Rajavej full health check- my experience

[arunsakda]

When I did the check at Bumrungrad I did not go for the highest level, price difference based mainly stress EKG versus resting EKG and the tumor markers panel. I’m already getting an EKG yearly for my job. My trace is spot on. The tumor marker panels are inconclusive at best . False positives/negative, or may not show until neoplasm in advanced stages, etc. Look it up. In my case I wish I had not done it. at all. I was sent off being told very worrying and incorrect things that led to more consultations, scans, and expense.

The colleague I went through Bumrungrad with however got a clean bill of health AND actually pulled a stunning bird from reception for a few dates. Classic. Later to admit she turned out to be a tease and and on last day in BKK he gave up and ordered in a massage.

[NancyL]

I really think you should have a fasting blood sugar test regularly. My dad didn't and by the time he showed any symptoms of diabetes there had been significant damage done to his body. The damage wasn't really apparent at the time the diease was diagnosed, but really created major problems as he aged, especially the vascular dementia.

I think there may be controversy about the value of having repeated scans of your body, but I really don't see the harm of regular blood checks for things like blood sugar and cholesterol. Or an EGK. These are non-invasive tests that do no damage to your body.

Decades ago, Hubby and I worked for a Fortune 100 company in the U.S. and they required their employees to have a basic health screening every two years that included these types of tests -- no x-rays or scans, just basic blood testing, EKG and a doctor listening and thumping. Oh, and a lecture if your BMI and smoking habits weren't good. As a result, their health insurance costs were much lower than the national average. I remember this health screening catching early stage leukemia in a co-worker -- at a stage where it was still treatable. He never would have known otherwise.

Hello, NancyL.

I would be interested in a non-invasive blood test, since I have Trypanophobia. How is this done?

Har, har -- had to look this up. From Wikipedia: Fear of needles, known in the medical literature as needle phobia, is the extreme fear of medical procedures involving injections or hypodermic needles

OK, having a blood draw is somewhat invasive -- but not like bombarding your body with radioactive particles to have a scan or x-ray. Has anyone ever died from a blood draw? Yet, I'm not too comfortable with the thought of all the x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, I've had. Doesn't all that radioactivity build up over time?

Edited May 2, 2014 by NancyL

[hml367]

I really think you should have a fasting blood sugar test regularly. My dad didn't and by the time he showed any symptoms of diabetes there had been significant damage done to his body. The damage wasn't really apparent at the time the diease was diagnosed, but really created major problems as he aged, especially the vascular dementia.

I think there may be controversy about the value of having repeated scans of your body, but I really don't see the harm of regular blood checks for things like blood sugar and cholesterol. Or an EGK. These are non-invasive tests that do no damage to your body.

Decades ago, Hubby and I worked for a Fortune 100 company in the U.S. and they required their employees to have a basic health screening every two years that included these types of tests -- no x-rays or scans, just basic blood testing, EKG and a doctor listening and thumping. Oh, and a lecture if your BMI and smoking habits weren't good. As a result, their health insurance costs were much lower than the national average. I remember this health screening catching early stage leukemia in a co-worker -- at a stage where it was still treatable. He never would have known otherwise.

Hello, NancyL.

I would be interested in a non-invasive blood test, since I have Trypanophobia. How is this done?

Har, har -- had to look this up. From Wikipedia: Fear of needles, known in the medical literature as needle phobia, is the extreme fear of medical procedures involving injections or hypodermic needles

OK, having a blood draw is somewhat invasive -- but not like bombarding your body with radioactive particles to have a scan or x-ray. Has anyone ever died from a blood draw? Yet, I'm not too comfortable with the thought of all the x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, I've had. Doesn't all that radioactivity build up over time?

I thought you were going to save me from the needles!! I mean I was hoping. Oh, well.

As for X-rays, from the time I was 7 years old until I was 16 I was in the Shriners Hospital system. I think the stack of x-rays during that time could easily reach 18 inches to 2 feet. As far as I know that had no adverse affect on my body... but who knows for sure?

People dying from blood draw?.... think about it.... Possibly people have somehow died from a blood draw directly, though certainly not a significant amount. I am pretty sure there has been relatively more deaths caused indirectly from blood draws than from x-rays. I'm sure someone in on this forum knows more about it.

