Hopefully someone with actual expertise can weigh in here, Steven Green2!
From my own experience, my PSA stays under 4—usually hovering around 1.9 to 2.5. I take 1ml of Sustanon 250 every two weeks for testosterone. I get blood work done every three months, see my urologist every six months, and go in for an annual prostate exam.
To keep those hormone markers in check, they need to stay below 8. I was previously on 100/ml, which seemed fine at first, but then my blood tests showed my levels had dropped to about 2, and I started feeling pretty weak. My doctor switched me to 250/ml every other week; I've been on that for a year now and feel great.
As for my prostate, my last scan (done because of some bladder infections) showed it at 19ml. For a 64-year-old, that's perfectly fine. A typical volume for a younger guy is around 12ml.
I spent about 20 years dealing with similar cluster pains... eventually, I realized it was all just anxiety. It’s most likely stress... but the doctor always insists on... checking my eyes too!
Insomnia in men could be a potential driver for diabetes New research out of Sweden suggests that sleep disorders might hike the risk of developing diabetes in men, though women didn't show the same trend.
Lena Mallon from Uppsala University Hospital and her team sent out surveys regarding sleep disturbances and other potential risk factors to 1,187 individuals aged 45 to 65. This was done in two stages, first in 1983 and again in 1995.
During that timeframe, diabetes developed in 6% of women and 9% of men, according to the report published in Diabetes Care.
Once they accounted for other contributing factors, the scientists found that the risk of developing the disease jumps three times higher for men getting less than five hours of sleep per night. For those who deal with frequent waking, that risk increases nearly fivefold.
Interestingly, no such causal link was found among women.
The researchers suggest there are a few ways sleep deprivation might trigger diabetes.
One theory is that poor sleep triggers the body's stress response, while another is that a lack of rest can mess with carbohydrate metabolism.
Scott Allen10 said:First off, we really need to clarify the question you're asking. You can't start treating something until it's actually confirmed. Since some people love throwing around "lupus" as a catch-all diagnosis without proof, I wouldn't be surprised if this all turns out to be something else entirely.
Exactly... when there isn't another clear answer but the symptoms happen to line up with what we're talking about, doctors often just label it as "Lupus." That's my point.😉
tratinčica31 said:A woman suffered an allergic reaction—not sure which one exactly, but it falls under respiratory allergens. Because of that, she was diagnosed with asthma and the condition mentioned in our title, though that part is still being investigated. She’s already on therapy for both the allergy and the asthma. However, we've been browsing some medical resources and want to know if there's any way to lessen or manage the effects of this lupus, since we were told there isn't a cure yet...
I’ve included the simplest and most helpful link here, and it's in English. This is a complex disease that people often ask about or try to understand because it's so multifaceted. The article includes further links regarding research, different types, and potential triggers. Interestingly, certain medications can actually trigger this condition; there are about 40 drugs on a list that could cause these issues.
This lady was clearly expecting the worst... why don't we ever see an opinion that actually praises the doctors?🙂 👍 👍
November 16, 2005 Name: Elizabeth Email: ---------- Facility: Holy Spirit Department: Gynecology III Comment: I’m posting this to express my heartfelt thanks to the medical team in pregnancy pathology III, the ICU, and the Holy Spirit Maternity Ward. I am the happy mother of a baby girl born via C-section under the care of Damir Zudenigo. By a stroke of luck, he took me into his unit and looked after both me and the baby until my scheduled surgery date.
While searching online, I came across some criticisms regarding this doctor that honestly shocked me. They were upsetting and triggered a lot of unnecessary drama and agitation. Dr. Zudenigo is, above all, an incredibly skilled physician. He is kind, dedicated, and very thorough when analyzing ultrasounds and other pre-op tests. At my follow-up appointments, my private OB-GYN praised the C-section as being performed perfectly. The baby was born without any complications. It’s also worth mentioning that the doctor is exceptionally warm and approachable; as a patient, I can't recommend him highly enough. Just to be clear, I wasn't prompted by anyone to write this. I’m also deeply grateful to the amazing anesthesia and resuscitation team, especially Dr. Zalac, who checked on me—and every other mother—regularly in the ICU to ensure we were doing okay. I want to encourage all mothers to take a moment to share their own experiences, both the good and the bad. Good news travels slowly, while bad news spreads like wildfire. I also want to thank all the nurses in pregnancy pathology and the OR. They were incredibly kind and compassionate toward me and my little one. Everything from the prep work to the catheterization went smoothly without issue. I really feel it's unfair when other patients exaggerate things and unnecessarily scare pregnant women with thoughtless, biased comments. Barbara's Mom Jamie Clark74's comment... I know that people like me, dealing with chronic issues, often have negative experiences because we spend so much time in hospitals. We're constantly in contact with X-ray techs, various clinics, specialists, surgeons, and all sorts of professionals... But isn't it true there's a bright side too? Shouldn't we take a moment to show appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and staff who deserve our gratitude for doing such difficult, high-stakes work that is so easily criticized? Like it was said above, bad news travels fast... but what about the truth? So, here's to everyone who deserves it! 👍 👍 👍
Globally, vitamins "C" & "E" are the biggest sellers. Vitamin C: The RDI recommendation is roughly 30-40mg. A standard American diet provides about 64-160mg. Maximum supplement intake hits 1000mg.
