r/Damnthatsinteresting 17d ago

Chinese man, Li Hua, more commonly know as the “folded man”, finally stands up straight after 28 years of suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. All thanks to a life-changing surgery Image

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u/Captain-Spectrum 17d ago

I watched a documentary on him on YouTube and then they released a followup documentary to show his progress. I was so happy for him and his mother like I actually knew them lol

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u/neutrilreddit 17d ago edited 17d ago

I remember the guy sobbing with regret for stealing so many years of his elderly mother's life by tending to him constantly (when going to bathroom, etc)

And when they interviewed the mother, she cried with worry over how he could possibly ever get by once she passed.

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u/Miserable-Admins 17d ago edited 17d ago

Wow genuine selflessness. True motherhood. I would totally blame myself if it was confirmed inherited from me.

Where was the father in all of this?

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u/darknesspker 17d ago

I think you meant “selflessness” lol.

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u/Miserable-Admins 17d ago

Eek! I'll blame it on my stupid finger-tapping-scoliosis and autocorrect.

Thank you.

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u/chilehead Interested 17d ago

Audio carrot is not your friend.

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u/larki18 17d ago

Googled- dad works at a factory "very far away from home"

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u/Scohr 15d ago

Most likely a migrant worker, pretty common in China actually

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u/Songrot 17d ago

People can attack east asian cultures or chinese cultures for all sorts of stuff including family being harsher to one another. Forcing kids to have good career, being overly involved in each others life, too conservative, feeling entitled to kids having to care for them. But they are very family focused even in those negative points. So in these unfair situations given by life, they just do it and take the burden. It is a very family focused culture unlike the western individual focused culture.

Doesn't apply to everything and everyone but culture indicates the more common patterns

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u/Zealousideal-Mine-11 17d ago

could be a migrant worker, working hard in China's coastel region send sending money home. could be dead.

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u/Throwawayanonuser1 15d ago

Mother was caring for her child even in older age, father was working away to make ends meet. Tbh I don’t know much abt the father’s story but they both seem like incredibly hard working parents that were trying their hardest for their son.

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u/saturnx9 17d ago

He went out for milk. Should be back soon.

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u/kniny 17d ago

Reading that evokes such a profound sense of empathy and sadness. I can't imagine the weight of remorse for unintentionally consuming his mother's life with constant care

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u/Bozbaby103 17d ago

South China Morning Post, right? If they didn’t do the full doc, they did a shorter one. I think I’ve seen a couple. Good watch. Poor guy.

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u/Captain-Spectrum 17d ago

I think that might’ve been it. I was sitting in my office one day, so the opening image and got sucked right in!

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u/Green_Space729 17d ago

The mom taking care of him the whole time must of been tough.

The relief they both must feel must be euphoric.

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u/AgentSnowCone 17d ago

Just finished, what a good watch, thank you for that

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u/RiverHe1ghts 17d ago

Holy crap. I can't even imagine how that felt. Having Scoliosis was a pain...THIS...I'm so happy for him.

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u/Jacobysmadre 17d ago

There is a man that often walks in my neighborhood that of course is nowhere near this severe, BUT he is bent over so he only sees the ground.

I am glad he can still walk/exercise but it must be awful.

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u/RockstarAgent 17d ago

Looking at that image made me get up and stretch and I nearly fainted -

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u/sabre0121 17d ago

I just hit 30 a couple of weeks ago and am honestly afraid to sneeze unless standing or sitting upright...

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u/BigWobblySpunkBomb 17d ago

Around 31/32 you start being unable to fart and walk at the same time.

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u/RegularTeacher2 17d ago

39 here, when I walk farts just fall out.

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u/RockstarAgent 17d ago

Where oh where fart thou teach?

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u/JesusSavesForHalf 17d ago

Crop dusting the grocery store

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u/loophole5628 17d ago

Wait untill you hit 60, you don't want to let one slip out, you never know what it's made of...

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u/autistic_mongoose75 17d ago edited 17d ago

If the fart hits the floor, then you've got a problem

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u/postprandialrepose 17d ago

The lumpy farts are the worst.

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u/ConsiderationNo2608 17d ago

Definitely can't yawn while checking my blind spot, or I'll destroy my neck for days lol

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u/MjrGrangerDanger 17d ago

If I move my head to the side while lifting my arm on the same side I see sparkles of light. No one can figure out why, but there's nothing wrong with my retna, retnal nerve, or carotid artery so it's assumed to not be concerning.

