NationStates Jolt Archive

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans.

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

I have to admit I would be a bit creeped out for a min or two, but life is short and a legit health concern is important enough to negate any initial discomfort. I would be more then grateful in the long run

(Had to edit for some reason first version made no sense)

I'd feel very fortunate that someone noticed. I'd definately be appreciative.

Did you establish that you're in the medical field, and would therefore have some knowledge of a skin condition?

I'll put it this way. If YOU came up to me and told me I had a potentially dangerous rash on my ass, I'd probably go see a doctor about it, and would be appreciative. If, say, DK came up to me and told me I had a potentially dangerous rash on my ass, I'd be creeped the hell out.

i would be glad to have it pointed out.

I'm pretty comfortable with my body and my sexuality. Perhaps too comfortable. But if someone points out I have a rash on my butt, I would probably feel a little embarrassed that a total stranger has more concern for my bodily hygiene than I do.

I'd have hit you and then gone to a manly bar with my manly friends and told them about the manly way I fought off the fag who was checking out my arse in the changing rooms.

Isn't there an episode of Scrubs where he accidently sees the janitors penis and thinks he sees evidence of cancer?

If someone noticed what they thought was a potentially life threatening condition and told me, "Look, I'm in the field of medicine, sorry for the intrusion but I think you should see your doctor," I'd appreciate it.

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

You're a doctor? What field? o_O

Er, anyways. I'd thank him, likely ask him if he's a doctor and so on, and would feel a bit uncomfortable for a moment or two, but would thank the person in the long run.

Also, could you please translate "I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..." into Swedish? I have GOT to know how THAT would sound like... :D

Finally... You're PERFECT? No wonder some men go gay. :D

I think I could get over it, since they were saving my ass and all.

Did you establish that you're in the medical field, and would therefore have some knowledge of a skin condition?

The exchange went on with me asking how long he had had it, and him looking quite surprised and going "uhm...." and me blurting out: "'cause I'm a doctor! And it looks like Lyme desease. You should see your doctor about it."
So, yeah, I kind of had to once I noticed he was starting to get quite disturbed...

I'll put it this way. If YOU came up to me and told me I had a potentially dangerous rash on my ass, I'd probably go see a doctor about it, and would be appreciative. If, say, DK came up to me and told me I had a potentially dangerous rash on my ass, I'd be creeped the hell out.

Oh, you sweet-talker, you. But, true, I would be checking out your ass rash or no rash...

I'd have hit you and then gone to a manly bar with my manly friends and told them about the manly way I fought off the fag who was checking out my arse in the changing rooms.

I guess the rainbow towel and huge cock give me away, eh?

If someone noticed what they thought was a potentially life threatening condition...

Well, that's going a bit far. Lyme disease is unpleasant, but not all that life threatening, just debilitating and difficult to treat if diagnosed late...

I'd be pretty creeped out, but I'd still go to the doctor afterwards and get it looked at.

The exchange went on with me asking how long he had had it, and him looking quite surprised and going "uhm...." and me blurting out: "'cause I'm a doctor! And it looks like Lyme desease. You should see your doctor about it."
So, yeah, I kind of had to once I noticed he was starting to get quite disturbed...



Oh, you sweet-talker, you. But, true, I would be checking out your ass rash or no rash...

Right. If someone randomly came up to me, naked, and started giving me unsolicited medical advice, I'd be weirded out too. If they told me they were a doctor, then I would feel appreciative. I guess I'd be more creeped out by the "random guy giving me medical advice" than the "random guy checking out my ass". In a gym locker room, you have to just get used to the fact that guys are going to see your bare ass. It's inevitable.

I guess the rainbow towel and huge cock give me away, eh?

Pfft. Like I would have noticed your cock. Straight people never look at other peoples penii.





In all seriousness, what you did is a good thing. Talking to someone like that is a risk and it actually could have resulted in the guy clocking you.

I wouldn't be creeped out at all. If people haven't realised that others look at them while showering at the gym/changing in the locker room, then they're just lying to themselves to make it less weird.