Toxicity/Side effects include gastric issues, diarrhea, and bloating.
Scientists once thought "C & E" could help prevent cancer and heart disease. However, major studies on Vitamin C show zero difference in actual health outcomes compared to a placebo.
Regarding Vitamin E, studies indicated it doesn't prevent heart attacks... and actually showed that people taking Vitamin E had an increased risk of strokes.
There are no diseases that can be prevented simply by taking vitamins! Vitamins aren't a magic fix. They are only necessary during a genuine deficiency, or if your body can't absorb nutrients from food—like B12, where you might need injections every three months for life.
If you're living on a junk food diet, vitamins shouldn't be your primary concern. Research shows we don't exactly know which specific healthy foods target which specific ailments... but if you aim for five servings of fruits and veggies a day, you'll likely face fewer health problems.
Typical multivitamins consist of minerals and vitamins that interfere with one another, yielding results as if you hadn't taken anything at all—like how zinc affects iron, or how calcium affects other things.
True vitamin deficiencies are quite rare, yet everyone seems to have become a "vitamin shopper" lately.
For example, I am on testosterone replacement therapy. I happened to search for info online and immediately ran into those "big gym bros" using massive doses of testosterone/Sustanon. That isn't what I need to manage a medical condition. Those guys use it to wreck their lives just to bulk up, and ironically, they are often the loudest supporters of the vitamin industry. It's a shame.
Scientists tested beta-carotene, Vitamin E, & antioxidants, and they failed to prevent any diseases. In fact, data suggests that people taking vitamins to prevent or improve illness sometimes end up facing even greater health issues. The ones truly profiting from vitamins are the corporations producing them—and they are making billions.
Rita is a forum member living in the US who I believe used to be a very prominent athlete. This is a repost of her contribution from Reddit.
I had a C-section 9 months ago. I was discharged after three days, and by day six, I was already out grabbing lunch with friends while holding my baby. I started carrying her almost immediately—about 24 hours after the surgery. Getting on the toilet was definitely a bit of a struggle at first, but I didn't have any issues with straining; if I had, I would've reached for a laxative. Prunes, fruit juice, and flaxseeds with yogurt were absolute lifesavers for me throughout the entire pregnancy.
The incision is still quite firm. It’s not as hard as it was on day one, but it is. It gets itchy when I sweat, and honestly, when I had a virus and a high fever a few months back, the itching actually hurt more than the surgery did, which was incredibly frustrating.
During those first few weeks, just getting out of bed or using abdominal pads was painful, but that passed quickly. The best way you can help a newborn is by burping them at night and changing them right after feeding—that was the hardest part for me. I didn't do any cooking or laundry at first since my mom was there helping with everything, but I was hands-on with the baby from day one.
I feel like doctors here tend to panic over nothing. My doctor told me that if I wanted to, I could get pregnant again just a few months after the C-section, and at my six-week checkup, everything felt completely normal. The only thing is, it *is* a major surgery, and I was extremely weak afterward; I really needed time to recover physically. I started getting back into my physical routine about a month and a half after giving birth, including skiing and other activities.
I wanted to ask you all: how did they close your incisions? They used metal staples on me, which looked pretty intense, but it went smoothly and they removed them on the third day. Generally speaking, my wounds are slow to heal, so I was pretty nervous about how this would go. It was my first major surgery and my first time staying in a hospital, so there was some anxiety, but credit where credit is due—they did a great job. I didn't even need pain meds or antibiotics.