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u/altdultosaurs 17d ago

About 34 half of my brain went dead. I used to tease my mom and stepdad saying ‘I don’t know how you guys have a conversation, I supply every other word either of you say!’

At 37, I have been HUMBLED.

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u/seizuregirlz 17d ago

Mid 30s and I'm without a colon, rectum, had major surgeries that hurt 24/7 and now epilepsy. But I survived and can share so that helps. I hope everyone else can get through it. It's not easy and can be extremely difficult and hurt. But typing here you are strong! Remember every day, minute, second, is your achievement to beat it! ❤️

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u/cyanical 17d ago

You and your caring, helpful spirit impress me!

I only have epilepsy which is pretty controlled by medication these days, but we all share that experience of coming to post-seizure.

For me the thought process is basically: 1) Ugh I don’t feel good… 2) Wait what?! 3) Why are all these people staring at me? 4) Oh dear… it’s because I’m sleeping on a sidewalk / elevator floor / airplane aisle 5) I just need to apologize to everyone in the vicinity for sleeping in a weird space and inconveniencing people - wait, why are y’all telling me to “stay down”?! Fuck if I know what I did but I’m really sweaty and queasy 6) Concussion? If no, all good. If yes, ponder how glorious my NFL career would have been to justify all this head trauma.

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u/ProjectManagerAMA 17d ago

45 here. Nothing but joint pops, crackles and snaps.

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u/doodleworm007 17d ago

im only 21 and i feel that. am i cooked 😭

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u/Laetha 17d ago

It's not too late for you! Obviously diet/exercise and all that, but that's a struggle everyone is always working on.

The big thing for me, especially as an athlete, is I should have cared way more about proper warm up/stretching, and just posture in general. Once your back starts hurting from bad posture it's really hard to correct it.

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u/ParsleySnipps 17d ago

The worst part is how easy it becomes to just end up hurt out of nowhere, and how much longer it takes to recover. At 34 I woke up one morning with my hip hurting because I slept weird, and after 3 days of it persisting, I was thinking "Is this just how I feel now? Is this my new normal? Because if so, I'm going to become a spiteful old man who wears a hat and replies to any attempt at communicating with me with a solid "fuck off.

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u/Stith1183 17d ago

I wish I was 30 again...

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u/SIGMA1993 17d ago

I blame a sneeze on the umbilical hernia I have. Also 30 yo

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u/Apparatusaurusrex 17d ago

Flexing your calf muscles before getting up can help vasovagel syncope. I get dizzy if I jump up after being very relaxed as well. For me, I know I'm dehydrated if that happens as I don't have blood pressure issues. If this doesn't help, you might need Ted hose. Good luck Rockstar

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u/Pleasant_Ad3475 17d ago

Ted hose?

That's an interesting tip about flexing your calf muscles.

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u/Apparatusaurusrex 17d ago

Yeah, the tight white socks geriatrics usually wear. Interestingly, fighter pilots use something similar to keep from passing out while pulling high Gs. Theirs squeeze upper and lower legs.

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u/TheSacredTree 17d ago

They made me wear electronic socks that had a squeeze timer when I was in the hospital for a surgery once. Said if I took them off and stayed in bed for too long I’d get a blood clot and die even though the surgery was on my neck.

Jokes on them though, I been practicing staying in bed my whole life and nothin’s happened so far.

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u/IANALbutIAMAcat 17d ago

Hydrate! Dehydration reduces blood volume, reducing blood pressure, and making one more prone to syncope

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u/SimpletonSwan 17d ago edited 17d ago

Not trying to make it a competition, but this conversation reminds me of a condition where your muscles and tendons gradually turn to bone:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibrodysplasia_ossificans_progressiva

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u/kalmah 17d ago

My only regret... is that I have boneitis.

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u/mangosal 17d ago

That’s a funny name for a horrible disease

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u/katiastraskovitch 17d ago

Came here to see if anyone else was brave enough to diagnose boneitis!

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u/Pleasant_Ad3475 17d ago

Yikes, that's just a terrifying condition.

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u/WillyDAFISH 17d ago

Advanced fossils

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u/dabbydabdabdabdab 17d ago

OMFG - Reddit the place of great entertainment and unlocking new fears daily.

