Adelaide, Australia Sunday Mail Reporter: Craig Clarke
Translated by: William Kovacic ASBESTOS VICTIMS MAY LOSE THEIR COMPENSATION!
Since last week, hundreds of people have reached out to newspapers and the lawyers mentioned in the reports.
The Southern Australia asbestos victim association is calling for a "nationwide public inquiry" regarding asbestos exposure at the Whyalla Shipbuilder. Latest updates:
More than 70 families of individuals who passed away due to "asbestos-related consequences" have filed a joint lawsuit against the Whyalla Shipbuilder. Several other people have come forward with similar stories.
Some people suffered various injuries and received payouts for them. A decade later, they discover they have an "asbestos disease," only to be told by the company that they can't claim any more compensation because their final settlement included a waiver for all future claims.
My situation is very similar. Back in 1992, I received a $99,000 settlement (which was essentially the difference between what I would have lost working as a standard laborer versus using my specific qualifications) to cover me for 14 years leading up to retirement. Then I was laid off because I was deemed unfit for work, but I couldn't access my disability pension for two years because the company counted that settlement money as my income. I didn't actually start receiving my disability pension until 1994, two years later.
In 1997, while visiting a pain clinic, an X-ray showed something was wrong with my lungs or heart, prompting my doctor to order further tests. That was when I was first diagnosed with asbestosis.
I see a specialist twice a year for lung CT scans and pulmonary function tests.
The hardest part is that they require a stable diagnosis, which is difficult. If it’s Mesothelioma, the prognosis is often grim and fast; many people end up "dying in a hospital bed."
But cases involving Pleural Plaque and asbestosis are different—they drag on for years, depending on how much breath the individual can manage.
I know this because I've read thousands of pages detailing cases where people with asbestosis struggle for 20-25 years with breathing issues. It's the same with Pleural Plaque; you can live with heavy breathing after just a few steps and exhaustion, which can eventually progress into asbestosis.
So, that's the news from this past week.
P.S. In Adelaide, state-owned houses are being sold privately without the government ever replacing the asbestos roofing... it really makes you wonder.
The Adelaide Sunday Mail—which has a circulation of about 750,000—has launched a special investigation into the Whyalla Shipbuilder and its asbestos victims. It features reports from workers, the union, and specialists like Professor Douglas Henderson, who focuses on asbestos-related diseases.
The shipyard opened in early 1941 to meet the demand for smaller patrol boats during WWII. In total, they built 60 vessels. Opened in 1941 and shut down in 1978 due to competition.
Back then, about 20,000 people were working there. Some stayed for just a short stint, while others spent their entire careers on the job. Plenty of them mastered the trade, and once the shipyard shut down, many transitioned over to the steel mill.
I won't dwell too much on the consequences of asbestos; anyone who has done their reading already knows the score.
Mesothelioma is a brutal cancer. Once you get a diagnosis, you're usually looking at a timeline of only three to nine months. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to go from asbestos exposure to actually getting sick.
Lung cancer is most common among smokers who have also been exposed to asbestos. If you catch it as early as possible, surgery can sometimes remove the tumor, but honestly, that doesn't happen nearly often enough.
It usually takes about 15 years or even longer after exposure to asbestos before you start seeing the consequences. The symptoms include coughing, pain when breathing, weight loss, and restricted airflow. Eventually, it leads to a painful death.
Asbestosis is the diagnosis you get when someone has been heavily and extensively exposed to asbestos. The symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, bluish skin discoloration, and tight lungs. It’s a progressive disease that only gets worse, and there is no cure. Ultimately, it leads to death from respiratory failure.
Pleural Plaque involves the formation of plaques on the lung lining over time. These eventually calcify, which can lead to significant pain during physical exertion or heavy breathing due to reduced lung function. There’s currently no cure, and unfortunately, the condition only tends to progress.
Not much has been said about this so far, and there hasn't been much follow-up. A lot of the workers were only on the job for a short time before moving on... whether they ended up getting sick or passing away, nobody really knows.
