Comprehensive Health Check-up For 50 Year Old Male

[simon43]

This year I reached the age of fifty. I generally avoid hospitals like the plague (aka French & Saunders 'old gits' sketch). Last time I went to a UK hospital about 4 years ago they discovered that I had broken my arm a couple of years prior but never realised...

But I think it is prudent to check on a few things. My father died of a heart attack 2 years ago, (although he was 89). His father also died of a heart attack. My mother had a disabling stroke several years ago. I'd like to make sure that any heredity health risks or lifestyle health risks are tested for if I go for a comprehensive health check.

What important issues should be checked? Will these normally be included or will I have to pay extra for them? I'm thinking about ailments such as prostrate cancer etc.

Simon

[FBN]

Most private hospitals have Check Up "packages" that will include most of what will be needed. The amount of cash you are prepared to fork out on this will determine the scope of the exams and blood tests.

Still cheaper this way than doing the tests individually.

[camerata]

Frankly, if money isn't a problem and you haven't done an annual checkup ever or for quite a while, I'd go for the full comprehensive one that includes stress test (for heart) on treadmill and ultrasound of upper and lower abdomen. They do all the regular tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, etc) and the various cancer markers, as well as other stuff.

Then for the next few years, just get the basic package.

I just did the full checkup for the first time. Either you'll find something interesting that you need to keep an eye on or you won't, and it'll put your mind at ease.

[ianf]

Frankly, if money isn't a problem and you haven't done an annual checkup ever or for quite a while, I'd go for the full comprehensive one that includes stress test (for heart) on treadmill and ultrasound of upper and lower abdomen. They do all the regular tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, etc) and the various cancer markers, as well as other stuff.

Then for the next few years, just get the basic package.

I just did the full checkup for the first time. Either you'll find something interesting that you need to keep an eye on or you won't, and it'll put your mind at ease.

THERE's another thread about Dr Morgan on Hang Dong Road near tesco (opposite). The woman is superb. I have never been to a doctor before that fills me so full of confidence. She does a full health check up for circa 4750. I suggest you go see.

[alfieconn]

If it's heart problems you are mostly worried about then try http://www.bangkokhearthospital.com/ and try one of there ''Heart Check Up Packages'' this will hopefully put your mind at rest.

[Curt1591]

FIFTY !?!

It's colonoscopy time!

[FBN]

FIFTY !?!

It's colonoscopy time!

Given the average age of TV members, do expect a deluge of quite detailed postings on this subject!!

If we're lucky, the posters will spare us the videos...

More info on the TV blogs on this...

[Curt1591]

FIFTY !?!

It's colonoscopy time!

Given the average age of TV members, do expect a deluge of quite detailed postings on this subject!!

If we're lucky, the posters will spare us the videos...

More info on the TV blogs on this...

I had my first before I was 40!

The exam isn't the problem It's the prep!

[deejah]

Frankly, if money isn't a problem and you haven't done an annual checkup ever or for quite a while, I'd go for the full comprehensive one that includes stress test (for heart) on treadmill and ultrasound of upper and lower abdomen. They do all the regular tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, etc) and the various cancer markers, as well as other stuff.

Then for the next few years, just get the basic package.

I just did the full checkup for the first time. Either you'll find something interesting that you need to keep an eye on or you won't, and it'll put your mind at ease.

THERE's another thread about Dr Morgan on Hang Dong Road near tesco (opposite). The woman is superb. I have never been to a doctor before that fills me so full of confidence. She does a full health check up for circa 4750. I suggest you go see.

bangkok?

telephone number?

sincere suggestion or shameless plug?

thanks

[phetaroi]

FIFTY !?!

It's colonoscopy time!

Given the average age of TV members, do expect a deluge of quite detailed postings on this subject!!

If we're lucky, the posters will spare us the videos...

More info on the TV blogs on this...

I had my first before I was 40!

The exam isn't the problem It's the prep!

My new doc is trying to convince me to have another. I said no...had a colonoscopy at 52, also had a sigmoidoscopy later. I told her show me something in a blood test or something else to convince me another is needed. "But you should blah, blah, blah." "Have you ever had one?" "Well, no," the doctor said. "Then you haven't experienced the joy!"

[phetaroi]

Frankly, if money isn't a problem and you haven't done an annual checkup ever or for quite a while, I'd go for the full comprehensive one that includes stress test (for heart) on treadmill and ultrasound of upper and lower abdomen. They do all the regular tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, etc) and the various cancer markers, as well as other stuff.

Then for the next few years, just get the basic package.

I just did the full checkup for the first time. Either you'll find something interesting that you need to keep an eye on or you won't, and it'll put your mind at ease.

I did the stress test on a treadmill about 3 years ago. They must be pretty risky since I had to sign a release form that I understood they could induce a heart attack. My results were mixed...I couldn't go quite as long as they wanted, but all the results while I was doing it were within the normal range.

[LaoPo]

..I better keep silent...

LaoPo

[camerata]

I did the stress test on a treadmill about 3 years ago. They must be pretty risky since I had to sign a release form that I understood they could induce a heart attack. My results were mixed...I couldn't go quite as long as they wanted, but all the results while I was doing it were within the normal range.

I had to sign the release too. I guess on the one hand they need the test to get solid info about your heart, on the other you could have any number of unknown pre-existing conditions that could cause a heart attack under stress. It was only through a stress test that I discovered my heart had extra beats and through a special stress test that I discovered I had congenital mitral valve prolapse. I've never had any symptoms and there are no limitations on physical activity, but now when filling out health questionnaires I have to tick the box that says "heart disease" and it was a factor in the refusal of the Red Cross to take my blood last year. Oh, well, I suppose it's better to know what I've got.