Just like anything else, everyone's experience is different. The woman in the room next to me was moaning all night, and no amount of pain medication seemed to help her, even though we were in the exact same situation. Every body reacts differently, but mindset plays a huge role too. I had amazing support, and luckily, I didn't have a mother-in-law hovering over me to stress me out, haha. __________________ A happy baby comes from happy parents.
Jack Baker15 said:don't even bother greeting me🙄 👎
Alright, I'll agree with you—I am crazy! Hopefully, that makes you feel better now. Old school rule: if someone punches you in the face, just offer them the other cheek so they can finish the job! Always stay polite, no matter what.
My grandsons were all born in the delivery room right alongside my sons. Two of them arrived via C-section. The guys took the babies immediately to cut the cords and give them their first bath so I wouldn't have to deal with the mess. I'll share some photos soon—starting with the oldest. It’s been 18 years now... back in 1988 in Pittsburgh USA.
The oldest grandson is 18, then there's the 13 and 12-year-old boys, and a little girl who’ll be 4 soon.
Jack Baker15 said:Jamie Clark74, you're out of your mind. Either answer what I actually asked you—and have the guts to admit you were wrong to lecture me—or just be quiet. But no, you just have to go into exhaustive detail about your wife's gynecological issues.😕 😕 😕 I honestly really don't get you, and frankly, I don't want to. You're just a drain on my energy. By the way, when I said "you have no idea," I didn't mean you lacked experience—I meant you have NO IDEA what my specific situation is like. It's pretty strange for someone your age to act this way.👎
dolčevita said:I think this thread really deserves to be pinned at the top of the subforum.
I agree. More men should jump in and participate here. But honestly, health topics feel like they're only for a select few. If someone like me tries to bring up something serious, we don't exactly get much support from the moderators. I even saw that comment from Casey Palmer5... oh boy.
It’s wild how many men end up facing prostate cancer simply because they aren't educated on it, they avoid the doctor, or they wait far too long to see a specialist.
I've personally received quite a few replies from members regarding almost everything I've posted. I've started several health-related threads, and many people have told me things are a bit clearer to them now thanks to those discussions.
@Jack Baker15 Just because you and your wife dealt with some birth trauma doesn't mean you get a free pass on empathy. I don't have any personal issues here; maybe you're the one struggling... I don't know... those two things rarely go hand in hand. yesterday 17:32 =====================
A little more context on why I'm so confused! You're still relatively new here, so take a look at the link. You'll see everything I've posted or attached—my actual medical records, my full name, even my address. That's why I stopped sharing my personal struggles; I don't want to bother anyone. People seem more interested in gossiping about minor details anyway. Just check out the thread on asbestosis.
It feels a bit awkward to bring this up, but it’s important, and I've touched on it many times in other discussions.
I always go with my wife, especially when we visit 249 miles /the gynecologist, specialists... My wife is 68 now, and she's been dealing with constant vaginal inflammation for 35 years. They tried every cream imaginable until an experienced old GP finally said, "You have dermatitis," and referred her to a dermatologist whom we still see every three to six months.
He prescribes three different creams... she mixes them and applies them "very thinly" every other day to the labia, and once a week she uses a special cream from a tube deeper inside.
As her partner of 43 years, I know exactly how much she's endured with the itching, burning, and discomfort. Today, her skin is so sensitive that we haven't had intercourse for quite some time... it's just too delicate. If they had correctly identified it as "dermatitis" right at the start, things might be different today. I remember one specialist—a gynecologist who focused on women with thin skin—showing a student through a magnifying glass how the skin looks after unintentional scratching and the damage caused by various creams that thinned the tissue.
Sorry to pivot to something else, but I always try to share experiences if I can. Even if it isn't my own, if it helps just one person, it's worth it. ====================== Leonessa says: Jamie Clark74, I think you've mostly been on the forum... 🙂 Generally, I stick to herbal remedies because—even if they don't work wonders—they won't make things worse. So, I highly recommend them to everyone. Today, I made some chamomile powder, and it's
electricpanther82 said:Terrible things happen in our hospitals at the hands of doctors and staff. How is it possible that a local anesthetic doesn't work for one person, but works perfectly for someone else? Or why does it only start working much later? 🙂 Does it depend on the body? OR IS IT POSSIBLE SOMEONE JUST DOESN'T GIVE THE RIGHT DOSE DUE TO NEGLIGENCE? 👎
I’ve had local anesthesia many times... and most of the time it just doesn't work for me. I can feel everything. It's the same with shots at the dentist; even two or three won't touch it. But I have issues others don't deal with. I was once on such high doses of Codeine that I was able to keep working for 25 years... so my system is pretty much thrown off balance.
