What do you guys think

[Ruudacguy]

Whats everyones opinion of a forum dedicated to health questions? I'm sure that after so many years in the business we all face some of the same ailments that are work related. If a new forum is out of the question then maybe a sticky thread? Maybe it could be named for Plumbdog? Every so often I come up with a new ache or pain that may or may not be work related. It would be nice to have a place to ask questions or see if anyone else has ever had the same ailments. It might get some of us to go to the doctor quicker.

Just a thought. Probably another dumb one.

Andy

[NHMaster3015]

www.webmd.com (http://www.webmd.com) ? :D

Seriously though, might not be a bad idea. You go first

[Old Grunter]

Let's see what Josh has to say. Maybe it could be a special area added to the Safety part of this forum, or did you mean a totally new forum?

[drtyhands]

I don't see how a forum that provides information to better the quality of life could be considered a dumb thought.Espescially since many here are people who don't mind sharing to help others.

If the proposed forum seems too specialized maybe it could be broadened to include other self preservation issues if needed.

Thanks Andy

God Bless You Dog.

[gear junkie]

I think it's a good idea. We're so focused on the short term that we sacrifice our bodies in the process. We need to make sure though that we talk about our syptoms, we're not doctors and shouldn't give advice on health ailments without a doctors approval.

[DuckButter]

I think it's an outstanding idea..MINDFUL of one very important thing.
I stated on another forum that a disclaimer is a smart idea when offering what can be construed as advice, a health forum would definitely need a disclaimer.

A new fella just joining may get the impression he's getting health advice from a professional.

A health forum would be a fantastic way to exchange experiences and information on the common back problems, joint problems and even dietary tips we all pick up over time.

[aero1]

i second that, good idea, a sort of blue collar doctors clinic and why not everyone says we charge like doctors.:D

[Josh]

Does General Discussion work or do we need a dedicated forum?

[Service Guy]

I don't think we need a dedicated forum. Someone just start posting about it, then we'll see how much response there is. I think there will be very little actually. If I want to discuss health issues, I'd be on a different forum.

[Old Grunter]

Josh

How much trouble for you would it be to setup a section for health related issues?

Call me crazy but I really would like more chapters and a real good table of contents. I would like a specail part for "What's New From Ridgid" where you and ProBrand keep us updated.

[PLUMBER RICK]

fortunately Joey's brother is the authority when it comes to medical advise.

he's written a 1500 page book with 173 procedures and 1700 illustrations on emergency medicine.

like joey always reminds me,

plumbing advise is fine;)

medical advise from a plumber is not:shrug:

like service guy mentioned.

we always discuss job site injuries,

but actually having a section for medical advise would be similar to what you guys think about diy's and hacks.

although i do give the doctors a run for the money with my "seweroscopy" i perform:D

i doubt they would trust me with a colonoscopy:kma: :slap:.

now removing brass slivers, i'm an expert;)

rick.

[DuckButter]

Does General Discussion work or do we need a dedicated forum?

Right, I haven't seen it pop up enough to warrant a seperate forum..however, the existance of such a forum might encourage discussion of healthy work habits, smart idea's on diet or info when someone isn't sure they have a problem that warrants serious attention.

I got carpel tunnel in both hands when I was younger living in ME working in the lumber industry.
At that age I just chaulked the numbness and pain up to par for the course.

Come to find out I should have had it seen by a doc, it still recurrs during very busy spurts, my hands go numb and I have to take usually a few days down time to let it ease up.

Had I asked around in my 20's I'd have had the surgery, I will likely have to get it eventually, but a health forum could benefit us by opening the door for discussion of things that won't come up in ordinary discussion.

[spodelee]

How about this for a health subject...

Imagine this (if you need too)

You are 55 years old and you worked in the trades (any of them) for 25 years. You fixed and built a ton of neat things, but by the time you retired your knees, back, and hands hurt every day. In fact, you quit working a little early because you just couldn't take it anymore.

In order to subdue the daily pain, you take more anti-inflammatories and pain killers than the doctor says you should.

You love to golf and hunt, but can only squeeze-in golf or hunting once a week because it takes a few days for your body to recover. Besides, your retirement package is a little tight and you need to watch how much you spend. Problem is, you are used to being pretty active, and it's tough finding affordable things to do the other six days of the week. Consequently, at times you're a little board.