Plus, if you see him there again, maybe he'll thank you and who knows where that could lead ;).

i wouldnt need to know that the person was a medical professional. a layperson might well know what that kind of rash looks like.

as long as it is glaringly obvious i wouldnt think "pervert" when spoken to.

*Sings Weird Al's "Do I creep you out"*

You're the one I dream about
Still the only question with me now
Is "Do I creep you out?"

Now, seriously, what you did is a good thing, and in keeping with the Hippocratical Oath.

In a gym locker room, you have to just get used to the fact that guys are going to see your bare ass. It's inevitable.

Thankfully.

Pfft. Like I would have noticed your cock. Straight people never look at other peoples penii.

"Penises" or "penes". The word would have to be "penius" to get a "penii" plural. I guess straight people don't know Latin...

In all seriousness, what you did is a good thing. Talking to someone like that is a risk and it actually could have resulted in the guy clocking you.

I'm not one of those people who fears much for their safety, despite have cause for it. Violence is just foreign to me.

Plus, if you see him there again, maybe he'll thank you and who knows where that could lead ;).

He was pretty hot, actually, and I wouldn't a piece of that ass once it was no longer diseased, but I wonder if I would have given it a second glance and thought had he not been attractive.

If a guy came up to me starkers in a locker room, I'd wonder what the hell he was doing in the woman's changing room...

But taking the question in the spirit it was meant, I'd probably be a bit embarrassed by someone randomly coming up to comment on a medical condition (and generally tend to get a bit embarassed in communcal changing rooms anyway), but not really creeped out as such. Certainly if they identified they were a health professional and probably in the end quite grateful of the advice. But then again I suspect it's a bit different for guys than girls (than and really, I wouldn't be adverse to other girls checking me out, especially if they're hot).

"Penises" or "penes". The word would have to be "penius" to get a "penii" plural. I guess straight people don't know Latin...

This one doesn't.

I'm not one of those people who fears much for their safety, despite have cause for it. Violence is just foreign to me.

I think you'll find that's "having".:p

Violence isn't a way of life for me but I still pay attention to the possible response of others to what I do. Maybe you should too, NSG would be much less interesting without your barbed witicisms.

I think you'll find that's "having".:p

I think you'll find I was going for "depite the fact that I have", but I forgot some words.

Violence isn't a way of life for me but I still pay attention to the possible response of others to what I do. Maybe you should too, NSG would be much less interesting without your barbed witicisms.

And you want me to care about your little feelings because you want NSG to be less interesting?

Being the massive hypochondriac that I am, I'd probably be too concerned with my condition to think about how grateful/creped out I am at what you did.

Did you establish that you're in the medical field, and would therefore have some knowledge of a skin condition?

I'll put it this way. If YOU came up to me and told me I had a potentially dangerous rash on my ass, I'd probably go see a doctor about it, and would be appreciative. If, say, DK came up to me and told me I had a potentially dangerous rash on my ass, I'd be creeped the hell out.

^this.

A doctor telling me my ass is broke is completely fine. A random person staring at my ass and inquiring about it.....creepy.waits for fake doctors credentials and ass comments

"Penises" or "penes". The word would have to be "penius" to get a "penii" plural. I guess straight people don't know Latin...


It's kind of a joke. (Like the whole "Elvii' as plural for 'Elvis' thing).

I know gay people who do have a sense of humour, so that can't be it...

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

The "five minutes" part is supicious.

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

depends on how I was told. but In the end, I would appreciate any notification of any apparent health concern.

It depends how you approached the potentially sticky situation. If it was, "excuse me, I'm a doctor and I couldn't help but notice you have a rash on your behind which, in my medical opinion, you should have checked" wouldn't make me feel particularly uncomfortable.
However if your opening line was, "uhh.....I...uhhhh...couldn't help but notice your...uhhhh...firm ripe...mmmmm....buttocks and I've got some...ohhhh....cream I'd love to smear on them" then yes, I would tend towards the uncomfortable range of feeling.

Well, that's going a bit far. Lyme disease is unpleasant, but not all that life threatening, just debilitating and difficult to treat if diagnosed late...
Even so...