Generally speaking, I think I have a high tolerance, but there’s a limit to everything.
Back when I was an older medical student, I studied for 18 months and spent six months in a pain clinic. Since then, they’ve actually used my case as a textbook example of how chronic pain management can go right or wrong.
Every person is different regarding how intense the pain is. As for local injections, I’m a bigger guy—not just in weight, but in build—so I practically need double the dosage of any medication.
For example, 34 years ago, we used to travel497 miles to see specialists. I used to get massive headaches and could take 25-30 mg of Valium during the day and still drive there and back the same day... whereas my wife would be out cold after just 5 mg.
I also get steroid injections in my joints because of musculoskeletal injuries, like bursitis and tears. Injections aren't an issue; sometimes I take two or three at once, though my doctor warned me that's too much steroid for one sitting.
Some of us live with chronic pain 24/7 and there's just no relief. You manage for a few months, then you hit a point where you feel suicidal... and then you just keep going. It's a cycle.
It's just a small example of how mistakes happen to everyone... not just doctors. About 30 years ago, I was scheduled for a colonoscopy and told a nurse it was time for my "enema." Her response? "How should I know?" Half an hour later, another nurse comes running by saying, "Quick, get to the restroom, you're next!" I sent them all running at 3 PM... they were all absolutely terrified.
Then there was a time 20 years ago in the hospital after a minor surgery... I was getting my meds while my wife sat by my side. A nurse set a Pethedin injection on my bedside table and walked away... I whispered to my wife, "Watch closely, because they're about to give this to me instead of the other guy." She just rolled her eyes and said, "You always make something out of nothing." Honestly, my back was killing me, so I told her to just be quiet... we ended up having a little spat. Then the nurse arrived and jabbed me with the shot. I just pretended to fall asleep. Ten minutes later, a whole group of nurses and a doctor came rushing in... shaking me, trying to wake me up. It was hilarious to me, but I kept playing dead... it was a total circus. The injection was actually meant for the patient in the next bed. They didn't realize what they'd done until he rang his bell asking for his meds.
I once wrote about my wife's experience in Washington, D.C. over at Knossos back in 1963, and I figured things might have changed a bit in 20 or 25 years. But apparently, Jack Baker15's mother "only received a local injection"... though it wasn't strong enough and wasn't even in the right spot.
Mistakes shouldn't happen, but they do. If everything is planned out and there's plenty of time, why aren't medical professionals more focused?
I once wrote about a situation in Australia where a famous surgeon left surgical staples inside a patient's abdomen. When she complained about sharp pains every time she sat down, he wouldn't believe her. Eventually, she went to her GP and paid for an X-ray out of her own pocket. And lo and behold... there were the staples. It's the truth. The question is, if the surgeon forgot them, what were the nurses doing who are responsible for counting instruments? Their excuse is usually, "Oh, it's such a huge set, we don't count every single thing!"
On the flip side, I know patients who had major surgeries and then started drinking alcohol or using opiates. Patients can also be incredibly difficult, rude, and ungrateful.
You could go on forever blaming doctors when they aren't at fault, or blaming nurses who are often perfectly attentive and responsible. Sometimes, the patients themselves are the ones who are hard to stomach.
Jack Baker15 said:Look, let me tell you something: :2up: You’re acting like you were actually there when it happened, huh? Like you know? You're playing smart, but you don't have a clue. Seriously, 😠 It was an EMERGENCY. I felt like I was suffocating inside; they barely managed to pull me out alive. There wasn't any time for injections; the priority was just getting me out if they wanted to save me. And that doctor who messed everything up (he's the one who caused the contractions) is a total piece of work. Honestly, he might have been high. Wouldn't surprise me one bit.
And I'll just ask you one more thing—why on earth would I make this up?? You're being so narrow-minded; it's not right. People like you give me the chills.🤮 Ugh. Don't lecture me. What do you even know??? God, you really got under my skin. 😠 😠 It might be hard to believe, but it is the TRUTH. I don't care if you believe me or not, but it really happened, unfortunately. I need to go calm down now... 😢
First off, before you type anything else, you might want to consider this: "Let the words I speak today be soft and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them"
What makes you think I "don't know anything"? As a father of two, my wife gave birth in 1963 in Washington, D.C. at Knossos. She had a drunk doctor who didn't administer the local anesthetic properly because she was so overwhelmed by labor... she felt every single stitch. There was tearing and infection... they never stitched her back up properly... she ended up with an opening stretching from the vagina to the anus.
