Posts by Jamie Clark74

Ronald Green5 said:Who knows English? www.asbestosis.tk

Just a useless link posted by a law firm with very little medical insight.
I’ve already covered everything you need to know and translated it all into English. It goes much deeper than that amateurish legal link posted above. In fact, back in the day, the steel mill used to send me to the University just to finish my diploma in "Asbestos Protection and Remediation."

It’s not just about mesothelioma. Even if you get a diagnosis, you're looking at the end of the road—usually within six to nine months.
Months left, and there's no cure.

I've already covered the other conditions, specifically Pleural Plaque and Asbestosis.
Over the next 40 to 50 years, millions of people are going to die from the consequences of asbestos exposure. While smoking certainly spikes your risk—increasing it by about 80% compared to non-smokers—the dust is its own monster. Take the collapse of the Twin Towers in the US, for example. When those buildings went down, the dust cloud drifted for miles. That debris was packed with asbestos because the structures were built using asbestos plates. It wasn't until a year later that experts started coming forward with projections on how many people would die from asbestos-related illnesses over the following two or three decades.

People don't realize that the issue isn't just about asbestos in factories or mines.
It's in everything—car brakes, insulation for older cooling pipes, maybe even in eye products.
From insulated piping to various household heaters and water boilers, we’re talking about 2,500 different products. Even though it's banned now, these items are still being imported into the US from Russia.

The real issue is that it’s everywhere—embedded right in the plates. Whether you're touching them or they're just wearing down, those microscopic particles are what make it dangerous. Because of that, getting rid of old products needs to be handled under strict supervision and disposed of somewhere completely safe.

It’s a well-known and tragic reality: wives of workers who handled contaminated workwear ended up developing mesothelioma. The same thing happened during home renovations back in the mid-seventies and eighties when people were tearing out and replacing old sheets. I even know of cases where children held onto pieces of material their fathers were cutting, only to develop mesothelioma themselves. In my experience, quite a few children have died from it in the US.

So many people passed away without ever realizing they were suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Even in the US, there were countless deaths over the last twenty years that went unexplained simply because families had no idea what actually caused their loved ones to die.

I've used an example before where I mentioned how Canada passed legislation making it impossible to receive any compensation for asbestos-related illnesses.

In America, the largest corporation responsible for manufacturing asbestos plates and various other products actually sold itself off to an American firm just to dodge its legal liabilities. Eventually, thanks to some heavy lifting by the Union, we managed to force them to set aside funds for settlements. But then they tried to pull a fast one, claiming they’d only pay up if the government didn't tax the payouts—and even now, they’re still backtracking. We’re talking about billions of dollars here, and so many sick people are going to suffer because of it.

An 80-year-old man in South Australia recently passed away from mesothelioma. Up until then, Parliament hadn't managed to pass the new legislation required to cover state employees for these payouts. However, following a national TV exposé and some serious Union intervention, the man was awarded about $300,000. It’s not like that money can buy his life back, obviously, but at least he knows he left something behind for his wife. After struggling through nine agonizing months of lung failure, I suppose there's some small sense of justice in that.

For those of us dealing with Pleural Plaque and Asbestosis, breathing difficulties are a real struggle. It varies from person to person, but for many facing Asbestosis, it’s a grueling battle that can last 20 or 30 years. You end up relying on oxygen tanks just to get by, and eventually, you lose your mobility entirely.

There’s plenty of other news out there, but honestly, because people tend to ignore real medical advice in favor of "old school" folk remedies, I’m done arguing with idiots who read one headline and suddenly think they're experts. I was trained on the job at a steel mill, working as a supervisor specifically tasked with asbestos removal. Many of my peers are already in the ground because of it—some even as young as 58.
I was also part of a support group for people suffering from Asbestosis.

When I first started this thread a long time ago... some people actually used it as an excuse to mock others.

