Korean Job Discussion Forums

PaperTiger · Joined: 31 May 2005 Location: Ulaanbataar

I just had a blood test and the nurse called me back to let me know my liver is fatty. That doesn't sound like good news. I don't really drink, TV is my only vice, and although I don't wear a size 18 waist like many locals I don't consider myself to be as corpulent as the rest of my fellow Americans.

Is this just more snake-oil to keep me coming back to the doctor's office or are they trying to sell me a coffin?

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Thought I had a bad case of athlete's foot in the humid weather last summer. Many bumps on my feet, and multiplying. WTF.

So I got an athlete's foot gel and it didn't improve matters, then, finally went to a Korean doctor specializing in feet, a podiatrist.

He pulled down a textbook photo saying 'pitted keratolitis'. And prescribed an antibiotic ointment only available by prescription and more expensive. I used that for a couple of months and it didn't improve. The bumps, once a town, were becoming a city.

The doctor said he'd have to check me into the hospital if it didn't improve.

I figured to hell with that and when I went to a general practitioner in Canada he said they were simply warts. And burn them off with Compound W. One 7 dollar tube of that finished them off, period.

So that Korean foot specialist was either ignorant, or knew they were simply warts and wanted to get the most money out if the situation.

thorin · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

Get a copy of the blood test or at least write the numbers down. You're better off knowing that your triglycerides are elevated at 236 (or whatever) rather than just Dr. Kim says I have a "fatty liver". Then you can watch ER reruns and figure out what to do next.

peony · Joined: 30 Mar 2005

I'd suggest a second opinion, go to a different doc and have them run a blood test, dont mention your previous test results until the 2nd results come in.

that way at least you know for sure, lab errors are not uncommon.

komtengi · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Location: Slummin it up in Haebangchon

I had a physical here in Korea, they told me I had a fatty liver too. However, as I had acute Hep B a few years ago I have regular blood tests to check that its ok... when I went home about 8 weeks ago I had a test and my Dr told me everything was fine.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

My friend was diagnosed with that. He did enjoy his beer and was a bit on the fat side. And he had a horrible diet. He was the only person I knew that ordered a Big Mac meal, super sized, with a Quarter Pounder with cheese on the side.

He eventually married a personal trainer and she whipped him into right proper shape. He's still alive, 5 years later.

thorin · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

mindmetoo's friend reminds me, eating before a blood test can also screw up the results. did you eat something before your test?

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

bossaco · Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Location: jongro-gu

read this... http://tabachoy.blog-city.com

kimchikowboy · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Hwajangsil Ajumma · Joined: 02 May 2005 Location: On my knees in the stall

I went to the doc last week and he told me,
"You're fat".
I was shocked, and said, "I'd like a second opinion"
"OK, you're ugly too"

stumptown · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:52 am Post subject:

You're not fat, you're pleasantly plump you toilet water drinking babe. You can shine my bidee (sp?) anytime, you little freak.

Hwajangsil Ajumma · Joined: 02 May 2005 Location: On my knees in the stall

That's "bidet", Mr Town.

Do you live up to your name? I've been referred to as "stumpy", "troll-like", "vertically challenged", "rotund" and, sometimes by one particular group of ajosshis, "you fat little stubby bleach-drinking dwarf". Shining compliments all.

stumptown · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:14 am Post subject:

It refers to my rather stumpy but thick and adequate member. Don't you worry 'bout nuthin. I'll treat you real good.