Me and Tony have known each other for the longest of time now. And ever sence then, he has had a bad back. So finnaly, I cox him into seeing a doctor, who tells him he needs surgery. The issue, now he is trying to play "Mr. Invinsable" and say there is nothing worng with him...there are times when he cannot even get out of bed! The worst thing, he is a fire fighter and an ambulance attendent (live in Belguim) and constantly lifts heavy amounts of weight. Im really worried about him, and have no clue what to do or say. Adivse? (ps- I already know my English spelling is poor, so no need to address it)
2006-12-22 01:56:52 · 4 answers · asked by Illegals Are S*** 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
He can afford it.
2006-12-22 02:25:17 · update #1
point at the wound
2006-12-22 02:19:24 · answer #1 · answered by middle way 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Back pain is really tough. Sometimes surgery doesn't help -- and sometimes it makes the problem worse! Maybe Tony has heard these stories.
Try and get him to get a second or even a third opinion. Also, he might try alternatives like acupuncture and chiropractic care. Back pain can come and go, so it's easy for him to justify "hiding" from the doctor.
I had a back spasm this summer, and the first doctor was basically, "Well, there's nothing we can do." The second doctor I went to gave me some wonderful drugs, and I only needed to take them for one day before I was relaxed enough to let my body heal. So, getting a second or third opinion can be really helpful! I would certainly try just about everything before I resorted to surgery.
Good luck, and keep being a good friend!
2006-12-22 02:09:22 · answer #2 · answered by Madame M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately...all you can do is put the options to him and explain the importance of seeking the help he needs...after that it is UP TO HIM to decide...
Since he has chosen a career that is in the "helping others" field, you could try to appeal to that nature in him. You could try to tell them that if he doesn't help HIM SELF...he will reach a point where he will NOT be able to help others...that he could even end up permanantly disabled him self!!!
Ask him to AT LEAST explore his options...that there may be something he can do BEFORE surgery....there are cortisone shots that can be administered that may give him some relief...he may need to try a different doctor...get a second opinion...
But now we are back to the "bottom line",....
He HAS do do this himself...just let him know that you are there for him.
Good luck in YOUR quest!
2006-12-22 02:07:06 · answer #3 · answered by photogram1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell him that a colleage from the English Ambulance Service tells him to get himself sorted before he risks one of his own patients lives because he is suddenly ill!
Other than that....unfortunatly...it's up to him whether he is treated or not. You could go behind his back and tell his boss at work that he may not be fit for illness.
Also, is there any possibility that he is unable to afford medical treatment? If so, can you get him help?
Otherwise, you'll just have to keep on pestering him - until he gets help; or until he ends up having it done anyway as he gets taken into hospital!
Tom
2006-12-22 02:02:20 · answer #4 · answered by Tommy_Boy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