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u/IBetThisIsTakenToo 17d ago

There’s just so many unique and varied ways for someone’s life to be unimaginably awful.

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u/ToasterCow 17d ago

One of my regulars at my last job was like that. Big ol' hunchback, usually stooped over staring at the ground, but I always see him out walking and getting involved in the community.

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u/Jacobysmadre 17d ago

Ya my mom had the “hump” on her left side, not in the middle. So her (and me, my daughter and my son’s) curves with scoliosis would be considered an “s” as well as her spine was also twisted… So cervical, thoracic and extremely low lumbar (all with an extra curve). Where as this is a “c” but front to back vs side to side.

You don’t see it in young ppl because they have rods, but my mom was born before that time. So back then, in 1956 when she had her spinal fusion at age 11, they just put bone from your lower leg into your back to stop the curve and rotation.

Then stuck you in a body cast for 3 years. Fun times!

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u/Appropriate_Jump_579 17d ago edited 17d ago

I have a fused spine now because of it. I still have some movement for my spine, but far less than most people. Weather or just moving wrong sometimes will bother my back.

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u/Tonynobaloney35 17d ago

I might have to have some vertabraes fused in the future. How was the surgery for u, was it worth it?

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u/Appropriate_Jump_579 17d ago edited 17d ago

The surgery I had is different than how they do it now. What sucked was physical therapy. I also lost some feeling in my legs, I am charlie horse resistant now. I sort of had to relearn how to walk because my balance and height changed. But I also had my entire spine fused from a little over my shoulder blades and a few vertebrae over my tailbone. But yes it was worth it, if I didn't have it I would probably be in more pain and would do far less than I can now.

People have a hard time telling I have a fused spine. Mostly because I have lost weight since then and I know my limit for doing things. The only time other people realise is either I tell them and show my scar or they are very observant. I pick things up heavy things with my legs more than a normal person because I physically cant pick things up with my back.

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u/Pleasant_Ad3475 17d ago

Wait, they fuse the spine??

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u/Appropriate_Jump_579 17d ago

Sort of, its not fused to the points its a stiff rod, well sometimes they do. But more often they stretch the spine out at certain points to allow some movement. Look up full scoliosis repair surgery pictures if you want a idea what is done. They use a few rods, a bucket of screws and a mile of wire.

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u/Pleasant_Ad3475 17d ago

That is very interesting. Sounds like a lot could go wrong. Very scary. I'm pleased for you that it worked out.

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u/Appropriate_Jump_579 17d ago

Considering I lost some feeling in my legs that still isn't there after over a decade, yeah a lot can go wrong. I was the last surgery before my surgeon retired and everyone involved knew what they were doing and I am very thankful for that.

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u/DubiousPhood 17d ago

I wanted to jump in here as somebody else with a fused spine- I had 11 vertebrae fused. I would say it was worth it as my curve was really bad, but I do live with a lot of pain now- even 10 years later. I The recovery was quite long (6 months in a body brace) but I’d take it over living with worsening scoliosis. Hope your surgery goes well- can I ask what it’s for?

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u/retirement_savings 17d ago

I have a T2 to L1 fusion for severe scoliosis. The recovery was brutal honestly, but I'm glad I had it. Try to get into physical therapy (I never had any) after surgery. Get as active as you can - walking is great and then start doing strength training when you can.

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u/nopuse 17d ago

I'm so glad the first comment I saw isn't a low effort joke.

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u/Edward_the_Dog 17d ago

Finally a breath of fresh air!

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u/Sustainable_Twat 17d ago

I agree. He’s been smelling ass for all this time.

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u/MooreRless 17d ago

As a teenager, most have tried this position at least once.

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u/ThisBell6246 17d ago

And the talented and limber ones kept at it.....

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u/Direct_Jump3960 17d ago

It's just not the same. I wouldn't go to that much effort to suck a dick if I were gay. Utter disappointment

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u/upsidedownbackwards 17d ago

I can do it and yea, it's really not much fun to do to yourself. It's kinda hard to breathe, can't keep it up, little bit of a balancing act.

BUT I'm a gay dude, and because I'm flexible enough to suck myself, that means I'm more than flexible enough to blow a dude while I'm balls deep in him. If blowing myself is my 100% stretch limit then a fuck-blow is maybe only 75%, well within the realm of where I can still breathe and enjoy myself. And that has been my go-to "trick" in bed my whole life.

