A Sobering Event
11-14-12 | 03:18 PM
#26
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Northern CA
Bikes: Pinarello Paris/Ui2, BMC TeamMachine SLR01/Campy Record EPS
I'll tell you what's sobering.... Discovering that I can now buy a light bulb that, according to most actuary tables, will most likely still be burning brightly about the time I settle down for the big dirt nap.
11-14-12 | 03:49 PM
#27
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: New England
Bikes: Trek 6500, Giant Escape 3
I have to also congratulate you on being "prescription free" at your, or really any age, these days.
I had a doctor who discounted the PSA test some years ago and relied mostly on his digital test for diagnosis. However, I always insisted on the PSA. One year, I got an elevated number and was stressed about it. The doctor said the digital was normal, but he was going to play it safe. He ordered a biopsy and I went to see Dr. Ouch for the procedure. Now, don't get me wrong, I would gladly undergo this procedure again if it would save my life, but this was indeed a "sobering experience" to me.
As for the colonoscopy, this test has allowed me to sleep easy more than once. How many other tests or procedures are we offered in life where the cause/potential cause of cancer can be removed instantly? I've had one close call and that is part of the reason the Livestrong band stays where it is!
I had a doctor who discounted the PSA test some years ago and relied mostly on his digital test for diagnosis. However, I always insisted on the PSA. One year, I got an elevated number and was stressed about it. The doctor said the digital was normal, but he was going to play it safe. He ordered a biopsy and I went to see Dr. Ouch for the procedure. Now, don't get me wrong, I would gladly undergo this procedure again if it would save my life, but this was indeed a "sobering experience" to me.
As for the colonoscopy, this test has allowed me to sleep easy more than once. How many other tests or procedures are we offered in life where the cause/potential cause of cancer can be removed instantly? I've had one close call and that is part of the reason the Livestrong band stays where it is!
11-14-12 | 03:58 PM
#28
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Indian Wells, CA (near Palm Springs)
Bikes: Giant Defy Comp 2, Specialized Rockhopper Hard Tail 29er
On the subject of prescriptions, in February I started my diet/bike riding. I was on 6 different prescriptions, and my monthly medication costs were about $210.00, even on Medicare. In May I went for a physical to see if I could dial back some of the drugs because of my weight loss. The doctor eliminated 3 of the 6 completely, cut back the dosage on two others, and only left one pill in place without change. My med costs went to about $15.00/month because I was able to switch to generics on the three remaining prescriptions. I doubt I'll every be able to eliminate everything, but even though it's unobtainable, it's a goal to pursue.
Congratulations to you, HawkOwl.
Congratulations to you, HawkOwl.
11-14-12 | 04:15 PM
#29
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Hollister, CA
Bikes: Volagi, daVinci Joint Venture
On the subject of prescriptions, in February I started my diet/bike riding. I was on 6 different prescriptions, and my monthly medication costs were about $210.00, even on Medicare. In May I went for a physical to see if I could dial back some of the drugs because of my weight loss. The doctor eliminated 3 of the 6 completely, cut back the dosage on two others, and only left one pill in place without change. My med costs went to about $15.00/month because I was able to switch to generics on the three remaining prescriptions. I doubt I'll every be able to eliminate everything, but even though it's unobtainable, it's a goal to pursue.
Congratulations to you, HawkOwl.
Congratulations to you, HawkOwl.
11-14-12 | 06:27 PM
#30
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,347
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From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
That's why so much money is invested in researching "lifestyle" drugs like anti-depressants, anti-hypertensives, cholesterol-lowering drugs, sleep aids, erectile dysfunction drugs, and such like, while relatively little is invested in researching e.g. new antibiotics or immunizations that patients only take intermittently or for brief periods.
11-15-12 | 11:19 AM
#31
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Guess I should share some more of my attitude to help put my original post in focus. To me it takes three things for success in any venture. Smarts enough for the task. Lots of work. Serendipity, or luck. Without all three a person just cannot succeed.
When I fell and had to take meds I'd done the first two, but got bit by number three. Not a whole lot a person can do about that or other things clearly beyond their control or influence.
On the other hand, a trip to the nearest mall makes it plain that many, if not most, people are the way they are because they have neither been smart in their choices, nor have done much work at being as healthy as they can.
Yes, there is virtue in doing the best a person can do to be healthy and physically fit. But, never forget Number Three.
When I fell and had to take meds I'd done the first two, but got bit by number three. Not a whole lot a person can do about that or other things clearly beyond their control or influence.
On the other hand, a trip to the nearest mall makes it plain that many, if not most, people are the way they are because they have neither been smart in their choices, nor have done much work at being as healthy as they can.
Yes, there is virtue in doing the best a person can do to be healthy and physically fit. But, never forget Number Three.
11-15-12 | 11:20 AM
#32
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 565
Likes: 5
From: Virginia, USA
Not at all critical of those who have to use the medical system. I am where I am because the medical mechanics have been able to put me back together. What I suggest is that so many people don't do what they can with what they have. To them their well-being is someone else's responsibility. But, I separate those who have mechanical issues due to trauma from accident, enemy action, occupation, etc. and health, like diabetes, from poor choices.
