EVERY-THING SPORTS (AND NOT)
For men, trips to the doctor - even for elective procedures - are not a sign of weakness
Oct 30, 2018, 7:03 am
There’s a stigma with most men. We often times don’t want to go to the doctor. Let me rephrase that: we never like going to the doctor. Whether it’s fear of what they’ll tell us, or fear of what may happen as a result, we don’t like going. Most of us would rather fall out and die than know what’s going on.
That said, I somewhat fall into this category. I only go when I’m forced. A cyst on the back of my neck got infected and grew into the size of a golf ball before I had it taken care of. When it grew back, it took me about a year or so to get it removed. Thank God it was non-cancerous, or else I would’ve taken even longer to get treatment. Yes, I’m hardheaded and tolerate pain or discomfort differently than others.
On March 7, I filled in on The Blitz and co hosted with AJ Hoffman. Beth Liebling of Darling Way was on with us in the 6 p.m. hour. If you’ve ever heard her segments, it can get interesting. The topic turned to birth control somehow. When my method was deemed taking a chance, AJ said vasectomy was the best way to go. His exact words were “it’s like going to the gun range with unlimited bullets.” Took me a while, but I finally decided to take the plunge.
I looked online at their website, read up on the procedure, and made an appointment. I was sent an email, and then got a phone call to confirm. Edgar and Madison were both very nice and accommodating. They explained everything to me in detail, helped me switch my appointment around, and even gave me the price for everything with my insurance.
When I got there Monday, my nerves were bad. I mean, I’m about to literally put my manhood in the hands of strangers! Jennifer helped me get signed in and took my payment. Nicest person I’ve ever willingly gave that much money to. Nathan was the medical assistant that went over the procedure and post-care instructions. He’s a funny guy that made me feel a little more at ease. By the time Dr. Williams came in, I was calmer, but I could feel myself getting nervous again.
Dr. Williams was nervous also. See, I laugh when I’m in pain. So while he was busy working on my nether regions, I was busy laughing and groaning. The stuff he did to numb me initially worked sort of. I also have a high tolerance for meds and stuff. But when something is going on down there, all bets are off. I was worried it wouldn’t work anymore if something went awry. The main reason I was there was to freely use it without fear of making another human tax deduction! My wife had to explain that that’s what I do, but he went to get more anesthesia. After the next round of anesthesia, I was good to go; only a little pain and discomfort.
I wrote as a man trying to get other men to realize that it’s OK to seek medical help. Next up, I’m getting this skin spot biopsied to make sure it isn’t cancerous. There’s no need for seeming weak or less of a man. Sure this was elective, but I wasn’t afraid to get it done. Okay, maybe a little. It’s my balls we’re talking about! Seriously though guys, if you need help, get it. Don’t be afraid. Take care of yourselves.
The Houston Astros are looking to avoid an unexpected sweep Wednesday night as they wrap up their three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park.
Winners of six of their last ten despite back-to-back losses, the Astros (55-37) turn to left-hander Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA) to steady the ship and salvage the finale. Walter has been reliable in his recent outings, and he’ll face a Guardians lineup that has struggled to string together hits, batting just .204 over their last 10 games.
Cleveland (42-48) entered the series on a 10-game losing streak, but now has a chance to sweep the AL West leaders and take the season series. Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) gets the start for the Guardians. The 26-year-old righty has kept his ERA under 4.00 this year and will look to neutralize a Houston offense that leads the American League in batting average at .260 and is hitting .295 over the last 10 games.
All eyes remain on Jose Altuve, who has driven in 16 runs and slugged four homers over his last 10 games. He’s been the heartbeat of the Houston offense, while Isaac Paredes continues to deliver steady power at the top of the lineup. The Astros have scored five or more runs in eight of their last ten games, but the bullpen faltered late in both of the first two games of this series.
Cleveland counters with the steady presence of Carlos Santana and the always-dangerous Jose Ramirez. Though Ramirez is just 6-for-38 in his last 10 games, he’s delivered key home runs in the series and remains the Guardians’ biggest threat.
With the season series now 3-2 in favor of Cleveland, Wednesday’s matchup carries added weight for the Astros as they look to regroup and avoid letting momentum slip further. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -144, Guardians +121; over/under is 8 runs
Astros lineup for the finale
What stands out? First off, Jake Meyers returns to the lineup after missing a couple of games with a calf issue. With Meyers back in the two-spot, Cam Smith returns to hitting cleanup. Caratini is playing first base again and hitting fifth, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Cooper Hummel (DH), Taylor Trammell (LF), and Mauricio Dubon (SS).
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.
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