I knew Lyme disease was transmitted in North America by deer ticks and black legged ticks -- till you posted this thread I had no idea that it was a problem in Europe as well.

Good to know.

Tricky.

Three cases:
They know about it already, and are already treating it. Not creepy, but definitely unwelcome.
They know there is some problem 'back there' but are in denial. It's the right thing to tell them it's serious.
They had no idea there was a rash 'back there.' They should appreciate being told.


As to whether it's creepy or kind, it would depend entirely on how the comment is made. I'd be inclined to wait until one or both of us have pants on, and if I wasn't a medical expert (I'm not) I'd couch it as a question not as advice.

A quick read assures me that the rash does not pose a risk of infection to others. If it did, I would feel more obligation to mention it, even if that caused embarassment.

Checking out some other guy's bum isn't really that gay. The bum is only a "semi-sexual" area as far as I'm concerned, a bit rude but related to overall physique.

If you'd noticed a small spot on his penis ... that would be trickier to mention. You probably shouldn't be looking that closely unless a few glances have already been exchanged. Expectation of privacy.

Tricky.

Three cases:
They know about it already, and are already treating it. Not creepy, but definitely unwelcome.
They know there is some problem 'back there' but are in denial. It's the right thing to tell them it's serious.
They had no idea there was a rash 'back there.' They should appreciate being told.


As to whether it's creepy or kind, it would depend entirely on how the comment is made. I'd be inclined to wait until one or both of us have pants on, and if I wasn't a medical expert (I'm not) I'd couch it as a question not as advice.

A quick read assures me that the rash does not pose a risk of infection to others. If it did, I would feel more obligation to mention it, even if that caused embarassment.

I just noticed your ass needs looking at. You should see a doctor. I'm a doctor.

Fass' life is like bad gay porn.

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

I don't use communal showers, because I don't have a need to use one. I don't belong to a gym, but if I belonged to one of the local ones (there's one maybe 5-10 minutes away), I could just go home to shower.

But if I did, and someone said that to me, I'd be creeped out a bit. Not because someone (who was naked) looked at my naked ass, but because I missed spotting the rash myself.

I don't use communal showers, because I don't have a need to use one. I don't belong to a gym, but if I belonged to one of the local ones (there's one maybe 5-10 minutes away), I could just go home to shower.

But if I did, and someone said that to me, I'd be creeped out a bit. Not because someone (who was naked) looked at my naked ass, but because I missed spotting the rash myself.

I'd be creeped out if someone stood looking at my ass for 5 minutes before they came to talk to me. I'd have to assume that it took them that long to 'get there'.

I just noticed your ass needs looking at. You should see a doctor. I'm a doctor.

If you need a second opinion, I know another doctor. He's in the shower right now ... ;)

Fass' life is like bad gay porn.

:confused:

Fass could be troll-baiting (for homophobes) but I don't see any reason to assume that. The encounter seems plausible to me.

After I get my degree, there's a possibility that i may be legally obligated to tell him....

Although i may be mistaken, i havent read the section on ass rashes, lol...

I'd be creeped out if someone stood looking at my ass for 5 minutes before they came to talk to me. I'd have to assume that it took them that long to 'get there'.
My impression is that Fass was not staring at the guy's ass for five minutes (though I could be wrong.) From what he said, he saw, he considered what he should do for five minutes, and then he spoke to the other man.

I have a similar rash. I've had it for 15 years. I know exactly what it is, why it isn't communicable, and how it poses no special danger to myself or others. Consequently I do tend to avoid showering in public places, both for my embarrassment and theirs.

That said, I'd probably respond with, "Thanks, yeah, I know about it. 'preciate the thought," and finish my shower. I also know that nobody in a public shower is likely to spend a lot of time appreciating my flabby ass, so creepy isn't likely to enter into it.

He was pretty hot, actually, and I wouldn't a piece of that ass once it was no longer diseased, but I wonder if I would have given it a second glance and thought had he not been attractive.