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Here is the thread!
All the best,
Best regards,
Vilim Vilko Kovacic

Advil, Celebrex, ibuprofen, Felben... having at least 50 tablets or capsules of these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on hand is essential. They’re primarily used to manage arthritis inflammation and various injuries, not to mention general pain. Like any medication, everyone reacts differently. Most people refuse to take them because they "cause major stomach issues." I’ve been taking them for over 36 years. I’ve cycled through almost every option available, and yeah, I deal with constant stomach problems—I always have to eat something just to settle the pain. I also deal with diarrhea twice a week; I’ve just learned to live with it. If I stop taking them for even two or four days, I can barely move. So, where’s the solution? My wife can't handle them at all despite her intense pain; she just sticks to two 500mg Tylenol tablets for everything.

I go through about 25 to 30 pills to stay ahead of things. What am I supposed to do if I run out? I have to take them. To be safe, I get an endoscopy once a year and a colonoscopy every two years just to make sure my stomach is still holding up, and everything looks fine.

Maybe... from what I see and read, some people take a single pill and immediately decide, "Oh, this is terrible, I can't do it." Maybe they should try a couple of doses more cautiously; they might just need to get used to it.

I also know how certain pills can conflict with one another, either boosting or canceling out the effectiveness of another.

ironsurfer8 said:I have a silly question,
I saw something written about the Salonit factory,
and my first thought when I hear that name is those Salonit roofing sheets. Is there a connection there, and can those sheets contain asbestos?
My family has a house on the coast built in the 70s that uses those sheets for the roof. To make matters worse, being by the ocean, we collect our water from the runoff off the roof.

That’s not a silly question. If more people actually thought things through, there would be fewer consequences later on.

We can't change the past; those products were used then and some are still in use today.
The most important thing is knowing when those old ASBESTOS PRODUCTS need to be removed... making sure the work is done safely, handled carefully, and performed only by professionals experienced with it. You have to ensure it's properly contained so nobody becomes a victim.

Asbestos is most dangerous when it becomes airborne dust—like when a sheet cracks and shifts, or when you're drilling holes in it. And don't even get me started on old insulated pipes.

Your question is basically this: if I said I wouldn't drink water collected from an asbestos roof... it's hard to wrap your head around. But up until just a few months ago, I always drank rainwater collected from either shingles or zinc roofing here in the US... and honestly, how much worse is that compared to the daily polluted air we breathe? These days, I filter my tap water because I can't stand the taste of chlorination.

The experts say it isn't just a risk for those working directly with asbestos, but for anyone nearby when "ASBESTOS PARTICLES" are in the air. In fact, the biggest wave of victims will likely come in the future when we start tearing down products that are everywhere: hospitals, schools, offices, or heating and cooling pipes lined with it. It's a widespread danger... but try telling someone that. Even here in the States, where regulations for removal are incredibly strict and only "licensed professionals" are allowed to touch it, you still see violations happening all the time.

I believe I've mentioned this before, about two American sisters who passed away from mesothelioma. After looking into it, it turned out they used to clean their roof frequently with a stiff
broom to clear away dirt and dried bird droppings. They were inhaling those particles for years. Maybe if they had sprayed it with water while cleaning it might have helped, but they cleaned it dry and then rinsed it with water afterward.

Homes, for instance, are full of asbestos products, even in some household appliances. I'm glad when I read a question like yours... asking questions isn't stupid, and being cautious isn't foolish. You aren't an idiot for wanting to help and warn others.

Best regards,
Vilko P. S.

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Adam Vrancic said:Everyone visiting my site can find everything they need to know about that terrible disease
http://www.mesotheliomacentar.com

Not much of an effort, Adam Vrancic!
Most people here read in English, so you could have at least tried to adapt your post with more than just a single link that only covers one specific area. "thet terible disease"....... which is actually spelled "That terrible disease." .....It would be much more interesting if you provided your own translation of the materials you're recommending!

How much do you actually know about Asbestosis?... clearly not much if you can't even type two words correctly in English.... so how can we trust your sources?

I’ve already included literature published in America, written by American specialists.

It took me thousands of hours to put this all together.... and my article actually contains much more useful links than the ones you're suggesting.... Beyond mesothelioma, which is fatal, there are two other conditions: Pleural Plaque & Asbestosis. You don't die directly from those, but you suffer from them for 25 years or more... some people end up on oxygen and barely move, while those with Pleural Plaque mostly deal with breathing restrictions depending on how much physical effort they exert.

