PC leads to so many annoying health issues

I should really say that PC coupled with old age seems to really create problems.
I thought of this in more depth after reading Pratoman's latest issues with his blood tests, following in the heels of (and necessitated by) his heart issues.

For me, I am on intermittant HT. So, already I am in a much higher risk category for heart issues. But, besides that, I have to continually do myriad blood tests. What I have definitely found over the years is that if you do enough tests, you will find abnormalities. As a mathematician, I understand that the odds are about 99% of finding something if you do enough stuff. In my case, my blood tests probably result in 40-100 different measurements. Invariably, something shows up as an abnormality. Now, fortunately, other tests at the same time may show that the result is just an aberration. For example, my BUN rate is high, but other tests do not confirm a liver or kidney or whatever problem. Ditto for one value that indicates a slight anemia, but not confirmed by a few other values.

I guess what I don't like: there was a time, in my younger days, that a routine physical was just that. The results were always expected to be good and they were. It was a time to have an enjoyable chat with my doctor. Maybe a result might be watch your cholesterol a bit, at worst. Nowadays, it is kind of what abnormality will show up now.

Another case in point was my colonoscopy last month. That, too, was never an issue. I always EXPECTED it to be fine (always hated the prep, however). This time, they moved up my colonoscopy date by 2 years due to my SRT. So, we now had the concern not only of the usual colon cancer (now at a slightly higher risk), but radiation damage, possible problems during the colonoscopy due to radiation, etc. Fortunately, it all worked out and the results were perfect (no damage, no cancer, not even polyps).

My point is the game has changed. Consequences are more ominous. The challenge is to just handle this as a normal part of our life cycle.

Mel

Mel, what you say is so true. .... SO THANKS for posting this topic....

" there was a time, in my younger days, that a routine physical was just that. The results were always expected to be good and they were. It was a time to have an enjoyable chat with my doctor. Maybe a result might be watch your cholesterol a bit, at worst. Nowadays, it is kind of what abnormality will show up now."

I used to almost look forward to seeing my doc. It was always confirmation in one way or another, that i was doing as well as i felt.
Now, i dread every appointment, every test result, fully expecting to be blindsided each visit. Its a tough way to live, and I'm trying to figure it out. But i doubt i ever will

I am thinking of buying a place in Florida, then i say to myself, well, what if i do that, then i get sick and can't use it. What a waste. Wrong way to think, i know, but i just cant seem to get out of my own way on it. I was planning to go down in June, spend some more time with the RE broker, now i feel like i have to wait to resolve my issues. But then, something else will come up. So why put it off. But then again.....

I guess its all part of getting older, we have to adjust to a new way of living, where health becomes a primary issue and we have to fight every day to keep our thoughts from ruining our QOL.

Post Edited (Pratoman) : 5/4/2016 2:29:07 PM (GMT-6)

It does change the whole game.

I think of my health very differently now.

Andrew

My grandmother who died just short of her 98th bday made the observation when she was in her 80's that 'getting old is not for wimps'.

So true. And I'm not officially 'old' yet. But my brain still says I'm 18.

its not just the age…its the paradigm….everyone is under technology's microscope…administered by business mores then medical institutions...

John T:

We had a great time this year and we do hope to go back next year.

Lots of PSA tests between now and then, starting next week!

Mel

Jack:

You can't give up your fixation.
The clear implication: don't do the surgery, which started it all.
You would have been fine.

As for the millions of men suddenly showing up with severe advanced cancer symptoms -- let them eat cake!

Jack-- you haven't started a new thread with the same hammer/nail idea for at least 12 hours. Quit being a slacker.

Mel

Jack:

You are correct. So, carry on.
Maybe you should start another thread about it?

Mel

RCS:

Like H it has

Mel

Post Edited (compiler) : 5/5/2016 10:17:57 AM (GMT-6)

Actually, in general, I don't mind hijacked threads, to a degree.
Sometimes, one topic morphs into a totally different topic. But it can be a natural morphing and both topics can provide useful input/information.

However, if someone is seeking some specific information -- especially a newbie who might be in panic mode -- then we should try hard to stay on the original topic.

Incidentally, as an aside, thank you moderators for showing a lot of common sense and allowing some good leeway on a variety of topics, even when they get a tad heated!

(Uh....oh... have I just hijacked my own thread?)


Mel

Understand, I think, where are you coming from. Since my original PC dx in 2008, it's been nearly 8 years of one thing after the next after the next, health wise, all directly or in-directly related to the PC or its treatment. Gets old.

And I am aging. Started out at 56, pushing for 64. Not saying there aren't exceptions, nothing is written in stone, but in my family, there are few incidences of anyone making it past 65 years of age. Kind of spooky. I am still the only known, key word: known, family member that ever had PC. Most family members of died of smoking related matters, even if in-directly. I don't smoke or drink, don't know if that really helps or not.

And the aging part catches up with all of us in different ways. The best parts of me still working well for my age: eye sight, hearing, sense of smell, no allergies (nature type), and to this day, never even a hint of ED. And when my heart has been tested, they tell me its that of the heart of a healthy 40 year old man, so that has to be worth something.

We all have to die, that's one think I never sit around thinking about or worrying about. We just don't know when or how, but its going to happen.