[northernjohn]

Thanks for this. I have been fretting about doing exactly the same thing for ... waaay too long. Hope I get exactly the same results! Question: can basically the same be done at CM Ram for at least not too many more Baht? My experiences with CM Ram have been very good (for very minor events) and it is a lot more conveniently located for me. Anybody with check-up experiences there?

Never again. Just to take the ultra scan they made me drink about 4 liters of water and I had to really take a leak but they said they could not do it unless I drank all that water. You sit down and need to take a leak not to bad but they force you to drink 4 more liters of water before they can do the scan. Never again. I will not go into the poop test. That was a genuine shit-y affair.

Also had an extraa X ray taken and the doctor wanted to throw me on the table right away. some thing my two specialists in Canada had advised against and later when I saw Dr. Suthee at the Ram he explained why not to do it. The man has only seen it done once in 40 years and it is a pain that is just another part of me now.

The one thing I was wondering on the OP was about having an OK prostate test with out the rectum method. Is the ultra scan good enough.

Whilst it sounds like you were treated like a piece of meat, what you experienced I am sure is unique, and bears no resemblence whatsoever to what I went through.

Drinking water, I think I a couple of those paper cones and that was only because it was suggested I may be thirsty after no drink for 12hrs.

Regarding the prostrate, there was no knitting needle shoved anywhere and the scanner did the work, they can see problems,and can measure in 3d so they know if any organ is enlarged or out of shape. Well that's how I interpreted what I was looking at on the monitor.

There was a mention above of a premium test in Bum at a massive cost.

I had the same test not including a physical and eye check. Personally I know physically I am in good shape and an optician knows about eyes so even if that was an option I would have not bothered.

My results show at least 75 items that were checked, and I even know the size of my kidneys are 5.5x10.4 and 4.6x11.2 and my prostrate gland volume is 19.5cc.and no gallstones developing anywhere.

Impressed? I was....to all doubters,it really is a no brainer and for 4900bt.

Thanks for the info on the prostate. For me at the Ram it may have been unique but It won't happen again. Never had the experience before or after. Won't give them a chance. I am sold on the service at Raj Had my hip replaced there and the wife in for two days. I might be in the minority but the food was good except for the breakfast. Then again I am fussy about my breakfast.

[northernjohn]

Linking to an article on executive health checks from FT.com

Executive health checks raise questions

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/a8f65560-c263-11dd-a350-000077b07658.html#axzz30Y5hHmiD

Not trying to be an internet doctor at all but with many MD’s in the family I probably picked up a little too much knowledge for my own good around the kitchen table. (Dad retired gas-passer, Mom a Nurse, brother GP, sister in law GP). All have a pretty dim view of the effectiveness and value of these programmes except the old man, and he’s a bit of a hypochondriac. If you have health concerns what you absolutely must not do is put it off getting a checkup worrying, or try to self diagnose yourself on the internet, you’ll get it wrong. ANXIETY is a killer. I’m not saying don’t get the checkup. Probably better however to start a long term relationship with a trusted practitioner and go by his/her suggestions rather than sign on for a generic slate of tests that may not be called for at your particular age and situation. Medical professionals are 99% well intentioned but It is clear that there is a degree of medical marketing and up-sell going on. I fell for it myself of course. There are many empty beds in private hospitals here and only so many well insured or economically advantaged patients to fill them.

I agree at are age it is good to have a doctor we trust who we can rely on. I have had one now for three years+ and she knows every thing about me. She as a matter of routine runs a blood test every three months. If she thinks I should see a specialist she will recommend one.

I know there are those who will say you don't need to spend all that money. At my age I don't think I have the recuperative powers I did when I was young. Besides it is my money not theirs.

[inthepink]

Inspired by this thread and having had no joy at Lanna hospital, Chiang Mai Ram or Thepanya hospital for a urinary problem and pelvic pain that appeared to have nothing to do with my prostate or a UTI, I visited Rajavej Hospital today.

I had the usual weighing in and blood pressure test then sat down to wait to see the doctor. After nearly an hour, I asked the nurses roughly how much longer it might be and how many people were before me in the queue. They told me I was second in the queue but the doctor was not even in the building yet and they were still trying to get hold of him on the phone.

