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| Annual physica examl (Read 303 times) |
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posted: 4/10/2007 at 3:02 PM
modified: 4/10/2007 at 3:04 PM |
Next week, I am going for my first annual physical exam in many years. Bad, I know. In any case, wondering what specific tests I should request. Some things I've heard suggested: fasting glucose, HDL/LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, complete blood count (CBC), and, possibly, an EKG. I generally consider myself to be in good health. My resting HR and blood pressure are decent. I've been running off and on for several years, seriously for one year. I've lost 35-40 lbs in the last year due to exercise and diet. Is it too early for a <gulp!> prostate exam?
Comments? Suggestions? |
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posted: 4/10/2007 at 3:04 PM |
Sorry - subject should be: Annual physical exam...  |
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| view log Funky Monkey |
posted: 4/10/2007 at 3:32 PM
modified: 4/10/2007 at 3:34 PM |
The critical things in an annual men's physical include -
- assessment for hypertension = check blood pressure
- assessment for hyperlipidemia = check LDL/HDL/Triglycerides
- assessment for diabetes = specific questions asked about symptoms and family history, possibly a fasting glucose
Routine checks of blood counts, thyroid, prostate in absence of symptoms or family history are not usually helpful. Ditto EKG. If you have specific concerns about your heart, a stress test is a better way to go.
With age, certain tests are added -
- colonoscopy around age 50, younger if there is a family history, then repeated on a varying schedule
- prostate exams around age 40-50, younger if there is a family history, then repeated on a varying schedule
- annual chest xrays if you smoke and are older than 40-50
Checking an EKG or Chest Xray without reason is wasteful and can lead to unnecessary procedures (they may see a shadow, not know what it is, then you get a needless lung biopsy you would not have gotten otherwise, then your lung collapses and you spend a week in the ICU on a respirator...happens)
There are many many other things that need to be checked in given situations. Make sure to discuss this with your doc. Also, consider getting your tetanus and pertussus shot updated. In the Winter, get your flu shot. |
| It's all fun and games until the flying monkeys attack. |
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posted: 4/10/2007 at 3:41 PM |
| Thanks for the comments, Cynthia. Trent, I knew I could count on you... |
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posted: 4/10/2007 at 3:59 PM |
| Thanks for bringing this up. I wasn't actually wondering any of those questions specifically, but it's been a long time since my last physical - so this was a good reminder to get one done. |
Your monkey gives me the creeps. - andahuff
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| view log Funky Monkey |
posted: 4/10/2007 at 4:05 PM |
| And of course, women need annual gyn exams in addition to all this. And after a certain age (ask your gyn or internist since views vary), women also need annual breast cancer screening, which is typically a mammogram. |
| It's all fun and games until the flying monkeys attack. |
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posted: 4/10/2007 at 5:55 PM |
| Quote from Trent on 4/10/2007 at 3:32 PM:
Checking an EKG or Chest Xray without reason is wasteful and can lead to unnecessary procedures (they may see a shadow, not know what it is, then you get a needless lung biopsy you would not have gotten otherwise, then your lung collapses and you spend a week in the ICU on a respirator...happens)
Ha oops! That is good to know, thanks Trent!
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Cynthia |
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| view log Funky Monkey |
posted: 4/10/2007 at 9:08 PM |
| Quote from clhagan on 4/10/2007 at 5:55 PM: Ha oops! That is good to know, thanks Trent!
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| It's all fun and games until the flying monkeys attack. |
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) and I had all those same tests run. Well, except the prostate hehe. 
I would imagine your doctor can advise on whether that's something you need checked at your age. 