What sort of illnesses or afflictions do you see the Turtles having.

[victory_angel]

We have seen the Turtle sick before and there are people who have gone as far saying Donnie has been sickly since childhood. Or Raph is sensitive to the cold and such.

Those are more or less why not assumptions. But what sort of illnesses or afflictions can you see the Turtle's having? It doesn't need to be an illness, it can be a disorder.

For example, I can see Leo having Asthma as a child. This is an affliction he grows out of with help of training regimen, but when he is really stressed out he sometimes finds himself having asthmas attacks.

Raph, I can see having heart disease. Moderate intensity exercise alone for over 150 minutes a week has been known to cause heart problems in men.

Donnie, I can see maybe having psychogenic fevers (stress related fevers) because of all the stuff he carries on his shell. From making sure things in the lab are fixed to making sure they have various antidotes, serums, or whatever else they need to save the day. At times he foregoes eating and sleeping because he absolutely needs to have the solution to whatever problem their facing.

Mikey, I can see winding up with type 2 diabetes from all the Pizza he eats. Yes, all the Turtles eat pizza rather frequently, but Mikey eats it to a near obsessive level. So yes, I can see him becoming diabetic.

[wpugh2424]

We have seen the Turtle sick before and there are people who have gone as far saying Donnie has been sickly since childhood. Or Raph is sensitive to the cold and such.

Those are more or less why not assumptions. But what sort of illnesses or afflictions can you see the Turtle's having? It doesn't need to be an illness, it can be a disorder.

For example, I can see Leo having Asthma as a child. This is an affliction he grows out of with help of training regimen, but when he is really stressed out he sometimes finds himself having asthmas attacks.

Raph, I can see having heart disease. Moderate intensity exercise alone for over 150 minutes a week has been known to cause heart problems in men.

Donnie, I can see maybe having psychogenic fevers (stress related fevers) because of all the stuff he carries on his shell. From making sure things in the lab are fixed to making sure they have various antidotes, serums, or whatever else they need to save the day. At times he foregoes eating and sleeping because he absolutely needs to have the solution to whatever problem their facing.

Mikey, I can see winding up with type 2 diabetes from all the Pizza he eats. Yes, all the Turtles eat pizza rather frequently, but Mikey eats it to a near obsessive level. So yes, I can see him becoming diabetic.



Framingham risk scores with high hdls which can increase from moderate exercise will actually lower your ten year risk of heart disease.
But the others make more sense to me

[Andrew NDB]

None. Their antibodies and immune system is probably so sky high from living in a sewer, nothing can touch them.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

None. Their antibodies and immune system is probably so sky high from living in a sewer, nothing can touch them.

I agree with you fully here.

Make them lean, green and efficent killing machines, or pizza eating machines depending on the verison :lol:

[neatoman]

Dick Grayson has some ideas.

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/jlNfDrUqwm3cTi7qGu8NPqybYZCQdEfH6D59eKqazjOWsgOB1_ HBGeWvxNmPKJl7hXXUZkVe5g31VepbCuIVIoHaf1beiSrxyhOV baduRDZYNMHhfcrR1I9EYPUyId1LgcY7cQ=s1600

[newfan]

hard to know what they could be affected by given that they are mutated into something making them no-longer a natural lifeform of the planet, so though they are still turtles, all the rules may not apply. Same I suppose if you wanted to consider the part human infused incarnations.

Edit: LOL to the above, actually I remember Nick's Mikey joking that they had Salmonella to Rocksteady when they were trying to distract him.

[Candy Kappa]

Realistically they'd all be suffering from D3 deficiency and have MBD since they rarely go outside while there's sun. Although they could get their calcium from human food since they can process dairy which normal turtles can't. And with that they might even be resistance or immune to the effects of oxalic acid and could eat spinach to add more calcium to their diet.

I don't think the Turtles would have any sort of disorder or condition, at least not same as a human.