She gave birth again in 1974 in Australia and faced complications and tearing again... but they eventually repaired the old wound and the new one with reconstructive surgery. By the way, my wife is known for having a very high pain tolerance; she can grit her teeth and stay silent through almost anything. Everyone is different, though.
Secondly, I've been a chronic pain patient for 36 years, with pain levels ranging from 1 to 10... usually at least a 6, but just a little walking or moving sends me straight to a 7-10. It's unbearable.
I've had two back surgeries. The first was in 1972, a 30 cm incision for a Laminectomy L5-S1 with fusion... while others quit working, I kept working for 20 years under heavy narcotics just to keep my family afloat.
The second surgery was in 2004, covering L5-L4, L4-L3, along with stenosis in that area. It left me in even worse shape than before. Now I have a pinched nerve at L4 and S1... and there isn't much that can be done. My walking distance depends on resting; I can go maybe 200-400 meters before needing a break. After about 150-200 meters, the sharp pains, cramps, and spasms kick in immediately.
The pain just keeps getting worse. I've been through it all—pain clinics, lectures, and I even help out with rehabilitation for new patients.
On top of all that, I have a whole list of issues, with asbestosis, Apnea, and Arachnoiditis being the worst.
Back in 2001, my kids actually helped fund my studies at a medical university while I was an older student. I managed to get through 18 months of coursework, but I had to stop. It’s hard to focus on anything when you're dealing with constant pain. Still, that time gave me enough medical knowledge to follow along with what's happening and understand medications—I've been on about 25 or 30 different types myself over the years.
Let's not judge one another. Just because something doesn't sit right with you doesn't mean I'm accusing you of lying. I was simply expressing my surprise that something like that could happen in a hospital, even here in the States. First off, you didn't even mention that your mother received a local injection in your initial message...you only brought it up in a later post.
I hope you've had a chance to cool off. This kind of tone doesn't help us communicate; it just leads to insults. I realize you might be dealing with your own stuff, but please don't take it out on someone who isn't involved.
It feels like nobody wants to put in the work anymore. Everyone’s looking for that fast track—just a quick online course or some self-teaching—and they all have their eyes on IT because they hear people pulling in $100,000. At least, that's what the majority thinks.
I live in a US city of about a million people, where most students come from Asia because it’s more affordable, life is laid back, and the universities are world-renowned.
We're seeing fewer local students too. It’s a bit concerning, but let me draw a comparison... It's the same story with tradespeople. If someone actually wanted to continue their training, they could, but nobody wants to be a blue-collar worker anymore.
I've spent years visiting schools giving talks about career paths in the trades and what the actual working conditions are like. Everyone is busy dreaming based on what they see on TV. Back in the '80s, it was "Charlie's Angels" and everyone wanted to be a cop. Nowadays, everyone wants to be a Foresenic scientist. Most of them end up unemployed or living off their parents and social programs. And when they do find work, they take any job they can get. Honestly, if they're lucky enough to have played competitive sports, they often end up doing better than those who actually studied or learned a trade.
Society is shifting; everyone just wants everything right now without the struggle.
Jack Baker15 said:Do you want me to say you're lying? 😕 The local anesthetic didn't even kick in until they were already cutting into her. They basically tore her open without any numbing, so she felt absolutely everything.
I am definitely not accusing you of lying... just please read this.
It’s the truth. She said she nearly lost her mind in that moment... and ever since then, she has a massive phobia of doctors and hospitals.They didn't take the time to give her anesthesia; if they hadn't "opened" her up like that, I might have died, and maybe she would have too. They strapped her to the bed so she wouldn't move, put an oxygen mask on her, and boom... it's all true.. A total disaster... This happened at Mercy Hospital.
P.S. Aside from the local stuff, wouldn't they just give her a sedative injection to calm her down? Something that works quickly, instead of all that "strapping her to the bed" nonsense. 😎
If a C-section isn't scheduled and there isn't enough time to get general anesthesia ready... they'll use local anesthesia instead. No one in an American hospital is getting cut open without some form of numbing; the procedure itself moves incredibly fast ...though how much trauma that causes is a different story entirely.
These days, we're seeing more C-sections because women are having babies at an older age... and honestly, many of them prefer it that way.