physical exam

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How important is a yearly physical to a diabetic? I can't
see how it would help control my BG levels which is my
main concern

The yearly (or in my case 6 monthly) exam isn't designed to
help you control your BG's any better (assuming you've
already got good control) but to monitor and check for any
damage being done by the diabetes which isn't obvious to
"the naked eye".

Things like foot checks (element tests), urine tests for
protein/albumi/microalbumin aren't something we do on a day
to day basis, but they show if kidney damage is happening.
we can't FEEL kidney damage, so we need to "see" if it's
going on then we can do something about it before it gets
too far advanced.

Same thing with our eyes. Retinopathy is very difficult for
US to see, but not o hard for the doc or the eye specialist,
so we get them to look.

The blood tests we do at home only show glucose levels, but
the tests the clinics carry out show trigylceride levels,
cholesterol levels (both types) and a host of other things
which need to be monitored regularly.

It's not a big deal to do the yearly thing, but it's a big
deal NOT to, if you've got a good tam at the clinic or
doctor surgery/office.

Quoted message said:

I've never had one but a google search brought up a
site that tells in graphic detail what is done. I'm
going to refuse.

Don't be put off by what you've read about the tests
(they're actually bugger all), instead be grateful they're
available and make use of them for the sake of your health
and your family.

--
Beav

Please note my E-mail address is "beavis dot original at
ntlworld dot com" (with the obvious changes)

Beavisland now lives at www.beavisoriginal.co.uk

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How important is a yearly physical to a diabetic? I can't
see how it would

help control my BG levels which is my main concern

Quoted message said:

I've never had one but a google search brought up a site
that tells in

graphic detail what is done. I'm going to refuse.

Quoted message said:

You might have something else you're not even aware of. Of
course, you can just wait until you get something that by
then is so bad you can't ignore
it. By then it can be not only more difficult to take care
of but also more expensive.

My internist found something changing in my thyroid. That
bump that wasn't bothering me -- been there for yours, I was
doing fine on my little pill-a-day. (of course, I'd had to
see a doctor at least every other year or so to get my
prescription renewed -- but not even all doctors do a good
neck check -- fortunately mine does.) Turned out to be
cancer. Glad I got it taken care of while still fairly
easily treated (not that surgery & radioiodine treatment are
cheap!), just hope I never have a recurrence or lingering &
hiding mets.

As someone points out every now-and-then, we are not
just "diabetes". We are not our disease. We can get not
only complications from diabetes but anything anybody
else can get too.

What, exactly, is it that you find so disturbing about a
general physical? bj

In article <[email hidden]>,

Quoted message said:

I've never had one but a google search brought up a
site that tells in graphic detail what is done. I'm
going to refuse.

Then you're going to be an idiot. You've NEVER had a
physical??

--
You are what you eat, therefore, I'm a vegetable! Cows and
chickens and Pop [censored] are too.

Quoted message said:

How important is a yearly physical to a diabetic? I can't
see how it would help control my BG levels which is my
main concern

I've never had one but a google search brought up a
site that tells in graphic detail what is done. I'm
going to refuse.

Nah, they're not important. I'd be a lot happier if they
hadn't told me I had leukemia and diabetes. Probably because
I'd also be dead, or, worse, blind or maimed.

But - it's your life, what's left of it.

Do what you want.

Oh, as he wants graphic details, would someone post that
great site full of pictures of gangrene and other neuropathy
aspects; I didn't save it because I didn't have the guts to
look at it. You'll know what I mean.

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
--
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How important is a yearly physical to a diabetic? I can't
see how it would help control my BG levels which is my
main concern

I've never had one but a google search brought up a
site that tells in graphic detail what is done. I'm
going to refuse.

You're going to refuse? Did your Dr. tell you that you
needed one? When I was going to a military medical facility,
they insisted on a yearly physical. I could have refused and
they could have told me to go elsewhere. Not sure if they
would, since I didn't refuse. I see my Endo at least twice a
year. I also see a Dermatologist about every 2-3 months and
my GP whenever I am sick. All are good to check things out,
refer me to other specialists if needed and run tests as
needed. That's good enough for me!

--
Type 2 users.bestweb.net~jboveOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

How important is a yearly physical to a diabetic? I can't
see how it would help control my BG levels which is my
main concern

I have had a physical every year of my life since 15 years
old. For most of the time between then and now I have
thought it a complete waste and found it to be a chore.

Now I am glad of those medicals, the history has on more
than one occasion, proved to be invaluable. As a diabetic it
is even more important. The sooner you get warning about
possible problems the better your chances of doing something
about it. It is in your case, spend a bit of cash now to
save a fortune later = perhaps.

Beav,

This is a good answer. Let me just add that a yearly
physical is good for=

everybody diabetic or not. But it is more important for a
diabetic to hav= e one. You did not mentioned the blood
pressure that is so important for a diabe= tic to keep it
lower than 135/80. For a diabetic, heart problems occur more
ofte= n and at a younger age than in the general population.
A yearly visit to a doct= or may tell the doctor about high
blood pressure and treat it early enough to pr= event a
heart attack.