[IndigoErth]

Taking into account the realities of their life, honestly, I think one of their biggest dangers is deadly infection and a lack of access to antibiotics. At best, maybe a very limited supply of expired antibiotics that have lost potency. But since people are instructed to take all of it, it would probably be rare to find.

Running around a city and its sewers wearing no footwear and little to nothing else and involved in the battles they get into? Someone is bound to end up wounded at some point, be it from a fight or just a random injury, and end up with a nasty infection they can't cure on their own or get help for and end up with sepsis. Even if their immune systems are super strong due to built up resistance... you aren't going to overpower a nasty infection that needs the right antibiotics and medical care.

If I was a human friend, the possibility of that would quietly terrify me; seeing something like that happen to a friend and you can't get them help. And given how agonizingly painful an infection can be, it would be a horrible way to go.


Lack of dental care could also lead to similar problems.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

I suspect Splinter would have drilled the proper dental (and basic general) hygiene into them at an early age, for exactly that reason. In fact, I have considered this question a time or two, and come to a few conclusions- being reptiles, they would be immune to certain mammal-centric diseases (and parasites) like rabies or bedbugs (which are only attracted to warm-blooded victims), and probably most immuno-viruses. They also are likey immune to (but could still carry) salmonella, since they ARE turtles, and would be more likely to accidentally give it to human friends. They could possibly transmit other diseases found in sewers, like E coli. I am sure this is why Splinter was always such a stickler for keeping the lair spotless in the FW cartoon- as a rat, he'd be suseptible to certain illnesses they might carry, and probably didn't want fleas or roaches bringing germs into their home, either! Also- rats and bubonic plague. Just a thought.....

[Casey]

A serious vitamin D deficiency :tlol:

[IndigoErth]

I've always disregarded the salmonella thing with them. It can make good material for a joke, but given that they aren't regular little reptiles crawling around on their bellies and instead are bipeds who bathe and practice proper hygiene regularly (I'd hope!) it's probably highly unlikely for them to carry it (at least not on their skin) since the bacteria comes from a reptile's intestinal tract.

I mean, after all, humans can carry it (or related strains) too along with other bugs and don't pass it on unless they are lax on washing the hands. It's probably safe to snuggle these guys without fear of having diarrhea later. lol (Unless they've been traipsing through the grosser parts of the sewer... then maybe take a rain check. :trazz:)

Given their exposure to human germs and their human diet, their gut bacteria may have changed from that of regular Turtles at first to now resemble something more similar to humans anyhow. (So is the regular reptile salmonella even still present? Or would other more human bacteria have out-competed it and taken over?) Not that humans don't carry bacteria that can make each other ill, but the Turtles may be less of a risk to us than normal reptiles.



Definitely agree with the vitamin D deficiency. Although I guess they don't have to worry about mask tan lines...?

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Actually, reptiles USUALLY only carry salmonella if kept in unsanitary (ie dirty) living conditions. In other words, if their tanks or ponds are not kept clean and healthy (stagnant water, poo not cleaned out, food particles left, etc). And yes, it is carried on their skin and claws, mouths or whatever. So, living in a SEWER.... Yeah. Kind of a hot-bed of that particular nasty. (I had to research this whilst doing major turtle-y type science cramming for my fics.)

[newfan]

I think I'll go with my earlier comment on them not being regular turtles and choose to go with them not having that :)

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Perhaps, but they are still essentially reptiles, in that they are canonically (in most versions) cold-blooded and still tuck in their heads and hold their breath longer than humans.

[pferreira]

Turtles by nature of capable of picking up any kinds of diseases. I'd tell you which but I'm not a vet. :D

[Hamato Yoshi]

Realistically they'd all be suffering from D3 deficiency and have MBD since they rarely go outside while there's sun. Although they could get their calcium from human food since they can process dairy which normal turtles can't. And with that they might even be resistance or immune to the effects of oxalic acid and could eat spinach to add more calcium to their diet.

I don't think the Turtles would have any sort of disorder or condition, at least not same as a human.

