OT: Health Thread

[EdJovanovski]

Some of you may know about my health issues I've been dealing with regarding pulsatile tinnitus (whooshing sound of blood flow in sync with your heartbeat). I had a long journey to try getting that figured out as it's often caused by neurovascular abnormalities, after many scans and seeing the top specialist in the world in NYC Dr. Patsalides he ruled out anything neurovascular, but he suggested to get my heart looked at.

I got a phone call from my cardiologist and it turns out my echocardiogram showed a slightly leaky valve with prolapse. I haven't received the actual reports yet but from our conversation it sounds like it's something called Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse - Symptoms and causes

Says it is fairly common, presenting in 2% of the population and is not typically life-threatening, a little worried however as it has heavy correlation with connective tissue diseases. My dad died of primary heart cancer (sarcoma of the right atrium) at age 33, that is like a 1 in 100 million cancer. Sarcomas are connective tissue tumors, and literally every person on my dad's side of the family has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

When I reconnected with them a few years ago they were shocked to hear that I had no health issues, they can't even walk without a cane because of it and they are just in their 30's. I'll try to get tested for Ehlers-Danlos, it is looking very likely because of my family history, my prolapsing valve (these are caused by it being too stretchy), and the fact I am hypermobile. My wrists, elbows, shoulders are all double jointed. Like if I put my hand flat on a table I can turn it around over 360 degrees. I also have completely flat feet, and severe near sightedness (both are symptoms of EDS). Now I'm analyzing everything and perhaps that is even why I tore my ACL so easily.

Any of you guys have experience with any of these conditions? Any other health issues you guys are dealing with?

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[nyr2k2]

Sorry to hear that. Health issues suck.

I have an arthritic condition called ankylosis spondylitis. I treat it with a biologic called Cosentyx which you'll see on TV as a treatment for RA or plaque psoriasis.

I have high BP, and problematic arrhythmias that they're not sure what the cause is. Those can be really scary during an intense episode, and just as scary when you have an irregular heartbeat for an entire day. I also have a leaky valve and aortic regurgitation. I'm sure some offshoot of these conditions will kill me one day.

I hope you're able to identify and resolve your issues. Best of luck.

 

[Crease]

My mom left us eight weeks ago. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer (non smoker) and she was gone three months later. 62 years young. Never thought it could happen to our family. Life is weird. Our health is all we have. Take care of yourselves and get checked up regularly.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Sorry to hear that, best wishes!

 

[eco's bones]

Some of you may know about my health issues I've been dealing with regarding pulsatile tinnitus (whooshing sound of blood flow in sync with your heartbeat). I had a long journey to try getting that figured out as it's often caused by neurovascular abnormalities, after many scans and seeing the top specialist in the world in NYC Dr. Patsalides he ruled out anything neurovascular, but he suggested to get my heart looked at.

I got a phone call from my cardiologist and it turns out my echocardiogram showed a slightly leaky valve with prolapse. I haven't received the actual reports yet but from our conversation it sounds like it's something called Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse - Symptoms and causes

Says it is fairly common, presenting in 2% of the population and is not typically life-threatening, a little worried however as it has heavy correlation with connective tissue diseases. My dad died of primary heart cancer (sarcoma of the right atrium) at age 33, that is like a 1 in 100 million cancer. Sarcomas are connective tissue tumors, and literally every person on my dad's side of the family has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

When I reconnected with them a few years ago they were shocked to hear that I had no health issues, they can't even walk without a cane because of it and they are just in their 30's. I'll try to get tested for Ehlers-Danlos, it is looking very likely because of my family history, my prolapsing valve (these are caused by it being too stretchy), and the fact I am hypermobile. My wrists, elbows, shoulders are all double jointed. Like if I put my hand flat on a table I can turn it around over 360 degrees. I also have completely flat feet, and severe near sightedness (both are symptoms of EDS). Now I'm analyzing everything and perhaps that is even why I tore my ACL so easily.

Any of you guys have experience with any of these conditions? Any other health issues you guys are dealing with?

You are too young for dealing with this shit.

