Open Question: Why all the hate for infertile couples….?
Note* I am unfamiliar with adoption abbreviations so I’m sure I will unintentionally offend a few of you and I don’t mean to.
All of the coercion stories aside…If a mother truly knows that she cannot provide for her child and wants to give it to another family, why is it wrong to adopt that child? Why is it wrong for two people who want to raise a child, to raise someone elses child, whose birth mother cannot provide for him? When I say ‘provide’ I mean provide love and attention, not money. It seems like the collective idea on this message board is that adoptive parents are desperate, drooling, selfish relics of human beings? People who want to adopt are not setting out to “break families apart,” they want to raise children who need homes. Breaking families apart is a tragic side effect, for all parties involved. I have seen that there is especially alot of hatred towards those old barren dried up souls…Infertile people…Lepers…Diseased ones… They put bounties on other women’s uterus’s like pirates? It just seems as though there are alot of people misplacing their anger. Be mad at the adoption agencies taking advantage of people, but don’t be mad at the people who have alot of love to give and don’t have anyone to give it to.
To me, it makes more sense to adopt since the world is so overpopulated. Why would I want to bring a child into the world when there are so many that need homes already? I have had the idea my whole life that I was going to adopt children when I was older.
I had a very positive adoption experience when I was younger. My parents adopted a baby with Down’s syndrome whose parents did not want him after it was detected. Unfortunately he died when he was six years old due to a heart problem. His birth parents did not attend the funeral, and his biological siblings never knew that he existed. My parents’ original intention was to adopt several children with special needs but after he died they did not adopt any more. Maybe this is what made me want to adopt children my whole life. I know that most adoption stories are not as simple or as good as this.
Are people who happen to be infertile just supposed to mourn their infertility and be done with it? Should they start a new hobby, like golf, to take their minds off of the family they could be raising? What about gay couples, should they never be allowed to raise children? Even if it means a stable and loving family?
I do agree that abortion is an option. I do agree that the baby should be raised by a family member if possible. I do not agree that they should automatically be placed in foster care to see if the biological mother/family ‘comes around’.
I agree that parents don’t “deserve” children, infertile or not. But all children definately deserve good parents, and many good parents happen to be infertile (or unwilling to have their own children.)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:03:03 GMT

Open Question: Can someones help me out with this? My 7 months old cat died after being neutered from pulmonary edema. She?
was a healthy cat .. I asked from the vet to do a necropsy to find out what went wrong. He said that she had an unspecified heart disease.. He had also taken a blood sample to test for peritonitis… This test will take 5 days… All the above doesn’t make sense to me. She was a perfectly healthy cat! Has anyone had a similar experience to help me out? Do you know whether there is a chance that anesthesia causes pulmonary edema???
Thank you all for your answers.
Dear Jeff, does signing such a form for surgery applies for pets as well? Do you know whether there is test that can be taken before the surgery to check for the pet’s tolerance to anesthesia?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:09:21 GMT

Open Question: Hypochondria is ruining my life?
I have bad hypochondria. I developed this 3 years ago and it’s pretty bad. I’m constantly fearing that I will catch some disease and die or that I will move my body or eat wrong and choke to death or break an internal organ. Most of my fear is of having a heart related problem. I don’t go out anymore and I stay inside so that nothing bad happens, like getting in a car accident. If someone mentions an accident or death of a loved one it makes me both sad and very scared and I have a panic attack. I spend hours looking up symptoms online and I now have to file bankruptcy because of medical bills for doctors visits for minor illnesses when I didn’t have any health insurance. I want to go teach english abroad for a year but I don’t know how I can when I can’t even barely leave the house outside of work. I’m afraid I’ll get ill and die in a foreign country