MBD means multiple brain disorder = retardation :lol:

"Given their exposure to human germs and their human diet, their gut bacteria may have changed from that of regular Turtles at first to now resemble something more similar to humans anyhow. (So is the regular reptile salmonella even still present? Or would other more human bacteria have out-competed it and taken over?) Not that humans don't carry bacteria that can make each other ill, but the Turtles may be less of a risk to us than normal reptiles"

I hope to God they shower now and then.....and prolly brush their teeth too :P

The mysteries of life :

-do the TMNT bath ?

-how does people not realize that BW is Batman ?

-are there toilets on Death Star ?

-is Elvis alive ?

[Candy Kappa]

MBD means multiple brain disorder = retardation :lol:

"Given their exposure to human germs and their human diet, their gut bacteria may have changed from that of regular Turtles at first to now resemble something more similar to humans anyhow. (So is the regular reptile salmonella even still present? Or would other more human bacteria have out-competed it and taken over?) Not that humans don't carry bacteria that can make each other ill, but the Turtles may be less of a risk to us than normal reptiles"

I hope to God they shower now and then.....and prolly brush their teeth too :P

When it comes to Turtles MBD stands for Metabolic Bone Disease.:roll:

[Hamato Yoshi]

It gave me a chuckle anyway :D

[MsMarvelDuckie]

MBD means multiple brain disorder = retardation :lol:

"Given their exposure to human germs and their human diet, their gut bacteria may have changed from that of regular Turtles at first to now resemble something more similar to humans anyhow. (So is the regular reptile salmonella even still present? Or would other more human bacteria have out-competed it and taken over?) Not that humans don't carry bacteria that can make each other ill, but the Turtles may be less of a risk to us than normal reptiles"

I hope to God they shower now and then.....and prolly brush their teeth too :P

The mysteries of life :

-do the TMNT bath ?

-how does people not realize that BW is Batman ?

-are there toilets on Death Star ?

-is Elvis alive ?


I think given the environment they live in, yes, salmonella would still be present, along with a host of other nasty human dieases like e coli, tetanus, and bubonic plague, even if they never get any of those themselves. Doesn't mean they can't still carry or transmit it to others through contact, though. I'm fairly certain they could not contract rabies or other mammal-specific dieases, though. It would be interesting to know if they could get anthrax or parvo.

[Utrommaniac]

With these boys living in a sewer, I'm surprised they don't get tetanus with all the injuries they'd receive on a regular basis, even just in training-based combat.

And along with the lack of antibiotics listed above, they would basically have had no vaccinations whatsoever, so god only knows what they could get.

There would be an issue of food scarcity, probably having to only go up to dig in dumpsters (or Splinter doing it for them if he only decides to let them loose when he decides they're "ready" to kill Shredder), so alongside undernourishment, they would have...all the vitamin deficiencies. Finding clean water would probably be harder to find than food, so that would affect every single aspect of their health from cleanliness to actual hydration.

Honestly, it's a wonder they're even able to climb and jump around buildings like they do. All things considered, their health should be an absolute garbage fire.

And, on top of their only socialization be each other and Splinter...having garbage fire social skills. They'd just be a little pack of overworked, under socialized, very sick gremlin children.


I'm going to drop this here for diseases they'd risk as turtles...with a note of warning to some...rather unpleasant prolapse that we don't want to think about :teek: (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Common-Diseases-Of-Aquatic-Turtles/)

Basically, it doesn't matter if a sewer is the most secure hiding place...because that's the only "pro" to the list. I for one vote for April getting them all the hell out of there, because Splinter would be having some health problems on his own...on top of the "I'm going to raise these four mutant children to know nothing in life except continuing a toxic revenge cycle and not give them a path forward afterwards" psychosis.

Lesson of the day: Keep your children and your reptiles and your mutant reptile children away from literal systems of refuse, it is a bad idea.


With all this in mind, I'd actually like to see a "Shredder turns the turtles against Splinter" story line that takes all this in mind. There's no honor in slaughtering four boys that are sicker than sick dogs, even if he would consider it a mercy kill. Besides, I imagine there'd be a much greater satisfaction in collecting up his enemy's students and giving them a healthier lifestyle and greater security of livelihood? Gloating "Ha, look how much better of a teacher and caregiver I am than you!" when he presents them stronger, healthier, cleaner, and buffed up?