 

[eco's bones]

FWIW I was diagnosed for multiple myeloma on december 8. It’s a blood cancer and it eats bones. On December 30 I sneezed and fractured my L-5 vertebrae. I spent the next 10 days between two hospitals. Since then the fracture has healed but I don’t yet have the same flexibility or mobility but we’re getting there. I’ve been going to the local cancer center for chemo and antibody treatments on thursdays and my blood draw numbers have normalized. On April 9 I’m up to Rochester’s Wilmot cancer center to begin the process of stem cell collection—which will take 6/7 days and later in April—maybe the 22nd or 23rd I’ll be doing a bone marrow transplant with my own stem cells. They want to collect enough stem cells for two transplants because myeloma never really goes away. All that said I’m going to win this round anyway. I haven’t had a beer in months and that really pisses me off. I’m 63 and I’ve more than less have had a good life so it’s not like I’ve been cheated on anything but I’m not going to let this thing run the f*** over me. Maybe some day it will get me but that day is down the road.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Sorry to hear that man, pulling for you and hope like you said its noting too severe.

*knock on wood* i haven't had many serious health conditions in my life so far aside from some injuries, however both my parents have had cancer, luckily they both recovered but i'm probably due for cancer sometime in the next 10-20 years. I'm 32 now and i'm starting to feel some creaks and cracks but as i said, can't complain too much, I know when we have our health we tend to take it for granted and I'm trying not to do that.

I know you'll keep us updated with your situation and again, hoping for the best for everyone in this thread who is dealing with issues.

 

[Machinehead]

I have asthma and I recently had to go without my medicine for six days because some doctors are morons who had the money to pass medical school.

As a result, I literally hurt my lungs straining to breathe. Having a lung injury is unpleasant.

 

[East Coast Bias]

FWIW I was diagnosed for multiple myeloma on december 8. It’s a blood cancer and it eats bones. On December 30 I sneezed and fractured my L-5 vertebrae. I spent the next 10 days between two hospitals. Since then the fracture has healed but I don’t yet have the same flexibility or mobility but we’re getting there. I’ve been going to the local cancer center for chemo and antibody treatments on thursdays and my blood draw numbers have normalized. On April 9 I’m up to Rochester’s Wilmot cancer center to begin the process of stem cell collection—which will take 6/7 days and later in April—maybe the 22nd or 23rd I’ll be doing a bone marrow transplant with my own stem cells. They want to collect enough stem cells for two transplants because myeloma never really goes away. All that said I’m going to win this round anyway. I haven’t had a beer in months and that really pisses me off. I’m 63 and I’ve more than less have had a good life so it’s not like I’ve been cheated on anything but I’m not going to let this thing run the f*** over me. Maybe some day it will get me but that day is down the road.

my dads has had MM for 18 years. He was in his late 40s when he got diagnosed. He’s been through multiple different treatments and drugs.
The treatments have gotten so much better in that time. The options are much more than they were, and only getting better.

He’s doing well now. He will be over my house for beers tonight. Hang there in man.

 

[bl02]

Some of you may know about my health issues I've been dealing with regarding pulsatile tinnitus (whooshing sound of blood flow in sync with your heartbeat). I had a long journey to try getting that figured out as it's often caused by neurovascular abnormalities, after many scans and seeing the top specialist in the world in NYC Dr. Patsalides he ruled out anything neurovascular, but he suggested to get my heart looked at.

I got a phone call from my cardiologist and it turns out my echocardiogram showed a slightly leaky valve with prolapse. I haven't received the actual reports yet but from our conversation it sounds like it's something called Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse - Symptoms and causes

Says it is fairly common, presenting in 2% of the population and is not typically life-threatening, a little worried however as it has heavy correlation with connective tissue diseases. My dad died of primary heart cancer (sarcoma of the right atrium) at age 33, that is like a 1 in 100 million cancer. Sarcomas are connective tissue tumors, and literally every person on my dad's side of the family has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

When I reconnected with them a few years ago they were shocked to hear that I had no health issues, they can't even walk without a cane because of it and they are just in their 30's. I'll try to get tested for Ehlers-Danlos, it is looking very likely because of my family history, my prolapsing valve (these are caused by it being too stretchy), and the fact I am hypermobile. My wrists, elbows, shoulders are all double jointed. Like if I put my hand flat on a table I can turn it around over 360 degrees. I also have completely flat feet, and severe near sightedness (both are symptoms of EDS). Now I'm analyzing everything and perhaps that is even why I tore my ACL so easily.

