Today we have Hospital Stories pt 1 of 3
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| I would rather go Blind than lose your Love |
CHICKEN SHACK - I'd Rather Go Blind (1969)
I loved squash and had a big game on, if I won it would mean promotion to league one and the chance to compete with County class players. It was a close game but I felt I would win, then everything went blank. When I came to, I was stunned, I could not see from my right eye and blood was dripping from my eye down my cheek.
I was taken to hospital and placed in the Eye Specialist unit for tests. The first night the the Hospital DJ came round and asked for my request. I wanted Atmosphere by Joy Division but he had not heard of them. I went for the clever guy option. I'd Rather Go Blind by Chicken Shack, you get it Eye Specialist Ward, never mind.
It appeared that my Iris was bent and it was a very unique occurrence. I was sent up to Moorfields Eye Hospital London for a painting to be made of my eyeball. On the way back, I asked the driver to drop me off at the pub just outside the hospital. I had a nice pleasant few pints before I went back to my prison.
I was sent to several other places, for specialists to take a look. My eyeball had become quite a celebrity. Each time I always got the driver to drop me of at the pub. Well I was on release.
There was a nurse who I got quite close to, she was going through a divorce and we spent a lot of time chatting. I have to say, I did not realise a daily bed bath was a necessary thing for an eye condition. But did you hear me complain?
All my mates brought in booze for me, I had several half bottles of whiskey and various beers all stacked and hidden in my bedside table. I was high as a kite most evenings. It was a thoroughly enjoyable stay.
About a week later I woke up and I could see again and it has been fine ever since. It just seemed to sort itself out.
If you don't already know you may recognise the lead singer's voice, you are right! It is none other than Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac. She was Christine Perfect in those days.
Below is the first recording of the song by Etta James. Rod Stewart also did a pretty good version on his Never a Dull Moment Album (1972). That was when Rod Stewart was Rod Stewart and not Michael Bubbley.
I loved squash and had a big game on, if I won it would mean promotion to league one and the chance to compete with County class players. It was a close game but I felt I would win, then everything went blank. When I came to, I was stunned, I could not see from my right eye and blood was dripping from my eye down my cheek.
I was taken to hospital and placed in the Eye Specialist unit for tests. The first night the the Hospital DJ came round and asked for my request. I wanted Atmosphere by Joy Division but he had not heard of them. I went for the clever guy option. I'd Rather Go Blind by Chicken Shack, you get it Eye Specialist Ward, never mind.
It appeared that my Iris was bent and it was a very unique occurrence. I was sent up to Moorfields Eye Hospital London for a painting to be made of my eyeball. On the way back, I asked the driver to drop me off at the pub just outside the hospital. I had a nice pleasant few pints before I went back to my prison.
I was sent to several other places, for specialists to take a look. My eyeball had become quite a celebrity. Each time I always got the driver to drop me of at the pub. Well I was on release.
There was a nurse who I got quite close to, she was going through a divorce and we spent a lot of time chatting. I have to say, I did not realise a daily bed bath was a necessary thing for an eye condition. But did you hear me complain?
All my mates brought in booze for me, I had several half bottles of whiskey and various beers all stacked and hidden in my bedside table. I was high as a kite most evenings. It was a thoroughly enjoyable stay.
About a week later I woke up and I could see again and it has been fine ever since. It just seemed to sort itself out.
If you don't already know you may recognise the lead singer's voice, you are right! It is none other than Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac. She was Christine Perfect in those days.
Below is the first recording of the song by Etta James. Rod Stewart also did a pretty good version on his Never a Dull Moment Album (1972). That was when Rod Stewart was Rod Stewart and not Michael Bubbley.
WEDNESDAY CLUB - Chicken Shack/Etta James - I'd Rather Go Blind
4/
5
Oleh
sfw
16 comments
Tulis commentsOld Pa, you must have been mightily alarmed by your sudden loss of vision, I know I would have been. Top marks for maintaining a sense of humour, though - 'I'd Rather Go Blind'! Untouchable versions.
ReplySB - Looking back I was not to worried at the time and I don't know why as being blind is one of my worst fears
ReplyFantastic song and a great story. With all that booze, it must have felt like a holiday
ReplyUp there with your best stories OP. I actually lol'd !!!
ReplyI like the Chicken Shack version and it sounds like there is a church organ faintly playing in the background.
Have you heard the Sydney Youngblood version from the late 80's ?? It's worth a listen
Thanks guys...will check out the SY version...it is just a great song!
ReplyScary stuff Old Pa, but I'm glad your bent eye sorted itself out. I'm sure the booze helped (who needs anesthesia?) as no doubt did the daily bed baths!
ReplyYour post reminded me of a long-forgotten squash injury I picked up, which I'll have to write about someday.
TS - will look forward to your aquash story and compare notes
ReplyEtta James all the way. Another great tale. I doubt you'd get away with all that boozing now. I can see the nurse calling over the doctor, "Doctor I think you better take a look at this...patient is showing an incredible tolerance to pain. I haven't administered any pain killers yet". I do remember you always going on about how extremely witty you were choosing this particular song.
ReplyThe question on this readers lip is, what happened to your eye ?? Did your opponent smack you one for beating him as I'm sure you were doing ??
ReplyYeah, you're right LS...what about the eye?
ReplyLS - my opponent he hit me across the head with a frozen chicken or when I come to think about it maybe it was his racket that hit me on the eye. Probably.
ReplyFC - you would never get of with the booz now a days or would any normal person want to. Young,reckless, foolish, alcoholic comes to mind.
ReplyI should have seen that coming OP, then again so should you
ReplyWhy did I not Duck!! quack! quack!
ReplyWas he sent packing for committing a fowl ?
ReplyNow LS that was a bit of a Turkey and that is definately my Swansong
Reply