Incidentally, you can do the stress test using medication instead of a treadmill (i.e. without any stress!) as I did when I had a sprained ankle. It's very weird having a doctor turn a knob on the IV and feeling your heart rate going up and down, eventually pounding like you're running a marathon.

[phetaroi]

Incidentally, you can do the stress test using medication instead of a treadmill (i.e. without any stress!) as I did when I had a sprained ankle. It's very weird having a doctor turn a knob on the IV and feeling your heart rate going up and down, eventually pounding like you're running a marathon.

I think the medication route would actually scare me more. With the treadmill, though they urged me on, at 8 out of the 10 minutes I said, "No, stop." And of course, they did. With the medication it's still in there. Hmmmmm.

They were actually pleased with my results...so was I!

[siamgirl]

My Dad says at least one of the tests involves rubber gloves. Ouch!

[luvthailand]

The main thing you want is a very thorough blood test. I just got a checkup in South America. It was fine, but I wish they had included a PSA test to give me a baseline. (I am mid-40s). That way you know if your number is naturally high or low, so have a better idea of prostate cancer using this test when you are older. This was the only non-obvious thing recommended to me by my sister, who is a professor of nursing.

Yes, I believe 50 is normally the time for your first colonscopy. The cancer is very preventable (unlike most other cancers), this is why testing is urged. Apparently, it takes a good amount of skill to really do it right, you can google.

LuvThailand

[camerata]

My Dad says at least one of the tests involves rubber gloves. Ouch!

In my experience at Bumrungrad and Samitivej, some of the doctors (not all) will ask if you want them to check your prostate. It's up to you. My advice is have an experienced urologist do it rather than a doctor specializing is preventative medicine, which is what you get with an annual checkup. Anyway, they use KY jelly so it doesn't hurt.

[camerata]

I think the medication route would actually scare me more. With the treadmill, though they urged me on, at 8 out of the 10 minutes I said, "No, stop." And of course, they did. With the medication it's still in there. Hmmmmm.

They were actually pleased with my results...so was I!

The objective of the test is to reach your "maximum heart rate" (roughly 220 minus your age). Perhaps you had already reached it when you called a halt to the test. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, it's a good idea to practice walking up stairs for a few weeks before the test because it really puts a lot of pressure on your knees and thighs when they increase the gradient of the treadmill. Even if you don't get out of breath, your legs can start to feel quite rubbery after a few minutes.

[siamgirl]

My Dad says at least one of the tests involves rubber gloves. Ouch!

 My advice is have an experienced urologist do it rather than a doctor specializing is preventative medicine, which is what you get with an annual checkup. Anyway, they use KY jelly so it doesn't hurt.

Don't you mean "anal checkup" ?

[brd]

hi,

I had similar problem myself being french, UK resident and not trusting much hospitals and in neither of the two countries.

Therefore I went to San Francisco for locals to check me up. That was efficient and valuable.

But recent years I must admit I have full confidence in Bangkok bangkapi district with the

Vejthani hospital ( www.vejthani.com ) in Lad Phrao road where I have had already many various experiences with all to my full satisfaction wiht good value ( not cheap but not like others taking advantage of farang ) : delivery of our child, surgery for my right broken tibia/ankle injury followed by already more than 5 months of regular physiotherapy three times a week one hour each, check up of my health and they are in charge.

Many agree with my judgement only few complain their english is poor but I found it enough to my appreciation. cheers, brd

[Sheryl]

All the hospitals offer check-up packages but what none of them seem to do is provide any skilled advice as to which tests a sepcific person actually needs, that is left to the patient to decide which means you need to do your homework first. It will nto necessarily be the case that just getting the most expensive package will give you everything you need nor that you will realy need everything in it.

For 50 year old man with no known health problems my recs would be

Blood work:

- Basics - CBC, ASST/ALT (liver), creatnine/BUN (kidney), fasting glucose.

- lipid profile (HDL, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides)

- TSH (thyroid), if synmptomatic then also free T3/T4, if not TSH alone OK

- PSA

EKG and stress tests

Manual prostate exam (the "glove" part)

Colonoscopy

Stool for occult blood, parasites

Urinalysis

For a woman of similar age and health, substitute mammogram and thin prep for PSA and prostate. If past meonpause, bone density scan.

The Thai health packages are geared towards the Thai population and hence higher end packages often include ultrasound of upper abdomen, this is because of high incidence of liver cancer in Asians. Less important for westerners unless you are a heavy drinker or have history of hepatitis or IV drug use in which case good idea.

Usually when you get a check-up package you can "add on" tests at lower than usual cost so if for example there is only 1 thing in the top end package that ou need that is not also in a less costly package you might fuind it cheaper to just add that on rather than go for whole larger package.

Regarding the stress test, if you are on beta blockers or any other regular medication let them know in advance as it may be necessary to withold the medication for a period of time before the test can be done.

[phetaroi]

The main thing you want is a very thorough blood test. I just got a checkup in South America. It was fine, but I wish they had included a PSA test to give me a baseline. (I am mid-40s). That way you know if your number is naturally high or low, so have a better idea of prostate cancer using this test when you are older. This was the only non-obvious thing recommended to me by my sister, who is a professor of nursing.

Yes, I believe 50 is normally the time for your first colonscopy. The cancer is very preventable (unlike most other cancers), this is why testing is urged. Apparently, it takes a good amount of skill to really do it right, you can google.

I did my first at 52...well, I did a virtual one. Quite thorough.

I may do another one at 62, but as I just told my doc, not unless something comes up that indicates the possibility of a problem...for example, a marker in the detailed stool sample or blood test.