Any of you guys have experience with any of these conditions? Any other health issues you guys are dealing with?

hang in there man and best of luck

 

[eco's bones]

my dads has had MM for 18 years. He was in his late 40s when he got diagnosed. He’s been through multiple different treatments and drugs.
The treatments have gotten so much better in that time. The options are much more than they were, and only getting better.

He’s doing well now. He will be over my house for beers tonight. Hang there in man.

It’s been an interesting experience in a way—not that I wanted it but you don’t get to choose something like this. The antibody treatment I think is kind of new. Basically I want to get back to the norm and the sooner the better. I also trust the medicos both in my hometown and in Rochester and what they tell me to do I do. Got my teeth squared away for the bone strengthening shots—got the Pfizer vaccination for covid—both shots. Go to PT twice a week and have been building up stamina at home on a recumbent exercise bike. I’ve lost maybe 5 to 10 lbs. but I’m eating like a horse. My back does bother me at times but other than that I feel pretty good.

 

[Kane One]

My mom left us eight weeks ago. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer (non smoker) and she was gone three months later. 62 years young. Never thought it could happen to our family. Life is weird. Our health is all we have. Take care of yourselves and get checked up regularly.

Damn, that’s a shame. Sorry to hear.

And also to @EdJovanovski

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Damn, sorry to hear, hope everything turns out ok with you bro!

 

[aufheben]

Jesus man I thought this thread was going to be about fricken brown rice and push-ups.

Sorry fellas.

 

[EdJovanovski]

Jesus man I thought this thread was going to be about fricken brown rice and push-ups.

Sorry fellas.

Lmao that’s what I intend for it to become! Hopefully this time next year we’re sharing success stories about how we overcame these issues and made positive lifestyle changes.

 

[Bob Richards]

Bipolar Disorder. The first few years of it showing symptoms were absolutely wild lol.

But on a positive note I can honestly say that the past few years have been the happiest and healthiest I've ever been and I'm extremely grateful for the people in my life who have helped make that possible. Even this stupid website and its colorful user base contribute to that

Wishing the best for everyone else who has shared something already and for anyone who will share something here soon.

 

[shnagle]

Sorry to hear about your health problems. I can't speak to the EDS but my Dad has been living with the mitrovalve prolapse(MP) for over 30 years. It was pretty scary when he was first diagnosed but it turns out it is very treatable. He is 82 now and going strong. The severity of everyone's MP is different, so the best advice I can give you is to find a really good cardiologist. Make sure you get multiple opinions before deciding who you think offers the best treatment option for you. Thirty years ago the options were not great other than a valve replacement. Two of the best cardiologists in NY told my Dad he needed valve replacement right away and a third told him to wait as there would be new procedures coming that were far less invasive. He learned that some cardiologists only want to do surgery and are not interested in other options. He opted to wait and has been with same Cardiologist ever since. He always reminds me that waiting was one of the best decisions he ever made. Now, there are multiple less invasive options like TAVR, TEER (some people call these methods "clip") where they go through your leg to insert essentially a stent in your valve. You can usually walk out the same day as opposed to giving up a year of recovery for a valve replacement. Thankfully, he has been doing great. He is given a battery of tests twice a year and the clip procedure option is on the table if his condition were to worsen. Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[egelband]

Every day is a blessing.

 

[kovazub94]

Stay strong boys! Just a reminder for everyone to keep things in perspective and not stress out with little daily life shit!

 

[leetch99]

It's no fun having health issues at any age . My main artery is blocked and deemed not repairable because of dead tissue and no place for a graft to take they informed me . My other three arteries are 60-50-40 blocked . I take pills ..lot of them LOL.... I am a 20 year type 2 Diabetic ...more pills and needles .... I have an ICD [ implantable cardioverter-defibrillator ]since last October . I am glad I saved some bucks when I was younger ....it is all expensive !!! I can still work and golf...Life has been good I figure as I have had many friends and such that never reached my age and for that I am fortunate . Take care EdJ!!!

 

[CasusBelli]

I dealt with epilepsy from 19 through 27 after a concussion I sustained while playing soccer. Thanks to modern medicine, however, I have been fine for many years.

 

[CasusBelli]

Some of you may know about my health issues I've been dealing with regarding pulsatile tinnitus (whooshing sound of blood flow in sync with your heartbeat). I had a long journey to try getting that figured out as it's often caused by neurovascular abnormalities, after many scans and seeing the top specialist in the world in NYC Dr. Patsalides he ruled out anything neurovascular, but he suggested to get my heart looked at.

