death ( if I’m wrong or misinformed, and if someone can correct me here , please do!!!). All I can do is encourage her to make the most of life now, and try and hide her for the peak oil reality (yeah maybe that’s wrong too but I’m not about to tell her that her life line might not be available in 5-10 years, when there is nothing she can do to help herself.)

Thanks for reading.


Yep, most of us have loved ones in similar situations. You hit on a good and valid point. As for your friend, there is more you can do...you can educate her on Peak Oil. Nothing is foolproof, and maybe she will not be able to, or just won't choose to prepare enough, but if there are things she can do, then if she finds out only when TSHTF, how fervently might she wish she had at least some time to prepare.

As for things she *could* do...well maybe move to a place that might have a good relative long term stability (Hint...not the middle east or large metropoli) NZ comes to mind. She can also, while living life to the fullest, use her time well. I know that bottled insulin has a shelf life of only 28-days. but she can make sure that she always has a fresh supply. Also, you mentioned a special diet as an alternative. What kind of dietary preps can she take? What about long-term insulin synthesis of insulin? And general health matters, too. If she sees something coming, then she will be able to choose to always keep herself in good health and get medical issues taken care of sooner rather than later.

She will always have diabetes, and will--like all of us--die. But with time and awareness, she can imporve her odds and her condition. Point is, right now it's just blind luck for her. If she is aware of what may be coming, she at least can change that a little. Maybe telling her would not be such a bad idea.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby What_Went_Wrong » Thu 10 May 2007, 22:27:38

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Sheb', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('What_Went_Wrong', ' '),,,She’s class 1 diabetic, and needs insulin to survive, or a very specialized diet that would be basically impossible to stick to in a post peak world. I’ve read and read… but it’s useless, without the modern medical system she is going to die an very unpleasant death ( if I’m wrong or misinformed, and if someone can correct me here , please do!!!). All I can do is encourage her to make the most of life now, and try and hide her for the peak oil reality (yeah maybe that’s wrong too but I’m not about to tell her that her life line might not be available in 5-10 years, when there is nothing she can do to help herself.)

Thanks for reading.


As for things she *could* do...well maybe move to a place that might have a good relative long term stability (Hint...not the middle east or large metropoli) NZ comes to mind. She can also, while living life to the fullest, use her time well. I know that bottled insulin has a shelf life of only 28-days. but she can make sure that she always has a fresh supply. Also, you mentioned a special diet as an alternative. What kind of dietary preps can she take? What about long-term insulin synthesis of insulin? A


Well this says

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', ''')A doctor can construct a meal plan for you to control your glucose levels. This meal plan should be followed to the letter because it is not merely a diet, it is an effort to control a disease without the use of medications.'


So yeah, maybe it's not as fruitless as it may seem. I must admit I'm not having much luck finding the diet on the internet.. but I'm sure it's worth talking to a doctor about the options, maybe the diet will be consistent with foods that can be grown. long-term insulin synthesis of insulin is not something I had heard of before and looks very interesting thank you for that.

This is why I love this site ;) Being proactive toward these situations is what keeps the panic/despair away for me, and helps me enjoy the time I do have so I appreciate the input. If I can find some kinda glimmer of hope on this subject, I think I will approach her with peak oil. I know she will understand and embrace the subject matter, then probably in turn help her own family and friends.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby enakllitrah » Thu 10 May 2007, 23:36:13

We have a 'diabetes epidemic' in NZ and our health system struggles to cope... It seems there is always a doctors/health workers strike on also. I think there will be many left out in the cold in future. I think I would broach the subject and suggest trialling dietary control while there is still a safety net... at least the there is some hope.

"relative long term stability">>> NZ? ha ha ha.
We have very high per capita violence, especially where I live unfortunately.
But I guess it's a relative thing, and might improve as the methamphetamine "P" supply tapers off.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby Sheb » Fri 11 May 2007, 00:03:43

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('enakllitrah', '
')"relative long term stability">>> NZ? ha ha ha.
We have very high per capita violence, especially where I live unfortunately.
But I guess it's a relative thing, and might improve as the methamphetamine "P" supply tapers off.