A patient suffering from Asbestosis/Pleural Plaque & the onset of Asbestosis.

Vilko P. S.

P.S. Other articles from a SPECIALIST:

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dustyowl29 said:About a week ago, I wiped out on my scooter on a sharp turn and landed hard on my right shoulder. It swelled up a little, but the pain wasn't too bad at first. I went to see my doctor, and she just gave me some pills and told me to grab some topical gel. She figured I just bruised it and said it would clear up in about ten days...
But seven days later, nothing had changed. Yesterday afternoon, while passing by the local hospital, I decided to swing by the ER. Since they weren't slammed, they saw me pretty quickly...
They took an X-ray of my shoulder, and the doctor diagnosed me with a "dislocated shoulder joint." He saw the hematoma on the shoulder and looked at the imaging, then recommended total immobilization of my arm and shoulder. I didn't really want to commit to that because I was there on my scooter, so he just gave me a sling around my neck and told me to come back with someone who could apply a Dessen bandage...
Now I'm stuck wondering what to do. Maybe I actually should take some sick leave and stick to that full immobilization for the ten days he suggested... I'm just not sure.

What do you guys think?
Forget doctors... if you're riding a scooter, you're asking for trouble. What's the big deal if someone else just looks out for you?😁
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Junacine!

Are you moms still out here changing diapers?
And feeding them with silver spoons?
Every single excuse for not serving in the US Army is pathetic.🤣 😁

banderas said:The interest rate for personal loans isn't 6%. That rate applies to specific home loans where the bank takes a mortgage on the property. If you want money to invest, you need liquid cash.

Your comparison between the stock market and sports betting is just guesswork, much like most of the people on this thread. I’ve been an investor for quite some time now. I don't put my money into social security funds; I invest in stocks and mutual funds. Most of my wealth was built by selling services. I live in America, a capitalist country, and I’m doing just fine here, thanks for asking. 🙂
It seems you all are living in a version of socialism that only exists in your heads.

I’ve been working with a modest amount of money—essentially supplementing my retirement—for about 14 years now.

Stocks are for the long haul. For us retirees who had our superannuation tied up in various funds, cash, stocks, mortgages, overseas assets,
and so on—you don't put all your eggs in one basket. Thanks to the global shifts following 2000, we've seen people lose anywhere from 35-45% depending on luck.

That happened even through some of the world's most famous big-name bank funds... not through a sportsbook.

I’ve withdrawn my remaining capital and I handle my own investments now.
Everyone wants to make a profit, but then they hit you with annual fees, monthly maintenance fees, and management percentages once the money is invested—plus maybe another 0.10% over the years, but it adds up.

To get a decent return at a bank, you have to be very happy just to see 5% a year. You might see 5.25% on an online daily balance account. If you want to take a slightly smaller risk, many people opt for mortgage-backed loans where you can get around 8.25%, with interest paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

I usually stick with one I've had for four years, which is registered with a fund of over $100 million.

It shows how many people can't get the loan they actually need from a Bank, so they
borrow money through secondary mortgages... if you don't pay, they seize and sell your house, villa, or investment property. I believe those loans run around 9-13% per year.

Sure, many people own homes and units on credit, but many also end up paying higher interest than they would at a bank because they exceed their actual repayment capacity.

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@Kyle Nelson2,
Most Americans spend about 30-35% of their income on mortgage payments. In cities like New York, that hits the 35% mark easily. It’s tough everywhere, and I'm talking about average folks, not households pulling in over $100k per person.

When you talk about housing in the US, it really depends on which State you're in and where specifically... generally, you're looking at anything from $250K up to around $750K in places like New York, while salaries vary a bit by job. Food prices stay pretty much the same, unless you're out in the middle of nowhere.
roughly equal.

Sure, there are villas priced north of $1 million, but even our high earners can't touch those.

Though, I wouldn't be surprised if someone pops up here claiming they own five of them—you read all sorts of things on these forums.

But honestly, before long, we'll see plenty of people going Bankrupt because they simply can't keep up with the payments, regardless of how well things seem to be going in America.

