(I wrote this in September 2021)

A few days ago, I was admitted to hospital because I was in great pain and patiently incontinent. My prostate, like so many in the service of male octogenarians, had swollen and trapped urine in my bladder. But some leaked uncontrollably. Doctors, nurses, radiologists, pharmacists, and numerous staff who labour in offices, kitchens, laundries, laboratories, and reception desks, all combined to see me diagnosed, treated, medicated, and sent on my way with a plan of action. I am now at my daughter’s home where she and my granddaughter are doing their best to support me until I am reasonably independent.

What are my chances of being reasonably independent and, if I am, for how long? I live alone and I am within a few days of my 86^th birthday. At worst, and not unlikely, I will have to live with a catheter draining my bladder into a plastic bag strapped to my leg. Now, the apparatus leaks, and I must wear incontinence pads.  So do many others I know. They will recognise the adjustments living like this requires of us. In my case my morale has leaked away into a mental sort of plastic bag, and I am forced to conclude that I am frail and incontinent. Can I still be a useful citizen, or will I add to the burden on the taxpayer and the many charitable organisations?

I am lucky to be alive during a great revolution which compares to – but far outpaces – the industrial revolution between 1760 and 1840. Some of the recent advances have made our lives so much easier and more salubrious but some have helped those who would take us all back into a brutal nightmare in which man’s inhumanity to man and women are hugely facilitated.

I am disturbed by this gathering storm and by the portents of conflict for the second time in my life. In this context my book about Libya came out on 15^th August. As I worked at it the brutality and corruption that is endemic in Libya became clearer. I hope I can persuade you to read it. It is called ‘War Lord – Khalifa Haftar and the future of Libya’. My Amazon page is here. War Lord: Khalifa Haftar and the Future of Libya: Amazon.co.uk: Oakes, John: 9781398107786: Books.

I will try to write about it and about the progress of my geriatric ailments in future posts. I hope some amongst you will do me the favour of responding with advice and constructive criticism.

John Oakes

19^th September 2021.