Finally, the company is being called out for failing to protect its workers for 37 years, even though they knew all along about the dangers of asbestos.
In a very short period in Whyalla, 17 people have died from Mesothelioma and 50 from lung cancer linked to Asbestos.
There are 150 people suffering from asbestosis or Pleural Plaque. A union rep for the asbestos victims put it bluntly: managers knew exactly how dangerous this stuff was, yet they failed to protect their people. So many have died already, and so many more are facing a slow, painful end.
A medical specialist noted that based on data from other shipbuilders, the average projections are clear. Another 800 people are expected to die from mesothelioma and lung cancer... but how many more will suffer through the agony of other asbestos diseases?
Right now, there are 30 cases in court. Just remember: you have to actually die before you can even think about suing.
Lawyers are bracing themselves for a massive wave of lawsuits. They’ve been hearing from people who are only just now starting to show symptoms. It also turns out that many people who passed away from asbestos-related issues previously weren't even officially recognized as asbestos victims.
In my own articles, I’ve mentioned that we all pretty much knew what was going on, yet nobody actually did anything about it. I used to know quite a few doctors personally—I even did some private work for them—and they were the ones who actually told me what was really happening behind the scenes.
Here’s my situation. I’m 62 years old, and my asbestosis first showed up back in 1998. I’ve been going in for regular X-rays every year because of my lung issues. I didn't work at a shipyard myself; I was over at the steel mill, where the situation is pretty much the same.
For months, the Sunday Mail has been digging through thirty years of records involving the union, regulatory commissions, various laws, and the shipbuilders.
Just a few brief statements from the workers.
As an electrical engineer, I remember back when we were learning the trade, we used to make little clumps out of asbestos just by picking up the dust off the floor. "We were struggling right alongside them," said Geoff Pop, a 59-year-old man currently battling cancer. I just need to vent about what hit me today. My wife actually hid the newspaper from me because she didn't want me to see it—it was a four-page special feature—but my younger son emailed me asking if I’d read it for my friends.
Two men passed away in quick succession: 57-year-old Derrick Williams and 60-year-old Ray Isles. We had known them for 30 years, and both died from Mesothelioma.
I won't go on about blame or pointing fingers, but as I’ve said before, millions of people across the globe will eventually die in immense pain.
I won't even get into the descriptions of how asbestos used to float through the air like snow, or all the other things that seem impossible to believe when you look back just 30 years.
I've been posting here for two years now. I've been laughed at, and I know I'll be mocked again by those "smart people"... the ones who treat asbestos like some sort of game. They are so oblivious they don't even realize they could become victims themselves... honestly, I wouldn't have any sympathy for people like that.
I know all those people who are sick but haven't passed yet, and that makes it harder for me. I see what they go through day in and day out, night after night. I share their fate, and I can't help but wonder how much longer this lasts.
It's common enough in residential use, as well as commercial. For instance, you see people cooling their homes while the pipes are insulated with asbestos... I'm talking about older buildings. And then there are the fools who say, "You're sick because you wanted it." As if being positive about life would somehow prevent you from getting asbestosis.
Charles Jackson said:I've been dealing with this for 5 or 6 years now, but lately, things have taken a turn for the worse— pain in my chest and back Has anyone else (unfortunately) gone through this? Also, does anyone know a truly great gastroenterologist? Ideally, someone who won't just throw a bunch of pills at you and call it a day.
I’ve dealt with the exact same thing for 20 years, mostly using tablets like Pepcid 40 mg or Nexium (sodium sesquihydrate).
I started smoking when I was about 13 or 14, and by the time I hit my late teens, I was easily doing 40 to 60 a day. By the time I reached 45, I was hitting 80 cigarettes a day... I’d have one lit in an ashtray and completely forget it was there, lighting up another. My job was incredibly high-stress, and I rarely even took a lunch break.
My older son followed suit, and my younger one started picking it up around age 13. My wife hated it; the whole kitchen and half the house smelled like smoke, and she had to breathe that polluted air constantly—especially when the kids were little and breathing in all that nicotine too.