I walked out and drove to McCormick Hospital where I found the service to be first class and the prices very reasonable. The OP may have had a good experience at Rajavej but I won't tolerate being treated like that.

Edited May 3, 2014 by inthepink

[northernjohn]

Inspired by this thread and having had no joy at Lanna hospital, Chiang Mai Ram or Thepanya hospital for a urinary problem and pelvic pain that appeared to have nothing to do with my prostate or a UTI, I visited Rajavej Hospital today.

I had the usual weighing in and blood pressure test then sat down to wait to see the doctor. After nearly an hour, I asked the nurses roughly how much longer it might be and how many people were before me in the queue. They told me I was second in the queue but the doctor was not even in the building yet and they were still trying to get hold of him on the phone.

I walked out and drove to McCormick Hospital where I found the service to be first class and the prices very reasonable. The OP may have had a good experience at Rajavej but I won't tolerate being treated like that.

Did you ask for the usual check such as we have been talking about here. Or were you specific requiring a specialist?

[inthepink]

Inspired by this thread and having had no joy at Lanna hospital, Chiang Mai Ram or Thepanya hospital for a urinary problem and pelvic pain that appeared to have nothing to do with my prostate or a UTI, I visited Rajavej Hospital today.

I had the usual weighing in and blood pressure test then sat down to wait to see the doctor. After nearly an hour, I asked the nurses roughly how much longer it might be and how many people were before me in the queue. They told me I was second in the queue but the doctor was not even in the building yet and they were still trying to get hold of him on the phone.

I walked out and drove to McCormick Hospital where I found the service to be first class and the prices very reasonable. The OP may have had a good experience at Rajavej but I won't tolerate being treated like that.

Did you ask for the usual check such as we have been talking about here. Or were you specific requiring a specialist?

Neither. Just a visit to a GP. I specifically didn't want to see a urologist in case my problem was nothing to do with my waterworks (I find specialists can have tunnel vision at times). It's not a comment on the health check up service (I arrived at 11.53 and that clinic closes at noon on a Saturday so I didn't have that option), I just wanted to highlight what I thought was a particularly bad service.

To be honest, I've been very unimpressed with the private hospitals in Chiang Mai since moving up here. They may be cheaper than many in Bangkok but Lanna and Chiang Mai Ram in particular, just don't cut it in terms of general hygiene as far as I'm concerned. I understand they are housed in quite old buildings but if you (or anybody else for that matter) has never been to McCormick, I'd recommend going just to see how it is actually possible to have clean floors and recently painted walls in old buildings. I don't have any affiliation with that hospital, I was just pleasantly surprised after not being able to find a clean hospital or a competent doctor who actually wanted to get off his backside and examine me physically in the last 5 months, Diagnosis from behind a desk is not want I'm used to.

[northernjohn]

Inspired by this thread and having had no joy at Lanna hospital, Chiang Mai Ram or Thepanya hospital for a urinary problem and pelvic pain that appeared to have nothing to do with my prostate or a UTI, I visited Rajavej Hospital today.

I had the usual weighing in and blood pressure test then sat down to wait to see the doctor. After nearly an hour, I asked the nurses roughly how much longer it might be and how many people were before me in the queue. They told me I was second in the queue but the doctor was not even in the building yet and they were still trying to get hold of him on the phone.

I walked out and drove to McCormick Hospital where I found the service to be first class and the prices very reasonable. The OP may have had a good experience at Rajavej but I won't tolerate being treated like that.

Did you ask for the usual check such as we have been talking about here. Or were you specific requiring a specialist?

Neither. Just a visit to a GP. I specifically didn't want to see a urologist in case my problem was nothing to do with my waterworks (I find specialists can have tunnel vision at times). It's not a comment on the health check up service (I arrived at 11.53 and that clinic closes at noon on a Saturday so I didn't have that option), I just wanted to highlight what I thought was a particularly bad service.