Now, goldengull3 will probably chime in again with some "but back in America..." line, and they'd be right—"taking on more debt" is often framed as a sign of rising incomes. It makes me laugh.
I spent 23 years paying off loans, one after another. I know I did it because I couldn't afford to pay cash. Very few people actually have the luxury of buying a car or a house outright.

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Linda Morales said:That's just not true. If you have ambition and a few good ideas in your head, you can make decent money in a completely legal and constructive way. Pick any profession. Once the cash starts flowing, it doesn't just drip—it pours in like a river.

Kudos to 🙏 🙏 🙏. Since you're supposedly so wealthy, owning villas and houses all over the world, mind if I ask how old you are? How many kids have you raised or helped get on their feet? Based on your writing, you sound like someone who has zero clue about actual expenses, yet you're full of nonsense regarding wealth and easy money. Only people who are foolish or boastful talk like that without knowing anything.

If you're really that loaded, maybe you could sponsor a few people to help them get out of the States. Then, once they pay you back, you can just pick a few more friends to help.

The rest of us who would actually do this from the heart simply don't have what you claim to have: brains and massive wealth.

Doing something for society and yourself would be a great move; you might actually feel proud.

Back in my day, even though I struggled to put two kids through school in Africa... at $30 an hour, after ten years, I basically lost all that money to taxes.

Someone as "brilliant" as you, and yet you didn't even realize you could do something for ordinary, hardworking, struggling people.

Are you actually an honest, smart person? Prove it by showing us something positive. After all, what does all this wealth actually mean to you?

Good luck, and thanks in advance for helping people who will repay you honestly. Just think about how much better everyone on this forum will think of you.

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@ Home Medicine Cabinet

First things first: keep all medications out of reach of small children. It might even be worth using a lockbox. You also need to avoid damp areas, so skip the bathroom entirely. Temperature control matters too.

If you manage a lot of different meds, I highly recommend a weekly pill organizer. Just fill it once a week. If you’re dealing with a chronic condition, always stay ahead of your refills so you don't run out.

If you’re heading out for the afternoon or have a busy schedule, keep a small supply in your bag. If you struggle with allergies, headaches, or general aches, always have something ready. Again, watch the temperature.

As Casey Palmer5 suggested, make sure you're fully equipped if you're traveling or heading outdoors. Pack a solid first aid kit and take a first aid course. This is especially vital when living in massive places like the US or Australia, where everything is spread out and you might be 100-311 miles miles from anyone.

***A serious warning: whenever I travel outside of Australia, I carry documentation for all my medications, regardless of whether they are prescription or over-the-counter. If you end up in a jail in Asia over some "social" pills, you could face one or two years behind bars. In some places, carrying 4 kg of marijuana can land you 20 to 30 years in prison—or worse.

Personally, I keep printed lists of my medical conditions and prescriptions, along with my wife's. We keep copies in her purse and in the car just in case.

I probably shouldn't have to say this, but since I'm on about 15 different prescriptions and my wife is on about 7—plus the various stuff we buy privately without a script—it's better to be safe.

Every two weeks, I go through our list to see what we need to pick up from the pharmacy and check when our next doctor's appointment or refill is due.

I’m honestly relieved to be done with those dangerous habits—things like narcotics I haven't touched in ages, or all those analgesics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure meds that clinics used to pump me full of for pain management.

Those days are long gone. Now, I still have a built-in cabinet about 1m x 0.6m x 0.6m to hold everything else.

I hope some of this helps. My advice? Always keep a log of what you’ve taken over the years, how it affected you, or any allergic reactions you had. And please, never give your specific medication to someone else just because you think it might help them. Many drugs are prescribed for various issues—like how antidepressants or anti-seizure meds are sometimes used for chronic pain—and taking someone else's specialized medicine can completely change your mental state and leave you feeling out of control.

😉 🙂 😎

@Sibencanka

It sounds like you might be dealing with stress or anxiety. Take a look at the thread below; there are some detailed descriptions of these issues written in English that might help. If this is becoming a regular thing, please don't dismiss it. Honestly, thinking you shouldn't seek help is the only real mistake here. Maybe try some relaxation techniques first, but if those don't cut it... go see a doctor. Try to keep track of what you're doing—or what you've been doing—that seems to trigger these symptoms.


