In remembrance of TU - PLEASE see your doctor, esp. if you hurt (Publi (1 Viewer)

[SFBayDuck]

A coworker's husband recently died because he had an ingrown toenail that got badly infected. Rather than seeing a doctor to get it fixed he let it get to the point of blood sepsis.

Go see a doctor, guys.

A college buddy of mine (44 years old or so) stepped on a piece of glass in his backyard early this year. He didn't take care of it and it got infected and he started feeling sick. He didn't do anything about that and it turned into sepsis, and that also led to bacterial colonization of his heart and eventually throwing a clot and a stroke.

He's lucky to be alive and they're hoping he'll eventually recover to 80%-90% of what he was, but he's spent the last 6 months in hospitals and rehab facilities trying to re-learn how to walk and talk.

A quick visit to the doctor and 10 days of antibiotics likely would've prevented all of it.

 

[Bucky86]

I never understood the whole never going to the doctor thing? Taking 2 hours to schedule and go see the doctor every year or two, to potentially save your life, seems like a no-brainer

 

[glock]

Koya- thoughts and prayers coming at you, bud. I don't understand the doctor disconnect, either.

With the advent of pretty awesome urgent care facilities, there certainly isn't any scheduling excuse. Simply GO to one to address health issues. Their hours are long and the co-pays totally reasonable. In the last two months I've been treated for Lyme disease on a Saturday morning immediately after seeing symptoms, and a small cut that got infected on a Thursday evening.

Take care of yourselves, guys and gals!

 

[Nigel]

Yup, damn near killed myself two years ago by ignoring symptoms of heart failure for months. I guess I was afraid of finding out what was wrong but its better to know sooner than later. Won't make that mistake again.

 

[Fennis]

Yup, damn near killed myself two years ago by ignoring symptoms of heart failure for months. I guess I was afraid of finding out what was wrong but its better to know sooner than later. Won't make that mistake again.

what were your symptoms?

 

[Nigel]

Racing heart, shortness of breath, no appetite, blurred vision, dizziness when I stood up from sitting, bulging vein in my neck from retaining fluid, depression...I was a mess but managed to not let on to anyone that anything was wrong until it got to the point of ridiculousness. So stupid.

 

[Koya]

I had diverticulitis once. Not fun.

It's either ALL the poop or NONE OF the poop.

 

[Koya]

Haven't had a checkup in forever. This thread made me schedule one for this week. Otherwise I just won't think about it. I'm long overdue.

I've used all my likes (first time wow)...

Trust me, TU would be nodding with approval (assuming with some Pearl Jam playing, Rangers on TV in the background, and a fifth of something and beer. Assuming we don't have these nagging health issues up that way and kidneys last forever. At least in Irish heaven.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

I have a pretty hot female doctor, I look forward to my annual physicals and all it takes for me to book an appointment is a couple of sneezes or coughs. Hell, I've gone in to see her when I've had a really bad hangover.

 

[Koya]

Koya- thoughts and prayers coming at you, bud. I don't understand the doctor disconnect, either.

With the advent of pretty awesome urgent care facilities, there certainly isn't any scheduling excuse. Simply GO to one to address health issues. Their hours are long and the co-pays totally reasonable. In the last two months I've been treated for Lyme disease on a Saturday morning immediately after seeing symptoms, and a small cut that got infected on a Thursday evening.

Take care of yourselves, guys and gals!

Thanks GB. Realized how amazing the care is around here. Between Long Island and St. Francis, Winthrop and NSLIJ, and then Mt Sinai in the city, you have so many exceptional options. Now, it sucks that you may need to know someone who knows someone in certain cases, but with proper research there are some really great Doctors and systems out there.

They still suck like Hospitals do generally, but the medical care is as good as it gets.

LI and NYC folks... I could not recommend St. Francis more. This coming from a good Jewish boy. The nursing staff was unlike anything I have ever seen. Utterly attentive, generally very, very knowledgeable, exceptionally nice and pleasant, which is not an easy thing to feel when you have about four things sticking in you from different angles.

 

[El Floppo]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

 

[Fennis]

Racing heart, shortness of breath, no appetite, blurred vision, dizziness when I stood up from sitting, bulging vein in my neck from retaining fluid, depression...I was a mess but managed to not let on to anyone that anything was wrong until it got to the point of ridiculousness. So stupid.

wow, glad you got it checked out. good luck!

 

[Fennis]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

RIP Floppo

 

[D_House]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

You should go see your doc first. How else would he know to what specialty to refer you? Or if you need specialist care?