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:56:36 GMT

Open Question: Can you help me understand my mom’s medical information?
My mom just got back from the hospital and she had this paper that came with info on the patient but I need help to understand what exactly it means:
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY
Is positive for Crohn’s disease. No hx of DM or CVA. No hx of CAD, COPD, CHF, DVT, PE, or thyroid disease.
EXAMINATION
General: The patient is A&Ox3. She is not cyanotic, juandiced, or pale.
Heent: PERRLA, extraocular movements intact. She is normocephalic, atraumatic.
Neck: Is supple, no JVD, no carotid bruit, no lymphadenopathy, no thyromegaly.
Chest: CTA.
Heart: S1,S2 is normal. No murmurs or gallops heard.
Abdomen: Is soft, nontender, bowel sounds are positive. There is no hepatic or splenic enlargement.
Extremities: No edema. Pulses are +2 times two, both DP and PT.

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:28:30 GMT

Open Question: Allocation of Medical Research Dollars?
I’m trying to find some good resources on how the allocation of medical research dollars is determined in North America
Specifically I’m trying to find out about AIDS. Why do we spend so much on it in, should we be spending so much on it when the leading killers in North America are Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, etc and comparative to these diseases, AIDS and HIV are much less prevalent, and more under control. Ideally, if anyone knows of any articles arguing either for or against the cutting of AIDS funding or about medical funding in general - this would be helpful
I need to write a persuasive essay and this is a pretty interesting, controversial topic that doesn’t seem to be talked about too much… which is unfortunate when you’re trying to do research….
In case you were wondering… I haven’t decided my stance on this issue yet. I welcome your opinions if you have any.

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:21:20 GMT
Open Question: Is my story good so far?
Preference
The night was dusted with stars,
And flames of blue reached toward the gloomy white moon.
Dark figures huddled in bushes.
There were clouds of grey smoke,
Flying from red, hot claws.
Hot sticky redness oozed from the earth.
You could hear the cries from within the weeping land.
This was the nightmare,
that haunted my sleep.
This is why my life changed.
This is how I found myself.
My dreams became real.
And my reality became a fantasy.
This is the dream that started it all.
And this is my story.
Sunrise
CHAPTER 1
I slowly walked up the steps of the most dreadful place in the world, Sir Johnson High School London, England. Ugh. Schools just reopened after the best summer holiday ever, but also the longest, well that?s what it felt like. My older and cooler brother, Michael, was just being his normal I-have-to-walk-into-school-first self. When she billowed ?Oh-my-god, Holly have you seen him yet.? Jamie, my very best friend in the world twanged my way, & I had not even seen her coming.
?See who and what about.? I yelled back a little confused which isn?t?t unusual for me.
?I?m talking about Drew, he?s looking for you, he says he gonna ask you out.? Jamie squeaked at me.
?Oh man, I can?t & won?t ever go out with him.? a yelled at her annoyed, because I hate Drew and his stupid crew.
?Why not.? Jamie wined at me.
?For one thing I hate him and another, my brother and I are moving in three days.? I murmured quietly.
?What, you can?t leave you?re my best friend, my only bff in the world and your brother he?s my only other friend, what will I do when you leave, who?ll go to our football games with.? Jamie said going hysterical.
?Jamie, calm down it?s not that far way, but dad said we should start a new.?
?Your dads mental and you know it, plus he?s not even your real dad.?
?I know, I know.? I said quietly just as the bell went.
My first class is Literature which is my favorite by the way. But as soon as me and Mickey(Michael) walked in everyone shut up, then one brave guy I recognized as James, said in a very formal manner ?Holly, Michael do you have to leave, please don?t go, please.? a chorus of yeas and pleases followed and Holly could feel tears escaping her eyes and slide down her cheeks until they reached her chin and fell onto her butterfly top, which she made, but just as she rested her head on Mickey?s top there was a crash outside and the window smashed.
?Whoa, what the hell was that?? Mickey cried, covering his face with his left hand. I was too scared to say anything but when I lowered my hand to look, I saw the last thing I ever expected to see. Ninjas. Blue Ninjas. Just then I found myself running, why I don?t know, my instinct just kicked in, but I heard heavy footsteps behind me, I panicked so I didn?t?t see the man that turned the corner until I ran into him.
But instead of falling I went through him, I wanted to scream but I couldn?t?t not when I saw who was following me, the biggest ninja, probably the leader, was running full speed ahead, straight towards me. ?Holly, Holly run.? Mickey screamed right behind me. But I couldn?t?t move because I was petrified, thinking what do they want?, why me?. The ninja got closer and closer until he was right in front of her, bending down, violently picking me up while I kicked and punched him, I still couldn?t scream. But when I saw my brother being held in a headlock by another ninja I got out a very loud bellowing scream. ?Let go of me!? but he didn?t even blink. Instead he unravelled his head scarf, and I was shocked by what he looked like, I was expecting him to be covered in scars and bruises because that?s what I thought they usually look like, I guess I was wrong because he had a gorgeous tan black spiky hair and dreamy brown eyes that you can fall into.
?No, your right they usually do, but were not the usual.? he chuckled he had an English accent, my eyes widened, could he hear my thoughts.
He laughed ? yes I can, and also you have no reason to be scared.? I felt like shrieking ?Are you crazy, of course there?s a reason to be scared!? but instead I found myself saying ? How is there now reason, who are you.?
? Me, why I?m your hero, later today somebody?s gonna try and kidnap you, not us we?re here so they don?t get you .?
I was speechless.
He carried me to their car and put me in, he explained to my brother why I?m leaving but didn?t tell him where. Apparently my Daddy already knows. I found myself being driving down my road and see a sight that makes my heart skip a beat my dad was outside, with three suitcases in front of him, but that was not what surprised me, what surprised me was my mother, but my mother had been dead for ten years, the last time I saw was the day I left to go on a holiday with school, and she was stood on the pavement waving goodbye, kind of like she is now. But that?s impossible, I thought I shouldn?t

