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Fatman

Fatman

Broken Pipe
Joined
Feb 14, 2013
Messages
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As I alluded in the Trading Post forum, I am no longer going to be consuming tobacco, in any forms. I had a bit of a scare today, I thought I was having a stroke, while at work. It was a Transient Ischemic Attack (AKA mini stroke) and during the work up, the MRI showed a lesion in the left side of my brain. All of my stroke symptoms were on the right side, which means the issue was in the left side of my brain. So I will follow up 3 months and see if the lesion has changed.

In the next few days I will catalogue my tobaccos and place them for sale. My pipes, I am not sure what to do. I am thinking of sending them all to Smoking Pipes and seeing what they will offer lock, stock and barrel.

Here is the kick in the balls. I was on the short list for a second interview at the Hospital in Idaho that I would love to work, and they were going to fly me down for that second interview. I am going to call the Director of Radiology tomorrow, and let him know that for now I am pulling my application, and when I get a clean bill of health, I will reapply.

Life happens!
 
do what younfeel is right health is priority but i hope to still see you on here.
 
Yowzers Fatman, what a shock. Hope they can quickly pinpoint what the cause is so you can be back in tip top shape ASAP. 

Don't be a stranger here mate. 

Good luck

Tim
 
Your health comes first and I wish you all the best. Do you ever inhale when smoking a pipe? If not wait a while before you sell anything. I find smoking a pipe helps me relax and relieve STRESS.... which could also cause a stroke. Take 3, 81mg aspirins a day too keep your blood thin and flowing. Change your diet, I'm telling you this from experience.

Good luck and keep stopping by so you can keep all of us informed.
MOST OF ALL, BE WELL
 
Wow! I'm glad to hear you are okay.

Sad to see you getting rid of all your stuff, but it's good you're taking pro active steps to improving your health. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
 
Sorry to hear this John.

IMHO, you're doing the right thing. No two ways about it, health comes first.

Here's to your good health going forward. 8)
 
Regret hearing your circumstances, but awfully glad they were found/diagnosed. Your good health and well being are "numero uno" right now!! All best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Please keep posting on the board. Let us know how you are doing, Brother!!!:cheers: FTRPLT
 
Take your time. I had a very serious health scare last year and I had no interest in smoking pipes and cigars for a few months but slowly the urge returned and I've continued very moderately. :shock:
 
Scary stuff indeed John, but sounds like you're taking a proactive and wise step. Sad to see you leaving the pipe but health comes first in a situation like this. Be well sir.


Cheers,

RR
 
Dang, John, that is really scary but I'm glad you were able to identify the issue right away and act accordingly. I was blindsided by some pretty serious health problems over the last year or so, too, and also took a long sabbatical from the briar...which going into it seemed even more stressful, but I ended up not actually missing it as much as I'd thought. Life goes on, with or without our hobbies, so while on the one hand I echo the sentiment of those advising to wait and see since a pipe can definitely be relaxing on the other hand I'm sure you've done your research into your condition and possible triggers so if you say it's best to quit the habit altogether then more power to you, and hope unloading your collection brings you a load of dough.

And hey, hopefully that Idaho gig or something even more plum lands in your lap on the other side of this. Good luck and good vibes, brother.
 
Hey gang,

I really appreciate the kind words! Here is a little update, the lesion seen on MRI is a primary brain neoplasm. This means it is not from a cancer that has spread to my brain, and may or may not be malignant. I see my primary care Dr on Monday, and get the ball rolling to see some specialists and find out what the heck it is. I did sit down with a Radiologist friend and go over the MRI and CT scans I had. He recommends further imaging to differentiate between possible pathologies. The part that bothers me, is his body language was pretty negative during our discussion and while he reviewed the studies. He also found another lesion in the front part of the left brain.

I will post more, when I find out more information!
 
Your lucky to have a radiologist friend too steer you in the right direction. I'm lucky too also have a close Dr. friend. Also get another opinion, in my case I was fortunate I listened to my Dr. friend.

Try and stay calm, it will keep your BP more stable and help lower your stress level. Take care of yourself and please keep us posted.


GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
 
John: I lost my health about 3 years ago. Within 3 months was unable to work, open up a ziplock bag, walk without help, etc. I went and got weekly IVIG infusions for the past 2 1/2 years. Then 4 months ago asked my primary doctor if he knew of anyone at the major hospitals. Got in to see the head of Neurology who found out within 1 week that I was misdiagnosed. I got to stop my weekly infusions :cheers:
So definitely get another analysis done, or even 3 people to confirm the results. I asked the latest guy how could the 2 previous Neurologist think that I had CIDP? He said they threw me into the common related symptoms category, but didn't order the one specific blood test that they should have done.
As my buddy says, they are "practicing " medicine.
 
Pessimistic body language speaks volumes sir....

Best wishes, and try to be cautiously optimistic, eh? Don't go giving everything away! Things could always look up....

 
It was saddening to read this news, John. As per OW's comment it's early days yet so perhaps hang on to some of your stable?

My thoughts are with you...
 
Yow Fatma

Watching this with more than usual interest. Wifey has a small brain tumor and relatively few symptoms, so I'm now in the learning mode. Take care of yourself, and good diet is really important.

hp
les
 
Sorry to hear about that! My mom had a similar mini stroke a few years back and it was misdiagnosed as Alzheimers. It took them a while to figure out what it was. She's doing well now, though. It might even be a blessing in disguise if it gets you into a healthier lifestyle. Hang in there!
 
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