Glad I amused you;) I was thinking more long term stability, as it says above. NZ is pretty isolated, except for cheap-oil-enabled transportation (which seems to be in its twilight years). I was also thinking the south island...I take it you are in the north?

As you indicated, violent crime is relative. Hell, I'm sure Vatican city has violent crime from time to time. But in terms of that, on a per-capita basis, NZ follows after Britain, Austrailia, US, and Canada (in that order...correct me if I'm worng). Not to mention mexico, the middle east, all of africa, indonesia, and south america. What does that leave? I'm inclined to be willing to accept NZ's violent crime rate :) I'd sure pick it over 90% over the other countries.

How about you, enakllitrah? Where would you pick? Of course, if you are simply trying to give everyone the reverse-sell, I can't blame you.

Now, to get this back on topic...you're saying that there is a major diabetes epedimic there...type 2, right?
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby Evltre » Fri 11 May 2007, 01:06:45

Don't start telling everyone to send their sick and dying loved ones here - with our ageing population we have enough on our hands! ;)

I'm not in your situation of immediately having a loved one who wouldn't make it in a TSHTF scenario. But, what scares me as a woman, is the thought that I would have died giving birth to my son if it were not for modern medicine and technology!

While I swing from mildly optimistic, to darkly pessimistic in my view of the future, one area I think we will not necessarily go completely backwards is medicine. Having said that "heroic measures" might be a thing of the past.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby POAlex » Sat 21 Jul 2007, 13:04:22

That's a very difficult question. I feel your hurt and pain when dealing with this subject matter especially with someone suffering from something like that.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby EnergyUnlimited » Sat 21 Jul 2007, 13:20:40

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('What_Went_Wrong', '
')But one thing almost brings me to tears every time I think about it. I have a very good friend who’s my age (25) and I care for her greatly. She’s class 1 diabetic, and needs insulin to survive, or a very specialized diet that would be basically impossible to stick to in a post peak world.

Don't worry about that.
Insulin is rather simple medication and one or another form of it will be available even in complete economic collapse environment, naturally if you have money to pay for it.
So you don't need to worry about your friend.
She will get away with poorer quality of life, eg necessity of several injections a day, early onset of blindness and shorter life expectancy but you will have her around for 30 or even 40 years more (if you can stand with her that long...).
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby lateStarter » Sat 21 Jul 2007, 16:11:23

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('EnergyUnlimited', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('What_Went_Wrong', '
')But one thing almost brings me to tears every time I think about it. I have a very good friend who’s my age (25) and I care for her greatly. She’s class 1 diabetic, and needs insulin to survive, or a very specialized diet that would be basically impossible to stick to in a post peak world.

Don't worry about that.
Insulin is rather simple medication and one or another form of it will be available even in complete economic collapse environment, naturally if you have money to pay for it.
So you don't need to worry about your friend.
She will get away with poorer quality of life, eg necessity of several injections a day, early onset of blindness and shorter life expectancy but you will have her around for 30 or even 40 years more (if you can stand with her that long...).


Even if what you say is true about insulin being a rather simple 'medication' to produce, what would be the economic motivation for the companies that produce it now, to produce it in a time of 'complete economic collapse' - meaning nobody was employed or insured. Are you saying that they would continue to produce it because a few very wealthy people with Type-I diabetic children would be willing to buy it?

The rest of your comments regarding 'poorer quality of life' for 30-40 years tell me that you are probably thinking about Type-2 diabetes. Type 1's don't have the luxury of cutting back on their insulin because they can't afford it, or they have to pay the electric bill this week instead of buying insulin. If they screw up their regimen of injections, in less than a week, Type-1s will be in the emergency room or dead.

