Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: I think I have an ulcer

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Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-18-2009, 09:19 AM:

How do you know if you have an ulcer?

I've been under alot of stress lately. The last few weeks, I have puked almost daily. A couple of weeks ago, I woke up and my face and pillow were all wet and slimy. I got up and looked in the mirror, and half the side of my face was smeared with blood and my pillow had a big bloody spot on it. Since then, every morning, my pillow is covered with smaller blood stains from me drooling in my sleep. A few days ago when I got sick, it was mostly blood.

So, anyone had an ulcer? I have no stomache pains, and I don't want to see a doctor. (no family doctor, no money, no insurance, no desire, stubbornness)

Posted by Joe Tommassello (Member # 4632) on 12-18-2009, 09:52 AM:

Dude - I thought of a half dozen wise cracks but I am going to skip them all...

Please GO TO A DOCTOR ASAP.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 12-18-2009, 10:07 AM:

It could be caused by any one of a number of things.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vomiting-blood/MY00571/DSECTION=causes

It could be because you swallowed blood due to a nosebleed or cut of the mouth/face. It could also be from something as serious as cancer.

Yes, it is likely to be due to an ulcer or similar thing but vomiting blood can also be caused by drinking too much.

I know you don't WANT to go to the doctor but, if you don't, you're going to have to accept your fate. If it turns out to be something serious like cancer and you don't do anything about it you don't have any room to cry about it later.

It is possible that you only have some minor ailment which, if treated now, could be treated quickly and cheaply. If you let it go, it will get worse. You will be in for even MORE expense and more aggressive treatment. Do something about it... TODAY.

If you don't have money, look for a community clinic.
When I was paying for my own medical bills, I used to go to the "welfare clinic." They only needed to know my income for the last three months then they charged me on a sliding scale according to my ability to pay.

I had a urinary tract infection and it was quite painful. I went to the clinic to get treatment. The whole thing, including urine tests, blood tests and antibiotics cost less than $100. They let me pay $20 per month until I paid it off, interest free.

Like I said, if you don't do something about this and it turns out to be something serious, don't come crying to me!

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-18-2009, 10:39 AM:

my post about ulcers got me thinking about the cause of my stress. My ex-wife......and dealing with her during the holidays. I have to drive 800 miles(one way) just to pick up my kids. I'll have them for a few days which means I'll drive 3200 miles in one week [puke]

Anyone here ever do any jail time? Don't worry, I'm not going postal, just remenescing about my ex! I've spent more time in jail and rehab than should be allowed per divorce. No violence, just money and alcohol issues.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 12-18-2009, 11:18 AM:

It could very well be from stress and too much drinking.

If that is what the problem is, a doctor could prescribe some Ativan. I have occasional stess. One of those really does help.
A scrip for some Lorazepam (generic for Ativan®) should only cost you $10-$20 for 30 tabs.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-18-2009, 12:17 PM:

Every time I've gone to the doctor or dentist, I've always thought the "diagnosis" was going to be worse than it turned out to be.

There was a period of my life where I stopped going to the dentist for about 9 years -- no particular reason except I hated going. Well, after a while I had an abcess that was so painful I couldn't stand it, so I finally made an appointment. I was sure he would say "You're going to lose all your teeth, let's just start pulling right now!" But as it turned out, I only had one cavity besides the abcess. 2 appointments and I was all done. Now I go twice a year.

My dad had a bad cold earlier this year, refused to go to the doctor, and wound up dying of pneumonia. His mother had the exact same fate in 1971 and died at age 65.

So the moral is, get it taken care of. The problem may not be as bad as it looks, and if it is, better to get it taken care of now than let it turn into something worse.

Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 12-18-2009, 12:18 PM:

You should definitely see a doctor. That could be something serious like esophageal cancer. Do you get a lot of heartburn? I used to get heartburn every day and finally went to the doctor. He put me on Nexium and it cleared the problem up. Turns out if you ignore constant heartburn it can irritate the lining of your esophagus and lead to cancer. That is one of the bad cancers too. If they find you have esophageal cancer, you are pretty much done. Not much they can do about it after they find it since it is so nasty. I had to have a scope done last year so they could look at my esophagus and make sure I was okay. Thankfully, everything turned out well.

https://health.google.com/health/ref/Esophageal+cancer

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-18-2009, 12:27 PM:

Just so you know, ulcers aren't caused by stress. When they tell you "X is caused by stress" it's code for "We don't know what causes it but stress makes everything worse."

