LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Treatment for T.B.
SIR,—May I congratulate you on your reasoned and timely article, T.B. and Sanatoria. After general hospital treatment for pulmonary tuber- culosis in the right lung in the latter part of 1947, I resumed work and physical exercise too quickly, with the result that by November, 1948, the disease had become extensive and bi-lateral. No sanatorium vacancies were available, and the specialists advised me to go to Switzer- land (estimated cost £800), warning me that delay would have serious, and perhaps fatal, consequences. Sufficient money to cover a year's treatment was guaranteed by friends, and X-rays and medical evidence were submitted to the Exchange Control Medical Board. Permission for the requisite currency was refused, and I therefore had no alternative but to remain in bed at home, a serious infective risk to relatives and friends, and in need of constant care and attention. The London Hospital, which maintains two special T.B. wards (not classed as sanatoria) at its Brentwood annexe, was able to admit me in Novem- ber, 1949, and through its excellent care and extensive use of anti-biotics the disease has now been arrested.
My T.B. is attributable to war service, and I am in receipt of a 100 per
cent disability pension.. I was -quite to pay for my own treatment in Switzerland, in order that I might have a reasonable chance of a cure. For the currency allowance of sixteen" tourists I was denied my chance- of health and, in addition, have been a totally unproductive member of the community fof nearly two years. -I am told that it will be at least another twelve monthibefore'l am fif for eveiffnoderately light work.—
Previous page