I got a phone call from my cardiologist and it turns out my echocardiogram showed a slightly leaky valve with prolapse. I haven't received the actual reports yet but from our conversation it sounds like it's something called Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse - Symptoms and causes

Says it is fairly common, presenting in 2% of the population and is not typically life-threatening, a little worried however as it has heavy correlation with connective tissue diseases. My dad died of primary heart cancer (sarcoma of the right atrium) at age 33, that is like a 1 in 100 million cancer. Sarcomas are connective tissue tumors, and literally every person on my dad's side of the family has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

When I reconnected with them a few years ago they were shocked to hear that I had no health issues, they can't even walk without a cane because of it and they are just in their 30's. I'll try to get tested for Ehlers-Danlos, it is looking very likely because of my family history, my prolapsing valve (these are caused by it being too stretchy), and the fact I am hypermobile. My wrists, elbows, shoulders are all double jointed. Like if I put my hand flat on a table I can turn it around over 360 degrees. I also have completely flat feet, and severe near sightedness (both are symptoms of EDS). Now I'm analyzing everything and perhaps that is even why I tore my ACL so easily.

Any of you guys have experience with any of these conditions? Any other health issues you guys are dealing with?

Be well and stay strong my friend! Just don’t let those physical setbacks affect your mental well-being. You can always count on me for emotional support.

... Even if we we disagree on Lemieux.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

So, I have periodontal disease and was told I needed a tooth extracted. So I decided to get a second opinion hoping I'll be told I don't need to do it. The opposite happened. I was told I need SEVEN (!!!) teeth extracted. I don't know what to do and my insurance will only cover a fraction of it. I'm depressed. Should I get a third opinion? Should I go back to my regular doctor and ask him what HIS take is on it? He said I only have two problem teeth and wanted to extract just one.

 

[eco's bones]

Since the Rangers suck tonight I probably should do a bit of an update.

I returned to Rochester NY on the 21st and got an autologous stem cell transplant on the 23rd. That went very well. Now I’m in the Wilmot Cancer hospital on the 6th floor in day 6 of my recovery. Transplant day is counted as day 0. Earliest they tell me that a myeloma patient is discharged is day 11. Some stay as long as 20 days. It’s not the transplant that’s the issue (though one nurse told me ‘you have a 63 year old body now with the stem cells of a new born baby’—so there is some adaptation I will need to do in the coming months—one bright spot I’m not to mow the lawn for at least a year) it’s the melphalan chemo shot I got the day before the transplant.

I haven’t completely crashed yet but I’m getting close. It may come tomorrow or the next day and it may last a couple or a few days but I will recover and get home in one piece and continue on these boards for a while and one day I hope to see the Rangers win another Stanley Cup (or 5–why be greedy?) and hopefully all the other Rangers posters will see that happen too.

The worst thing going on here right now is there is a baby being treated about three doors down. That’s a tough one.

 

[East Coast Bias]

Since the Rangers suck tonight I probably should do a bit of an update.

I returned to Rochester NY on the 21st and got an autologous stem cell transplant on the 23rd. That went very well. Now I’m in the Wilmot Cancer hospital on the 6th floor in day 6 of my recovery. Transplant day is counted as day 0. Earliest they tell me that a myeloma patient is discharged is day 11. Some stay as long as 20 days. It’s not the transplant that’s the issue (though one nurse told me ‘you have a 63 year old body now with the stem cells of a new born baby’—so there is some adaptation I will need to do in the coming months—one bright spot I’m not to mow the lawn for at least a year) it’s the melphalan chemo shot I got the day before the transplant.

I haven’t completely crashed yet but I’m getting close. It may come tomorrow or the next day and it may last a couple or a few days but I will recover and get home in one piece and continue on these boards for a while and one day I hope to see the Rangers win another Stanley Cup (or 5–why be greedy?) and hopefully all the other Rangers posters will see that happen too.

The worst thing going on here right now is there is a baby being treated about three doors down. That’s a tough one.

stay strong. I stayed the first couple nights in the hospital with my pops when he had the stem cell transplant. He was in for 12 days. It's a grind and I admire your guys strength.

Hang in there and be well. Brighter days ahead.