We now know that ulcers (at least 90-95%) are caused by a Heliobacter Pylori (a bacteria) infection.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-18-2009, 12:28 PM:

quote: Randy Stankey
Lorazepam

Ummmm.... Great stuff to help with anxiety and stress, but DON'T get addicted to them since, being a controlled substance, they can be habit forming.

Ya, head to the doc on this issue.

-Monte

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 12-18-2009, 12:48 PM:

quote: Chris Slycord
Just so you know, ulcers aren't caused by stress.

Neither do you catch the flu from getting wet feet but, if you have cold, wet feet and you are exposed to a flu virus you are much more likely to get sick than if you stayed in the house and kept yourself warm and dry.

However, *IF* you have too much stress, eat a poor diet and drink too much *AND* you are exposed to H. Pylori *THEN* you are much more likely to end up with an ulcer.

BTW: Alcohol and cigarettes both exacerbate ulcers. If you do have an ulcer, it would be wise to cut out the beer and smokes or, at least, cut down as much as you can.

quote:
...but DON'T get addicted to them [Lorazepam] since, being a controlled substance, they can be habit forming.

Yes, doctors don't prescribe more than a 30 day supply unless there is a good reason. It is easy to get hooked on them.
I got a prescription about two months ago but I have only taken, I think, three of them. I just don't take them unless I really need them because, if I eat them all up and I have a really bad day and I really NEED one, I won't have any left. Then I'd be screwed even worse.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-18-2009, 12:52 PM:

quote: Richard Hamilton
Anyone here ever do any jail time?

Yes. Child support, which is a bullshit thing to go to jail over. At least in my case, because I couldn't do anything about it. I wasn't hiding, and always gave her money when she asked. She would never tell me where she lived, however, and was always hiding from me. But it wasn't because I was violent or abusive towards her - I never was - instead, she preferred to pretend her current boyfriend was my daughter's "Dad" and she had a happy little, unbroken family. She never liked to admit her failed marriages, and always pretended they never happened.

One day, I got a call from the cops. They told me they just wanted to ask me some questions. Next thing I know, I'm in cuffs and being hauled off to the Louisville jail. My boss at the time (Louis) bailed me out the next day. It was a hellish experience.

When my court date arrived, I told the judge "you know, you could've just issued me a summons." The judge said they wanted to make sure I appeared in court. Hell, I'd never ran from anything before, and I wasn't hiding - my wife was, though. Her previous husband never paid child support, for like 15 years, and NOTHING has ever been done to him!

I was an easy target for the cops, though... and I have mistrusted them ever since because they lied to me when they arrested me. To this day, I will never volunteer information to a cop, I let them do all the talking.

But to your problem. Chris is right, it is a bacteria that causes ulcers. You sure it's not coming from your mucous membranes? The dry air of winter can cause that. And this is a stressful time of the year, for that matter - plus all the other crap coming down on you. I'm going nuts myself. Christmas, my divorce, starting over and money worries, the theatres are going crazy at work, and yesterday was the anniversary date of my daughter's death. I need to get away.

Also, what is this friggin' outfit you're working for that they don't even have insurance on you?! [Mad]

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-18-2009, 12:59 PM:

quote: Randy Stankey
Neither do you catch the flu from getting wet feet but, if you have cold, wet feet and you are exposed to a flu virus you are much more likely to get sick than if you stayed in the house and kept yourself warm and dry.

However, *IF* you have too much stress, eat a poor diet and drink too much *AND* you are exposed to H. Pylori *THEN* you are much more likely to end up with an ulcer.

I'm well aware. It's as if you ignored the second sentence I wrote (hint: where I point out that stress makes everything, including risk for ulcers, worse).

Posted by Paul J. Neuhaus (Member # 3205) on 12-18-2009, 01:25 PM:

Now that we all know that Chris is feeding his ulcer well.....
[beer]

Please get it looked at. I agree with the above posts about free or low cost clinics. They aren't the best if you can help it but then again it aint that great when you're paying top dollar anyway.