Mental Health & Us

Good luck. :cool;

Just a heads-up for anyone who isn't aware: acne isn't just some rite of passage during
puberty. It can be triggered by various factors, including certain medications like hormones, testosterone, antidepressants, and more.

Certain medications can also cause acne. Specifically, hormone medications like contraceptive agents [medroxyprogesterone injections (Depo-Provera) and older oral contraceptives--newer birth control pills such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estrostep can actually improve acne], testosterone, corticosteroids [prednisone, methylprednisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, betamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, and triamcinolone], and anabolic steroids [danocrine (Danazol) and stanozolol (Stomba)] can all aggravate acne. Other medications known to exacerbate acne include certain antidepressants, drugs used to treat tuberculosis, anti-seizure medications, and cyclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmune).
Oftentimes, it is difficult for doctors to determine the sole cause of acne. Because of this, it may take time and multiple trials of medication to find the medication most effective for the treatment of your acne.

English source here:Everything you need to know about acne!

========================

I've gathered about 10,900 links regarding acne here in the US—take your pick!

Link:Dealing with Acne?!!!*

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lucky-strike said:Maybe they should try joining a club or finding a hobby to stay busy. Boredom and feeling unfulfilled often lead straight to depression. I wonder what kind of interests they have? If they can afford it, maybe take a trip. There are plenty of ways to stay active.

It’s obvious that a lot of people don't grasp just how heavy depression actually is.
Especially major depression—when you combine that with anxiety and panic attacks, you're basically living in a nightmare. It isn't about being antisocial; most people just aren't physically capable of traveling or socializing when they're struggling. And let's be honest, many are heavily medicated just to function.

These conditions stem from intense work stress or lifestyle factors, not just simple "boredom." Boredom is usually easy to fix, which is exactly where the misunderstanding lies. That's the fundamental difference.

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@Laura Ramirez61/">@@Laura Ramirez61

At an age like your parents', it’s really heartening to see that sense of friendship and mutual respect still holds up after all these years. It’s a natural stage of life. My wife and I are in a similar boat, aged 68 and 64.

Unfortunately, from my long experience seeing a psychiatrist over the last 14 years—we've actually become close friends—I’ve learned that sometimes, you just can't help everyone. Hypnosis wouldn't do much at this stage of life either, and I'm personally not a big believer in electroconvulsive therapy; I don't see many people using it these days. I even asked about it for myself, but when it comes to spinal surgery, the answer was a firm "no under any circumstances."

The struggle with antidepressants is that there are so many options, and finding the right fit for a specific patient is tough, especially if they also deal with anxiety. It gets even more complicated if they're already managing multiple other medications.

Different pills produce different results; everyone reacts uniquely.
Sometimes doctors have to adjust based on the individual. Given someone's age, they might only need half a dose. Conversely, if a person is built like me—larger and heavier—they might actually need a double dose.
From what I can see regarding your parents, everything seems okay, but they really should try to get out
for 30 to 40 minutes every day just to move around. That’s honestly the best medicine for keeping the rest of the body functioning. Personally, I know how hard that can be since my mobility is limited following a spinal surgery... but I manage by doing ten 10-minute walks throughout the day.

Just like you were advised, please don't beat yourself up or dwell on things too much. You’ve done everything you could, and you continue to do so. It’s wonderful to see someone care for their parents the way you do.

Your mother isn't sick because she retired early at 55 or because she stopped working the vineyard. Depression often just drains a person's strength and leaves them without much drive for anything beyond the absolute essentials.
And after 16 years, things likely won't shift overnight. Your mother has her routine down—waking up and going to bed at regular times, except when issues arise. Plus, she has your father for company, and for some people, that’s enough.
I wish I could maintain a regular sleep schedule myself. For 13 years now, I’ve been hitting the sack somewhere between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM, then sleeping for 12 hours straight. Other times, due to the pain, I won't sleep at all for two or three nights. My wife has a hard time dealing with it because our life lacks a steady rhythm, but unfortunately, this is just how it is.

Wishing you and your family all the best.

Laura Ramirez61 said:Lately, whenever she’s supposed to visit, she’ll be bedridden two days beforehand feeling unwell. Or she’ll just call me and say there’s no need for me to come at all.