Also, it is easy to make us believe that we control our BG
well when the = control is less than good.

As you said anything detected in time may make all the
difference.

Fran=E7oise.

Beav said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message news:22434-404A69ED-7@storefull-
3234.bay.webtv.net...

Quoted message said:

How important is a yearly physical to a diabetic? I
can't see how it would help control my BG levels which
is my main concern

The yearly (or in my case 6 monthly) exam isn't designed
to help you co=

ntrol

Quoted message said:

your BG's any better (assuming you've already got good
control) but to monitor and check for any damage being
done by the diabetes which isn't=

Quoted message said:

obvious to "the naked eye".

Things like foot checks (element tests), urine tests for
protein/albumi/microalbumin aren't something we do on a
day to day basi=

s,

Quoted message said:

but they show if kidney damage is happening. we can't FEEL
kidney damag=

e, so

Quoted message said:

we need to "see" if it's going on then we can do something
about it bef=

ore

Quoted message said:

it gets too far advanced.

Same thing with our eyes. Retinopathy is very difficult
for US to see, =

but

Quoted message said:

not o hard for the doc or the eye specialist, so we get
them to look.

The blood tests we do at home only show glucose levels,
but the tests t=

he

Quoted message said:

clinics carry out show trigylceride levels, cholesterol
levels (both ty=

pes)

Quoted message said:

and a host of other things which need to be monitored
regularly.

It's not a big deal to do the yearly thing, but it's a big
deal NOT to,=

if

Quoted message said:

you've got a good tam at the clinic or doctor
surgery/office.

Quoted message said:

I've never had one but a google search brought up a site
that tells i=

n

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

graphic detail what is done. I'm going to refuse.

Don't be put off by what you've read about the tests
(they're actually bugger all), instead be grateful they're
available and make use of them=

for

Quoted message said:

the sake of your health and your family.

--
Beav

Please note my E-mail address is "beavis dot original at
ntlworld dot c=

om"

Quoted message said:

(with the obvious changes)

Beavisland now lives at www.beavisoriginal.co.uk

On Sat, 6 Mar 2004 19:16:45 -0500 (EST), [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

How important is a yearly physical to a diabetic? I can't
see how it would help control my BG levels which is my
main concern

Howdy Dave,

Well Dave that really depends on the diabetic. Important if
you are wanting to make sure that any currect problems are
not getting worse, or finding out if you are starting to
develop problems.

Blood work can only rule out some things, having a doc poke
and prod, look and feel, can help rule out others.

Quoted message said:

I've never had one but a google search brought up a
site that tells in graphic detail what is done. I'm
going to refuse.

Humm.. must not have been the same physcials I have had,
since mine were not graphic at all. ;-)
--
Type 2 off Metformin,
now diet and exercise controlled
last A1c 5.2

"Françoise" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]... Beav,

This is a good answer. Let me just add that a yearly
physical is good for everybody diabetic or not. But it is
more important for a diabetic to have one. You did not
mentioned the blood pressure that is so important for a
diabetic to keep it lower than 135/80. For a diabetic, heart
problems occur more often and at a younger age than in the
general population. A yearly visit to a doctor may tell the
doctor about high blood pressure and treat it early enough
to prevent a heart attack.

You're dead right Françoise, I did forget abouth e blood
pressure check, which is something I have done at every
visit. A must for all diabetics.

Also, it is easy to make us believe that we control our BG
well when the control is less than good.

Indeed, but my own experiences at the diabetic clinic don't
fill me with confidence in regard to their "advice" about
controlling BG's. I've always gone my own way in tat
regard, and fortunately had reasonable results, but if I'd
listened to the "dieticians", I don't think that would've
been the case.

As you said anything detected in time may make all the
difference.

And that's what it's all about. Prevention is better than
cure as "they" say.

Beav

<[email hidden] wrote>

Quoted message said:

What, exactly, is it that you find so disturbing about a
general physical? bj

I can't think of *anyone* that I trust well enough to let
poke around me (and especially in me) like I've read happens
in a complete physical. There would have to be certain
boundaries set.

In article <[email hidden]>,

Quoted message said:

I can't think of *anyone* that I trust well enough to let
poke around me (and especially in me) like I've read
happens in a complete physical. There would have to be
certain boundaries set.

What do you think actually happens in a physical?? It's not
that invasive, in general. They'll check your butt out, but
that's a quick test. Would you prefer to let stuff go wrong
undetected and only find out about it when it's too late?

--
You are what you eat, therefore, I'm a vegetable! Cows and
chickens and Pop [censored] are too.

