Hi Kevin and Shipmates,
Thank you, Kevin, for your post #69. I was sorry to learn that you may have a kidney problem, mate, but, at the very least, by seeking medical advice you now have the benefit of knowing you are free of several other serious conditions that can effect us as we grow older. Your own experience might serve to remind some of us that, even if we feel O.K., a medical check-up every year (or six months, even) might not be such a bad idea for the over 50's.
Many years ago, a doctor advised me that we should think of our bodies in much the same way we regard the car we drive. When a vehicle begins to age and shows sign of wear, certain parts begin to function less effectively and if not given prompt attention may effect other component parts, resulting in more serious problems and greater expense. For example, a small leak in a head gasket may still allow the engine to run whilst at the same time allowing water to pollute the engine oil. Eventually, if unchecked, the engine will begin to run less smoothly and become harder to start until, finally, it won't start at all. Regular servicing will prevent or detect (early on) many of the problems one normally associates with poor vehicle maintenance. As with a car engine, so it is with this body of ours for which we are responsible. They say that with age comes greater wisdom, but for so many of us the wisdom does not seem to apply where personal health issues are concerned (including Y.T. who, although not yet in the 'grip of the grape', does imbibe far too often methinks). Whilst it is not so noticeable amongst the ladies, bless 'em, we men are less inclined to adopt sensible health practices and seem to have an inbuilt aversion to medical practitioners. As in Kevin's case , rather than worry unnecessarily or, worse still, ignore the warnings, he chose to visit his doctor. The doctor confirmed a kidney irregularity for which treatment can now commence, added to which, as a result of the blood tests taken, Kevin now has the comfort of knowing that, in general terms, his health is good.
I realise that, for many, visiting a doctor is not everyone's idea of a fun day out. There are those who feel they have better things to do with their time rather than sit in a doctor's waiting room reading magazines several years old. For others it might just be a hangover from childhood, a time when the mere mention of a visit to the doctor filled us with dread (well it did me), however, the truth is that a timely visit may well prevent a mild symptom from becoming something far more serious. As time passes, we 'band of brothers, we lucky few', will begin to dwindle in number, but we can keep the 'dwindle rate' down to a minimum by making the effort to go for that all important check-up. You owe it to your family, to those you love, but above all, you owe it to yourself.
.......................Roger
p.s. Be advised that when making this post, the author was perfectly sober. He was under no duress whatsoever, neither was he influenced by the promise of monetary or material gain by those who might seek benefit (namely, a Medical Practitioner, Medical Association or Pharmaceutical Company), but instead was merely exercising an inherent altruistic benevolence.