To be honest, I've been very unimpressed with the private hospitals in Chiang Mai since moving up here. They may be cheaper than many in Bangkok but Lanna and Chiang Mai Ram in particular, just don't cut it in terms of general hygiene as far as I'm concerned. I understand they are housed in quite old buildings but if you (or anybody else for that matter) has never been to McCormick, I'd recommend going just to see how it is actually possible to have clean floors and recently painted walls in old buildings. I don't have any affiliation with that hospital, I was just pleasantly surprised after not being able to find a clean hospital or a competent doctor who actually wanted to get off his backside and examine me physically in the last 5 months, Diagnosis from behind a desk is not want I'm used to.

Just a suggestion But have you considered getting a regular GP that you can make an appointment with. That is what I have done. I like to think of myself as being in good health over all for my age but there are a few things I keep my eye on. Good to have just one doctor with all the knowledge. It goes with out saying I trust her. There are several really good GPs here in Chiang Mai. One of the reasons I like mine is I can make an appointment I don't have to go sit in a clinic for who knows how long.

[mikey88]

That was a very interesting report Eyecatcher...thank you.

What came to mind though is that it's probably exactly what my ordinary GP does for me in Australia pretty much in her surgery....blood test, urine snd ECG. The chest X Ray is standard and you have to go to another clinic for that.....though you wouldn't want to have too many of them unless there was a problem because of the radiation. The radiologist scanning 'internal organs'...... Not sure about that one. An ultrasound will reveal some good information but further tests are required depending on what you are looking for specifically. For example an ultrasound will reveal a lesion which may be a simple cyst or may be cancer....but it won't reveal a viral infection and general blood tests won't reveal that either unless specifically looking for it.

I'm not trying to be pedantic but just saying that blood test, urine and ECG are pretty simple standard routine tests that are free at the GP for pensioners here (so far at least) and which I would have regularly..

What do you think if the hospital in general?

Is it well presented.....any easy car parking?

Thanks fir the report and glad you are well.

[inthepink]

Inspired by this thread and having had no joy at Lanna hospital, Chiang Mai Ram or Thepanya hospital for a urinary problem and pelvic pain that appeared to have nothing to do with my prostate or a UTI, I visited Rajavej Hospital today.

I had the usual weighing in and blood pressure test then sat down to wait to see the doctor. After nearly an hour, I asked the nurses roughly how much longer it might be and how many people were before me in the queue. They told me I was second in the queue but the doctor was not even in the building yet and they were still trying to get hold of him on the phone.

I walked out and drove to McCormick Hospital where I found the service to be first class and the prices very reasonable. The OP may have had a good experience at Rajavej but I won't tolerate being treated like that.

Did you ask for the usual check such as we have been talking about here. Or were you specific requiring a specialist?

Neither. Just a visit to a GP. I specifically didn't want to see a urologist in case my problem was nothing to do with my waterworks (I find specialists can have tunnel vision at times). It's not a comment on the health check up service (I arrived at 11.53 and that clinic closes at noon on a Saturday so I didn't have that option), I just wanted to highlight what I thought was a particularly bad service.

To be honest, I've been very unimpressed with the private hospitals in Chiang Mai since moving up here. They may be cheaper than many in Bangkok but Lanna and Chiang Mai Ram in particular, just don't cut it in terms of general hygiene as far as I'm concerned. I understand they are housed in quite old buildings but if you (or anybody else for that matter) has never been to McCormick, I'd recommend going just to see how it is actually possible to have clean floors and recently painted walls in old buildings. I don't have any affiliation with that hospital, I was just pleasantly surprised after not being able to find a clean hospital or a competent doctor who actually wanted to get off his backside and examine me physically in the last 5 months, Diagnosis from behind a desk is not want I'm used to.

Just a suggestion But have you considered getting a regular GP that you can make an appointment with. That is what I have done. I like to think of myself as being in good health over all for my age but there are a few things I keep my eye on. Good to have just one doctor with all the knowledge. It goes with out saying I trust her. There are several really good GPs here in Chiang Mai. One of the reasons I like mine is I can make an appointment I don't have to go sit in a clinic for who knows how long.

Yes, I have thought about it but don't know where the good ones are. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

[hml367]

inthepink,

Quick! check the pinned list before someone copies and pastes the information.

[northernjohn]

inthepink,

Quick! check the pinned list before someone copies and pastes the information.

Well I wasn't going to do it but since you insist here it is.

GENERAL PRACTISE

Dr Morgan

HCMC Clinic,

Hang Dong Road.

