DEBBIE VISITS A SPANISH MENTAL HOSPITAL
by Rod
Chapter Two
The flight to Madrid was rather uneventful. I kept thinking of how I was to get
the answers to my questions. I was met at the airport by a young man who turned
out to be a resident studying under Dr. Morales. On the way into town I had a
chance to use my Spanish and found that it came back quickly. He complemented me
and laughed at some of my expressions. I was surprised and happy to hear that he
was taking me to the home of Dr. Morales and would be staying there. This would
save me some money.
Dr. Morales was in his late sixties as was his attractive wife. They graciously
welcomed me and showed me their guest room. After dinner that evening, Dr.
Morales took me into his study where we talked for sometime. He explained his
position and the fact that he was sort of responsible for the standards of care
in the mental hospitals, standards that he had a hard time checking for the
hospitals were spread out over the country.
"My problem, Debbie, is that I get occasional reports of poor care, abuse and
questionable experimental treatment, but when I go to the hospitals, everything
looks fine. I feel that I have to let them know I am coming, otherwise it would
be like the Gestapo making a surprise visit. I think maybe they prepare for my
visits."
I replied, "I guess as your representative I would get the same reception.
But I have been thinking about a different approach. How about your admitting me
to one of those hospitals as a patient? Could you do that?"
"Yes, but I can think of several reasons why this wouldn't work. To begin with I
think you would have a hard time faking mental illness. Next, it could be hard
on you, perhaps even dangerous."
"No, I am very familiar with various forms of insanity including violence, manic
states, paranoia, and extreme agitation. Next, I am tough and actually think
various forms of therapy would be very interesting - and mentioned a few. Also,
I can't imagine any real danger might be involved. You are probably concerned
about sexual abuse, even rape. Well, I'm just finishing my period, so I am not
likely to get pregnant."
"You may be over-estimating your ability young lady, but you seem to have really
thought things through. And I guess I could specify that under no circumstances
should they use electroshock or insulin shock therapy. Hell, maybe you are a
little crazy - and I could sure use the information about what really goes on."
I was excited about the possibility that my imaginative thoughts might really
come to pass. What would it really be like?
"Debbie, you go to bed and think about it. Maybe the answer is to follow me
around my hospital here in Madrid for a few weeks."
"No, I really want to try it," I replied, my hands a little sweaty and my pulse
a little fast.
"I suppose I could set it up with the plan that I would come and get you in five
or six days."
That seemed to be a very short time so I said, "No, if we are going to do it,
let's do it right. How about two weeks?"
His reply was, "I'll think about that. Get a good night's and I'll get my wife
to bring you to my private office at about ten in the morning. I have to make
rounds early and will then see what arrangements I can make. When do you want to
do this?"
"The sooner the better," I replied. I didn't want time to wonder whether I was
really crazy.
