[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Ralesk at 17 Dec 2002 19:55:23: Re: Arguing...
As an answer to: Arguing... written by AJ at 17 Dec 2002 19:15:47:
>I totally agree with you, Michael. However, in most instances Jim and co (as demonstrated on the below thread) find it neccessary to try and demonize me by making bizarre suggestions that I am stupid, because I suggest people should see their doctor about certain conditions - someone who they, the individual, can be sure is a real qualified doctor and not a bias, unobjective, unqualified, unexperienced armchair one.
I have to agree on that no-one can know for sure who might be what on the Internet. Paul B. himself has pointed this out not once.
We, though, keep pointing out that your suggestion as well might be harmful for the patient, as even a real and qualified doctor might be rather ignorant or uneducated of penile problems. Neither of us says that all the doctors are, but especially in the U.S. or other formerly to great ratios circumcised countries, the medical staff knows usually nothing about intact penes. It's a sad fact, that around the world, it's true that doctors (GPs) usually don't know how to treat penile problems; it's not their usual area of work, is it?
Now, whether or not our Paul B. is a doctor, his contribution -- and knowledge on medicine especially -- makes one doubt he is not. I don't think it matters that much. On the other hand, when we face a real medical cases (phimosis and adhesions and frenular tightness are not such), we tend to suggest something and then turn the person to their doctor (with bxo aka. lsa usually to a dermatologist as opposed to a urologist) etc. I don't think it's worse than immediately shove them to the GP's office, with their knowledge left in the blue as such. They come here for advice, there is a reason they didn't go instantly to the doctor. So, we -- occasionally including you, in the cases you don't just leave it at "go to your doctor and don't listen to anyone" (which we rightfully find offensive, btw.) -- give them a palette of options and possible solutions. I don't recall us ever say "yes, our diagnosis is 100% perfect and don't you DARE go to the doctor, we are PERFECT." As such, we are aware of that we cannot see the patient and we cannot diagnose them perfectly; this is the reason we ask for the tiniest little details, and never claim to give a perfect solution, but we give something that according to our perception of the problem 1) isn't irreversibly invasive 2) isn't dangerous unless one hasn't the brain 3) will most probably solve the upcome problem.>Let's assume that the criteria of those that make the insinuations are correct. The idea of making a suggestion to see a doctor is "crazy" and a "fetish", then what would that make their suggestions: To shove a dowel down the foreskin, or a pen, or 35mm film cannister etc? Or encouraging kids to not tell their parents about a foreskin problem and instead make something up in a workshop or a diy store and shove it down their cock? Or ignoring a degenerative disease of the penis, because the act of circumcision (the only cure in some instances) is offensive to them?
As such, neither restoration with devices, nor stretching with devices has been suggested lately, and everyone here seems to favour the device-less stretching, with perhaps the help of Betamethasone. So, I'll keep telling you that I don't find it appropriate that you mention the ages-ago suggested methods no-one seems to care about right now (and also, no random reader here would know about).
The act of circumcision is, well, as we have seen on the recent pages, usually not made necessary by any of the conditions we faced. Rich's reasons were weird to say the least and I think you can agree on that he made an elephant out of a tick, and that if he'd have himself cut, he'd probably go through a lot more pain (due to no chance to escape from rubbing the glans to his clothes) than if he'd continue accustoming his equipment slowly, just like quite a lot of men all around the world. BXO aka. LSA reasons for getting circed make also no sense, since that dermatological problem can appear on both the remaining foreskin, the glans and the shaft skin, anyway. Just like psoriasis can on about any spot on a person.>I'm afraid in instances wherein I don't believe that people are being given objective information or when kids are being coerced into shoving crap down their cocks and not speak to their parents, then I will always try and convince them to see their doctor or speak to their parents. If that's a "fetish" then that's what it is.
>Thanks.