You were exposed to all kinds of nasty things over the years, including asbestos and pathogens. You will not know for a long time what the consequences might be of your exposure to all of that nasty stuff. You think about this, but quickly put this concern in the back of your mind for another day.

Question 1: How much compensation (dollars) will be required over 25 years to make your career worth the pain and risk? Answer this question before you read and answer questions 2 & 3 below.

Question 2: Divide your 25 year compensation figure by 25. Is the answer more or less than you are making per year right now?

Question 3: Does the answer to question #2 motivate you, or de-motivate you, to provided detailed trade knowledge to the general public (DIY)?

Question 4: Do the answers to any of the questions above motivate you to fight for local, state or industry standards that protect your craft?

[plumberscrack]

I was just thinking about asking a couple guys about my shoulder pain.

Hawk and Gear Junkie have had recent rotator cuff surgery and wanted to know their symptoms and how the treatment went

I can't sleep on my right side anymore. Extreme pain when my arm is lifted over head.

Is it terminal?

[gear junkie]

I didn't have surgery but I did have shoulder problems which they said due to arthritis when I got my MRI. It does hurt when I lift my arm above my head. I was sent to physical therapy and they gave me exercises to do to strengthen the minor muscles which actually stabilize the joint. I also have arthritis in both knees probably due to running and my weight(260). When I was fat, I had lots of joint problems but since I've started weight training, the joint problems are pretty much nil.

Another story; my dad almost got kicked out of the army in the 80's due to back problems. His final hope was getting sent to a doctor who looked at him and recommended he due some ab exercises and gave him a list to due. He was mad at the advice but did it for 2 months and the pain went away. He's continued to do the exercises and his back hasn't been a problem since.

Weight training is very important to keep a healthy body. Your physical appearance has no play in your actual health. I've seen skinny guys who can't do a pushup and guys, overweight by navy standards, run a 16 minute 2 mile. But you have to keep your body strong. Getting in shape is a lifestyle change, you have to keep the postive change for the rest of your life to get the benefits.

[Dairylander]

Similar story -
My dad was a brick mason for thirty years and had the typical knee, back & wrist problems.
When the doctors had nothing more than narcotics to offer him, he started doing tai chi.
After a few years of practicing, he's now pain and arthritis free.

[plumberscrack]

I worked with a guy that used acupuncture for pain relief in his tennis elbow

Anyone try that? and did it work?

[Dairylander]

Coincidentally, I just rehabbed a torn meniscus with acupuncture. My doc said that my degree of tear would take 3 to 4 weeks to heal, but I was back on my feet in 2 weeks.
Was it the two sessions of acupuncture that sped up my healing? Or was it just that I'm younger than the average torn meniscus patient?
That's one problem with some alternative medicines, is that they work with more subtlety, so it's hard to gauge their effectiveness.
As more health insurances cover what they call "integrative medicine," which is the combining of Western and Eastern practices, we'll have more evidence as to what works and what doesn't.

[NHMaster3015]

I think we plumbers do give a lot for our trade, though not as much as those before us did thankfully. But then most of the construction trades take it out of you. Roofers, masons, carpenters ect. We all pretty much suffer from the same type of problems. Would I have still done it if I knew then what I know now? Probably, but then again when you're young you tend not to give your health a lot of thought. Ask me sometime what happens after 50 years of eating sausage and steak. I hope the next generation is a little more aware of the risks and that you guys are taking a moment to think about what your are working with and doing during the day. Truth is, there is really no need to put yourself at risk. Remember to wear your knee pads and back brace, safety glasses and hearing protection. Keep primers and glue off your skin. And for gods sake don't lift with your back. Read the MSDS warnings that come with chemicals and materials and understand the health risks. I don't see why plumbing and hvac work need to be hazardous to yourself if you just stop and think.

[Masterplumb]

Yeah I have been staying in shape practicing Chi Kung, ever since Tyman showed us "monkey steals the peach", thanks Tyman :shocked:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/yoda2be/monkeypeach.jpg

[Ruudacguy]

A sticky thread with health related questions would be more than what we have now. We could start out with that and if it grows maybe then have a seperate forum.

Andy

[DuckButter]

Quite frankly, I saw this thread as an opportunity to actually agree with Andy on something...for once.:rolleyes:

There are ailments relative to our trade that come up alot more frequentlky, like knee's, back and joints.

The only right advice is "see a doctor", but it might be nice to know what to expect if I had surgery coming up from someone who'd been there.