(almost opposite Tesco)

Monday-Friday 08.30-19.30 Hrs

Saturday 8.30 - 13.00 Hrs

053 804405

http://www.healthcar...icalclinic.com/

Dr. Tawachai

Loi Kroh Clinic,

62/2 Loi Kroh Road

opposite Wat Loi Kroh

Mon - Fri, 8am - 1pm, 4:30 - 8:30pm / Sat 8am -

1pm / Sun 4:30 - 8:30pm.

053 271571

Dr Teerapat

Chiang Mai RAM II ( Thepanya hospital)

(0)53 85 29 90

Dr Greg Greer (a US doctor),

Sriphat Hospital (0)53 5394 6900/1

I use Dr. Morgan. I have heard good things about Dr Greg Greer but I had also heard he had moved into an office of his own. Also good things about Dr. Tawachai. But he has a clinic and you can find yourself waiting a while for him.

[inthepink]

Thanks John.

[MESmith]

Thanks Dolly

[MrBrad]

"...I'm not trying to be pedantic but just saying that blood test, urine and ECG are pretty simple standard routine tests that are free at the GP for pensioners here (so far at least) and which I would have regularly."

Where can pensioners get free blood tests, urine test, and electrocardiogram? And what is "the GP?"

[eyecatcher]

"...I'm not trying to be pedantic but just saying that blood test, urine and ECG are pretty simple standard routine tests that are free at the GP for pensioners here (so far at least) and which I would have regularly."

Where can pensioners get free blood tests, urine test, and electrocardiogram? And what is "the GP?"

I love a quiz.......England and Grand prix

with reference to mikeys post above; as many have alluded to already this check up is really an "interim service" i suppose as opposed to a 60,000 full service.

of course it doesnt cover a basic physical check up, neither does it include any brain scans nor even a psychiatry test and as many of you know there are many different in depth tests on each and every organ we have.

i think pound for pound when you relate the cost of this test, its equivalent to a couple of good nights out in a decent restaurant.

psychologically you know its done me the power of good; i am no different to last week or last year but what a feel good factor to have a clean health report.

[northernjohn]

Thanks Dolly

Always willing to turn your crank.

[arunsakda]

Wife and I did the health check in December at a Raj.

Nothing but praise from the whole process and excellent value. Don't let the internet doctors put you you off.

A couple of years ago with our 2 year check the wife was diagnosed with the very early stages of TB which could have been very serious if left any longer still a few months of treatment followed.

Go and do it.

About TB don't know what the situation is in Thailand but my work takes me to Pacific Islands where TB is absolutely rampant, indemic. In instances where TB case have been identified at the airport or on our flights, hundreds of coworkers were subsequently screened by Guam Public Health Dept. So I had already been screened as well.

The executive health check I took at Bumrumgrad did not include TB test but included scans that I did not need. but as a result of these scans I had an expert tell me I had TB!! (Or lung cancer) The doc did not listen to me and ordered another TB test which I complied with out of respect and it did not cost much at all. Again, I'm not saying you should not get a checkup, just that one must be an educated consumer of medical services, and to a certain extent be your own doctor.

Edited May 6, 2014 by arunsakda

[Chiengmaijoe]

I have been suffering from a general malaise lately so I decided to look into it and started idly perusing a medical dictionary and discovered that I had been suffering from Diptheria and Typhoid Fever. I began to get interested in my case so in order to get to the bottom of it I began reading it alphabetically, comparing each ailment with my condition, only to discover that I had every malady known to man except Housemaid's Knee. No wonder I'd been feeling under the weather because everything from ague to zymosis had overrun my weakened body. Some ailments are still in their infancy, others are in a modified form whilst others I seem to have been born with, but had escaped unnoticed!

When I go for my medical at Rajavej next week I'm going for the platinum check up knowing full well I'll be getting my money's worth. To save time I won't bore them by listing my ailments I'll simply tell them that I have everything except Housemaid's knee. I may even offer my services to the hospital. They could save the medical students from traipsing around the wards wasting time by having them simply walk around me.

[amexpat]

The hilarious Three Men In A Boat, published in 1889 has the author reading a library book and discovering he has 107 serious diseases.