Then, news stories about health and smoking started popping up everywhere, and schools began teaching kids about the dangers and how it affects your body.
So, back in 1987, I realized I couldn't exactly tell my son not to smoke when I was smoking right next to him. It was the same at work, too. During a meeting about workflow and wellness, they told us we could get help from the local clinic in the form of nicotine gum (I’d tried cutting back before, but I always ended up sliding right back into old habits).
That was the moment I decided to quit right then and there and never light up again. I had a carton of 250 cigarettes in my bag, which I gave to a friend, and I had five more cartons at home that I sold off to others.
I went to the clinic to pick up some gum, and that same evening, I went to see a Hypnotizer (I ended up going five times total). I gave myself every tool possible to succeed. The hardest part was definitely having coffee without a cigarette... for the next five years, I just used nicotine gum with my coffee.
My son is nearly 30 now and has never touched a cigarette. As for me, I've been smoke-free for 17 years. It helps a lot that I don't go out to bars or drink much anymore. In those early days, I'd occasionally spot where someone left a pack and feel tempted to try just one, but I never did.
Even after 17 years, I think if I lit that first one today, I might fall back in. Believe me, if you haven't quit yet, nicotine is the root of so many illnesses, not to mention how much we poison our children and everyone around us.
I won't list all the diseases—I'm sure you know them—but it is never too late to stop.
When you hear stories about old people who smoked and lived long lives, I honestly think they were smoking pure tobacco. In the last 30 years, what we smoke is full of filters and all sorts of chemicals added to the tobacco.
If I could quit after being such a heavy smoker since my early 30s, then I truly believe anyone can. With enough willpower, a desire for health, and the modern tools available to replace nicotine, it's doable.
I wish everyone trying this the best of luck. And don't fall for the "I'll just cut down" trap; it's better to just quit cold turkey and never touch it again.
melloworca6 said:I suggest we make a copy-paste thread and put it in the main index. All these threads that are just copy-pasted should be kept in one spot to serve as a literature resource. Personally, though, I think copying entire website contents is a bit silly when you can just drop a link.
bipolar2000 said:It's a great idea, but we just can't seem to get it off the ground. I've had quite a bit of experience myself, so I'm happy to chat with anyone who needs to talk. We'll figure out a way to get people engaged. The subject matter is complex, and there's so much we could cover... If we could set up a sub-forum to address different issues, like how to spot the signs, who to reach out to, how to cope, how to talk to those around us, how to live with a specific diagnosis, how to accept that you're actually doing okay, once the illness has become part of your identity... what even counts as being sick versus being healthy, and what does "normal" even mean in the first place? Or maybe nobody here deals with these things, so we don't really need this? Hmm...
I was reminded of this topic today when someone commented that I basically just write posts and answer myself!
Actually, it's interesting because so many people have asked me about things this thread covers.
I also think we should have dedicated threads covering certain conditions with better indexing... maybe even a table of contents, like in a book, for the sub-forums.
I take about 30 to 40 pills a day, which really wreaks havoc on my digestive system. I deal with quite a bit of discomfort and pain because of it.
Certain medications and capsules can completely change who you are. For instance, I’ve tried about 15 different antidepressants over the last 12 years, and Paxil specifically causes impotence.
It also tanks your testosterone levels, to the point where you might need testosterone shots just to keep things balanced.
As for anti-inflammatories for joint pain or arthritis, taking Celebrex or similar drugs will eventually mess up your stomach. Some people end up with stomach ulcers or internal bleeding and have to stop taking them entirely; it really varies from person to person.
Bottom line: I’d suggest any man around 40 or older get regular checkups. You need to monitor your prostate levels, blood pressure, get a full blood panel, and undergo a physical exam—including a rectal exam—to check your prostate size.
Some Honda Accord models actually come equipped with built-in de-static dischargers, where there's a metal contact point on the door frame to ground you as you step out.
It’s the same thing they do in Australia—they use that flimsy 10-inch plastic strip screwed onto the chassis that drags along the pavement to discharge static electricity.
