CSNbbs

Public Service Post:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/06/12/men...pstoryview

This was a subject of considerable discussion in a sociology class I took. Men absolutely do go into denial, and they do avoid going to the doctor until they're badgered into it. OTOH, men very seldom have regularly scheduled appointments "just to be sure everything's alright" as women do. Women and their doctors schedule the women for annual checkups for a variety of things, i.e. mamagrams, pap smears, or "just because". It's been my experience that men and their doctors don't do that, unless a problem has already been diagnosed and it's part of the treatment. I believe that is at least part of the problem: men never really develop any kind of relationship with the Dr., or the culture of healthy living.

I was a classic case of denial when I had DVT. By all accounts of the medical professionals that took care of me - I should be dead. I was very, very lucky. that has changed how I now listen and pay more attention to things that are not right. My boss and I were just talking today about how we were both experiencing chest pain when we breath in deeply. Conclusion - it's just stress and not enough sleep or exercise...maybe I haven't learned my lesson.

In spite of having the full array of symptoms I refused to acknowledge that I might have chronic stupidity. I have only come to this realization recently (the doc says that's one of the symptoms) and now it is too late to treat it effectively. Unfortunately I've taken very good care of myself otherwise and will probably have to live with this for a long time.

Moto!! Get it checked out, Dude! We need you healthy and cheering for the Rockets.

Thanks!

Speaking of which where's Fred been?

San Giuseppe Jato Rocket Wrote:Thanks!

Speaking of which where's Fred been?

Fred just started a thread the other day about a Savage Hall Renovation update.

I guess I'm a classic case. Been to the doctor's once in the 10 years since I retired from the Army. Several years ago for strep throat and that's it.

Did visit the Emergency Room twice in that period. Once for couple of stitches for a cut on the top of my hand I got at work, and a couple of weeks ago drove a wood splinter from my split rail fence about 3/4 of the way into my little finger. Part of the splinter broke off and too much trouble to try and get it the rest of it out myself.

Unfortunately, we will continue to see a decline in the quality of health care as government intervention grows. The more the government has its hand in health care, the more that doctors are forced to abide by systems and cost-effective solutions, regardless of the patients interests.

The only thing that keeps the system from completely collapsing is the talented and determined people who make up for as much of the deficits as possible.

I scheduled a routine check up a few years ago. I just wanted to make sure everything was fine and the doctor just didn't seem to believe that's all I was there for. I would probably schedule an annual check up if he treated me like I was doing something normal and healthy by going to see him. I donate blood 3 or 4 times a year so at least my pulse temp and bp get checked that often.

RocketJeff Wrote:I scheduled a routine check up a few years ago. I just wanted to make sure everything was fine and the doctor just didn't seem to believe that's all I was there for. I would probably schedule an annual check up if he treated me like I was doing something normal and healthy by going to see him. I donate blood 3 or 4 times a year so at least my pulse temp and bp get checked that often.

There are definitely good doctors and bad doctors. If you're dissatisfied I would seek out a new one, but don't compromise your health because you may find him irritating or incompetent.

I think I'd add something about colonoscopy at age 50 to that list.

In theory, practically every case of colon cancer should be "preventable", or at least picked up while it remains treatable. It's frustrating that colon cancer is the #2 cancer killer in the United States.

All men should get a total colonoscopy + rectal exam + stool guaiac when they turn 50 (or 40, depending on their relative risk).

Great post Ranger..... IMO..everyone should have a blood pressure kit at home and get a blood tests every year especially a PSA test if you are 50 or older. If BP is in order and the blood is okay you s/b close to okay. You have to watch the doctors 1/2 of them I do not trust. Healthiest thing men can do is SWEAT every day.... walk ..work out ...do something especially if you sit in an office.

Again great post Ranger....