Prostate Cancer

[Roger Dyer]

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.

[Captain Kong]

Just off the subject of PSAs,
10 months ago I went into hospital for severe stomach pains, I had an endoscopy, they said my stomach was inflamed otherwise OK. I went home.
On 1 February this year I sailed from SanDiego or the South Pacific we arrived six days later with severe stomach Pains, ships doctor.. Have some Bysodol,
I got a taxi to the Hospital to see a Real Doctor. He said without treatment I would have no more than four days to live. they operated, My Gall bladder was gangrene with stones and this had damaged the Pancreas
They saved my life.
Now Yesterday I received a letter from my hospital the one I was in 10 months ago telling me that I have Gall Stones and to make an appointment to have them removed..
If I had waited for that letter I would already be Dead. SO
Never trust anyone with your health, Demand everything, it is your life and your right.
Cheers
Brian

[Ivan Cloherty]

Have received an email from my Doctor's Surgery advising me that if I need to see a doctor that when I ring for an appointment I must discuss my symptons with the receptionist who will decide whether or not an appointment with the doctor is necessary. What the hell is going on?!! I have to discuss my symptons with an untrained 18/19 year old with no medical training who can hardly speak her own language correctly, no bluddy way. A letter will be going to the doctor with my thoughts penned in terms which will leave him in no doubt of my thoughts on that instruction.

Is this instruction against the Data Protection Act, seems to me it breaks every rule in the book about patient/doctor confidentiality and if you do not want to discuss your private matters with a receptionist does that mean that no appointment slots will be available. I will be testing the system shortly !!!!

[Captain Kong]

Go for it Ivan,

Receptionists are only there to book you in for an appointment Not to make an assessment on your health.

The one at my Doctors Surgery was like that when I phoned up. I went round there and gave her a right bollocking in front of a room full of Patients. She does as she is told now.
It pays to kick.
Cheers
Brian.

[Chris Allman]

Right behind you Ivan, it totally goes against patient / doctor confidentiality, what the hell has it to do with the receptionist, its private and confidential how you are, please let us know how you get on.

Chris.

[happy daze john in oz]

You guys are getting the rough end of the stick by all accounts. I can see my GP just about any time. He will often talk with me while he is out side have a smoke. But not all are like that,I am extremely lucky with the one i have.
But in reply to Roger.
Mate you have it all wrong, I know guy who has a car with the same oil for over three years, service is something they do in church, well he think so.
Did no one ever tell you that all Mn men are invincible and made from coregated iron, never get ill but do rust a bit. As for imbibing, mate without that most of us would already be gone, the alcohol preserves us.
The only alergy most of us have is the mother in law, the only tests we need are to see if the beer is cold.
But on a more serious note, not my forte I fear, men have a habit of neglecting their own health thinking they will never get sick. Thankfuly I decided about 13 years ago to take more care. It has paid me big dividends and for that I am more than thankful. I am now an advocate for mens health telling all I know the advantage of having regular testing. Bit like an MOt realy.

[Louis the Amigo]

Hi shipmates , some good news my old shipmate Laurie R280948, 87yrs is out of hospital after his crazy stunt {falling down the stairs} Now with a new hip and fixed elbow he is on the mend, Not ready for a night on the rum yet? but will be out and about soon, he thanks all you kind shipmates who wished him well.

[Les Woodard]

Whats a doctor? Come to that what is a Hospital? Keep well and truely well away from anything like that as I have found that all these old geezers that seem to be around me now only talk about appointments and ailments. Worked it out long ago. If you take away all the bloody time that they spend on health and deduct it from the life span it ends up that you dies before you get to pension age. No better of enjoying it until the end and go out with a completely fecked up body I reckon. Instead of spending all that money at the chemist better of spending it at the pub and having a good time. Quality not quantity.

[happy daze john in oz]

I agree, hospitals from my experiences are ful of sick people. If they were not sick they would not be t, so stay fir and p155ed and all will be well.

[Captain Kong]

When your dead you dont know you are dead.
Brian