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:18:58 GMT

Open Question: What is the best hospital in Cord Spinal Injury in the USA ?
Hi,
My mom has this Cord Spinal Injury in her back neck which results in pain and pressure. I took her to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. They examined her gave her medicines. Yet, day by day it’s getting worse, now she has this pain almost once to twice a week, and it stays overnight.
Does anyone know the best Doctor for this issue in the sates and the best hospital for these issues. No more Cleveland Clinic ! they are for heart diseases not for this type of diseases. I could be wrong but they didn’t give us a solution.
PLEASE HELP

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:13:57 GMT
Open Question: does my puppy have kennel cough?
i got a puppy about three months ago. starting about two weeks ago he has been coughing. at first it sounds like a weezing cough but he finally coughs really hard and gets it out. i was wondering is this kennel cough or is it something else. oh and please note when i got him i was told he had a heart murmur.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:12:53 GMT

Open Question: How can I control my breathing during basketball?
I have a heart murmur, Oshgood-Shlatters disease, slight scoliosis and I’m pretty sure I have asthma. There is NO way I’m giving up basketball for any of this. Does anyone have any tips on how I can control my breathing better? I’m okay during games, but if we’re just sprinting, I end up having an asthma attack.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:40:17 GMT
Open Question: Any other treatment or supplement for HRT (hormone replacement therapy)?
I am a basically healthy 51 year old female. I have been having problems with menopausal symptoms notably spotting. I went to my health care provider and she recommended that I get a prescription for birth control pills and start the hormone replacement therapy because of a hormone imbalance. I absolutely refuse to take the hormone therapy. It increases the risks for osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke. I asked her for a safe alternative and she said that was the only course of therapy for my condition. I believe in taking safe medications. I use to work as a nursing assistant a few years back. I saw perfectly healthy patients become ill then suddenly die after starting new medications. For instance, an Alzheimer patient started Aricept treatment. 3 months later she died from liver cancer. She had no signs of physical illness then died from liver cancer. Another resident started on Aricept then tragically died from liver cancer. This has led me to be cautious with medications. I take only what I need to for illness. I use vitamins and supplements to keep my health.
This is the reason I’m wondering if there is a safer method for therapy. Thanks.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:18:25 GMT