BTW, my only child (26) is Type 1. I'm pretty sure, that I will live longer than he will. Not something I like to think a lot about...
We have been brought into the present condition in which we are unable neither to tolerate the evils from which we suffer, nor the remedies we need to cure them. - Livy
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby Fiddlerdave » Sat 21 Jul 2007, 23:13:24

Just exactly how is someone supposed to "move" to these places? I've done some checking around with a disabled (but productive) friend in mind, and good health is top of the list for qualifying for these countries' immigration lists.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby EnergyUnlimited » Sun 22 Jul 2007, 05:19:42

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('lateStarter', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('EnergyUnlimited', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('What_Went_Wrong', '
')But one thing almost brings me to tears every time I think about it. I have a very good friend who’s my age (25) and I care for her greatly. She’s class 1 diabetic, and needs insulin to survive, or a very specialized diet that would be basically impossible to stick to in a post peak world.

Don't worry about that.
Insulin is rather simple medication and one or another form of it will be available even in complete economic collapse environment, naturally if you have money to pay for it.
So you don't need to worry about your friend.
She will get away with poorer quality of life, eg necessity of several injections a day, early onset of blindness and shorter life expectancy but you will have her around for 30 or even 40 years more (if you can stand with her that long...).


Even if what you say is true about insulin being a rather simple 'medication' to produce, what would be the economic motivation for the companies that produce it now, to produce it in a time of 'complete economic collapse' - meaning nobody was employed or insured. Are you saying that they would continue to produce it because a few very wealthy people with Type-I diabetic children would be willing to buy it?

As long as there are consumers willingful to pay, there will be manufacturers, who will supply it.
That will hold true, even if overall economic activities will be reduced by 90% or so.

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')he rest of your comments regarding 'poorer quality of life' for 30-40 years tell me that you are probably thinking about Type-2 diabetes. Type 1's don't have the luxury of cutting back on their insulin because they can't afford it, or they have to pay the electric bill this week instead of buying insulin. If they screw up their regimen of injections, in less than a week, Type-1s will be in the emergency room or dead.

Insulin pumps, "pens" etc will all be gone, but unsophisticated delivery means (syringes) will be around for centuries to come.
I don't foresee physical shortage of insulin in first world, as it is rather trivial to manufacture.
Much of high tech fanciness will be gone but basic means of drug delivery is going to stay around.
One of my neighbors has Type I for last 35 years and is still alive.
High tech drug delivery systems were not needed to keep him alive.
As long as there is no physical shortage of insulin, one can keep going even in relatively primitive environment, as long as he can pay for that drug.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby Fiddlerdave » Sun 22 Jul 2007, 05:35:18

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'A')nyone else have a loved one that will perish if/when the medical system collapses? Or anyone themselves dependent on it to live?

To get back to your original question here, its not going to take a PO collapse of the medical system. My friend is trying to get me to teach her a reliable way to commit suicide when her money runs out about a year from now. She is in the last phase of probably getting turned down for SSD (including having a lawyer), and one of the major cutbacks for job market losses and medical cost increases is the job descriptions ("receptionist, must lift 40 lbs")and health database checks is that the disabled just are not getting jobs.

As groceries and utilities, and rent double with Section 8 discontinued (it had 7 year waiting lists anyway) , the helpless and desperate will be wiped out way before the system collapses. But these are quiet suicides, no headlines generated, I am sure.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby Sys1 » Fri 27 Jul 2007, 05:54:34

My girlfriend is epileptic. She must takes medicines everyday to avoid coma... and death. I plan to marry her, and i hope that as oil production will go south, our politic will consist in using the remaining energy to preserve health care instead of filling cars.
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Re: Despair for loved ones who need the medical system to li

Unread postby SaitoHawkeye » Mon 07 Jun 2010, 20:11:51

Seems like as good a place as any to start posting, since the person the OP talks about is essentially the same person I am - young, fairly healthy but Type I diabetic through the vagaries of fate, and utterly frakked if and when the global supply chains and pharma companies come tumbling down.

Type 1 diabetics cannot live without insulin, and to manage w/o test trips, glucometers, etc., isn't much easier.

I suppose if I'm lucky, the crash will be slow rather than sudden, and I can eke out a decade of life on accumulated reserves of medicine, but I really don't know.

The future suddenly seems much stranger.
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