[victory_angel]

Kinda reminds me of a mirage comic where the turtles are holding their weapons and contemplating how useful their weapons have been in the many battles they have faced. But now they are up against a foe where their weapons will be unable to help them.

Then they all approch Splinter nervously. Splinter then tells them Shellrot is fatal if left untreated and to kindly bend over and take their medication like men.

[Utrommaniac]

But where do they get the medication from??? And at the proper dosage?

[victory_angel]

But where do they get the medication from??? And at the proper dosage?

Never explained, the story is just a one-shot in a story in one of the Turtle Soup issues, so more than likely just TMNT story that isn't really canonical even though it is in the Mirage universe. The title of the story is called "Bearing the Burden"

And then, of course, the is the episode of the 1987 series where the turtles come down with the flu. The writers come up with a BS explanation of it being turtle pox which is an illness that only affects Mutant Turtles as an excuse for no one else to get it.

First thing wrong...the TMNT are the only mutant turtles in existence, so there can't be a known illness that affects only them aside from maybe any that affect Turtles in general.

Two pox is an illness that involves small itchy pustules and eruptions to appear on the face and body. So the turtles would have to look more like they came down with a case of the measles if you were going to call it Turtle Pox.

[Hamato Yoshi]

They get their medication illegally delivered at airports , like Presley :ohwell:

[MrPliggins]

They did contract that one disease in one of the old cartoon episodes which only affects mutant turtles. How does a disease like that spread? Haha.

[oldmanwinters]

Realistically they'd all be suffering from D3 deficiency and have MBD since they rarely go outside while there's sun.

Ha, even if their pizza obsession, the Fred Wolf Turtles were living healthier than just about ever other incarnation of the franchise! :tlol:

[Utrommaniac]

So apparently in regards to the food issues, turtles (and alligators) can digest even rotting food and not have worry about some parasites (as explained here (https://youtu.be/fzXiUxwGGIM?t=8m55s)), so there's probably going to be a little less issue, but there's still the problem of nutritional deficiencies.

[IndigoErth]

While I don't personally equate that much regular turtle stuff to them, being mutated and all and gaining a lot of human qualities... if they still had a boost in the tolerance level, well I suppose it would kind of explain some of the gross concoctions Mikey might willingly eat. :trazz:


Was trying to go to sleep last night and was laying there considering the fact that, given their lives, these poor boys at one point or another would very possibly suffer from night terrors or a similar panic some PTSD suffering veterans might experience. :ohwell:

[Ulisa]

Was trying to go to sleep last night and was laying there considering the fact that, given their lives, these poor boys at one point or another would very possibly suffer from night terrors or a similar panic some PTSD suffering veterans might experience. :ohwell:

Truthfully, all the turtles have the potential for not only PTSD but Complex PTSD. I was actually surprised that the 2k3 series actually addressed it, though briefly in Season 4. When I ran Leonardo of that series through the diagnosis for it, just for fun, he met every single one of them.

[IndigoErth]

That's so sad. But one of the better series for sure to actually touch on it, even if unspoken, and look deeper into him beyond just being the leader guy. Still annoyed at April in the "Sons of the Silent Age" ep for not hugging the poor guy when she goes to talk to him.

[oldmanwinters]

Still annoyed at April in the "Sons of the Silent Age" ep for not hugging the poor guy when she goes to talk to him.

I can't say anybody is really obligated to hug anyone else at any time for any reason.

[plastroncafe]

Yeah...I can assure you that hugging is not always the best course of action.
ESPECIALLY when PTSD is involved.

[IndigoErth]

Yeah...I can assure you that hugging is not always the best course of action.
ESPECIALLY when PTSD is involved.
Well, fair enough if it was the sort and he was in the throws of some flashback episode and/or other freak out and could unintentionally lash out.