If you don't want to get checked out do it for your kids. They deserve to have their Father in their life and if it would somehow end up being serious you need to do what can be done now.

Paul

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-18-2009, 02:29 PM:

quote: Tim Reed
Yes. Child support, which is a bullshit thing to go to jail over.

Yes it is. I was first ordered to pay $450 a week when I got divorced. It didn't take long to fall behind on support payments. The legal fees alone were about $100,000. I would wire money to her everytime I did a job and got paid. I wasn't far behind, I just couldn't make them in a timely manner. I went to Florida for some hearing, I don't remember what it was about, but we were in the judges chambers (me, my ex, judge, and attorneys) and right away her attorney tells the judge that I'm behind on support payments. The judge calls the bailiff over who handcuffs me and takes me to jail.

Night in jail, $750 bond. The next day, all I can do is bitch at my ex about the money spent. I think I "owed" her about 7 grand at time. We had already spent about 20 in fees, and all I could do is remain calm and try to explain to her that that money could've gone to the kids. Bitch [fu]

Sorry, done ranting

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-18-2009, 02:49 PM:

quote: Richard Hamilton
The judge calls the bailiff over who handcuffs me and takes me to jail.

That incenses me. Like you were going to go anywhere (you were IN THE FRICKIN' COURT already, for crying out loud!), and like that would SOLVE anything. They have been on this male-punishment kick for way too long! Easy targets; Joe Citizen and speeding motorists. Shooting fish in a barrel, while real criminals are out on the streets and the cops just look the other way (e.g., from any reality TV show: "Over there is a known crack house"... as they cruise right on by). [fu]

They're too afraid of real criminals.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-18-2009, 03:38 PM:

The last part of this thread really makes me angry for what happened to Richard and Tim. The laws are fucked up, honest people trying to do good get screwed and the criminals make out like bandits. Just look at the deadbeats thread right here on these forums!

Richard, listen to the other people here and get to that doctor.

Tim, try and get some time off.

And remember, there is no justice in the justice system.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-18-2009, 04:03 PM:

quote: Brad Miller
...there is no justice in the justice system.

I totally agree!

Where the ***HELL*** is Paul Kersey when ya need him to take care of those asshole judges, HUH?

Posted by Joe Tommassello (Member # 4632) on 12-18-2009, 04:05 PM:

It appears the primary cause of ulcers is ex-wives!

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-18-2009, 04:11 PM:

quote: Brad Miller
The laws are fucked up

yes they are. at the time of my divorce, I was unemployed. When I was ordered to pay so much a week, I asked my dad, (he's a judge), about it. He explained that it is normal. I have the "ability" to earn enough money to pay $450 bucks a week. Based on my previous income.

Don't get me wrong, I'll do anything for my kids. It just sucks that I can only see them a couple times a year.

quote:
Also, what is this friggin' outfit you're working for that they don't even have insurance on you?!

self employed buddy. since my departure from Ballantyne, just doing jobs as they come.

Posted by Ian Parfrey (Member # 5122) on 12-18-2009, 05:32 PM:

This is to Tim, Richard..and hell, even myself.

Its a shitty time of year and we are all in the same boat as far as stress levels goes. So even though it may not seem to be of much help, there are guys who are tolerating this same situation, the same hassles, the same dramas as we are.

But you know what? Even though my kids are spawned from the Wicked Witch of the West, they are the most precious thing ever.
And when it comes time to get your kids for the holidays, smile, smile, smile. Because THAT will [bs]

the ex off and give you a warm glow inside. Its not about using the kids for your own ends- leave that to the ex (and believe me they will).

So Richard, see a doc A.S.A.P...for your kids. We don't give a stuff about you. [Big Grin]

And as an aside, don't give up. EVER. Your kids need you and you'll be no use to them dead. I know... been there, thought about it, gave it a miss.

Hang in there Tim..and if you find it difficult (and you may well do so, just as I still do), then remember that there are guys here who are willing to chat, privately if need be.

So, if there is anyone out there suffering along these lines, feel free to PM me for a yak if you feel the need.

You guys make terrific contributions to the forums here, and I want to be able to read your comments well into 2010 and beyond

Solidarity Brothers!

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-18-2009, 05:39 PM:

quote: Ian Parfrey
Even though my kids are spawned from the Wicked Witch of the West, they are the most precious thing ever.

