Do you sometimes worry about your health?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Fortunately, they hate you too!

[Josh500 1,620]

On the blob again?

[Ollie 1,375]

My dad smoked and drank almost every day of his adult life, until he lost one of his kidneys from cancer. Then he spent the next 10 years blaming everyone but himself for his problems until his death from lung cancer. He continued to smoke heavily after losing his kidney, even while undergoing chemo for lung cancer.

In 1998, 2 years before he was diagnosed with cancer on his kidney, he suffered a series of small strokes from his lifestyle, that was enough for me to quit smoking and drinking. Although I still enjoy an alcoholic beverage every now and then I don't drink anywhere as much as I used to.

[Josh500 1,620]

My father was a heavy drinker and smoker, too. Two years ago, when he was 54, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He accepted the news with a kind of tired resignation, as if he had expected this all along. Fortunately, the operation and chemotherapy worked, and he is doing fine now . . . but I think it's too early to say he's "over the hill."

Anyway, drinking alcohol every now and then is okay, I think, even good for your health (especially wine). However, I have never smoked. Smoking is only good if your intention is to slowly kill yourself . . . and painfully, at that.

[Ollie 1,375]

Well I'm glad your dad is going to be ok. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy many more years with him.

Now if I can only get over this eating disorder I have. Everything I see I love to eat.

[Elmo Lewis 7]

I am well aware of the risks my life-style carries, and I thank people who remind me of them, as I take it as sign of appreciation.

However, I would rather season a short life with small pleasures than live a long one without them. I claim the right to change my mind as soon as my health worsens, though.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

I am well aware of the risks my life-style carries, and I thank people who remind me of them, as I take it as sign of appreciation.

Yeah right!

[Josh500 1,620]

I am well aware of the risks my life-style carries, and I thank people who remind me of them, as I take it as sign of appreciation.

However, I would rather season a short life with small pleasures than live a long one without them. I claim the right to change my mind as soon as my health worsens, though.

Well, there's all sorts of "small pleasures."

I just think smoking shouldn't be one of them, even if it's not forbidden by law. But then, as you say, it's up to each individual to decide.

[Elmo Lewis 7]

Well, Josh, that's like me saying that you shouldn't listen to film music because there are "other genres".

I am well aware of the risks my life-style carries, and I thank people who remind me of them, as I take it as sign of appreciation.

Yeah right!

Well, the alternative proved to be tough on my patience and that of those around me.

[Josh500 1,620]

Well, Josh, that's like me saying that you shouldn't listen to film music because there are "other genres".

Haven't you still gotten the point?

Smoking is bad for your health.

Music--whatever genre--is not.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Well, the alternative proved to be tough on my patience and that of those around me.

Just take another swig!

[Elmo Lewis 7]

Well, Josh, that's like me saying that you shouldn't listen to film music because there are "other genres".

Haven't you still gotten the point?

Smoking is bad for your health.

Music--whatever genre--is not.

I get that point. It's on big letters in every pack of cigarettes.

It just wasn't the point I was making. There are alternatives to everything - be it musical genres, pleasures, or types of jeans. The fact that they exist doesn't mean that we should neglect whatever pleases us the most.

Well, the alternative proved to be tough on my patience and that of those around me.

Just take another swig!

Hmm. It is past five after all.

[Thor 9,362]

Was just told a couple of days ago that I have a liver inflammation and most likely also an auto-immune disease (white blood cells attacking healthy organs as if they were foreign matter). That would explain some of the other pains I've had over the last few years (chest/lungs, oral cavity, digestion system, maybe even the tinnitus). There is no cure for this disease, it's chronic and I will use medicines for the rest of my life.

Devastating news to me, as I wasn't ready to get this shit at the age of 33, but I'm trying not to let it swallow me.

Wow, sorry to hear this...

Do you know the exact name of the illness/disease? And is it a genetic thing?

Thanks!

No, it's not genetic. If it is indeed an auto-immune disease, it is quite serious and I will have to live with it for the rest of my life. I'm hoping as long as possible that it's not that, but the doctor said it was likely, given the symptoms and my recent liver failure. I will have a biopsy on Thursday (where they take out a bit of my liver to investigate it), and hopefully that will get some more answers. The other issues are worked on simultaneously, by other specialists.