If you had noticed the same thing on an ugly guy? And thought it didn't matter if he got sick because you would never want a "piece of that arse" anyway?

That, I would say, IS creepy. Surely a doctor should not judge the value of other people's bodies that way.

I have a similar rash. I've had it for 15 years. I know exactly what it is, why it isn't communicable, and how it poses no special danger to myself or others. Consequently I do tend to avoid showering in public places, both for my embarrassment and theirs.

You could get a tattoo. Perhaps a little arrow and the words "mostly harmless" ...?

If you had noticed the same thing on an ugly guy? And thought it didn't matter if he got sick because you would never want a "piece of that arse" anyway?

That, I would say, IS creepy. Surely a doctor should not judge the value of other people's bodies that way.

He wasn't being a doctor showering in the locker room at the gym. He was just being a dude at the gym. And he wasn't saying he wouldn't have bothered telling him if he was ugly. He's saying that he might not have looked at the man's ass long enough to identify it as a rash had he been unattractive.

He wasn't being a doctor showering in the locker room at the gym. He was just being a dude at the gym. And he wasn't saying he wouldn't have bothered telling him if he was ugly. He's saying that he might not have looked at the man's ass long enough to identify it as a rash had he been unattractive.

Perhaps. But note the words I bolded.

And you want me to care about your little feelings because you want NSG to be less interesting?
No, he was saying you should try not to get killed, because he would miss your presence here.
Getting some realistic sense of how others are feeling and reacting would be a good step in the direction of keeping yourself alive longer.

No, he was saying you should try not to get killed, because he would miss your presence here.
Getting some realistic sense of how others are feeling and reacting would be a good step in the direction of keeping yourself alive longer.
Indeed, developing even a modicum of empathy one feels would be a huge plus for anyone wishing to become a doctor.

Well, that's going a bit far. Lyme disease is unpleasant, but not all that life threatening, just debilitating and difficult to treat if diagnosed late...
Except for a close relative of mine who left it untreated, and over a few months, the infection caused swelling to develop around his heart, which caused it to stop during a frat party. By some inexplicable miracle, one of the frat guys was still close enough to sober to figure out that my relative looked dead and to call 911. Family member "Dead Boy" was revived at an emergency room and had to spend two weeks in cardiac ICU until they were certain his heart rhythm was returning to normal and the antibiotics were taking care of the infection.

Considering how unlikely it is that any given frat guy would ever be sober enough to dial 911 in such a situation, you did probably save that guy's life.

On the other hand, my grandfather also contracted Lyme disease, and he only experienced a mild feeling of debilitation for a few years.

As for me, it is unlikely that I'd be in a public shower at all, let alone a co-ed one (I'm shy that way -- especially if there's a rash on my ass), but if I were, and I had a rash on my ass, and you pointed it out to me, I would not be creeped out. I'd be vaguely grateful for your concern, but more pointedly annoyed, since I likely already knew it was there and would not appreciate being reminded of it in a public shower where I would already be uncomfortable.

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?


I'd think nothing of the looks that were given, and I'd very much appreciate the advice. There's really nothing more to add.

How would someone not notice that they had Lyme disease?

How would someone not notice that they had Lyme disease?

How would you know at an early stage? And how often do you check your ass for ticks? :tongue: I didn't even know Lyme disease caused rashes until I read the Wikipedia link, and I've been bitten by ticks dozens of times.

As to unsolicited advice, the stranger would definitely do well to mention that they were a doctor, in terms of lessening the creepiness of it all. I'd be grateful if I thought they were qualified to make that judgment.

I was in a locker room and some guy burned a tick off my ass. I was appreciative to the point of creepiness.

snip

In my incredibly limited, yet clearly authoritative, experience with Lyme disease, it's painful. The only person I know whose had it (my mother, while we were on holiday) was in a considerable amount of pain within a few days of the bite.

In my incredibly limited, yet clearly authoritative, experience with Lyme disease, it's painful. The only person I know whose had it (my mother, while we were on holiday) was in a considerable amount of pain within a few days of the bite.