Ian, I LUV your way with words! [beer]

Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 12-18-2009, 07:35 PM:

quote: Richard Hamilton
My post about ulcers got me thinking about the cause of my stress. My ex-wife......and dealing with her during the holidays. I have to drive 800 miles(one way) just to pick up my kids. I'll have them for a few days which means I'll drive 3200 miles in one week

Dude, have I got some stories for you. I just surpassed 90,000 miles on my car that I purchased in June of 2008.

LONG STORY...

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-18-2009, 07:50 PM:

..that's some SERIOUS driving. Dang! you've gone around the world at least 4 times already in that short year and a half timeframe..

-Monte

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-18-2009, 08:15 PM:

That assumes he bought his car new. [Razz]

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 12-18-2009, 09:55 PM:

Geez. This thread is making me feel like a damned lucky genius for having never been married or knocked up any women.

The really sad thing is I've heard similar stories many times before. I keep telling myself there's lots of good-hearted, intelligent, sensible women out there in the world. But the trouble is they all appear to be married. So many single women, especially the ones closer to my age, seem to be bat shit crazy. It's the full-court press to get to the altar and then to divorce court. Combine that with drama, who knows what in terms of baggage, chronic substance abuse problems, a train of psycho ex-boyfriends, etc. Fuck all that bullshit.

I don't intend to insult anyone by this, but I really wish I was attracted to huge, repulsive looking women. Ones so ugly they would scare a speeding freight train onto a dirt road. I think my chances would be better if I could dig a lady like that. Unfortunately, I even see really ugly couples going through horrible divorce battles.

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 12-18-2009, 10:41 PM:

Richard, another possibility is a pulmonary embolism (usually associated with clotting issues like mine) if it is severe enough you will cough/spit up blood. A simple blood test can detect a PE as can chest X-Ray or CAT scan.

Like the others have said, GET CHECKED OUT before you DO check out!!

Wishing you the best of luck, let us know what you find out.

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-18-2009, 10:47 PM:

If he had a pulmonary embolism, I'd think he would've died rather than make several posts over a span of many hours.

edit: In fact, he said the blood stain happens every night. One would expect, if it were an embolism for him to have died days ago and to cough up blood during the day.

Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 12-18-2009, 11:07 PM:

Brad - it had 4 miles on it when I purchased it.

Yeah!

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 12-18-2009, 11:08 PM:

quote: Bobby Henderson
So many single women, especially the ones closer to my age, seem to be bat shit crazy

I am actually going to agree with this. Most of the 30-something female friends of mine are bat shit crazy. Especially the already divorced ones.

I don't know 1 case of a happy kid-friendly divorce in my circle of friends. Most start out as a good thing, then (usually the ex wife) goes, as said above, bat shit crazy. Yeeesh.

Richard, maybe you should also be check out for Crohn's. Though I think thats more of an issue of the colon than vomiting. Hopefully you just have a dry home and you had a nasty nose bleed at night.

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-18-2009, 11:16 PM:

If he had Crohn's, vomiting could occur but it wouldn't be bloody. If anything, he'd have bloody diarrhea.

And yes, could just be a nosebleed that drains to the mouth and appears drool-like.

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-19-2009, 02:07 AM:

just wanted to say thanks for the replies and concerns to everyone. Anyone who didn't reply can meet my ex in hell!!!! [Wink]

I'm going to wait until after the holidays and see how things are. I go to get my kids next week, so hopefully my mind and body will calm down.

Is Crohns hereditary? My aunt has it.

quote: Chris Slycord
he'd have bloody diarrhea.

not to get too gross, but, been there, done that a few times too. [puke]

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-19-2009, 02:23 AM:

Do you mean that you've been having bloody diarrhea or that you have at some point in the past?

And on your question on whether Crohn's is hereditary or not, the answer is a "maybe." The cause of it is thought to be a combination of having a gene mutation, lifestyle (esp diet and smoking), immune system abnormalities, and microbes. Though really these are all just suspected causes (they just have correlations between them and the disease) and no one really knows if something like the immune system issues cause the disease or are caused by it.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-19-2009, 02:54 AM:

True, I know how "Sir Richard" is feeling for having peptic ulcers ain't nowhere fun ... (and even though I don't understand his and others mentioning their plights with their marriages, my full and sincere respect is for them).