Jamie Clark74 said:I don't see Jamie Clark74 ever actually getting back to the guy who suggested Ayurveda to him. If that’s just fatigue from asbestosis. 😁My apologies.
I'm okay, but David is dealing with asbestosis.
If he’d spent half as much time actually getting better as he did cultivating that "poor me" persona, he might actually be happy right now. I won't deny that he’s got nothing. We all have that one friend who lives by the "everything will work out because it has to" mantra, and honestly, they’ve ended up pushing through some pretty terrible situations because of it. 😘 To her. 🙂
Jamie Clark74, if you could just be yourself first and a patient second, things would be a whole lot easier for you. 🙂
alica says: She’s got more balls than you ever will. I noticed Casey Palmer5 has quite a few votes. To be honest, I haven't really kept track of her contributions to that forum since I'm not exactly a regular over there. You voted for yourself. And you did it publicly, too. Just so everyone knows that Vilim, Jamie Clark74, Mirko, Scorpio, Osama, Rainmaker, Alex Sanchez3, and Kovacevic all believe—along with their collection of psychosomatic ailments—that they are the top health experts on this forum. Jamie Clark74, your value as a person—or even just as a member of this community—has absolutely nothing to do with how many diagnoses you're carrying. I honestly don't know how many times I have to say this: if you stopped pouring all that energy into self-destruction just because you enjoy the pity people throw at a poor, sick old man, you might actually be a happy person. You’d also spend a hell of a lot less time sitting in hospital waiting rooms.
You basically nominated yourself while living abroad, posting under the handle Osama just to pat yourself on the back. Then you got all defensive because you claim you don't lie or cheat. Go ahead, say something funny so I can actually get a laugh out of this.
rapidranger79 has a little trick up her sleeve. It’s the kind of advice you hear parents give toddlers in preschool when they're being picked on by other kids. You really have to ask yourself: why would an older lady, someone who’s been around the block, offer you a solution to your problems that’s exactly what she’d tell her own grandkids if they came home crying from daycare ten years ago?
If I actually had any real authority around here, I’d disqualify you from every single category immediately. I’d also be handing you the PItA award—which, for those who don't know, stands for 4 Pain in The Ass. I also gave a fair play award to all the other nominees. ==============================================
My teenage years... You’re going to experience plenty more in life. Every once in a while, you might look back and think, "Maybe," regarding what you just wrote. Honestly, though, I doubt it—you tend to post about just about everything.
First off, just check the facts. The nominations come from other members. Sure, I nominated myself for the award, but that was only one single vote. I don't see what your issue is; nobody ever said you couldn't nominate yourself.
Voting matters. I’ve been honest about the fact that I voted for myself... there's nothing wrong with that. To me, it means I'm not hiding anything; I'm just being straightforward about it.
In both threads, I actually ended up being nominated by others to track people's nicknames! Honestly, enough with the nonsense. If you don't have anything more substantial to contribute than chasing shadows and believing every conspiracy theory you hear, it’s just sad.
Checking the voting process is straightforward, and I can assure you it will be verified. You can call me whatever you like, but don't think for a second that I'm an idiot. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't worry about my health issues. You don't really have the expertise or experience to be giving me advice on this.
For twenty-five years, I dragged myself through my workdays while dealing with the aftermath of kidney surgery. Honestly, you can't even begin to imagine the level of pain I was in just trying to get through a shift.
Over the last 12 years, I’ve worked alongside some of the top specialists in the field. Honestly, I believe they probably know a bit more than you do.
If you had actually read the Health section, you would have seen where Casey Palmer5 /the moderator made a mistake and thought otherwise. She only changed her tune after reading my medical reports, admitting how much I’m truly suffering.
I have nerve damage running through my entire spine. There’s no cure, and it means dealing with pain 24/7, 365 days a year.
Then there’s my legs. I need surgery just to walk properly—though I am walking now, it's brief and incredibly painful. I’ve canceled the surgery twice because of my wife. There's only a 50% chance my mobility improves, and even then, the leg pain might get worse, or I could end up paralyzed.