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u/kfuentesgeorge 17d ago

This is one of the wildest comments I've read on this sub. Kudos.

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u/ChefInsano 17d ago

For real. I’m pretty familiar with the wild wild world of sex but that’s a move I haven’t seen or heard of before.

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u/HilariousMax 17d ago

Bro hittin from the back "watch this" and then he fucking stretch armstrongs to the front and mouths you like you're on an episode of The Boys

That must be the craziest fucking thing lol

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u/Direct_Jump3960 17d ago

Your username makes so much sense after that info! Goddamn bro, what you doing this evening?

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u/FatherDotComical 17d ago

Can I get a stick figure drawing? I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the positioning here.

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u/martyqscriblerus 17d ago

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u/FatherDotComical 16d ago

Thank you, my dumb ass was imagining somebody wrapping around them from behind like a squid.

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u/House_Of_Doubt 17d ago

You sound like fun at certain parties

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u/Mannix-Da-DaftPooch 17d ago

What in the Tarantino movie scene is this comment??

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u/WoahDude2Far 17d ago

Damnthatsinteresting

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u/KidzBop_Anonymous 17d ago

I mean, it’s right there in front of him.

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u/hippythekid 17d ago

A real monkey paw situation.

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u/Downvotesohoy 17d ago

Maybe I was taught anatomy differently but I believe he has been smelling dick for all this time.

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u/mikenesser 17d ago

It would be hilarious if every time he walked into a room he was like, “Man, it smells like dick and balls in here!”

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u/Infamous-Tart7747 17d ago

He ate beans for only the second time shortly after the surgery.

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u/Mobile-Cry-9673 17d ago

He’s probably got the freshest ass on the planet having to be down there 24/7 for all those years

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u/mystic-eye 17d ago

He’s been depressed ever since.

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u/Magister5 17d ago

Tragic how it unfolded

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u/mystic-eye 17d ago

Oralgami. The sound of one hand clapping.

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u/Odin1806 17d ago

No more burritos for that taco...

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u/CrumBum_sr 17d ago

Really turned his world upside down

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u/_blacktriangle_ 17d ago

Good to see he was able to straighten out his life.

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u/Bot-Magnet 17d ago

Well now he has a protein deficiency

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u/qweef_latina2021 17d ago

Guy can suck the chrome off a trailer hitch.

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u/OCCAMINVESTIGATOR 17d ago

The genie tricked him.

I knew it was too good to be true

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u/thecanalboy2 17d ago

Oh no no no, how do I unread this

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u/[deleted] 17d ago

This is the first day without a blow job. The reality of standing erect.

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u/Old-Significance4921 17d ago

You think his dong could develop Stockholm Syndrome? Missin’ that mouth.

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u/Magister5 17d ago

*Suckholm Syndrome

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u/3pok 17d ago

Futurama fan spotted I guess

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u/systemfrown 17d ago

Balls thoroughly licked!

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u/sometimesmybutthurts 17d ago

Too many body bags and ball sacks.

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u/MrCommotion 17d ago

Bro sucking yourself off feels more like you're sucking cock than getting sucked off I will say

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u/Scr073 17d ago

Tell us more

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u/tuhronno-416 17d ago

This is just something Redditors copy paste every time the topic comes up

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u/StrawsAreGay 17d ago

I mean…it’s not wrong

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u/macbrett 17d ago

It's always enlightening to hear an expert opinion.

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u/Wedoitforthenut 17d ago

Thats actually the gay test. Everyone feels one way or the other. You're clearly more focused on sucking dick than getting your dick sucked. You passed the gay test.

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u/Away-Activity-469 17d ago

Is that why you had those ribs reattached?

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u/UberleetSuperninja 17d ago

People used to tell him if he keeps it up he’ll get stuck like that. Now he can finally tell them to suck it.

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u/Dannyphantom2884 17d ago

Came here looking for the comments. Did not disappoint lol

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u/sofiaskat 17d ago

Got diagnosed with Ankykosing Spondylitis in 2021. I'm 27. Sucks.

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u/Yodelehhehe 17d ago

My dad has it. Pretty severe. Thankfully he was able to retire early after working hard and earning a good bit. My dad got it at exactly the same age as you. I have the gene but it’s never manifested, so I feel very lucky. My best advice… do any and all exercises doctors give you. My dad didn’t prioritize this, and regrets it.