I believe it. I've never had it myself, but since tick bites are painless, and the symptoms of Lyme disease (headache, fever, depression, etc. according to Wikipedia) could be confused for any number of things, it seems to me that you could be confused pretty easily. But there's no question that you'd know you had something serious after a short while. The one person I knew back East who had it described it as being a miserable experience.

Blokes can be pretty stupid about pain. I know it's a stereotype and guys are a lot more careful with their health nowdays, but it's quite possible to feel like crap for weeks or even be in chronic pain ... and not think it's something a doctor could do something about.

"Boys don't cry" isn't just a harmful expectation for relating to others. It can be bad for your own health!

Blokes can be pretty stupid about pain. I know it's a stereotype and guys are a lot more careful with their health nowdays, but it's quite possible to feel like crap for weeks or even be in chronic pain ... and not think it's something a doctor could do something about.

"Boys don't cry" isn't just a harmful expectation for relating to others. It can be bad for your own health!

I've honestly never felt this way about my body. If there's ever any pain like that, I make it known, and I get it fixed. There's just no reason to be a fucking stubborn, pig-headed idiot and try to "live through the pain", so to speak.

In my incredibly limited, yet clearly authoritative, experience with Lyme disease, it's painful. The only person I know whose had it (my mother, while we were on holiday) was in a considerable amount of pain within a few days of the bite.
I have not had Lyme disease (possibly because I don't go schlepping around in the woods in shorts like an idiot), but the two relatives who have had it (one a golfer, the other a weekend hiker, so...both idiots, I guess) reported wildly varying symptoms. One experienced severe joint pain, which he mistook at first for arthritis. The other experienced no pain, but only flu-like symptoms, which he ignored (until his heart stopped).

The other experienced no pain, but only flu-like symptoms, which he ignored (until his heart stopped).

:eek2:

:eek2:
Post #49, further up the page.

I've honestly never felt this way about my body. If there's ever any pain like that, I make it known, and I get it fixed. There's just no reason to be a fucking stubborn, pig-headed idiot and try to "live through the pain", so to speak.

Well good. I'm glad for you.

I pay attention to aches and pains, and how I'm feeling generally. If I catch flu, and I'm pretty sure that's all it is, I don't bother the doctor 'cos there isn't much they can do anyway. If I hit myself in the leg with a shovel, it aches because it should and I have to learn not to be so clumsy with tools.

But unexplained organ pain, rashes other than the bit of eczema I get when I don't eat and sleep as much as I know I should ... I go straight to the doctor to have it checked. I see a real distinction between a bit of wear and tear (I'll put up with it) and a mysterious symptom which could be a pointer to something serious that should be dealt with early.

I'm not saying it's right, but I kinda like having some aches and pains. Keeps me aware of my body and the consequences of my lifestyle choices.

I'd be quite appreciative. I've had people do (and have done) much, much creepier things in the shower in the Army, so something as innocent as that wouldn't even register.

Well good. I'm glad for you.

I pay attention to aches and pains, and how I'm feeling generally. If I catch flu, and I'm pretty sure that's all it is, I don't bother the doctor 'cos there isn't much they can do anyway. If I hit myself in the leg with a shovel, it aches because it should and I have to learn not to be so clumsy with tools.

But unexplained organ pain, rashes other than the bit of eczema I get when I don't eat and sleep as much as I know I should ... I go straight to the doctor to have it checked. I see a real distinction between a bit of wear and tear (I'll put up with it) and a mysterious symptom which could be a pointer to something serious that should be dealt with early.

I'm not saying it's right, but I kinda like having some aches and pains. Keeps me aware of my body and the consequences of my lifestyle choices.

Exactly.

I'm glad I've never had any of those freaky pains/rashes/whatever. The worst thing I've ever had? Salmonella food poisoning. Oh god, that was horrible. I didn't go to the hospital because there was nothing they could do that I wasn't doing already (staying hydrated and not moving too much to keep my temperature down). On the first three days or so, I had to go to the bathroom something like every three minutes.

I've had the flu and salmonella... I'll readily and easily say that salmonella was worse, at least in my case.

