Friday Fictioneers – Personalised Medicine

~ neilmacdon
russell-working
Photo Prompt © Connie Gayer

He had a white beard, a red suit, and a twinkle in his eye. Yeah, that was my first thought too. And, of course, his name was Kris.

“Look,” he said, beginning the consultation, “the more statins you take, the less likely is cardiovascular crisis, but the greater the chance of cancer.”

Well, that was a kick in the head! I told him to repair the cancer genes. It transpired that meant I’d get dementia instead.

He wound up for the pitch. “Personalised medicine today offers a good death. A massive coronary half way up an Alp is very popular.”

 

 

Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here

72 thoughts on “Friday Fictioneers – Personalised Medicine”

      2. It’s wrongly attributed to John Lennon. It was probably Allen Saunders. And just because something didn’t happen doesn’t necessarily make it untrue – cherish your myths

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  8. So, since we’re talking about meds designed for death, what will the voice over people warn about at the end of the commercials. “Will cause death.” ……crickets…..

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  10. Well done, Neil. This reminded me of those choose your own adventure stories. However, unfortunately, most of us don’t get to choose how we go. Or when for that matter. Much easier when we’re conjuring up dead bodies than working out out own demise.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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  12. This sounds suspiciously like the way scientists manage flora & fauna. They brought in … because … were too plentiful and causing damage, but then the imported species got out of hand so they had to bring in… to control them.
    On the other hand, I haven’t met a person yet who wouldn’t want a nice quick heart attack rather than dying of cancer, living with Alzheimer’s, etc.

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  13. Out of the frying pan into another frying pan! Was this ‘Kris’s’ idea of an early Christmas present, if so – socks next year please! Great story Neil and I love your new pic – very good

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  18. Dear Neil
    What a delightfully cynical story. You envisage a rational world where we are prepared to trade length of life for quality of life. I think the comments on your story tell us their own eloquent story of dismay at this approach!
    With best wishes
    Penny

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  29. I suppose you’d die with a view, if you went for the Alpine coronary. I’d have hoped personalised medicine had fewer side- and ill-effects. Oh well, I can keep on dreaming for the perfect pill.

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    1. Have you considered also the other products on offer? Five symphony orchestras playing the Rite of Spring through amplifiers? Big Bertha is also very popular

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