I won't even bring up the illnesses that are considered "normal" for my age, but when you stack them all on top of one another, it becomes a massive problem.
I already told you, I have to sleep using a breathing machine.
You know perfectly well that you think it's a joke that I have asbestosis, and that it's getting worse, and the question is...???????
All in all, after living with chronic pain for 37 years, it's only natural to spiral into depression, anxiety, and other issues.
Every single one of my ailments is physical and psychological... they aren't imaginary. I’m not a hypochondriac or someone suffering from psychosomatic issues.
Honestly, even the staff at the pain clinic are amazed by how much I can endure. I use hypnosis, including self-hypnosis, but everything has its limit.
You’ve acted quite superior a few times now, so please, don't. As I mentioned before, I attended university courses for seniors to learn everything I could. I also have regular sessions—four times a week in the past, now once every six weeks for two hours—with a psychiatrist to manage my treatment and my personal life with my wife.
If the professionals don't claim to know everything about me, don't act like you do. And believe me, the experts are satisfied with how well I handle these illnesses.
This has gone way too far, but Jamie Clark74 is being a fool, as usual.
September 11, 2001, New York City, the Twin Towers, the World Trade Center... those terrorist attacks are etched into the memory of everyone across the globe.
I won't get into politics or the American involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq; that’s a whole different conversation.
What we know today is quite shocking. It's been understood for a while now that in New York, police officers, firefighters, and people working within a 2-1.9 miles radius developed a cough specifically linked to that attack.
Roughly 2,000 to 3,000 people fell ill and spent months on medical leave due to inhaling that dust. Many are still dealing with long-term effects like asthma.
It is also expected that another 2,000 people will be forced to retire early due to their health.
Something people don't talk about much is this:😛 the debris consisted of fine particles—things like cement, glass, silicone products... and worst of all, the buildings themselves were constructed using partitions and walls made of asbestosis panels.
Everyone on-site breathed in that same dust—every worker and every person living within a 3-3.1 miles radius was swallowing that grit.
Beyond the "New York cough," we are looking at thousands of people suffering from asbestosis in 15 to 30 years... because that’s how long it takes for the disease to develop.
That is the reality of the terror attacks in New York. It wasn't just the 2,800 immediate victims; the number will be much higher in the future.
But the future brings news of wars in Iraq and things like that, so these issues tend to get forgotten.
I’ve been dealing with this pain since I was 33. For 25 years, I’ve just lived my life pushing through it.
Can you even wrap your head around being in pain 52 weeks a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day?
And there isn't a single thing—no injection, no pill—that actually touches it. You see every specialist under the sun, visit the top Pain Clinics, work with the best doctors in the world... and they all tell you the same thing: "Unfortunately, we can't help you."
I've actually canceled surgery twice because my wife is terrified I'll end up paralyzed.
So, I'm waiting until January 19th to see my Neurologist again and get back on the surgical list. I can barely walk at all, and the pain is absolutely brutal whenever I try. I know some damage is permanent due to Arachnoiditis, and I realize nothing will ever be "fixed," but I'm just hoping to find a way to walk a little easier.
A 50% chance sounds slim, but I'm willing to take it. If I'm destined to be paralyzed, then so be it—every other specialist has already given me that same prognosis.
Nothing is going to work if you don't tackle both the symptoms and the actual root causes of your stress. Sometimes you have to step back and really look at what’s driving you to this point. There are times when you can fix things yourself, but honestly, that isn't always an option.
It doesn't take much for stress to spiral into something much more serious. Unfortunately, in today's fast-paced American lifestyle, it feels like the demands on us just keep increasing. If we can rearrange certain aspects of our lives or how we handle our work, things tend to become a lot more manageable.
My advice? It's much better to try and prevent burnout before it happens than to try and heal once you're already broken... assuming it's not too late.
Q: I'm forty-three. I don't plan on having any more kids, so I'd love some perspective on getting a vasectomy. What does the procedure actually involve? Where can I get this done locally? Is it possible to use a laser for minimal incisions, and what kind of side effects should I look out for?