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden] wrote>

Quoted message said:

What, exactly, is it that you find so disturbing about a
general physical? bj

I can't think of *anyone* that I trust well enough to let
poke around me (and especially in me) like I've read
happens in a complete physical. There would have to be
certain boundaries set.

You might want to try and calculate the relative risks of
dying from a botched physical, and the risk of dying from
neglecting a problem that could have been detected should
you have had a physical. Then, take your choice. There are,
of course, no guarantees either way, but I would try and
calculate the odds each way before making a decision. At
least in the US, patients have the right to decline any test
reccommende.

Speaking only for myself,

Joe Durusau

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden] wrote>

Quoted message said:

What, exactly, is it that you find so disturbing about a
general physical? bj

I can't think of *anyone* that I trust well enough to let
poke around me (and especially in me) like I've read
happens in a complete physical. There would have to be
certain boundaries set.

Good thing you're not a female!

--
Type 2 users.bestweb.net~jboveOpen ↗

In article <[email hidden]>,

Joe Durusau said:

each way before making a decision. At least in the US,
patients have the right to decline any test reccommende.

And if he *does* wait until it's too late, more for the rest
of us and one less webtv user in the world.

--
You are what you eat, therefore, I'm a vegetable! Cows and
chickens and Pop [censored] are too.

On Tue, 09 Mar 2004 20:55:19 -0500, Howard Shubs <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Joe Durusau said:

each way before making a decision. At least in the US,
patients have the right to decline any test reccommende.

And if he *does* wait until it's too late, more for the
rest of us and one less webtv user in the world.

Watch a few die of colon cancer and the exams do not seem so
bad. Caught early it is a major surgery and a good chance of
survival. Caught late is not a bit nice. Guy

In article <[email hidden]>,

Guy said:

Watch a few die of colon cancer and the exams do not seem
so bad. Caught early it is a major surgery and a good
chance of survival. Caught late is not a bit nice.

Maybe he has a "thing" for colostomy bags.

--
You are what you eat, therefore, I'm a vegetable! Cows and
chickens and Pop [censored] are too.

Dave,

Most of the yearly exam is not invasive. True sometime test
are done when=

there is a possibility of something serious and even life
threatening is there waiting to cause disastrous problems.
Are you going to wait that yo= ur house is a pile of rubbles
to start repairing it. It may be better to discard it and
rebuilt a new one.

If you treat your body this way that will be what your next
of kin will discover.

A friend of mine was lucky to have pass a mammography early
enough. What they found was small enough and at an early
stage to be operated. She is = now free of cancer and have
been living a happy and healthy live since.

I am also one survivor of an early test for colon cancer. I
was operated = and I have been free of cancer for 7 years
now. Every year I have a colonosco= py and every time some
nodules are removed. They are pre-cancerous but could=

easily become if left alone. Before the operation, I was
symptom less and= it is through a colonoscopy that they
found the cancer. My daughter=92s aunt-in-law was not as
lucky. The same cancer was discovered too late for=

her and she died a few months later.

Of all the tests I have passed in my life, a colonoscopy is
the worst. Ev= en so, every year I phone my doctor about it.
I would not dare skipping a ye= ar. I am alive and in good
health. I am active and I enjoy life totally. What= is a day
or two of discomfort to trade for a whole year of happiness?

I have seen people, who could care less about their body and
died at an early age with many years of pain and disability.

So think again,

Fran=E7oise.

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden] wrote>

Quoted message said:

What, exactly, is it that you find so disturbing about a
general physical? bj

I can't think of *anyone* that I trust well enough to let
poke around m=

e

Quoted message said:

(and especially in me) like I've read happens in a
complete physical. There would have to be certain
boundaries set.

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden] wrote>

Quoted message said:

What, exactly, is it that you find so disturbing about a
general physical? bj

I can't think of *anyone* that I trust well enough to let
poke around me (and especially in me) like I've read
happens in a complete physical. There would have to be
certain boundaries set.

I you have a complete physical, why eould anyone want to
poke around INISDE you? For sure they would if the suspected
something odd was going on, but if there's no obvious
reason, I can't see why they (anyone) would.

I have to say that no-one has ever inwardly probed ME for
anything related to diabetes.

I'm getting REALLY confused here y'know.

Beav

"Beav" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I you have a complete physical, why eould anyone want to
poke around

INISDE

Quoted message said:

you? For sure they would if the suspected something odd
was going on, but

if

Quoted message said:

there's no obvious reason, I can't see why they
(anyone) would.

I have to say that no-one has ever inwardly probed ME for
anything related to diabetes.

I'm getting REALLY confused here y'know.

Here in the USA, the complete physical is something given to
all people and doesn't relate specifically to diabetes. It
includes an anal probing for men. Women generally get this
from their OB/Gyn. Then when you reach a certain age (not
sure what that is cuz I haven't reached it yet), it is
recommended that they do that scope thingie to check for
colon cancer.

--
Type 2 users.bestweb.net~jboveOpen ↗