What frustrates me is that it's so goddamn chronic. It won't go away, and it's been building up since 2008. And right now, it prevents me from having a normal life. I can't work, I can't drink, I can barely socialize or go for a walk. It's basically a full-time job to get one's health back on track. It's enough to plunge a man into deep depression. Fortunately, I have a strong psyche and am still adament about getting back to some kind of normal life.

*knock on wood*

[crocodile 9,724]

I have a similar thing (of unknown origin) and I'm taking medication every day for few years now.

Karol

[Datameister 2,586]

So sorry to hear that, Thor (and crocodile). Chronic conditions suck, even when the symptoms are being managed. I hope they're able to take good care of you.

[crocodile 9,724]

The last I checked (in February) it was much better than two years ago. So it's not bad at all. For now at least.

Karol

[Koray Savas 2,260]

That's some tough news Thor and Karol. Hope you guys get well eventually. Think of it this way, more time to listen to John Williams!

Did I mention that I hate-hate-hate smokers?

Seriously, I can't stand them, especially when they smoke within 50 feet of me.

Once a smoker is outside, I feel they have the right to smoke wherever they please as long as they are courteous. Inside, I can understand, but you could easily move out of their way too.

[Trent B 354]

Definitely not good you're on blood pressure meds Joe (Data). Hell you're younger than me!

My dad was a smoker for a long time. Then one day upon stress and smoking he had to have a heart 5 bypass surgery because of it. Suffice it to say he quit cold turkey after having the heart surgery.

My brother Randy smokes and he's had a couple of heart attacks and stints put in all ready but he refuses to give up the smoking. He's in his early 40's and his wife is a couple of years younger than him and has gone through the same thing. It's sad that he won't give up the smoking despite the complications he has had all ready for it.

I don't really like the smell of cig smoke and I personally take offense to someone who has no regard of others and feels they need to puff one every where.

I'm glad most restaurants these days have basically said no smoking inside.

[Datameister 2,586]

I'm not a fan of the smell of cigarette smoke, and I try to avoid it when possible. I must admit, when I'm at work, I occasionally find a smoker in a non-smoking area, and inside, I'm a little gleeful inside to be able to tell them to either put it out or go to a smoking area. I'm always very nice about it, and they usually are, too, but there's a part of me that really enjoys having the right (and duty!) to tell someone to stop smoking near me.

I just don't find the pros to outweigh the cons when it comes to smoking. As I see it, the pros are the positive feelings from the nicotine and whatever social benefits it might afford in some circles. The cons are dependency, cost, increasing social stigma, a smell that many find unpleasant, and an increased likelihood of dying an unpleasant, premature death. If someone else decides that those cons are not enough, I figure it's not really any of my business unless I'm close to them or they're putting my health at risk through significant secondhand smoke.

As for drinking, I just never had any interest in it. I see no problem with it in moderation, but I just can't bring myself to want to drink. Probably not the best thing for my ridiculously sensitive stomach, anyhow.

[BLUMENKOHL 1,110]

Honestly drinking is more fun when you are sober and everyone else is drunk.

My wife and I mainly drink on romantic outings and while on vacation. In groups of people we prefer to sit back and enjoy the show, while sipping good ol' water or tea or coffee...or a cider at worst.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

I only drink on social occasions, or to enhance sex, or when I'm alone for 20 minutes...

[hornist 1,261]

There is nothing more annoying then someone who has smoked for decades and suddenly stops. It's like being with a born-again Christian.

And I don't even smoke.

Gladly you know that I'm never annoying.

Honestly I wasn't even lecturing of the dangers of smoking. And I left the other, not so bad pleasure alone...

[Josh500 1,620]

Was just told a couple of days ago that I have a liver inflammation and most likely also an auto-immune disease (white blood cells attacking healthy organs as if they were foreign matter). That would explain some of the other pains I've had over the last few years (chest/lungs, oral cavity, digestion system, maybe even the tinnitus). There is no cure for this disease, it's chronic and I will use medicines for the rest of my life.