Open Question: one of my newborn twins first check concern?
I took my new twins today for their first check up… The doctor said in one of their hearts she could hear a murmur, and that they will check it again next week and if they still hear it they will do an ultrasound.. I’m now completely freaking out.. I dont want my daughter to have to have heart surgery or anything.. does anyone know anything about heart murmurs , whats the worst case scenerio.. I’m just totally stressed out now, i cant eat, cant rest…. The doctor did not give me much information about this.. she just kinda left me wondering.
when i was pregnant the doctors were going back and forth about seeing a bright spot in haleys heart, thats what concerns me the most

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:52:10 GMT
Open Question: does this sound like Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
i was having fatigue real bad so i went to my doctor where he ran blood work. My inflammation test came back slightly elevated, alone with a antibody present that should be there. He sent me to a specialist thinking it is a autoimmune disease. that was a few months ago. I have had pain my the joints of my knees my whole life, i have been having episodes of hives that would last for months, also random tingling in my legs, muscle aches. Recently i have been having episodes of a random heart beat along with swollen ankles. does any of this sound like Rheumatoid arthritis?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:42:52 GMT

Resolved Question: I feel so depressed, what should I do?
I’m so wound up in problems that I’ll just cry my eyes out for ages now…
My parents argue non stop, they don’t live together but my mum acts like a fake around my dad which p*sses me right off. My dad is always moving house, I don’t know why, there always has to be some pathetic reason and it’s doing my head in. I am a complete failure at school, I always beleived I’d do well but I’m getting such low grades. I’ve put on weight and I feel so fat and sh*t, it just makes me cry. My sister is becoming so rude lately. We’re close and we have heart to heart conversations at least weekly but whenever we argue it’s like I can’t insult her back or she’ll kill me, especially when her friends are around. For instance if I murmur something angrily, like “oh ffs…”, then she’ll be like WHAT?! and follow me around the house basicly asking for an arguement. She’ll throw cusses at me but if I say something back she’ll launch at me. She’s 3 years older than me. And I just see life as pathetic. I’m so bad tempered. Everyday is just the same….

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:17:11 GMT
Open Question: Can someone, who has heart disease knowingly, run and hold a stressful job?
A person I know has heart disease. But this person leads a very active lifestyle and seems to take on many stressful situations. This person has lost weight and now runs. I don’t know what stage or type this person is, but is it recommended to do such activities with many types of heart disease?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:14:56 GMT

Open Question: Gallbladder disease clinical case scenario questions…what are the answers?
These are the questions that had been published in the BMJ article of October ‘09. The answers are no longer available online for free as it has a time limit and it has surpassed its time limit now. There’s no way for me to check my answers to these questions I attempted only recently!
If you are a Medical professional/student who can answer these questions, please help me out with them! And the possible reasons as to why you came to those conclusions.. short explanations to your answers would be very helpful!
————–
Presentation 1: A 48 year old woman is referred as an emergency with severe right upper quadrant pain. On examination she has a fever and a tender, palpable right subcostal mass with local peritonism.
Presentation 2: A 43 year old obese, multiparous woman seen in the emergency department reports a first episode of right upper quadrant pain and nausea. The pain settled completely by the time the casualty officer has her blood results back. She does not have a fever and has only minimal right subcostal tenderness.
Presentation 3: A 54 year old woman is admitted with severe epigastric pain and vomiting. She has a long history of recurrent right upper quadrant pain. An upper abdominal ultrasound arranged by her general practitioner had shown gallstones but the patient had not been referred. On examination she has marked epigastric tenderness.
Presentation 4: A 47 year old woman has had recurrent episodes of biliary colic. She is admitted with severe right upper quadrant pain associated with a fever of 38