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Hypochondriacs "sicker than previously thought" Apple admits: iMac not actually a real computer 'Hoor in Sewer' arrested in Garda sting News in Brief: Deputies argue over takeaway, more woe for Microsoft |
Although early research into hypochondri-syndrome suggests it is almost certainly incurable, this has not stopped Ledwidge from developing a wide range of placebo treatments which will soon be available in a variety of medicinal-style containers. Hundreds of patients have expressed relief after hearing about my break-through research, says Dr. Ledwidge, Many of them had given up hope of finding any actual health problems. Now, at last, they not only have an official disease to complain of; they also have a choice of powerful placebo products to control the condition. In
this special report, the Evil Gerald has interviewed two complete and
utter hypochondriacs about this sensitive issue, and how Dr. Ledwidges
ground-breaking research has affected them.
I felt I was no longer getting more attention than I deserved. In fact my friends were treating me just like anyone else and Ive never been comfortable with that. But then I saw this Baywatch episode 3 years ago where a kid nearly dies from a bee sting and I suddenly thought, hey, for all I know I could have a fatal allergy to bees too! From that moment I built my whole personality around the fact that I could die painfully at any moment. Things were great until last summer when I got stung by a bee in St. Stephens Green. Not only did I not die, but it didnt even hurt that much or anything I was devastated. H.S. has given me new hope and an endless new source of attention. enthuses the 20 year old. But not everyone is happy for her. My flatmate just doesnt understand my condition and has even questioned Dr. Ledwidges qualifications. But I know shes just jealous. AHEM! AHEUGH! Oh, god, I think Im coming down with pleurasy or something But I suppose learning to face up to prejudice is all part of suffering from H.S. she adds with a martyred smile. Ryan's Story Ryan Scanlan (29) agrees with her. The prejudice you face as a hypochondriac today is just unreal says the Limerick-based businessman. Its as if my friends dont want me to be able to say Im sick. Like last Christmas when I thought I had Glandular Fever, and it turned out to be just a sore throat they were acting all smug and were all like we knew there was no need to worry. It was the same story when I found out I didnt have Foot & Mouth. They always seem delighted to hear that I dont have any serious diseases what a bunch of assholes. Something real Gradually it became more and more difficult to get people to buy into my so-called afflictions Ryan whinges on. All those clean bills of health were being greeted with I told you so and eventually even my doctor suggested that I get a bottle of Cop-On and drink it, so I found some quacks who were more creative in their diagnoses. I collected an impressive number of prognoses including an addiction to opium from a previous life and a rare Oxygen-Allergy. But I knew in my heart it was probably just a load of crap. Now at last with Dr. Ledwidges research I have something real to cling to. Hypochondri-Syndrome is the one diagnostic label I have that is pretty indisputable. When asked whether he felt bitter towards all the friends who had told him to just be grateful for his health, Mr. Scanlan replied Oh, yeah, totally. I mean this is a big two fingers to everybody. I always knew there was something not quite right about me, and this proves it.
Dr. Ledwidges findings have been welcomed by Hypochondria Ireland, who described the report a both long and full of diagrams at a scantily attended press-conference yesterday. We
feel vindicated whined Hypochondria Ireland spokesperson Ms. Geraldine
Killoran, who currently suffers form imaginary diarrhoea as well as really
weird pains in her left elbow. The report conclusively proves
that we really ARE imagining these afflictions, and not just imagining
that were imagining them. |
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