 

[El Floppo]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

You should go see your doc first. How else would he know to what specialty to refer you? Or if you need specialist care?

already saw doc for a physical and then specifically for this cough- for which he prescribed antibiotics, inhaler and cough pills. The cough persists almost two months after that.

 

[D_House]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

You should go see your doc first. How else would he know to what specialty to refer you? Or if you need specialist care?

already saw doc for a physical and then specifically for this cough- for which he prescribed antibiotics, inhaler and cough pills. The cough persists almost two months after that.

Sounds like your cough must be different now than when he saw you though. Before he was treating an acute bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia (hence the antibiotics) and now you have a chronic cough. It's totally reasonable to see your primary again so he can re-evaluate and treat or refer as appropriate.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

You should go see your doc first. How else would he know to what specialty to refer you? Or if you need specialist care?

already saw doc for a physical and then specifically for this cough- for which he prescribed antibiotics, inhaler and cough pills. The cough persists almost two months after that.

Sounds like your cough must be different now than when he saw you though. Before he was treating an acute bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia (hence the antibiotics) and now you have a chronic cough. It's totally reasonable to see your primary again so he can re-evaluate and treat or refer as appropriate.

I had bronchitis that turned into walking pnemonia several years back. I went to the doc when I had bronchitis, took a cycle of antiobios and an inhaler and it still didn't affect it. I went back to the doctor, he gave me 2 nebulizer treatments, a giant roid shot in my ### cheek, a new cycle of different antibios, and a cycle of roid pills. It worked.

If you don't trust your doctor, find a new one. If you do trust him, go give him a chance to knock this #### out.

 

[shadyridr]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

You should go see your doc first. How else would he know to what specialty to refer you? Or if you need specialist care?

already saw doc for a physical and then specifically for this cough- for which he prescribed antibiotics, inhaler and cough pills. The cough persists almost two months after that.

my MIL had a persistent cough she ignored for months. Turned out she had lung cancer.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

How does one even find a doctor?

Good grief.

 

[rodg12]

Koya -

Glad you caught that in time, GB.

Great thread as well. Get my annual check-ups and blood work (and I skew younger than most of this crowd, ya bunch of geezers ). This community has always been a great place for a lot of reasons, let's add this to the list. Get your check-ups done fellas. It's pretty freaking easy nowadays and very much worth it.

 

[Limp Ditka]

damn doctor's office didn't call me back after I spoke with receptionist requesting referral to specialist.

I tried. that's it... I'll live with this cough until it kills me.

Probably from inhaling all of those loose scarf fibers.

 

[glumpy]

Pay attention to what the hell your body tells you.

This

 

[Koya]

Just a quick update....

Resting comfortably at home. Yes, sleep schedule is fubared, but I'll take 5am at home over the hospital anytime.

Weird having a tube literally connected to my insides, with its little collector bulb extend to me, loud and around all the damn time. Better than a colostomy bag I suppose (from who's grasp I am not yet free).

Only in the Hospital 5 days (4 nights - excellent service, sub par restaurant room service), but feels like 10. When under such trama everything is so cloudy upon retrospect. thankfully. Half the #### they did to me I was trying to forget as it as happening. Add the two prior weeks of the acute colitis beginning with an ER visit and a ton of docs and tests with apparently negative results.

Adjusting from 24/7 intense medical care and constant nurse tests, probes and checkins to independence is actually scary as ####. What if something goes wrong, is this stupid tube going to rip through my body because I flake, stand up and walk and forget it so it tugs me and hangs. 24 hours ago just taking a wizz meant role over very slow, walk slow to unplug the IV Tower, drag it with you and back and replug in, all the while with IVs and wires AND this stupid containment bag that all can get caught - even a tiny snug hurts like ####. Now, I need just to remember said bag before I stand up and go or ouch. But at least I just go pee a free man, unchained from the fluids.

All in all, so far, so good. Body is an amazing and resilient thing. But only if we give it the tools to work with and finish the job.

 

[El Floppo]

Holy crap, koya... thanks for the update and continued good luck and godspeed w the recovery.

 

[Godsbrother]

Glad you are back home Koya. Just leaving the hospital makes you feel so much better.

While it is definitely important to go to the doc when you have symptoms rather than tough it out, make sure you have regular checkups as well. I do so twice a year (blood work once a year). Better to catch things early if you can.

I had my first colonoscopy at 51 and was told I wouldn't need another for 10 years. I'm 56 now and have one scheduled for Friday -- I would rather do this every 5 years than wait a full decade to find out I have a problem.