I came close in getting a perforated ulcer: an ulcer that one never wants to get for that can go into peritonitis - which is a very serious infection of the peritoneum that can come from a perforated ulcer, that is horribly life threatening.

You just gotta take care of yourself no matter what it takes.

-Monte

Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 12-19-2009, 04:07 AM:

I think we all know that the answer is that Richard should go to a Doctor, but I'm certainly not one who can lecture to him on that; I'll do almost anything to avoid going myself. I put up with almost a year of having really severe headaches every day rather than go. I think that turned out to be nothing worse than sinus trouble, made worse by my desk at work at the time being very close to a radiator which was so hot that I couldn't touch it, so I had to open the window, so that the top half of me was freezing cold. No such thing as controllable heating, to get just enough heat to some rooms others had to be far too hot.

The reasons that I don't want to go? I don't even want to think about bodies, and what goes on inside them; I prefer to keep it all out of sight and out of mind. I did once go to a post-mortem examination, so I do know what's inside, but I prefer not to think about it. Secondly, I fear what I might be told. If it's something minor it will clear up on its own, and if it's something really serious then I think I'd rather not know. I'll die, and that will fix it. Thirdly, I don't like people touching me; I hate it when a doctor holds my wrist to take a pulse for example. I just cannot bring myself to pick up a living animal, when I needed to pick up a cat recently I had to do it using a towel as a sling so I didn't actually have to touch it, and feel things moving inside it.

The last time I went to a dentist was just before my 21st birthday; I had a very bad experience and swore I'd never go again; that was over 31 years ago. I've taken a couple of teeth out myself since then to avoid having to go back.

So Richard, I'm the last person in the World who has any right to tell you this, but please go to a doctor.

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 12-19-2009, 06:27 AM:

I was married when I was 21 yrs old and divorced 8 months later. I am a quick study. And then never made the same mistake twice. And there's no question it's a male bashing culture we live in. How many times have you heard it? -- Men are dogs! we are told that over and over and then when young guys ACT like it, everyone is surprised when a guy lives up to that expectation. Say it often enough and good chance he'll think that they way he's supposed to be.

And Richard -- when you see blood coming out either end of you, GO SEE A DOCTOR my friend. Really.

Posted by Mark Lensenmayer (Member # 134) on 12-19-2009, 08:38 AM:

I thought I had an ulcer and was taking Prilosec over the counter. It turned out to be a MAJOR Hiatal Hernia and my stomach was totally out of place and starting to twist. Had it twisted much more, I would have died. Only a CAT scan found the problem. My surgeon said it was one of the worst he had ever seen.

Any intestinal situation should really be checked out THOROUGHLY by a physician!

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 12-19-2009, 04:15 PM:

quote: Chris Slycord
If he had a pulmonary embolism, I'd think he would've died rather than make several posts over a span of many hours.

edit: In fact, he said the blood stain happens every night. One would expect, if it were an embolism for him to have died days ago and to cough up blood during the day.

Not necessarily true Chris, I have had it happen to me twice and I'm still here..and Capt. Phil Harris of "Deadliest Catch" had it happen to him and he's still kicking.

PE's are very serious and dangerous but not always deadly..the higher risk is if the clot material lodges in your heart valves...my first clotting incident I was VERY lucky as the clot passed through my heart TWICE without getting stuck. Docs told me that 98% of the people that happens to drop dead instantly. [Eek!]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-19-2009, 05:01 PM:

An old saying I like:

"If you don't take care of your body, where else are you going to live?"

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 12-19-2009, 06:53 PM:

quote:
"If you don't take care of your body, where else are you going to live?"

Depends on your religeous views I guess...

I had a duodinal ulcer whan I was a Junior in High School. The result of too much stress from High School and working two part time jobs at the same time. My symptoms were just extreme pain when ever food moved from my stomach to my small intestine. It was only the size of my small finger tip but took several months to heal. In spite of it I still held the two jobs and graduated from H.S. 6 months early!!

Your best bet with the bloody symptoms you have is to get the Doc immediately!!! Ulcers can also be caused by bacterial infections in the stomach lining... something the didn't know about when I was a Junior in H.S., Keep in touch with us and let us know what they find. Hope you feel better sooner than later!

