Most patients have mesothelioma symptoms anywhere from two weeks to six months prior to seeking medical treatment. The symptoms can and do include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain on the side or back and a cough.
Women seem to have a greater threshold for pain so they tend to ignore it and push on. Majority of them complain of pain under the shoulder blade or mid side to back. Most of the women say that they did not experience shortness of breath or cough until after they have been diagnosed.
A number of men are either on vacation or traveling when their symptoms first appear. They normally put off seeking medical attention until they return home or their wives force them to go to the doctor. Just like Congressman Vento, they experienced severe shortness of breath and pain in the mid-back or just under the shoulder blade.
Those with a cough have had an early morning cough for months, sometimes even years. The cough progresses to the point where the patient cannot finish a sentence without coughing or clearing his throat. They assume its allergies and will take OTC medications to relieve the symptoms.
The problem is that mesothelioma hides so well for so long. Even those that have a known history of asbestos exposure, have already been diagnosed as having pleural scarring or asbestosis and have their health monitored with regular chest films can fall victim to mesothelioma even after receiving a clean bill of health just a few months earlier.
These men are very active, in their mid 60’s and have recently retired. They have spent their time pursuing their hobbies such as woodworking, sailing, hunting or fishing. They are men who have worked hard all their lives, saved for their retirement and had plans to enjoy another 20 or 30 years doing what they loved.
These men and women were the builders of America.
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