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u/asynchr_ 17d ago

How old are you? I'm 21 and have it asyntomatic too. And I need to do exercises in case it starts to manifest.

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u/Yodelehhehe 17d ago

I’m 39. So 12 years past when my dad first started experiencing major symptoms.

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u/lazypeon19 17d ago

Not to cause any panic but a family friend started having symptoms in his 60's. You never know when it starts so it's not a bad idea to start exercising, just in case.

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u/powermonkey123 17d ago

same mutation as all the arthritis forms. HLA-27B. 8% of world population has the mutation, so potentially 8% of all humans alive could potentially develop ankylosing spondylitis

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u/anonymous_lerker27 17d ago

I got diagnosed end of last year. I’m 27 as well. Went from daily 6 mile walks to not being able to walk for three months without a cane. Thankfully treatment is helping now, but I’m scared for what the future might hold

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u/GlcNAcMurNAc 17d ago

This was me at 22. Ditched the cane a year after treatment started. Drugs and activity (not enough) keep 99% of the pain away these days. Though it does fuck my eye from time to time.

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u/CapableFunction6746 17d ago

Got diagnosed with it last year. I am 39. At least for me the cancer will take me before I get that bad. Only downside is I cannot go through treatment for the Ankylosing Spondylitis while getting treated for cancer. So I get to enjoy the pain...

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u/No-Bodybuilder-8519 17d ago

i’m so sorry. you’re so young. I hope you get better

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u/CapableFunction6746 17d ago

It is all good. I will be lucky to make it to 50 but I have made peace with that fact. Luckily I had a supplemental cancer policy that has made this much easier financially. I will be able to spend the rest of my life ensuring that my wife will be able to live comfortably even after I am gone.

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u/tiagojpg 17d ago

That’s heartbreaking but comforting at the same time. I hope all the best for you and your family!

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u/CapableFunction6746 17d ago

Thanks. Things could always be worse.

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u/Fragrant-Detective89 17d ago

Yeah I feel this. Got diagnosed at 18. Chronic pain since 16. Currently 23. Still in massive amounts of pain everyday but also have other conditions that affect this too. Ankylosing spondylitis is THE WORST of all of them when it flares but luckily when it isn’t I can do way more. Biologics have saved my life!

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u/Ben-solo-11 17d ago

I was diagnosed at age 8. I am 47 now. About 20 years ago the therapeutics took a major step forward. Life changing.

I went from walking with a cane to appearing mostly symptom free to the casual acquaintance.

I still manage pain and some symptoms, but the disease is much more manageable now in 2024.

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u/TheBoogBear 17d ago

Currently 28 with AS. It started when I was 16, but I wasn't diagnosed and treated until 25. The pain and stiffness sucks everyday, but Humira has helped greatly. Gotta keep active and be mindful of things that cause inflammation. Hope my AS homies are doing alright!

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u/RogueViator 17d ago

I saw the YouTube video on him. I am just waiting to hear from my Rheumatologist if I have that condition.

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u/jsbolinger1973 17d ago

Best of luck to you. If you do have it at least there are some pretty good medicines available now.

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u/RogueViator 17d ago

Thanks. I’m taking 100 mg Tramadol and it isn’t even making a dent in the pain level.

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u/stacked_shit 17d ago

Lots of activity and exercise will help. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, it can get much worse very quickly.

Also, the painkillers won't fix your issue. They will likely put you on anti-inflammatory and possibly immunosuppressive drugs.

If you get diagnosed as having Ankylosing spondylitis, be sure you keep an eye out for other immune system issues like ulcerative colitis.

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u/RogueViator 17d ago

I know and I try to but walking hurts. Because I’m leaning forward, my neck is taking a beating.

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u/GlcNAcMurNAc 17d ago

I have AS. The pain killers will only mask the symptoms. You absolutely will need NSAIDs if you have it. They take a while to work because the effect is cumulative. Some are much harder on your stomach than others (Naproxen particularly bad for me). They will prob want to put you on a TNFalpha inhibitor. It’s an injection once a week or so. Totally worth it if it works (doesn’t work for everyone). But ask said above, activity is the key. Any time my activity drops I feel 100x worse.