Mark

Posted by Stephen Jones (Member # 16) on 12-19-2009, 07:45 PM:

Take the advice given here Ritchard, this sounds serious.Going by what you have said and I take it you drink the top shelf stuff, if you allready have a ulcer the sprit drinks will burn at the ulcer causing bleeding over a period of time.Sounds like this is what is happeneng and also if you may have a ulcer on your esoghagus which may be doing the same thing and causing bleeding.The only way this can be confirmed if if you go to your GP who will refer you to a speacialist there and then as this sounds urgent, who will investagate further.It may need minor surgery if caught early enough but if left longer treatment may be more intense.This problem you have could be life threating as bleeding may not be able to be controled if left.I dont want too scare you but sometimes shock tactics are needed Ritchard.

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 12-19-2009, 08:20 PM:

quote: Richard Hamilton
I'm going to wait until after the holidays and see how things are

That's a bad idea...get to a doctor asap.

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-19-2009, 09:04 PM:

quote: Tony Bandiera Jr
Not necessarily true Chris, I have had it happen to me twice and I'm still here..and Capt. Phil Harris of "Deadliest Catch" had it happen to him and he's still kicking.

PE's are very serious and dangerous but not always deadly..the higher risk is if the clot material lodges in your heart valves...my first clotting incident I was VERY lucky as the clot passed through my heart TWICE without getting stuck. Docs told me that 98% of the people that happens to drop dead instantly.

I didn't say that no one survives.

But none of this changes the fact that PE's involve coughing blood or bloody sputum rather than simply drool and drool that only occurs at night.

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 12-19-2009, 09:36 PM:

Richard, get to a physician immediately. If you don't we'll round up a posse of FT members, find you, and forcibly drag you to one.
Blood from any orifice is dangerous.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-19-2009, 09:59 PM:

quote: Ian Parfrey
remember that there are guys here who are willing to chat, privately if need be

You're a good man, Ian. Thanks, mate. [Wink]

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 12-19-2009, 10:52 PM:

quote: Stephen Furley
The last time I went to a dentist was just before my 21st birthday; I had a very bad experience and swore I'd never go again; that was over 31 years ago. I've taken a couple of teeth out myself since then to avoid having to go back.

Dental care doesn't just end at the teeth. Bad oral health can lead to life threatening problems.

One of my former co-workers had to have two heart valves replaced as a result of bacterial endocarditis. The guy dipped snuff for many years and his teeth and gums were in very bad shape. Advanced periodontal disease. Bacteria, plaque and tartar on the teeth and gumline is extremely filthy stuff and it can invade the bloodstream. That's what happened to this guy. I find is pretty damned pathetic that it took the doctors so long to diagnose the problem. Some people who get bacterial endocarditis will die in a matter of only a day or two after the infection sets in the heart valves. He had to deal with it for over a month. In the end, he had to endure a chest tube dripping antibiotics straight into his heart for 2 months and then have open heart surgery and then after that have all his teeth pulled and replaced with dentures.

Our company's health insurance policy didn't offer dental in the past. But lots of mounting evidence has shown that good dental care and health will prevent certain far more costly problems. So they added dental coverage for not all that much more money.

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 12-19-2009, 11:21 PM:

I absolutely agree with Bobby. The type of bacteria involved in tooth decay can absolutely cause endocarditis (inflammation of your heart valves). Not a good thing.

On the other hand, dental procedures can themselves lead to getting that bacteria into the bloodstream, which is why a person who's had a history of infections with related bacteria or endocarditis itself are advised to take antibiotics against those when doing something like a root canal. But the risk from getting this sort of contamination from pulling your own tooth is obviously even more than if you'd let someone who knows what they're doing have a crack at it.

And my mom has a friend who hadn't seen a dentist for a few years then had a bunch of pain and got x-rays showing it was a huge abscess that had been forming for a while and that if she'd waited any longer, the abscess was pretty close to eating through her skull into the brain.

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 12-20-2009, 12:28 PM:

My mother's heart has a prolapsed mitral valve. Because of this condition she has to take big doses of penicillin a couple hours before her teeth cleaning appointment and take more penicillin a few hours afterward. The antibiotics kill off all the bacterias in the intestines that aid in digestion. So it makes you feel a little nauseous, sort of like having a hangover.