A: The vas deferens is the tube that carries sperm from the epididymis toward the prostate. Cutting those tubes—a vasectomy—is the most common way for men to choose elective sterilization. Millions of guys worldwide have gone through it. The procedure involves making small incisions in the scrotum to cut and tie off the vas deferens on both sides. Complications are rare, though you might deal with bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia. You'll need to have a microscopic semen analysis about six to eight weeks after the surgery to confirm everything worked. It's important that both partners are on board with the decision. Also, keep in mind that even if microsurgical reconstruction is an option, if you change your mind later and want children, there's only about a 50% success rate for a pregnancy. While using a laser is technically possible, it isn't usually recommended because the heat can cause more tissue damage around the incision than standard methods. Any scarring on the scrotum is typically minimal and shouldn't be an issue. In the US, you could have this performed at a Department of Urology within a major system like Dubrava Hospital or the Mayo Clinic.
Q: I’ve been dealing with HPV. After a long stretch of topical treatments followed by cauterization, the warts on my penis are gone. My doctor told me everything looks clear and healthy now. My main question is: am I still a carrier? And is there a chance for them to come back even if I'm not exposed to anyone else?
A: When HPV infects the skin or the squamous epithelium of the genital mucosa, it causes those warts to form. Since you underwent both topical treatment and cauterization, the cells that were infected by the virus in that area have been destroyed. It's hard to say for sure whether new lesions will pop up—it really comes down to your immune system and your sexual activity. Regarding the latter, I'd suggest playing it safe and using condoms for a few months just to be sure. If the warts do happen to reappear before you start any new treatment, we would need to perform viral genotyping. This is especially important for your partner to ensure they receive the right gynecological care.
Q: I recently underwent a circumcision and was wondering how long I should wait before having sex with my girlfriend again. Also, does it actually feel any different afterward?
A: You really ought to hold off on sexual activity until your stitches have completely dissolved. Typically, that takes about two to three weeks post-op. As for whether things feel different, that’s really down to the individual—there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for that.
Just wanted to give a quick update. After ten visits to one of the top specialized Pain Clinics in the world... I’ve seen all the specialists, and they’re all in agreement: there isn't much they can do for me. They even tried an all-day infusion to see if any Narcotic would take effect, pumping different types into me every two hours—40 mg at a time via a pump—including a Placebo. They claim this method is 500 times more potent than pills, but nothing really worked, except for one based on an anesthetic.
I was actually able to pinpoint exactly which narcotic was being used and when they switched to a Placebo.
Following the medical review, their only recommendation is that I stick with hydrotherapy. I’ve tried medications designed to block pain from my spine to my brain, but given the side effects, it just wasn't worth it for the minimal relief I received.
So, I went through with another Epidural... but the results were underwhelming. It helped for about a week, and you're limited to only two per year.
Because of that, I’ve scheduled another appointment with my Neurologist. I'm essentially taking a 50/50 shot at whether things might be easier after surgery.
I'm not afraid; I've been living with this pain for 33 years. My only real fear is ending up paralyzed, which is something nobody can ever truly guarantee.
What’s killing me most right now is waiting for the Neurosurgeon to see me again and finally put me on the surgical waiting list at the hospital.
I honestly wish it could just happen immediately so I wouldn't have to sit here wondering what's going to happen.
Here is a LINK for anyone interested (in English); many doctors themselves don't actually know much about this condition:ARACHNOIDITIS
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the male reproductive system
Balanoposthitis
This is a general inflammation of the glans and the surrounding skin. It's typically triggered by fungal or bacterial infections accumulating under the foreskin in uncircumcised men. Symptoms include pain, itching, redness, and swelling, which can eventually lead to urethral strictures (narrowing of the urinary tract). Men dealing with balanoposthitis may face follow-up issues like phimosis or paraphimosis.
