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Original poster

George Best in Hospital

75 replies

Earlybird · 03/10/2005 21:43

Lead story on the news tonight is that he is in hospital in intensive care. I'm finding it hard to understand that this is considered a big story, especially as he's been in this sort of shape many times before. His glory days were such a long time ago, and in the intervening years he's been a shambolic mess - even to those inclined to view his situation sympathetically.

Does anyone really care? Do you feel sorry for him?

OP posts:
Janh · 03/10/2005 21:45

No and no.

But the news report on R4 tonight said it was his kidneys - not his liver - so that's all right then

doormat · 03/10/2005 21:46

No and NO
He has been his own worst enemy.

FairyMum · 03/10/2005 21:47

I don't think he is important news, but I do feel sorry for him for being so ill.

moondog · 03/10/2005 21:50

Good.
Lets hope he dies soon and stops getting on everyone's tits.

mishmash · 03/10/2005 22:10

Sorry Moondog but that statement is a bit harsh - no matter how bad anyone was I would never wish them dead

LadyCodofCodford · 03/10/2005 22:11

I dunno ic an think of few people id liek dead

paolosgirl · 03/10/2005 22:13

No and no. Apparently, the drugs he takes to stop his rejecting the liver also lower his immune sytem, which is why he has this infection. I wouldn't wish ill of him, but it's yet another footballer behaving appallingly, and everyone (Well, not everyone, but YKWIM)making sympathetic noises about what a genius he was .

Original poster
Earlybird · 03/10/2005 22:15

Of course, on a human level, it's tragic. I am simply surprised that Sky News is going with this as their lead story. It is newsworthy, but I'm surprised it's such big news.

OP posts:
SherlockLGJ · 03/10/2005 22:15

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I wonder what someone else could have done with that liver.

Bad advert for the transplant programme if you ask me.

I am so glad that Misdee's Peter isn't waiting for a liver.

moondog · 03/10/2005 22:17

George Best?
George well past his bloody Best more like...
On a human level?? Eh? As opposed to an.....insect level?????

mishmash · 03/10/2005 22:18

I agree that it was a total waste of a liver which could have saved someone more deserving.

paolosgirl · 03/10/2005 22:19

Don't footballers generally have a brain the size of a very small insect?

Dropinthecauldron · 03/10/2005 22:19

Bout time!

beetlejuice73 · 03/10/2005 22:21

Go Moondog!

hunkerpumpkin · 03/10/2005 22:22

I came onto this thread to post "Who cares?" Am glad to see that the answer appears to be "not very many people at all"

Flossam · 03/10/2005 22:24

Totally dissaprove of him as a person getting the liver, however I am sure he is not the only one to piss all over the wonderful gift he has had. Just the only one in the media spotlight. Why he is still there, I haven't a clue. If he were your friend you'd have given up on him long ago.

ThomBat · 03/10/2005 22:25

God, I feel hugely sorry for him. I mean I feel annoyed with him as well, esp as he's been lucky enough to receive a transplant, but then that also shows the level of his addiction. It's awful that he alcohol has that strong a hold on him, that his addiction is so severe. It's tragic, no matter who it is. It's a terrible, awful illness and mist be agonising for his family and friends.

noddyholder · 03/10/2005 22:37

He totally pisses me off.I had to cut short my holiday with my sister this week as I had a kidney infection and a chest infection caused by the same medications as him.I came home in a right state and there wasn't a bed for me so was sent home with antibiotics for 14 days when 2 days iv would have sorted it.He is always getting preferential treatment and is totally blase about the liver he recioeved that could have saved 2 children rather than let him drink it away

bundle · 04/10/2005 07:54

sigh. nice to see compassion is alive & well on mn. hope you're all treated with the same lack of respect should you ever suffer an addictive illness

RosiePosie · 04/10/2005 07:59

I have an alcoholic mother who has been in hospital countless times. I feel about as much compassion for George Best as I do for her. I know it's an illness and an addiction, but she ruined my childhood.

bundle · 04/10/2005 08:03

i'm really sorry about that rosie, and if it was your child who was addicted? just let them rot?

expatinscotland · 04/10/2005 08:21

No and no.

RosiePosie · 04/10/2005 08:29

Well, having an alcoholic parent is very different to having an alcoholic child I think. I definately feel more obliged to my children than to my parents, but if it had reached the point after years of trying to help and failing, then yes I probably would leave my child to it. "Let them Rot", what a horrible expression!

Al Anon actually advise families of alcoholics to turn their backs on the alcoholic once it reaches a certain point. There is nothing anyone can do for an alcoholic if they don't want to be helped. I could spend the rest of my life trying to help my mother, playing mind games, and destroying my life in the process, or I can move on, accept that she will never be helped ( which I don't believe she will after 20 years ) and live my life to the full.

bundle · 04/10/2005 08:42

rosie, quite agree re: you looking after yourself and not letting their behaviour ruin your life too, but I truly believe that there should be help for people like GB, from health professionals..our hospitals would be obviously less busy if we say didn't treat (the self-inflicted) consequences of smoking or the 2/3 of adults who are overweight. "let them rot" is a little harsh, but that's what would happen to a patient like GB if his obviously severe infection was just left to get on with it and nature take its course. i knew a girl who virtually brought up her little sister because her alcoholic mother couldn't be trusted to get them dressed/off to school and the damage it caused was profound. i applaud anyone who manages in such difficult circumstances.

noddyholder · 04/10/2005 08:45

I am definitely not lacking in compassion as my younger brother was addicted to heroin for 5 years and has been clean for 7 and my dp is a recovering alcoholic of 14 yrs.I think George Best has had a terrible time with alcohol but do feel he recieved the liver under false pretences as he says now that he always knew he was going to drink.