Letters: Let's oust Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Latin minister for the 18th century

Big Issue readers react to articles on hysteroscopies, the gender pain gap, voting out Jacob Rees-Mogg and the climate crisis.

Hysteroscopy was ‘sheer agony with no pain relief’

Thank you for raising awareness of women’s experiences of hysteroscopy. I am one of those women. I had always trusted what a doctor told me and thought that I could manage “the possible mild period-like cramping pain” that I might experience. How wrong was I! Sheer agony with no pain relief offered and then held down while the doctor removed the scope. As a result of this experience I no longer attend for any screening that involves potential internal examinations, hence the bowel screening kit has gone in the bin this week… do they honestly think that I could trust what I’m told? Women should not have to die for want of appropriate pain relief for a procedure that can save lives.

Caroline, Richmond

I have a very high pain threshold, I’ve sat and had tattoos done for hours, I’m not bothered by needles or medical procedures. However when I had a hysteroscopy, I’ve genuinely never known pain like it. For the first time in my life, I burst into tears and had to tell them to stop. I was told going in, it would be a “little uncomfortable”. I was in shock and I felt so embarrassed that I’d got so upset during the procedure. Hysteroscopy was awful and I felt brutalised afterwards. The advice I got was take a couple of paracetamol. I’ll never ever forget that experience.

Michelle Moore

For the record

Raheem’s painting is in the Big Issue (see above)! If you are near Costa Coffee in Folkestone do consider purchasing a copy from him, just £4.

Shane Record Paintings

Lovely gentleman, always smiling. I always get a Big Issue in Folkestone from Raheem.

Robin Barry

Challenge accepted

I’m loving my new job and the article with Peter Capaldi, who’d be my first choice to read the audiobook version of my new novel. In response to the letter from Edmund, the Green Party candidate standing against Jacob Rees-Mogg: I’m herewith rejoining the Green Party and humbly accept doing everything in my most mischievous ways to oust the Latin minister for the 18th century. Let’s evict Jacob in style. 

Former Big Issue vendor Will Payne, Bristol

Gorgeous George

Such a pity that George Clarke isn’t in politics. He says it as it is and wouldn’t be swayed by power or money.

Diane Cashen

Heat of the moment

I was very interested to read the article, How nuclear bunkers could save the internet, describing how positioning data centres in disused bunkers could reduce the damaging effects of rising temperatures due to climate change. 

However, I was somewhat puzzled that the article did not also mention the potential to harness the heat given off by these large computer systems in order to generate renewable energy. 

My husband has seen information about a system in development by a company called Heata; we are on their waiting list to take part in a trial where a small data processor will be attached to our water tank. We will benefit from free water heating and they will benefit from free cooling. These small data processors would then be linked via the internet. Other schemes in countries such as Norway and Iceland use this “waste” heat to warm nearby housing.

Rare examples of “win-win”, just a couple of ways in which innovation is contributing to reduce our impact on this precious planet. Perhaps this could make an interesting follow-up article?

Liz Docker, Ashbourne  

Birthday Bird

Many happy returns, John, and congratulations on your amazing ongoing work. Hope all of us who love London and the cities especially support The Big Issue. Bless your heart.

Mark Grey

Take the high road

Sam Delaney should come to Glasgow. I find the drivers courteous and the people very friendly, even in these dark, cold months.

Daphne Wassermann, Glasgow

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