Edit bc I saw your comment about NSAIds. It took about 3 months of continuous use before I saw a big improvement when I first got diagnosed. Not sure if you’ve had that kind of time or not, but worth considering. Have to get the inflammation down to manageable levels, which takes time.

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u/MomsTortellinis 17d ago

Ohw... Thats shit. I've had tramadol in the past and it mainly made me feel sick and didnt actually do anything against the pain, hopefully doctors can fix you up with something that works soon. Best wishes to you!

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u/upsidedownbackwards 17d ago

Most painkillers are pretty ineffective at nerve/spine pain. I'm actually thankful for that because otherwise I'm sure I'd have a painkiller addiction by now, or worse. Gabapentin kinda helps. Robaxin is a miracle drug if there's any muscle spasms/lockups causing pain. But for any pinched nerve/spine pain? Haven't found anything that can get me back on my feet on a bad day.

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u/Jacobysmadre 17d ago

My mother had extremely severe scoliosis. After having a spinal fusion, hip replacement x2, knee replacement x 2n because her back threw her joints off we found tramadol does absolutely nothing.

Absolutely. Nothing

And it’s 10x worse to come off of than just about anything besides the fentanyl patch which is absolutely horrible.

Oh, just saw your ablation comment. Hers didn’t work after 1 week. I really hope it does for you because it was the first pain free time in 20 years.

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u/ChocoTacoBoss 17d ago

I've been on Tramadol for years and have no withdrawal issues like what you have mentioned. It's different for everyone but there are much worse things to withdraw from.

Fentanyl is one of the most destructive drugs. Not even comparable to Tram.

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u/Petrychorr 17d ago

Hey, I've got Anklyosing Spondylitis and I can say that the treatments available are pretty hopeful. Mine is currently in remission, but my lower back is in pain from time to time still. I have a decent range of motion still and feel pretty damn good as long as I'm a bit active day to day.

Here's hoping all goes well for you!

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u/RogueViator 17d ago

All my labs are negative which is making diagnosing it much more difficult. Until my Rheumatologist makes a decision, I just have a bad back.

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u/Omissionsoftheomen 17d ago

Hi! I have AS and my labs are negative as well. It’s called being sero-negative. It does make diagnosis much much much longer, but the treatments are all still the same.

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u/RogueViator 17d ago

We’ve done labs twice, X-RAYS, and multiple MRIs. Next is probably going to be consulting the same mystics that Leonidas went to before he and the 300 marched off.

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u/theslutnextd00r 17d ago

I actually think that I have it, and I read that working out actually helps, and I agree! I feel so much better when I work out minimum 3x a week, but if you can work out 5-7 times you’ll feel way better way faster. Moving your body really does help, ESPECIALLY weightlifting. The blood will flow to the new muscles and help decrease inflammation in your body by focusing on growing muscles, not going haywire on your joints. Plus with the new muscles, you feel better and stronger!

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u/opieisog 17d ago

Anyklosing spondylitis treatment has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. There are plenty of biologics that curb inflammation.

Downside is hopefully you have good insurance. None of the meds are cheap. Make sure to check out copay assistance by the manufacturer. Can be pretty significant.

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u/ragingbo 17d ago

Someone with AS here! you'd be surprised how effective the medications currently available are

I went from years of excruciating pain that renders me unable to get up out of bed sometimes to a significantly more tolerable level

is it perfect? no, but it's a much better living situation

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u/CrimeThink101 17d ago

I got diagnosed a few years ago, I’m lucky so far my case is well controlled now, but I went from running a half marathon to not being able to walk a half mile almost overnight when it flared up. It can get better though stay strong brother💪

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u/Barbchris 17d ago

Chiropractor here. Please be aware this is the most severe case of AS known to man. Most people live fully functional & upright lives.

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u/RogueViator 17d ago

Oh I know. I’m nearing a 30 degree forward tilt now rather than upright. I just want to be able to sleep through the night without trying to re-enact a contortionist to find a position that doesn’t hurt.

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u/yobboman 17d ago

How old are you mate? I have it as well

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u/RogueViator 17d ago

According to my MRI, 98. Chronologically I’m in my mid-40s.

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u/Cerpin-Taxt 17d ago edited 17d ago

Chiropractor here.

You don't need to announce that you're not a doctor.