*snip* I don't go schlepping around in the woods in shorts like an idiot, but the two relatives who have had it (one a golfer, the other a weekend hiker, so...both idiots, I guess)*snip*

Grrr.

*Puts on lederhosen and tees up golf ball*

Really, there are risks involved in bushwalking or golf, but there are benefits to both also.

I've had people do (and have done) much, much creepier things in the shower in the Army

Oh dear.

Oh dear.

You have no idea.

I am far too young for you to be looking at all. >:(

Also, mostly embarrassed

Exactly.

I'm glad I've never had any of those freaky pains/rashes/whatever. The worst thing I've ever had? Salmonella food poisoning. Oh god, that was horrible. I didn't go to the hospital because there was nothing they could do that I wasn't doing already (staying hydrated and not moving too much to keep my temperature down). On the first three days or so, I had to go to the bathroom something like every three minutes.

I've had the flu and salmonella... I'll readily and easily say that salmonella was worse, at least in my case.

I've had food poisoning a few times, but I don't think it was Salmonella. Diarrhoea is nothing, but I'd go to the doctor if it came with more than a degree of fever.

The worst disease I've had was Croupe as a small child. I was in hospital, and I needed to be (needed a humidifying cot.) Luckily, that decision was made for me. In adulthood, I've often "toughed out" sicknesses I shouldn't have ... perhaps I'm a Recovering Macho and am not quite over the "boys don't cry" thing.

You have no idea.

Pics or it's a lie ... :p

I've had food poisoning a few times, but I don't think it was Salmonella. Diarrhoea is nothing, but I'd go to the doctor if it came with more than a degree of fever.

The worst disease I've had was Croupe as a small child. I was in hospital, and I needed to be (needed a humidifying cot.) Luckily, that decision was made for me. In adulthood, I've often "toughed out" sicknesses I shouldn't have ... perhaps I'm a Recovering Macho and am not quite over the "boys don't cry" thing.

It wasn't just diarrhea, though. When I had just contracted it, I threw up for about five minutes (I threw up again several days later). On average, during the high point of the illness, I spent about seven hours in the bathroom, and I had this constant sweat going, not to mention the stomach pain and complete-fuck body fatigue.

Ooh, Pneumonia is fun.

I'd probably feel appreciated that someone cared as much to actually say something for a good reason, per say. Hell nobody notices or seems to care about anyone anymore so.

I don't know if 'creeped out' is the proper term. Weirded out maybe, but that would pass quickly as I focus on "I have whatnow on my ass?? And it's that bad, really?"

But I'd be weirded out if a chick was doing it, too. That is, if it was normal for dudes and chicks to shower in that manner. What I'm saying is that someone checking out my goods would be met with mild surprise and slight suspicion...like there must be some sinister reason, such as a dangerous rash on my ass...

It wasn't just diarrhea, though. When I had just contracted it, I threw up for about five minutes (I threw up again several days later). On average, during the high point of the illness, I spent about seven hours in the bathroom, and I had this constant sweat going, not to mention the stomach pain and complete-fuck body fatigue.

You did go to the doctor I hope.

Instinct tells you to just lie down and get over it. But instinct doesn't know about doctors.

EDIT: I realize that might have sounded offensive, I hope not. I'm relying on my own experience, really -- we tend to fall back on "instinct," on an unreasoned rule-of-thumb which may also be old habits not instinct, when we are facing adversity like sickness or personal danger. In some cases (for instance, falling from a height) this brainstem reaction is quicker and therefore better to protect us, than trying to consciously plan.

EDIT continues: Personally, I become very passive and trusting when I'm sick. This seems like a good instinct to me (and makes me a good patient) but it could just reflect that my trust in my parents and in doctors was never betrayed when I was sick as a child. I know that some people get cranky and distrustful when they're sick, and that probably reflects the opposite.

You did go to the doctor I hope.

Instinct tells you to just lie down and get over it. But instinct doesn't know about doctors.