With the internet, I find that all symptoms eventually point to terminal cancer.

[eyecatcher]

Update:

Its been five and a half years since I went for that health check, and reading the thread again, there are many members that appear to be no longer here; hopefully not medical related reasons.

 

So this is just an update because I have been again today for check up number 4 as I have been continuing the regime approximately every 12-16 months.

 

The price of 4900bt for “male premium” is still exactly the same as it was in 2014 and the tests are the same.

The chest x ray machine has been upgraded and gone is the archaic machine that was unable to take an impression without the help of sticking plasters on my nipples.

 

The radiologist lady has been there every year and has all the ultrasound photographic records which she can compare instantly. Very friendly, very professional, very patient.

 

The EkG machine really does need replacing. On each and every occasion the rubber sucker electrodes have dropped off, and the wrist and ankle clamps don’t have a clamping ability any more. It makes the nurse look incompetent when she has to reset everything three times. Today the stress was getting to her so much, she forgot to switch the machine on, wondering what was wrong with it. Exactly the same happened last time.

 

The best improvement however was the doctor. Over the years I have seen two doctors,15 minutes, male, old school, beyond retirement age, dodderers. That may sound harsh but only because the grass was greener today.

 

 

Female, early 30s,computer savvy,  30 minutes. She went through every blood/urine etc test, explaining what each was, and had a comparison of the 3 previous results. She told me they were trying to move forward with information, set up graphs for the patients. It was very informative.

I was even asked if I wanted my chest x ray and something else putting on a cd (I declined, I only have a cd player in the car!)

 

She didn’t however carry out the dodderers tests, ie wrapping my knee with the reflex hammer nor putting her hand down my groin for something or other?

 

I recall putting off going for my very first check up, scared, anxious, prefer not to know and those feelings came back again over the last year.

I have developed a problem, that you’ve probably got aswell, a dribbling pisser, low flow and making a dash to the bog more often than usual.

 

I couldn’t see any further than prostrate cancer, you automatically get drawn to the worst case scenario when you use google. The symptoms fitted so I was scared to go check.

For one year I have hoped it goes away but it hasn’t.

 

I mentioned it to the radiologist. She checked the size, the volume, any growth, anything unusual but told me it was normal, not enlarged, infact it registered as smaller than previous measurements which she was able to compare.

 

She could see nothing at all, however she did suspect a kidney stone was maybe lodged in the urethra/bladder area but too small for her to see.

 

Why this now makes more sense is, that on my second check up I had a small kidney stone in the kidneys. She said its highly likely that it will be urinated out as a matter of course. On my third check up it had disappeared and now possibly the same one is blocking something…..anyway, even I am learning a bit from historical records now.

 

 

My next step is to see a urologist to maybe carry out further tests. Of course I am already petrified of a uretorectomy!!

When comparing my 4 check up results the doctor can form a picture which you cannot do if you visit only once.

I was told that my blood sugar levels have risen slightly over the 4 check ups and it was a warning for me. When I look back, yes this last year, I have eaten more bread, was drinking fizzy drinks for 3 months, beer every day, more biscuits and processed cheese. Believe it or not I was eating like that to put on a couple of kg.

 

Despite that, its just a minor blip in what is an incredible picture of health and fitness, but I made a point in a previous post comparing the price to just a couple of swanky nights out.

Its up to you

[Orton Rd]

Good value that had one at a Hospital on Rama 2 Bkk last year 7k, a few high readings a couple bordering on serious. Had it done again back in the UK, free of course, absolutely nothing wrong at all. Won't bother getting another one here.

Edited December 3, 2019 by Orton Rd

[chuang]

Value for money....

[Trujillo]

Not sure about a hospital that has you measure yourself with your own tape measure. 

And are you sure you were not in China: 

A minute later “so solly can we do again please”...
 “...please correct urine”.

 

Good thing you aren't in America or one of those other progressive Western countries or they would label you a racist. 

[Lacessit]

21 hours ago, eyecatcher said:

Update:

Its been five and a half years since I went for that health check, and reading the thread again, there are many members that appear to be no longer here; hopefully not medical related reasons.

 

So this is just an update because I have been again today for check up number 4 as I have been continuing the regime approximately every 12-16 months.