Devastating news to me, as I wasn't ready to get this shit at the age of 33, but I'm trying not to let it swallow me.

Wow, sorry to hear this...

Do you know the exact name of the illness/disease? And is it a genetic thing?

Thanks!

No, it's not genetic. If it is indeed an auto-immune disease, it is quite serious and I will have to live with it for the rest of my life. I'm hoping as long as possible that it's not that, but the doctor said it was likely, given the symptoms and my recent liver failure. I will have a biopsy on Thursday (where they take out a bit of my liver to investigate it), and hopefully that will get some more answers. The other issues are worked on simultaneously, by other specialists.

What frustrates me is that it's so goddamn chronic. It won't go away, and it's been building up since 2008. And right now, it prevents me from having a normal life. I can't work, I can't drink, I can barely socialize or go for a walk. It's basically a full-time job to get one's health back on track. It's enough to plunge a man into deep depression. Fortunately, I have a strong psyche and am still adament about getting back to some kind of normal life.

*knock on wood*

Well, wish you all the best.

With medical advancements made every day, I am sure a cure--or at least more effective medicine--will be developed in the not-so-distant future.

[Trent B 354]

With medical advancements made every day, I am sure a cure--or at least more effective medicine--will be developed in the not-so-distant future.

I do agree medicine has advanced big time, especially in the heart department.

Every time I've had a heart surgery they said there was nothing more they could do for me. However, when the next one rolled around they advanced their studies so much they were able to do more than what they had done 10 years previous. I've also unfortunately gotta have heart surgery every 10 years. Then every 5 years to replace my pacemaker.

Speaking of hearts, can't believe come November of this year it'll be 1 year since I had my pacemaker put in. My body still hates the thing being in there. Life is such a bitch in this department.

[Thor 9,362]

Well, wish you all the best.

With medical advancements made every day, I am sure a cure--or at least more effective medicine--will be developed in the not-so-distant future.

Thank you.

I hope so, since I have several chronic things. For example, I hope they some day find a cure for tinnitus (since this has seriously hampered my music listening pleasure).

Damn, I'm nervous about the liver surgery tomorrow. Just took a lot of blood samples at the hospital in case I'll have an internal bleeding. If I don't log in here for a few days, you'll know something is wrong.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

I hope we wont see pictures of your liver on a pack of sigarettes as a warning...

[Wojo 2,458]

I just wanted to wish you good luck, Thor. We're all counting on you.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

For example, I hope they some day find a cure for tinnitus (since this has seriously hampered my music listening pleasure).

I'm pretty sure I've got this. Steady high pitch noise, right? I hear it at night when I try to go to sleep. Doesn't really bother me, though, since almost any external noise blocks it out.

[Thor 9,362]

For example, I hope they some day find a cure for tinnitus (since this has seriously hampered my music listening pleasure).

I'm pretty sure I've got this. Steady high pitch noise, right? I hear it at night when I try to go to sleep. Doesn't really bother me, though, since almost any external noise blocks it out.

Well, everyone has a bit of a buzz in the ears when it's silent around them. Tinnitus is slightly more serious than that, and comes in various forms and shapes and degrees (common among men in the 60+ age group, but also appearing in young people like myself). For my own part, I have constant buzzing in my left ear and beeping in my right. All the time. Every waking second. Background noise can mask some of it, but not altogether. I have a specially designed pillow with speakers inside that have several different sounds I can select (waves crashing, rain falling etc.) in order to fall asleep.

[King Mark 3,975]

I totally freak out if I think something's wrong with my health (I do have some anxiety related issues ) .I don't smoke or drink and try to keep a healthy weight , hoping it'll prevent trouble until I'm old

Hope you liver biopsy doesn't reveal anything too serious or at least manageable Thor

[Koray Savas 2,260]

Aren't you a MD?

[King Mark 3,975]

it makes it even worse

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Drinking lots of alcohol protects your teeth and gums, right? Because it kills the bacteria.

[Wojo 2,458]

I just eat lots of spicy food and hot peppers, to keep the parasites out of my GI.

[King Mark 3,975]

Drinking lots of alcohol protects your teeth and gums, right? Because it kills the bacteria.

