SLOPING OFF...
...the Newsletter of Christchurch and District Model Flying Club for...June 2024
THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW
Diogenes syndrome
There has recently been been a thread on Post Office rubber bands, either picked up off the pavement or purloined in some other way.They are useful in holding together “ Stick and Tissue type models” After postal deliveries there seems to be a number of bands left over on the pavement,waiting for the keen Aeromodeller to pick them up! They are both useful,free and long lasting but the post office supply seems to vary a bit from year to year- currently rather poor supply
The bands have come in different colours ”red and brown” have been popular over time…there are also 2 sizes medium and long.
I suffered for some years with the collecting syndrome (see Note 1 - Ed),and used to scan the pavement,while walking our dog Herman,a very bright Rottweilller ( whom I taught to read- but that is another story).
I think 22 was the max number I collected in one walk.I would know where the post office vans would stop,which tended to be a good place to look….also a bit tempting if one or more were balanced on the rear bumper of the van!
As a GP one would see patients who loved to collect things ,and the illness was known as Diogenes Syndrome…something to do with a Greek Hermit living in a cave,with no worldly goods at all …The illness is a variation of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Patients would collect Loery Paintings ( another Story) a good collection choice……or Thimbles ( less good) teaspoons etc…They were always keen to obtain the last one in the set!
With me it was model aeroplane engines (oh dear)…usually it all ended well,so long as the said items had not suddenly dropped in value.
I’m now cured mainly of picking up the bands- possibly a bad back was the answer?
How many collectomania items can you think of? The Bits box is full of tired old wheels!
I have collected...
Model aero engines
Model aero kits
Model boats and Yachts
Sewing machines
Old Bakelite Radios
But now mainly cured (see note 1) …hopefully!
Now what other illnesses can I have ….the above tends to explain why General Practice is a relatively interesting area of medicine, ( and means that those with OCD tend to possibly make better Surgeons
David Bintcliffe
Note 1 (Are you sure? - Ed)