Another medical query-- help me torture a character, part II

[rachelmanija]

Some of you were very helpful a while back when I wanted to inflict a character with the possibility but not certainty, of a horrible genetic disease. The sword hanging over his head is (thank you) Huntington's Disease.

Okay. I want to torment him further. What can I inflict on him that could make him think he's showing symptoms, but turn out to be something else entirely which is actually benign or easily cured? Maybe something like a sports injury (he's a martial artist) with a delayed onset, so that (say) when he finds that his right hand has become clumsy or weak, he doesn't immediately connect it to the hit he took a few days before?

Ideally, but not necessarily, it would be something that, when he finally consults a doctor, the doctor can lecture him along the lines of "You should have come in sooner-- this can cause permanent damage if you just ignore it."

Would a pinched nerve work for this?

Comments

[espion.livejournal.com]

I just noticed this (I can't read!): Ideally, but not necessarily, it would be something that, when he finally consults a doctor, the doctor can lecture him along the lines of "You should have come in sooner-- this can cause permanent damage if you just ignore it."

Depending on how old your character is, Wilson's disease is your best bet. You will die if this is not treated (except you must be treated for the rest of your life).

Here's a good article: http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic570.htm

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's a lot of info. Thanks for coming in.