EDIT: I realize that might have sounded offensive, I hope not. I'm relying on my own experience, really -- we tend to fall back on "instinct," on an unreasoned rule-of-thumb which may also be old habits not instinct, when we are facing adversity like sickness or personal danger. In some cases (for instance, falling from a height) this brainstem reaction is quicker and therefore better to protect us, than trying to consciously plan.

EDIT continues: Personally, I become very passive and trusting when I'm sick. This seems like a good instinct to me (and makes me a good patient) but it could just reflect that my trust in my parents and in doctors was never betrayed when I was sick as a child. I know that some people get cranky and distrustful when they're sick, and that probably reflects the opposite.

I didn't go to the doctor, because I couldn't. I did what was best for me, and what was least embarrassing --- my dad controls so many aspects of my life, and he's the one with the driver's license. He told me he was only going to take me to the emergency room... Where I'd be hooked up to all kinds of machines, and if I needed to use the bathroom, I'd have to go in a fucking bag.

No, no thanks. I did what was best. I kept my temperature down and stayed fed and hydrated. It ran its course in about a week and three days.

Potarius, I'm finding it hard to reconcile these comments:

I've honestly never felt this way about my body. If there's ever any pain like that, I make it known, and I get it fixed. There's just no reason to be a fucking stubborn, pig-headed idiot and try to "live through the pain", so to speak.

and

I didn't go to the doctor, because I couldn't. I did what was best for me, and what was least embarrassing --- my dad controls so many aspects of my life, and he's the one with the driver's license. He told me he was only going to take me to the emergency room... Where I'd be hooked up to all kinds of machines, and if I needed to use the bathroom, I'd have to go in a fucking bag.

No, no thanks. I did what was best. I kept my temperature down and stayed fed and hydrated. It ran its course in about a week and three days.

It would seem, in the second case, that you did not see a doctor.

Unless your father is a doctor?

If not, you seem to have taken on board his unqualified advice, and accepted that his prescribed "treatment" is the best.

From a quick reading of WikiPedia, indeed it seems that letting the infection run its course is the usual treatment. But some of your suffering could have been relieved by treatment (and not necessarily in a hospital) ... and you should have had medical attention, because Salmonella can get into the blood and kill you.

Again, if your father is a practising doctor, he may have been competent to make that decision without further consultation (though treating family members is against AMA guidelines.) If he's a retired doctor, not so much, and if he just lays down the law without any particular knowledge to back it up, what he did was wrong. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it was criminally negligent.

I hope the first post I quoted above is closer to the truth, and that you will go to a doctor (the ER if you can't afford anything else) if you have serious concerns for your health in the future.

Seven hours a day in the bathroom, for several consecutive days, and a high fever ... should give you serious concerns for your health. Indeed, for your life.

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

I'd be a little creeped out--really, who wouldn't?--but I'd appreciate being told about it since it's probably something I'd not have noticed otherwise.

I didn't go to the doctor, because I couldn't. I did what was best for me, and what was least embarrassing --- my dad controls so many aspects of my life, and he's the one with the driver's license. He told me he was only going to take me to the emergency room... Where I'd be hooked up to all kinds of machines, and if I needed to use the bathroom, I'd have to go in a fucking bag.

No, no thanks. I did what was best. I kept my temperature down and stayed fed and hydrated. It ran its course in about a week and three days.

This is why you need to get out from under his thumb. You would've been well advised to go to the doctor because of this, and having someone rule your life like that is only putting you in serious danger.

I'd be just fine with it, in fact, I'd be incredibly appreciative.

Now, if you had gone up and said "Well, this looks like a Lyme infection-based rash on your ass, so why don't you bend down and let me see whether I can still pinch that tick out of you", it might have been a different matter.

I have to admit I would be a bit creeped out for a min or two, but life is short and a legit health concern is important enough to negate any initial discomfort. I would be more then grateful in the long run

(Had to edit for some reason first version made no sense)

This. I would be wondering why Fass was scoping my ass.

And you want me to care about your little feelings because you want NSG to be less interesting?