 

The price of 4900bt for “male premium” is still exactly the same as it was in 2014 and the tests are the same.

The chest x ray machine has been upgraded and gone is the archaic machine that was unable to take an impression without the help of sticking plasters on my nipples.

 

The radiologist lady has been there every year and has all the ultrasound photographic records which she can compare instantly. Very friendly, very professional, very patient.

 

The EkG machine really does need replacing. On each and every occasion the rubber sucker electrodes have dropped off, and the wrist and ankle clamps don’t have a clamping ability any more. It makes the nurse look incompetent when she has to reset everything three times. Today the stress was getting to her so much, she forgot to switch the machine on, wondering what was wrong with it. Exactly the same happened last time.

 

The best improvement however was the doctor. Over the years I have seen two doctors,15 minutes, male, old school, beyond retirement age, dodderers. That may sound harsh but only because the grass was greener today.

 

 

Female, early 30s,computer savvy,  30 minutes. She went through every blood/urine etc test, explaining what each was, and had a comparison of the 3 previous results. She told me they were trying to move forward with information, set up graphs for the patients. It was very informative.

I was even asked if I wanted my chest x ray and something else putting on a cd (I declined, I only have a cd player in the car!)

 

She didn’t however carry out the dodderers tests, ie wrapping my knee with the reflex hammer nor putting her hand down my groin for something or other?

 

I recall putting off going for my very first check up, scared, anxious, prefer not to know and those feelings came back again over the last year.

I have developed a problem, that you’ve probably got aswell, a dribbling pisser, low flow and making a dash to the bog more often than usual.

 

I couldn’t see any further than prostrate cancer, you automatically get drawn to the worst case scenario when you use google. The symptoms fitted so I was scared to go check.

For one year I have hoped it goes away but it hasn’t.

 

I mentioned it to the radiologist. She checked the size, the volume, any growth, anything unusual but told me it was normal, not enlarged, infact it registered as smaller than previous measurements which she was able to compare.

 

She could see nothing at all, however she did suspect a kidney stone was maybe lodged in the urethra/bladder area but too small for her to see.

 

Why this now makes more sense is, that on my second check up I had a small kidney stone in the kidneys. She said its highly likely that it will be urinated out as a matter of course. On my third check up it had disappeared and now possibly the same one is blocking something…..anyway, even I am learning a bit from historical records now.

 

 

My next step is to see a urologist to maybe carry out further tests. Of course I am already petrified of a uretorectomy!!

When comparing my 4 check up results the doctor can form a picture which you cannot do if you visit only once.

I was told that my blood sugar levels have risen slightly over the 4 check ups and it was a warning for me. When I look back, yes this last year, I have eaten more bread, was drinking fizzy drinks for 3 months, beer every day, more biscuits and processed cheese. Believe it or not I was eating like that to put on a couple of kg.

 

Despite that, its just a minor blip in what is an incredible picture of health and fitness, but I made a point in a previous post comparing the price to just a couple of swanky nights out.

Its up to you

If your prostate has not enlarged, the radiologist's suggestion is quite probably correct - a small kidney stone. A PSA test or physical would be appropriate for checking for prostate cancer.

The urinary tract check would involve a catheter insertion. Pay more and have it done under anaesthesia, or man up.

[eyecatcher]

5 hours ago, Lacessit said:

If your prostate has not enlarged, the radiologist's suggestion is quite probably correct - a small kidney stone. A PSA test or physical would be appropriate for checking for prostate cancer.

The urinary tract check would involve a catheter insertion. Pay more and have it done under anaesthesia, or man up.

The PSA test was included in the check up and did infact confirm that the prostrate wasnt a concern.

For a couple of weeks I am going to try cardura, if theres an improvement then possibly not a blockage.

[chingmai331]

Just now read up on cardura.  Lots of side effects, none good.  Esp not advised in hot weather, so use caution in April. 

[elektrified]

3 hours ago, eyecatcher said:

The PSA test was included in the check up and did infact confirm that the prostrate wasnt a concern.

For a couple of weeks I am going to try cardura, if theres an improvement then possibly not a blockage.

I recommend Alfuzosin. It's the latest generation of any of those alpha blocker medicines and has the least side effects. Cardura can lower your blood pressure.