Balanitis xerotica obliterans
This is a chronic inflammation of the glans that results in hardening and white patches at the tip of the penis. While the exact cause isn't always clear, it can stem from allergic reactions or infections. The opening of the urethra becomes surrounded by hardened, white tissue, which can eventually obstruct the flow of urine or semen. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatments often resolve the condition, though surgical reconstruction of the urethral tip is sometimes necessary afterward.
Phimosis
This involves tightness or constriction of the skin around the glans. Phimosis is perfectly normal in infants and young children, usually resolving on its own before puberty without any intervention. In adults, however, it's often linked to various inflammatory conditions. In both cases, it can cause difficulty urinating or issues during sexual activity because the foreskin cannot be retracted. Surgery is the most common treatment.
Paraphimosis
In the case of paraphimosis, the retracted foreskin becomes stuck and cannot be moved back over the glans. Circumcision is typically the solution here as well.
Erythroplasia (also known as Queyratov erythroplasia)
This presents as a reddish, velvety patch on the penile skin, most commonly found at the base or the tip of the glans. It’s most frequent in uncircumcised men. If left untreated, erythroplasia has the potential to become tumorigenous. The safest way to check is through a biopsy, where a small skin sample is taken for histological examination. Fluorouracil is the preferred medication, paired with regular follow-up exams.
Over the last few decades, the medical consensus on what causes impotence has shifted quite a bit. It used to be widely believed that most cases were psychological. Today, however, researchers suggest that 70-80% of cases have a physical basis. Atherosclerosis is the primary culprit, followed by diabetes complications, prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate), and various medications. Many experts now feel that the negative emotions associated with this condition are more likely a reaction to the experience itself rather than the root cause. While psychological issues tend to drive erectile dysfunction in younger men, older men usually face physical hurdles. Since so many different physical and mental factors can play a role, I think men should view temporary bouts of impotence as a normal occurrence, much like catching a common cold. (Honestly, even a bad flu can cause temporary issues!) A frequent underlying cause is insufficient oxygen delivery, which happens whenever blood flow to the penis is inadequate. Nerve damage in the penis or pelvic region, along with hormonal imbalances, can also trigger erectile dysfunction.
Because an erection requires a specific chain of events, impotence can occur if any single link in that chain is broken. This process involves nerve impulses traveling from the brain through the spinal cord to the penis, followed by a coordinated response from the muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries surrounding the corpora cavernosa.
Damage to the arteries, smooth muscles, or fibrous tissue—often as a byproduct of underlying diseases—is a frequent cause. Additionally, surgical procedures (such as a prostate operation) can inadvertently damage nearby nerves and arteries, leading to impotence. Injuries to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, or pelvic area can also result in impotence if they affect the nerves, smooth muscles, arteries, or the fibrous tissues of the corpora cavernosa.
It’s also worth noting that impotence is a side effect of several common medications, including antihypertensives, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, and cimetidine (an ulcer medication).
Other potential contributors include smoking, which negatively impacts circulation in the veins and arteries, as well as various hormonal imbalances.
When a guy starts grumbling and acting irritable, most people just blame stress levels or depression. But according to Dr. David Abbott, a little testosterone might actually be the answer instead of antidepressants.
Gentlemen, enough is enough with the snide comments about "hormones" and PMS being some exclusive female trait used to explain away tension, irritability, or mood swings. For too long, chauvinists have leaned on the excuse of "hormones" or "that time of the month" to dismiss whatever women have to say, especially during protests. However, one study has officially blurred the lines of the hormonal divide between the sexes. This research—conducted by a man, no less—suggests that guys are just as susceptible to mood shifts when their hormone levels dip. Just as we've already established that men go through andropause, which mirrors menopause in women, it turns out another supposedly "female" issue is perfectly applicable to men too.
Posted: March 20, 2002. Doing a monthly testicular self-exam can literally save your life. Most testicular tumors are malignant and tend to strike men during their prime—typically between ages 15 and 45. Fortunately, they're quite rare, and if you catch them early, there's a 90% cure rate. That’s why checking yourself once a month is so critical.
Here is a link to Pfizer:TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION