Comments for Welcome to Dr Roger K.A. Allen's Blog

Comment on Dry mouth in sarcoidosis (Xerostomia) by Chris Wakeham

Chris Wakeham — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:14:10 +0000

Dear Dr Allen,
I have been diagnosed(approximately 13 years ago) with skin borne Sarcoidosis. Unfortunately, at about the time the RBH found this I had an Inferior Myocardial Infarction as well. Obviously, when transfered to Prince Charles hospital they thought they’d struck gold, but, it turned out to be caused by Prinzmetal variant angina after exhaustive testing including thallium, gallium and everything else they could lay their hands on, to no avail. My current skin specialist is not too interested in the condition as he has little knowledge of it. But from reading your site, I have suffered from the dry mouth symptoms that you describe and throat swelling to the point that I thought that I would vomit. My GP is at a loss so I wondered if you are still practising, if you wopuld be interested in assesing my situation? If so, if you could email me so I could arrange for the necessary referral.
Yours faithfully
C. Wakeham

Comment on Wee Barkie; A Brief History by Roger K.A. Allen, Skipper by Paul Ridden

Paul Ridden — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:10:43 +0000

Hi Roger,
So pleased to see you are still having fun in “Wee Barkie”. You even out did my 35knots.40knots…now that’s serious fun I never felt frightened in Wee Barkie…not like some other yachts I’ve been in (in better conditions).She looks lovely…obviously well looked after and cared for.
Drop me a line…Paul

Comment on Ballina Boy – Now available by Patricia Theaker

Patricia Theaker — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:57:59 +0000

Thoroughly enjoyed the book and could identify with some of your relations – as they are my relations too! Our Mothers are first cousins and that is how I knew you were writing the book. Heard part of your interview with Richard Fidler which prompted me to buy the book. I knew your Father and he helped me medically quite a lot. Would love to catch up with you at some stage to exchange “family” stories.

Comment on Brisbane floods; touching everyone. by Roger Allen

Roger Allen — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:45:36 +0000

Dear Bronwyn,how delightful to hear from you. I would love to hear more from you and to be able to contact Leonard who is mentioned in my book. Please let me know how you find it. Perhaps we could have a cyber re-union.
The book version I am sending you is the corrected version as the publishers initially sent me the uncorrected version. If you know anyone who wants the paper copy, the best way to get one is from my rooms rather than from Xlibris in the USA.

I’ll send you my personal email address. Please pass this on to Leonard. If you know the address or email of anyone else in the book eg Kerry Williams or Clive please let me know.

Kind regards,
Roger
Ballina Boy
http://www.ballinaboy.com

Comment on Brisbane floods; touching everyone. by BRONWYN SANT nee SHARPE

BRONWYN SANT nee SHARPE — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:53:47 +0000

Hello I too am a BALLINA GIRL growing up in the 50′s. I just loved your radio ‘talk’ it was amazing I couldn’t beleive it – it was going down memory lane for me! I remember you used to come around home to play with my brother-LEONARD SHARPE we lived opposite the Church of England in Burnett Street. I remember your father’s sugery I think it was in Tamar Street! My Father had a shop in River Street with our uncle and aunty it was known then as Sharpes Service Store. We all learnt to swim in the Richmond River,Shaws Bay or North Creek. Stephanie Mercer taught me to swim and I remember the Abel Tasman docking at the wharf it was such a big boat. Our neighbour Mr Mills was a harpoonist on a whaling vessel that was also moored at the wharf. We used to go and get the cores out of the pineapples from the cannery and eat as many as we could. I now live in Julia Creek in Queensland and Leonard lives in ENGLAND near Manchester. I can’t wait to read your book. Bronwyn Sant nee SHARPE

Comment on Return to Sfakia by Joanne

Joanne — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:07:00 +0000

Dear Dr Allen,
I am trying to track down a copy of the now out-of-print “The thunder of the guns. A history of 2/3 Australian Field Regiment” by Les Bishop. You cite this as a reference, and it’s a very long shot, but I am writing in case you have a spare copy that I could purchase please?
My Grandfather was in that regiment, and I am very keen to read the book. I’ve contacted the author, but he has none left. The National Library in Canberra has one, but not for outside loan, and I found a copy for sale online but it’s $1300(!!!)
Please reply if you can help.
Thanks,
Joanne

Comment on On Dr Johnson, Sarcoidosis And Medical Writing; More Oats, Sire by Sue Lowe

Sue Lowe — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:02:29 +0000

Well I would certainly like to read your book on sarcoidosis. I was diagnosed with it 15+ years ago and xrays of my lungs taken 5 years prior to that diagnosis indicate that it was present then (I am now 57). Under the care of a respiratory specialist at PCH, Chermside I began with 6 monthly now 12 monthly check ups – blood tests (ACE levels always high), breathing tests (always normal) and chest xray (unchanged over the years) and no subsequent treatment.
However, over the last 3 years I have had a great deal of trouble with my feet. As always, when asked how I had been over the previous 12 months I would tell how my feet (fasciitis at first) continue to be a problem only to be told that that has nothing to do with my sarcoidosis.
Things have escalated this last year to the point where the nerves in my feet seem always to be on the go and nerves in my right shoulder blade like to do an intermittent dance.
I have had a couple of brief episodes of loss of vision in my left eye – possible visual migraines as tests have revealed nothing “nasty”.
On the advice of my physio (who has given me the most help with my feet – not podiatrists) I was referred mid last year to a neurologist.
As my sister suffers from MS this specialist ran a gammut of tests (blood, MRI, glucose tolerance, nerve conduction) and has come to the conclusion that my current problems are in fact due to sarcoidosis and I am to see an immunologist at the end of May. My neurologist is horrified that I have never been referred to a “sarcoid specialist” and no treatment put in place. I explained that during the early years it was a “wait and see what happens” approach and I was told bluntly that prednisone is the recognised treatment and as an obese person I would only become fatter.
I actually cancelled my first appointment with the immunologist and only after being told by my neurologist that she firmly believes that it is the sarcoidosis that is the cause of my problems and that I can be helped with (aggressive) treatment that I have reluctantly made my appointment to see him.
Which brings me to the reason this outpouring “I frequenly see patients with painful balls of their feet”. Yes, this is the latest of my foot problems.
And it is this statement that has helped resolve my doubts about visiting the immunologist next month.
I have felt like the meat in the sandwich – the respiratory specialist saying the neurologist is wrong, the sarcoidosis is confined to my lungs and the neurologist saying the respiratory specialist is wrong and she is sure that the immunologist will recommend treatment.
Having read quite a bit about sarcoid lately, your article has ensured that I will see the immunologist and hopefully be on my way to better health.
Thankyou!
Sue Lowe

Comment on Revisiting my great grandfather, David Childs. by David Childs

David Childs — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:01:42 +0000

Very interesting! I’ve been to Brisbane and have a distant relative there. I am interested in family history.

Comment on Ballina Boy – Now available by Debi

Debi — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:03:07 +0000

How have you found the self publishing journey with Xlibris? Investigating having my book published through them and keen to hear pros and cons of it. Cheers.

Comment on Ballina Boy – Now available by Liz Mason

Liz Mason — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:04:31 +0000

The Ballina Boy is an insightful autobiography packed with many facts as well as memories and reflections. I totally enjoyed reading it and found it very easy to read in the author’s voice. This confronting yet conpassionate book disclosed much about Dr Roger Allen as a child of the fifties and, on every page, it presented many other incidential facts to challenge the reader and present them with a lot more to think about and to question. I enjoyed the fact I was reading more than just a typical self-narrative. The world began on a Thursday, is typical of Roger’s great sense of humour which often came through as does his amazing intellect. How horrific the plough accident must have been for Roger’s mother!

Well done Roger! I look forward to reading the next book about your later years!