Medical check-ups and testing

[zoomzoom]

This thread about colonoscopy
https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/my-6-sixth-time-going-to-the-colonoscope-rodeo.39089/

Got me thinking about discussing medical check-ups and tests in general.

I "KNOW" I was invincible (because when you're young you know everything) when I was in my 20's but as I age (now in my 60's), I know medical things can catch up with you and catching issues early is really important and possibly life saving.

For me:
Annual check-up with PCP.
Annual - Chest CT for cancer screening
Every 4 months to the dentist
Every 4 months - abdominal Ultrasound and/or CT scan.
Every 6 months or so - blood and urine tests
Every few years - Brain MRI
Annual eye exam & new glasses

 

[Supervisor42]

Annual check-up with PCP.
Annual - Chest CT for cancer screening
Every 4 months to the dentist
Every 4 months - abdominal Ultrasound and/or CT scan.
Every 6 months or so - blood and urine tests
Every few years - Brain MRI
Annual eye exam & new glasses

Yes. We live in the greatest country, with the greatest healthcare on the planet...
People that do not take advantage of that, have my permission to shake hands with Darwin.
Example: Cataracts had clouded my vision for years and were slowly getting worse...the Dr said I was an 'excellent candidate' for lens-replacement.
I opted for the 'good lenses' and happily paid the $4K difference.
I will now have the vision of an 18y/o until I die!
People in the USA no longer need to go blind when they get elderly.

 

[TexasCharm]

I work in healthcare and don't trust "health" care - for many reasons.
They don't see me unless there is a problem. A big problem.

I will never have chemo again so no onc for me.

I do have my eyes checked and prescripts updated once every year or two.

 

[Pearl]

NO DOCTORS!! You are only good to them if you are sick! They are selling a product!!

 

[Haertig]

Every 4 months - abdominal Ultrasound and/or CT scan.
Every few years - Brain MRI

I wouldn't expect these two to be routine, unless you have a previous diagnosis of something that needs to be monitored.

You mentioned colonoscopy as a trigger for starting this thread, but not as one of your personal tests/check-ups. You should add it to your personal list. Frequency will vary depending on what they find/don't find each time - probably between one year and five years.

 

[Haertig]

NO DOCTORS!! You are only good to them if you are sick! They are selling a product!!

My wife makes the same money whether you come in to see her because you imagined a problem, or because you mangled your leg in a wood chipper. Sure, wood-chipper-leg is the more mentally stimulating patient to deal with, but she'd still rather you not do that. It doesn't make her any more money in any case.

 

[TexasCharm]

NO DOCTORS!! You are only good to them if you are sick! They are selling a product!!

The whole system right now, really. I call it "sickcare"

 

[rice paddy daddy]

Annual physical at the VA because it's required to stay enrolled in the healthcare system (even though I don't use it as primary care).
Annual "wellness check" by my primary care doctor as suggested by Medicare. He also does another physical with major lab work 6 months after this check.

These lab tests are critically important because: I served in the most heavily sprayed by Agent Orange area in Vietnam. Many guys in my unit are already dead, most of the still living have suffered the effects. I'm one of the few who, so far, have not suffered one of the 15 diseases officially linked to exposure.
I keep my eye on my lab work like a hawk. I know what the numbers mean, especially for PSA and A1C.

Other than that, I get health care as needed. As a guy, "as needed" means if parts get accidently cut off, or if the EMT's from fire rescue have to come. Other than that, just wrap a rag around the bleeding and sit down for a few minutes.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Other than an annual checkup with blood work, I seldom go to a doctor. A few years ago I was having bad back pains. Went to a specialist, he took a bunch of x-rays and said he needed to operate. I said NO. I went to see a massage therapist and after 4 visits I have no more pain in my back, legs or shoulder. I'm not saying I'm miraculously cured, but I have no more pain. I plan on seeing the massage girl every 2 weeks or so. It's $100 per visit, and that's well worth it to me.