 

[glock]

Holy crap, koya...

Reeeally?

 

[glock]

Glad you are back home Koya. Just leaving the hospital makes you feel so much better.

While it is definitely important to go to the doc when you have symptoms rather than tough it out, make sure you have regular checkups as well. I do so twice a year (blood work once a year). Better to catch things early if you can.

I had my first colonoscopy at 51 and was told I wouldn't need another for 10 years. I'm 56 now and have one scheduled for Friday -- I would rather do this every 5 years than wait a full decade to find out I have a problem.

On the "Every 3 Year" plan myself for like, forever, ever since pre-cancerous polyps were found. (I know, right? WTF izzat?)

 

[Koya]

Again, thanks for all the well wishes.

I'm trying to make this a real turning point. Stop talking about better living, diet, exercise, just wellness in general. Reducing self imposed stress.

Tracking my meals. Fat, calories, fiber. Serious about exercise. #### Ive lost 15-20 lbs in maybe 2-3 weeks weeks. (For some people diet is the key, for others its exercise, for me a life threatening case of divirticulitis! )

.When TU passed in Feb, I vowed that would be tbe time. All his friends, we talked about living better, about mens health issues and not being a ##### because you think talking about it and following tbrough are for wusses.

And I meant it.

But it didnt happen. Maybe it was the mourning, the anger, not wanting to think about the very issue we sweared would be embraced.

Now I guess that I know what that 'life changing experience' really is, how you feel like charged to actually and finally change.

 

[Koya]

Holy crap, koya...

Reeeally?

<_<

 

[glock]

Holy crap, koya...

Reeeally?

<_<

 

[El Floppo]

Holy crap, koya...

Reeeally?

<_<

sorry gb- I like to joke... but that one was unintentional

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Holy crap, koya...

Reeeally?

<_<

sorry gb- I like to joke... but that one was unintentional

Suuuuuure it was.

 

[Koya]

BTW, been a year since my first really acute attack - just got my date for final surgery to tie me back together so I can get rid of this colostomy bag and get back to real health. 

A week from today, Thursday the 14th. Can't believe it's already over a year going through this already, glad to be nearly done. 

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

BTW, been a year since my first really acute attack - just got my date for final surgery to tie me back together so I can get rid of this colostomy bag and get back to real health. 

A week from today, Thursday the 14th. Can't believe it's already over a year going through this already, glad to be nearly done. 

hang in there, GB  

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Good luck and very best wishes.  We'll have to have an online celebration when you're all better.

 

[BowieMercs]

BTW, been a year since my first really acute attack - just got my date for final surgery to tie me back together so I can get rid of this colostomy bag and get back to real health. 

A week from today, Thursday the 14th. Can't believe it's already over a year going through this already, glad to be nearly done. 

A good friend of mine has been fighting colon cancer for years. He's in & out of remission and just wont give up, no matter how many surgeries or rounds of chemo. He's an inspiration to a lot of us. He has a humorous nickname for those of us NOT in the "ostomy" club. So on behalf of him, we anxiously await your return to the "society of butt crappers".

 

[Koya]

3 1/2 weeks into recovery.  So far, so good.  

As of the weekend I've been able to at least drive around a little and am dipping my toe into work for the first time (some calls / emails from home, a few more next week, then ramp up to full go by Sept). Nice to be crappin' like a normal human again.  

Between my experience, what MT is going through and all, don't be a ####### #####. Man up, see the doc, get #### checked. 

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

That's very nice to hear.  It should be an awesome fall season.

 

[El Floppo]

really happy about this update.

 

[eoMMan]

3 1/2 weeks into recovery.  So far, so good.  

As of the weekend I've been able to at least drive around a little and am dipping my toe into work for the first time (some calls / emails from home, a few more next week, then ramp up to full go by Sept). Nice to be crappin' like a normal human again.  

Between my experience, what MT is going through and all, don't be a ####### #####. Man up, see the doc, get #### checked. 

Good to hear you are doing better. 

Your bolded comment is so true. Is it really that difficult to get at least an annual exam/bloodwork done? I don't understand people letting this go.

 

[VA703]

Good to hear you are doing better. 

Your bolded comment is so true. Is it really that difficult to get at least an annual exam/bloodwork done? I don't understand people letting this go.

I havnt had a physical in 13 years or so?  went earlier this year and everything checked out just fine. will be going yearly now.. it really is super easy and I don't mind going to work late

so at least I know im eating healthy if all my cholesterol and blood work came back good