Fortunately, so to speak, he was mostly 'just' beating himself up with obsessive replaying of events in his mind, distorting his own memories of it, and eventually hitting a breaking point in the stress and guilt he was putting on himself. Maybe she's not required to hug him, but he was just brooding and still in his right mind, able to clearly discuss it... At least that part of that ep always makes me want to.

It's a shame that within their family it was never straightforward addressed was had been going on with him, rather than him just returning home all better, the end.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Honestly, I think IDW addeessed that much better. After he was brainwashed, he did indeed act as if dealing with PTSD, even if they never specifically stated it. Mikey came the closest to saying it, in his letter to Woody. But yeah, I liked the fact that the 2003 series actually tried to touch on those issues.

[victory_angel]

Honestly, I think IDW addressed that much better. After he was brainwashed, he did indeed act as if dealing with PTSD, even if they never specifically stated it. Mikey came the closest to saying it, in his letter to Woody. But yeah, I liked the fact that the 2003 series actually tried to touch on those issues.

He wouldn't have had PTSD immediately following the events of his brainwashing though. You have to have PTSD symptoms for at least a month before it is PTSD. Anything earlier then that is acute stress disorder.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Regardless, he was seriously traumatized by the entire ordeal, plus the long-term effects from the brainwashing itself (especially considering how long that lasted- it was days, if not a week or more). And he took quite a while to get over that, even AFTER returning from Northhampton. We really don't know exactly how long they were there, either. It was at least a week, probably longer, given some of what happened. And he was still feeling some effects from it all, even weeks later after retruning to New York. He even still has flashbacks about Shredder long after Shredder's defeat and death. I'd call that a clear-cut case of PTSD.

[Utrommaniac]

I'm really surprised Don doesn't have a little more post-traumatic stress after his near-death experience.

[victory_angel]

I'm really surprised Don doesn't have a little more post-traumatic stress after his near-death experience.

Not everyone experiences ASD and PTSD instantaneously following a traumatic event. Some people actually go weeks, months, even years without suffering any adverse effects of the traumatic experience. For some the only sign of an adverse effect is maybe the person in question going quiet or becoming more reclusive on the date of the event.

Say for example if you were in a car accident on April 30, and you continued to live your life as though nothing happened. But every following April 30 you suddenly don't want to go anywhere near a car.

Other people, they need experience or witness an event that triggers the traumatic stress.

Say, for example, you are shot in the shoulder. You go through the physical therapy and make a recovery. But then one day you hear a car backfire or you see someone that looks like they are carrying a firearm and that triggers the stress disorder.

In Donnie's case, it depends on the situation or event.

For 2k3 Donnie after he is turned back from being a feral minded monster. Despite his brothers telling him about what happened, he claims he doesn't remember. This means two things, he either does not remember like he said. Or he doesn't remember because he doesn't want to remember.


2k12 Donnie also has a number of near deaths and one actual death. There is no aftermath or revisit of that either. However in Heart of Evil Donnie is out for Vizioso's blood to the point of jeopardizing the mission. Yet, Donnie hasn't vowed vengeance on any of the people involved with any of his near deaths, nor has he held a grudge against April for his actual death. So what made Vizioso different. The reason for that is Splinter. Splinter was murdered before the very eyes of his sons by the Shredder. The Shredder has been defeated, but Donnie still knows Vizioso is gunning for mutants. So he wanted to take out Vizioso before he was a threat because he was afraid of seeing someone else he loved being taken from him.


IDW Donnie- they haven't had PTSD symptoms with him yet regarding the events of issue 44. They do hint that he is subconsciously affected by the event, but he hasn't had a full break down as of yet.

[Ulisa]

Another thing to remember is that just because you go through a traumatic experience does not guarantee you’ll develop ASD or PTSD at all. Different people have different levels of what we call resilience and it’s all individually based. So, someone might be involved in a major car wreck with several fatalities and be able to go back to their life with no lingering effects whereas another person can see a car wreck from a distance and develop full blown PTSD. It all depends on the person.