Cider has sugar in it so it's no good. And you still have to brush your teeth and floss no matter what. Mouthwash can't replace that

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Are those sonic brushes any good? they cost a lot of money?

[King Mark 3,975]

I guess but I haven't tried them

I've used Interplak with individual rotating tuffs for the past 25 years, but the company that makes it seems to have discontinued it now. I bought 2 extra ones last year and a bunch of replacement brushes but I'll have to change eventually.

A good example of a great product that gets discontinued because they don't sell enough and overshadowed by it's competitors aggressive marketing (i this case Oral-B, which I don't like their electric "rotating cup" toothbrush)

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

I have the Oral-B one, It's ok I suppose. Got a card from my dentist saying it's that time agian.

The problem is, my dentist looks like a cross between John Malkovich and that guy who played the serial killer in Michael Man's Manhunter.

[King Mark 3,975]

Well there is one Oral B I like ,it's the Pulsar, a mix of a regular toothbrush and micropulse battery action. I sometimes use that when my Interplak isn't recharged.

They're disposable and come in mukltipacks

[Ollie 1,375]

I brush my teeth once a day in the morning and that's it. I do use mouthwash too. Never floss either.

Never had a cavity.

I would also suggest for those who have or worry about health issues to look at their lifestyles. Exercise, moderate drinking, getting plenty of rest, eating a little healthier, quitting smoking etc etc.

It can make a difference. I know some issues are hereditary and I know that things pop up even if you take care of yourselves and I know it's hard to quit things but it can be done.

I know I'm the last one to be talking because at one time I was in very good shape and as I've gotten older I've let myself slide and packed on the weight.

[Datameister 2,586]

In recent years, I've tended to brush once in the evening, sometimes flossing and sometimes not. I'm trying to get back into the habit of also brushing in the morning now...and flossing every single day...I used to be good about that.

But I've still never had a cavity. Er...well, there was one time they saw a teeny little cavity that they just filled on the spot, but that doesn't really count.

Had braces for seven years, though.

[Wojo 2,458]

I brush my teeth once a day in the morning and that's it. I do use mouthwash too. Never floss either.

Never had a cavity.

Same, except I don't use mouthwash that often. My teeth aren't the whitest, but they're still intact.

My dental hygienist is cute. Every time I visit, I eat a whole package of Oreo cookies while waiting in the lobby. Sometimes she has to cancel the rest of the afternoon’s appointments.

[Jay 46,242]

I brush my teeth once a day in the morning and that's it. I do use mouthwash too. Never floss either.

Never had a cavity.

Same, except I don't use mouthwash that often. My teeth aren't the whitest, but they're still intact.

Ditto. I also just brush my teeth once a day (though I do it at night - I can't stand going to bed with a dirty mouth). Never had a cavity (other than a recent one, but that was caused by my wisdom teeth being crooked and pushing against the teeth in front of it for years, not anything else). And I rarely use mouthwash and NEVER floss

My dental hygienist is cute. Every time I visit, I eat a whole package of Oreo cookies while waiting in the lobby. Sometimes she has to cancel the rest of the afternoon's appointments.

[King Mark 3,975]

Well brushing once a day is ok if your don't miss a spot .

Flossing is important to prevent gingivitis and gum disease which most adults past 40 have to a degree (if you don't floss).

[Koray Savas 2,260]

I brush whenever I shower, so once a day. Used to floss a few times a week but slowly stopped.

[BLUMENKOHL 1,110]

Regular mouthwash use is your one way ticket to various oral cancers.

Flossing is important to prevent gingivitis and gum disease which most adults past 40 have to a degree (if you don't floss).

What are your thoughts on the Waterpik...type flossing devices? Do they work?

[Wojo 2,458]

Bart: Do I have to brush my teeth tonight?

Homer: Just wash your mouth out with soda.

[BLUMENKOHL 1,110]

Soda is industrial solvent mixed with sugar. Mmmmmm mmmmm.

[Wojo 2,458]

What does not kill us makes us stronger.

Or manifests as cancer in thirty years when we have lost track of the causes.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

What does not kill us makes us stronger.

Tell that to Thor after his liver has exploded...