That sounds like a classic symptom of the illness. She might still be dealing with discomfort, anxiety, or even panic attacks.

She lives in her own bubble and doesn't feel the need to socialize... actually, she’s afraid of meeting up.
Because she starts worrying about him—as you said, she's been "sick" for two days already.

Take me, for example. I'm an extrovert; when I'm out, I talk to everyone and never shut up... a total chatterbox... a huge social butterfly.
But I have frequent doctor visits. Often by the evening or even when I lay down in the morning, I can't sleep. Why? Even though people tell me I'm very easy to talk to and a very educated patient. It all comes down to the fact that the illness is chronic. I used to be shy, withdrawn, and always struggled with anxiety.

Whenever something non-routine happens, it immediately knocks me out of my
normal state and makes me feel worse. Panic attacks, stomach issues, dizziness... the works.

By the way, you haven't mentioned how things are going with your mom and dad.
I noticed most of your posts focus on "the consequences for you and your younger sister,"
but since he lives with her 24/7, your father is likely her closest support.

I'm only asking because I know how it goes from my experience. We live alone, and my habit of sleeping in late—unless I'm seeing doctors—causes friction because it affects my wife's life. She's up early while I'm up in the afternoon. By the time the meds wear off and I'm awake, she's already heading to bed. Whether it's your mother or myself, being sick means we become a challenge to ourselves and our families.

Best,
Jamie Clark74
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@Stana,
Just because you're "swamped with school" doesn't automatically mean you're depressed. Still, we all need a change of pace sometimes. The bare minimum you could do for yourself is a quick 30-minute brisk walk every day. Honestly, if you asked a doctor, they'd tell you the same thing—we all need that daily movement just to keep our systems running smoothly.

The same goes for making time for some casual conversation with a friend or a partner. It really matters. Speaking from experience, I spent my entire childhood working after school and late into the night without any social life. If I had been struggling back then, I'd probably be dealing with serious anxiety today.

Since you're spending so much time studying... it might be tough, but I really think you should find a hobby. Something outside the house that isn't tied to your studies.

All the best,
Jamie Clark74

Susan Martin24 said:Depression isn't a small issue... and unfortunately, about 20% of patients with depression don't see a full recovery despite therapy—whether it's medication, psychotherapy, or occupational therapy...As people age, these struggles often progress.
It sounds harsh, but I have to be honest with you—it's an unavoidable reality that family members of those with depression eventually show symptoms themselves... and you really need to look out for yourself, too.
When a patient can no longer function independently, placing them in residential care facilities that provide proper support and housing becomes a necessary consideration...

A few months ago, I wrote a bit about depression on my blog, so I'll share that here:

Since Dr. Jane Doe gave you such a clear overview of the situation,
as someone living with a chronic condition, I'll just briefly share my thoughts and provide a link if you want to read more.

Back in 1991, when I was 50, I held a high-responsibility role at a steel mill. My job involved maintenance—essentially managing the electrical scheduling for the entire plant.
I was overseeing 20 vehicles, work orders, three computers, and five or six phone lines. I used to complain it was too much, but given they were laying off 3,000 people, I just received some sympathy, a guarantee of employment, and a promise that the workload would eventually ease up.
That’s when my health began its rapid decline (though back then, I had no idea it was my fault). To put it simply, I became so weak I could barely walk. I started having panic attacks, so I took three months of vacation to recover. When I returned to work, an ambulance actually rushed me to the hospital because they thought I was having a heart attack... after testing, it turned out to be extreme stress and anxiety, and I was referred to a psychiatrist. There, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and certain personality traits.

Because of these conditions, I had to transition to disability retirement in 1992.
Things haven't improved significantly, though I am capable of managing my own care.
The downside is that I now deal with even more medical issues, so it feels like I'm stuck in a loop.

I've been seeing my psychiatrist every six weeks since 1992. I'm grateful to have actual professional help... and most importantly, I still have a strong desire to keep learning as much as my health and medications allow (I even attended classes at Johns Hopkins University for about 18 months, but I struggle to concentrate lately).

Much like your mother, I feel the side effects of my medications quite heavily, especially since I take about 25 pills a day and live with chronic pain from two spinal surgeries and other ailments.

