I'm a little shorter -- I think like 5'8" or 5'9", and about 178-180 lbs (and still gotta lose like 20 more lbs all from my gut )

I think I was in the hospital for at least a couple weeks (or months?) after I was born -- I'd have to confirm that -- but you're right, back then it was much more risky.

And like you, I'm afraid of getting anything checked out... but your story may just encourage me a bit. I'm glad you're doing well at this point, tho! Even tho you're kicking ass in fantasy! :p

would you please add my mom to the prayer group too? She is suffering from breast cancer since november 2004. Our family's devastated since then. Thanks.

wow, glad to hear you brother is doing so well, MaryCas!

JL, I'm SO happy to hear you did it! Your story hit me in a very special way because my fiancè died from colon cancer. He was just 45. He got mets in his liver. So I understand very well what you mean by being grateful and happy "to still be here having a bad day". Take care, my friend!

Sure you are, SB!!! I'm so glad to hear you are well now, my dear!

I almosts died of poison ivy when I was in fourth grade. This was probably the worst time of my life, and since then I have been as careful as possible not to get it.

Me too, DC. This chap must have a peculiar sense of humour. Anyway, whatever he meant by starting this thread, I think we have been given a chance to share and I'm grateful for that.

Great. I share a message board with a load of sickies and calamity Jane's and James'. I'm lucky I haven't caught rabies off any of you yet you insect eating bats.

Back in the 12th Century I was diagnosed with the bubonic plague but miraculiously survived. What's more is that I'm still living nearly 700 years on with the striking good looks of an early 20's man.

More recently, 4 and 5 years ago respecively, my lung has collapsed twice and I still suffer chest pains due to the collapses.

Turi, weren't you Barking Bob the Two-Headed Boy-Dog in a travelling freak show? You had the second head removed after the war, right? Your collapsed lung was the result of getting run over by a pie truck...wasn't that you?

When I was born, I had a collapsed lung. I don't know if this is accurate, but from what I heard, my mom said the doctor told her that while she was having a contraction, I must have been taking a crap. Because of the contraction, the crap travelled back up into my system, and into one of my lungs, collapsing it. Anyhoo, I was in and out of the Ronald McDonald House as a baby (it was a children's hospital.) I had to have sleep tests, because I was a candidate for SIDS. I have chest pains and trouble breathing here and there. I went to the doc and got tested for ashtma, but he said it's just because one lung is weaker than the other, so the good lung is working overtime.

I also went through a bout of depression that lasted almost 5 years. Horrible, horrible time. I think I mentioned it once or twice on here. Definitely the worse phase of my life, thus far.

I appreciate all of your kind comments. All I wanted to do was to create an interesting discussion thread. Seems I succeded.

And I'm very happy all of those who suffered bad medical cases have healed back in an excellent state.

And no Mick, I am not a 26 year old Italian man from NY who owns a pizzeria ( DV)

Thanks. I feel lucky every day.