An earlier posting reminds me of a relative who has had chickenpox and, according to current knowledge, is especially vunlerable to shingles. This relative has decided that a trip to the pharmacy to get vaccinated is too much; especially since the doctor didn't mandate the vaccination, just said it was a good idea. This person is not taking responsibility for themselves.
An earlier posting reminds me of a relative who has had chickenpox and, according to current knowledge, is especially vunlerable to shingles. This relative has decided that a trip to the pharmacy to get vaccinated is too much; especially since the doctor didn't mandate the vaccination, just said it was a good idea. This person is not taking responsibility for themselves.
That person is doing worse than not taking responsibility for themselves. They are setting someone else up to be a lifetime caretaker. A case of shingles that settles in the eyes or other sensitive area can be very serious and cause permanent serious damage.
11-15-12 | 03:18 PM
#33
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The doc explained to me that from an overall point of view the PSA was just too unreliable. I did get a blood draw for one and depending on results I may or may not do something further. As for the manual exam: He confirmed what I've always thought. So much depends on the person who is attached to the finger that manual exams are not nearly the "gold standard" we have been told. Plus, unless the lower colon is pretty clean it is difficult for the provider to tell what is being felt.
THE KEY, to me, is to take responsibility for my own health. When I started doing that I realized that about 90% of the stuff that was labeled food and sold was not good for me. Also, that most of the recommendations for good health had at their heart either or both profit and not my good health. Then I spent a lot of time cutting through the snake oil surrounding health. I found that most medical providers and government folks in the business held a pretty low opinion of the general public. So, most recommendations are minumums rather than desired or even optimal.
In defense of medical and health providers I think this crowd would agree that most people would rather take a pill than do the work to be healthy. Given that background I'm not sure how much guilt I can place on someone for taking advantage of people's proclivities.
THE KEY, to me, is to take responsibility for my own health. When I started doing that I realized that about 90% of the stuff that was labeled food and sold was not good for me. Also, that most of the recommendations for good health had at their heart either or both profit and not my good health. Then I spent a lot of time cutting through the snake oil surrounding health. I found that most medical providers and government folks in the business held a pretty low opinion of the general public. So, most recommendations are minumums rather than desired or even optimal.
In defense of medical and health providers I think this crowd would agree that most people would rather take a pill than do the work to be healthy. Given that background I'm not sure how much guilt I can place on someone for taking advantage of people's proclivities.
11-15-12 | 04:07 PM
#34
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6,647
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From: South Hutchinson Island
Bikes: Lectric Xpedition.
I am a poor man, but I have this consolation: I am poor by accident, not by design.[HR][/HR]
I don't care how much a person talks, if they only say it in a few words.[HR][/HR]
I have finally come to the conclusion that a good reliable set of bowels is worth more to man than any quantity of brains.I'd say ole Josh knew a bit more than he might be given credit for on this thread.
[HR][/HR]
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
11-15-12 | 07:03 PM
#35
Half way there
Joined: May 2011
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From: Durham, NC
Bikes: 69 Hercules, 73 Raleigh Sports, 74 Raliegh Competition, 78 Nishiki Professional, 79 Nishiki International, 83 Colnago Super, 83 Viner Junior
11-15-12 | 10:28 PM
#36
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Acknowledging that there are no guarantees in life, I still prefer prevention over treatment.
My wife, a thyroid cancer survivor, is obviously Synthroid-dependent. Interestingly, it is cheaper to buy a 3-month supply with cash than to use our insurance. That's our only prescription medication.
My wife, a thyroid cancer survivor, is obviously Synthroid-dependent. Interestingly, it is cheaper to buy a 3-month supply with cash than to use our insurance. That's our only prescription medication.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
11-16-12 | 04:44 AM
#37
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,325
Likes: 2
From: Newport News, VA USA
Bikes: Diamondback Edgewood LX; Giant Defy 1
Acknowledging that there are no guarantees in life, I still prefer prevention over treatment.
My wife, a thyroid cancer survivor, is obviously Synthroid-dependent. Interestingly, it is cheaper to buy a 3-month supply with cash than to use our insurance. That's our only prescription medication.
My wife, a thyroid cancer survivor, is obviously Synthroid-dependent. Interestingly, it is cheaper to buy a 3-month supply with cash than to use our insurance. That's our only prescription medication.
11-16-12 | 06:52 AM
#38
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6,647
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From: South Hutchinson Island
Bikes: Lectric Xpedition.
Gee, I shouldn't, but...
We love to cure. People love you when you cure. They tell their friends on the golf course and the hair salons how totally fantastic you are.
We never worry about return "customers". We have lots of "business". The environment is not conducive to an enjoyable career, so our profession will become increasingly under served.
We never worry about return "customers". Between the aging process and the self-destructive behaviors in the populace, there will always be return "customers".
Please, no personal attacks. I'm just giving you another perspective that apparently few on this thread have considered.
We love to cure. People love you when you cure. They tell their friends on the golf course and the hair salons how totally fantastic you are.
We never worry about return "customers". We have lots of "business". The environment is not conducive to an enjoyable career, so our profession will become increasingly under served.
We never worry about return "customers". Between the aging process and the self-destructive behaviors in the populace, there will always be return "customers".
Please, no personal attacks. I'm just giving you another perspective that apparently few on this thread have considered.
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Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
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