I can be a challenge for my wife, as she never knows when or how long I'll be sleeping. Between my other health issues and the fact that I have sleep apnea and need a CPAP machine, we sleep separately.
I'm fully aware of my own illnesses and the challenges my wife faces. I also can't stand loud noises or the chaos of my grandkids, but my whole family has sat down with my psychiatrist, so everyone understands what I'm going through.
I've been dealing with chronic illness for 14 years now, and I've accepted that things aren't going to get better.

Knowing others, including your mother, I realize that even though I can't work, I'm glad I fought hard enough to maintain an interest in life—specifically through the computing I've done for over 30 years... and the internet.

Life is hard for the patient, but it's even harder for the family. Every patient is different. I'm thankful that I can speak openly with my psychiatrist, and my wife joins me, so we always have these 1.5-hour sessions together.

It is very difficult for someone at 68 to change or reinvent themselves. Unfortunately, they might even become a danger to themselves—like you mentioned, how someone "started a fire with a cigarette." As the doctor said, as we get older, treatment becomes more difficult... and even healthy people start becoming forgetful at that age.

Please take care of yourselves. Help others as much as you can, but don't let it destroy your own lives—you’re already carrying enough stress as it is.

Speaking from my own experience and what I've seen in other cases, I honestly think it might be too late for your mother to suddenly change her ways or pick up a new hobby. She’s gone too far down this path. People who are younger, or those dealing with just mild depression, won't grasp the difference between a minor setback and Major Depressive Disorder. It's a different level entirely.

Here is a link for;

"Psychiatry and Me": A thread for forum members serious about these illnesses!

Jamie Clark74: 35 years of battling illnesses, medications, and therapies.

Wishing you all the best,
Jamie Clark74

Speaking of the subject at hand, if you ever have to undergo surgery, you can actually prep your own blood supply just in case of an emergency... at least, that’s how we handle things here in the States.

Back in 2002, I went ahead and prepared 200, I think, for my own procedure. It ended up not being necessary, but the hospital was actually quite relieved I had my own supply ready—blood shortages are a constant headache.

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HZTM said:Permanent donor deferrals:
1. Permanently deferred are individuals who have suffered or are currently suffering from severe chronic respiratory or digestive diseases, as well as those with cardiovascular disease, malignant diseases, liver disease, AIDS, diabetes, or neurological and mental health disorders.
2. Individuals with high-risk behaviors are also permanently deferred:
- alcoholics or drug users,
- men who have had sexual contact with other men,
- men and women who have had sexual contact with sex workers,
- people with multiple sexual partners,
- anyone who has used drugs intravenously,
- people treated for sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea),
- HIV-positive individuals,
- sexual partners of any of the above.

Can someone chime in who doesn't fall into any of these categories?
Either everyone is lying, or nobody would ever donate blood.

In this day and age, when singles head to a bar and end up in bed before they even know each other's names..., kids are starting to have sex at 12 or 13, dear addicts,
people who don't even remember where or when they had "good times" with someone,
and people who pass on STIs long before they even realize they've been infected?

I find it hard to believe there's even one person in a thousand who is "perfectly clean," whether regarding their health or their past encounters with anyone—from sex workers to the high-society types who change partners more often than they change their underwear.

It's an interesting topic for potential blood donors!

What about those "social drinkers"... the ones who drink regularly but aren't labeled alcoholics because they have good jobs, nice cars, and houses?

Then you have smokers or people with allergies... if you read anything about health today, you'll see there isn't a single person left who isn't struggling. They tend to exaggerate, sure, but almost everyone deals with anemia, low iron, bronchitis... or just a lack of decent nutrition.

Look, I’m no saint, and I have my own health issues. I was young once too, and I caught gonorrhea—and it was from someone who seemed like a "lady." So, no one can say it's just about visiting a prostitute. Honestly, most of the trouble today comes from educated young people who just don't care. Fifty years ago, we didn't have the sexual education we have now, and our parents didn't talk to us about these things like they do today.

So, let the first person who has never made a mistake stone me... especially considering I'm 64 and have lived through all of this. I'm just being honest.

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