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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote]
Once you hit 50 that seems to be the magic age for tests- colonoscopies, mammograms, bone density, chest x-rays, retinal checks, cardiac checks,additional lab work. It’s like they are convinced that you have something.

You walk in feeling great and leave with a bunch of preventative care appointments to schedule . It’s enough to make you hate doctors. Plus you’ve lived long enough to see what people go through who fight the various diseases. I can see why some opt out and take the ostrich approach. Life is more than just a never ending stream of scans, tests, procedures, medications and fights[/quote]

I think there's a happy (or at least tolerable) medium between endless doctors appointments and anxiety and utter refusal to see a doctor when, if you have something serious, a year can make all the difference between living and leaving your wife a widow and your kids without parents.    I did a bunch of stuff when I turned 50--not a huge deal. Saw a cardiologist, got my numbers, started a small dose of statins, and I've upped my exercise. i did a colonoscopy. and I go yearly to mammogram. That's about it, and I'd rather do preventative than deal with illness. I also have kids in middle school so I need to do my best to stay healthy for them, within my power and within reason.

I would be furious if my spouse were suffering such drastic health issues and refused to see a doctor.  For example, colon cancer caught at stage 2 versus stage 4 is not just the difference potentially between life and death but between a tough but manageable diagnosis and one that, even if one survives, can cause lifetime suffering for both patient and loved ones. Of course I am not blaming people for being sick, but part of being an adult is taking basic responsibility for your health, especially if others rely on you (and love you!).  My dad's bladder cancer was caught early, and he never had to get anything removed aside from the initial tumor. His brother's was caught later and he died from metastatic cancer.

Anyway, I am thinking of OP and hoping that this has turned out to be manageable. [/quote]

Your dad and his brother could have had very different symptoms. As far as I’m aware there is no routine test for bladder cancer. Just like there’s no routine test for pancreatic or brain cancer. Obviously if you are having uncomfortable symptoms you’ll go to the doctor to try to ease your pain and that is when something more serious might be found….or not.

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