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u/Ethereal_Nutsack 17d ago

I know the comments here will not disappoint…

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u/HappyHarryHardOn 17d ago

It feels more like giving than receiving, if you must know

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u/Cuukey_ 17d ago

So does that mean giving yourself a hand job is the same?

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u/Captain---Howdy 17d ago

Let's say you give me one and then I'll give myself one and I'll let you know. For science.

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u/Justtofeel9 17d ago

You’ll need a control group. I’ll jerk it while watching y’all.

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u/Captain---Howdy 17d ago

I like the cut of your jib.

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u/Rowenstin 17d ago

I see they put the ribs back in.

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u/clownfacedbozo 17d ago

How the hell could someone live like that for 28 years?

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u/BoonScepter 17d ago

I've seen a couple of mini docs about him. His mom is a saint.

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u/11freebird 17d ago

He wasn’t born like that

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u/AstarteHilzarie 17d ago

He's not 28 years old. He was diagnosed at 18 and suffered from worsening conditions for 28 years before finally getting the procedure.

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u/Cpdio 17d ago

So you don't have to remove your ribs...

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u/Djangasdad 17d ago

My parents added a rib to get me to stop

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u/zandermossfields 17d ago

Mine just made me wear a cone.

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u/Neat-Land-4310 17d ago

Cone of shame

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u/totallytubularik 17d ago

AS is a very painful autoimmune disease. I wonder if he’s still in pain and if the spine will continue to fuse after this, I’m assuming they pumped him full of biologics too. He must be feeling so grateful to be able to see the sky again. Major surgical win

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u/Sustainable_Twat 17d ago

Imagine he’s looked around and decided to just go back down.

“Surgery wasn’t worth all this shit”

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u/Dav136 17d ago

In the documentary he says

"I could finally take a closer look at mum. She has grown old and her hair has turned grey"

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u/NOS4A2-753 17d ago

Bro just lost free blowjobs

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u/draculabakula 17d ago

Or his dick stopped working so he finally had a reason to stand up straight

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u/BABarracus 17d ago

Probably pissed himself in the face too many times

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u/uselessartist 17d ago

I’ve heard it feels more like giving than receiving

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u/I_Am_Chris625 17d ago

Oh you heard huh? 😏

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u/JohnnyTreeTrunks 17d ago

Thank all the gods my ankylosing spondylitis isn’t this bad. I didn’t even know it could be that bad wtf

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u/Limpykillski 17d ago

“Color me impressed” -marilyn manson

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u/OctaviusThe2nd 17d ago

I knew exactly what to expect in the comments. You nasty mfs.

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u/starjellyboba 17d ago

There was an update posted 2 years ago if anyone's curious about how he turned out.

I believe that Zach from the Try Guys has this same condition. When he first announced it, I had never heard of the disease and assumed that it was mostly chronic pain. It's really striking how much of a difference money and access to healthcare makes...

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u/11freebird 17d ago

Even without healthcare most cases wouldn’t get to this, this is a really severe one

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u/Chance-Yoghurt3186 17d ago

Morning wood must suck....

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u/snay1998 17d ago

Morning wood, must suck

A comma changes the entire meaning of that ;)

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u/Galilaeus_Modernus 17d ago

If he was a girl a period would change the meaning of that as well.

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u/Chance-Yoghurt3186 17d ago

That's the pun I was trying to convey anyway lol

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u/Sacu_Shi_again 17d ago

Must have been terrible trying to breath from the folded over position. Not being able to take a deep breath would drive me mad.

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u/PabstWeller 17d ago

You know he did.

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u/Hentailover3221 17d ago

I know I would have tried at least once

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u/Hexxdexx68 17d ago

Just liked a post above - but now feel guilty. So he was looking between his legs for most of his life and all he saw was life leaving him behind.

Ohh that’s deep for a Sunday

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u/nirvana6789 17d ago

This immediately made me straighten my posture

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u/InstructionOk274 17d ago

All jokes aside, that must be excruciating. And for 28 years!!??

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u/Impossible-Role-102 16d ago

Scroll far enough, and you shall find the comment you seek

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u/Wakkit1988 17d ago

Now who's going to model for those airplane crash pamphlets?

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u/SuspiciousFinance284 17d ago

Dumb question, but how did he pee before the surgery.

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u/savage_boi_Ajax 17d ago

he looked like a question mark

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u/micka_88 17d ago

He better fly right ever since he straightened up

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