I don't think you should give a toss about my feelings. I think it would be a good idea for you to have some idea about possible violent reactions of those you meet IRL. I was saying I would miss having you around here if you got your head kicked in.

Not eerything is an attack on you Fass, maybe you should try being a little less defensive.

This. I would be wondering why Fass was scoping my ass.

I wouldn't. I have a cute ass, and Fass would hardly be the first person to get caught checking it out. I'd be wondering why he needed five minutes to get himself situated to talk to me.

This. I would be wondering why Fass was scoping my ass.
you would know full well why fass was scoping your ass.

I wouldn't. I have a cute ass, and Fass would hardly be the first person to get caught checking it out. I'd be wondering why he needed five minutes to get himself situated to talk to me.

Maybe he needed time to fish through his pockets for a condom.

Earlier this evening I was in the locker room after some exercise and as I was showering, I noticed that another guy who was also showering had a rash on his buttocks that looked like a typical erythema chronicum migrans. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythema_chronicum_migrans)

I spent a good five minutes thinking back and forth how creepy and invasive it would be of me to tell him that he should see his doctor about it, but in the end I couldn't ignore it, so I told him. "Uhm, I noticed the rash you have there on your buttocks, and..."

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?

once you explained you were a doctor, i think i'd be ok with it. random stranger with no reason to say anything about my ass = no.

once you explained you were a doctor, i think i'd be ok with it. random stranger with no reason to say anything about my ass = no.

"Tickcircles" are quite recognisable though. If I would recognise one on your body - would you rather have me remain silent ?

"Tickcircles" are quite recognisable though. If I would recognise one on your body - would you rather have me remain silent ?
as long as its glaringly obvious there is no reason to think that anyone was checking you out (sexually)

once you explained you were a doctor, i think i'd be ok with it. random stranger with no reason to say anything about my ass = no.

So you would believe a random stranger if he said, "I'm a doctor!" ?

I'm not a doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

This. I would be wondering why Fass was scoping my ass.

Because he's gay?

I think there is some standard of privacy in a public change-room -- you don't stare, and you don't take pictures. There are also things you don't SAY.

But if you expect other men to not look at your ass, perhaps you should go change in a cubicle like a little boy.

Because he's gay?

I think there is some standard of privacy in a public change-room -- you don't stare, and you don't take pictures. There are also things you don't SAY.

But if you expect other men to not look at your ass, perhaps you should go change in a cubicle like a little boy.

While I don't mind people looking, I do mind the SCOPING of EVERY ASS in the room.

Hey, if that's what you want, go to the restrooms at the public bathrooms on the Interstate.

Would you have appreciated it, or would you have felt creeped out if it was you and a perfect, buck naked stranger came up to you while you're also buck naked to tell you that you had a potentially dangerous rash?Appreciative, but...

... Is there some reason you couldn't wait until you'd finished showering?

Appreciative, but...

... Is there some reason you couldn't wait until you'd finished showering?

Medical emergency, you know.

While I don't mind people looking, I do mind the SCOPING of EVERY ASS in the room.

I had to use a dictionary for your bizarre colloquialism. "Scoping" is not just looking, though I can't imagine where you would draw the line when someone else is doing it.

If they noticed a fairly distinct pathological mark on your butt, wouldn't the presumption be that they had "looked" rather than "scoped"?

Hey, if that's what you want, go to the restrooms at the public bathrooms on the Interstate.

I could get the same attention a lot closer to home. Sydney is said to be the second gayest city after LA ... which is perhaps why I don't give a rat's arse about gay guys scoping me. Sometimes I even smile at them or preen a bit, but in all my life I can count the number of times I've had to explicitly say I'm not interested, on one hand. A blank look, and look away, is all it takes in the vast majority of cases.

Appreciative, but...

... Is there some reason you couldn't wait until you'd finished showering?

Hey, that's pretty much what my approach would be. Wait until one or both of you have your kit on -- that pretty much rules out the comment being a "pass."

Not that any reasonable person would take "er, your arse is diseased" as a pass anyway ... but if the guy is offended that I looked at his arse, he'd be easier about it once it was covered up.