Chesterfield Online Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Old Cruser on January 19, 2015, 08:17:50 PM
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I'm directing the question at the men as I'm told this condition mainly affects men.
At 65years old men are to be offered a screening to check and see if they have an 'aortic aneurysm'
My hubby has his test in February.
Whilst at the Royal Hospital today there was a nurse standing by a large board advertising the checks which are available for this condition.
I spoke with her and she told me that it's a condition that men can have but don't know they have it - it can be fatal if left untreated.
I watched the nurse try to engage various 'older men' walking past and ask them if they had had the test - many were not interested.
How many of you will have this done ( it's only ultra sound scan and they can tell a person on the day the result ) when your letter comes?
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I had it done week before last.
I got an appointment sent to me out of the blue because I had just hit 65 years old. I don't like hospitals so I was shitting myself when I went in - but after 5 minutes the guy testing me declared no problemo! Had quite a spring in my step when I went home. :)
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Totally agree - I was one of those guys until a couple of weeks ago.
It's not like I drink and smoke to excess... ;)
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I've had the full heart and body check done this last year. I'm fit 8)
The main thing is, if you have a medical problem, get to the doctors FFS. Especially men !!
My mate who died the other week lived with a problem for 18 months.
After being diagnosed, he lived another 5 years. He could still be alive if he'd seeked medical attention earlier :'(
Yes it was cancer, I didn't want to mention it, but he could have saved himself. 'Could have'
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While I'm far too young for this test I really do think men have a habit of 'it cant happen to me' or feel too embarrassed to ask. A lot of diseases can be cured or slowed down if caught early Prostate cancer is one and Testicular cancer are classic examples. I think there's more awareness for women's health than men's . So many men die because they felt too embarrassed to ask for a test that could have saved there lives.
Which is why I decided to post the question, I know my hubby needs poking and prodding when it comes to going to the GP's and speaking with other lady friends it appears to be 'the norm'
Certainly judging by the amount of negative responses by the men in the hospital it's a very common thing.
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It's been a while since I was here but this seems an appropriate topic to reappear in - also had computer problems hence the 'Big Dave 2'.
I had seven and a half weeks of daily radiotherapy sessions for prostate cancer, finishing at the end of November. Since then I've been dealing with the side effects and only in the last week or so have I begun to feel better. You'd think I'd had enough of hospitals but last week I went for the aortic aneurysm scan (I was 65 in November). I was very apprehensive having discovered last year I have a serious, inoperable, heart problem due, apparently, to a heart attack I never knew I'd had - it can happen, a heart attack with no pain...
So I had the scan last week - and would have done cartwheels down the corridor if I could, everything normal!
I've lost three very good friends to cancer and last week I learned another has colorectal cancer. It never releases its evil grip, striking where and when you least expect it - like me, I thought I was the last person who'd get it - but doesn't everyone?
I went to my doctor for the simple reason that I was having to pee every twenty minutes or so and had been for around three weeks. He was on the ball, sent me for tests and there you go... two biopsies and a positive diagnosis. I know men (including one of my brothers in law) who have gone for months, one for 18 months, after developing waterworks problems before seeing their GP. Do the sensible thing, for your family's sake if not your own and visit your GP as soon as you sense something's not quite right. Forget about being embarrassed; there's nothing you can see or do that they won't have seen before - do it gents, don't leave it too late!
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Dave!!
Welcome back!!
I have wondered how you were getting on.
Very pleased to hear you have had your treatment and are on the mend, it's good to hear you went for the test as well.
There does seem to be a lot of cancer victims around, both my brothers were diagnosed at the end of 2013 with cancer, sadly the youngest one lost his fight in July last year.
Good to see you back and ready to join in.
Pam x
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I'm glad all you guys are fine now and you've given out some sound advice between you.
My husband rather typically of most men, ignored a number of symptoms for quite a while and refused to go to the doctor. I insisted he go when something trivial but rather annoying occurred, and went in with him. He got the trivial thing sorted and when the doctor asked if there was anything else he said "no" I was having none of that so I had to get all bossy and make him tell the doctor his other symptoms.
Cutting a very long story short, he had a triple bypass three months later. He wouldn't be here now had he not had that. And a bossy missis. >;
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I'm glad all you guys are fine now and you've given out some sound advice between you.
My husband rather typically of most men, ignored a number of symptoms for quite a while and refused to go to the doctor. I insisted he go when something trivial but rather annoying occurred, and went in with him. He got the trivial thing sorted and when the doctor asked if there was anything else he said "no" I was having none of that so I had to get all bossy and make him tell the doctor his other symptoms.
Cutting a very long story short, he had a triple bypass three months later. He wouldn't be here now had he not had that. And a bossy missis. >;
Well done Gerty, we sometimes have to be bossy with the other half don't we?
Not being sarky here but men are terrible for burying their heads in the sand when it comes to medical matters, it must be just a 'man thing' so yes it's good to see that we have members who will get things checked and sorted - even if it's because they have had a kick up the bum!
My hubby was very reluctant to do the 'bowel' screening sample which starts at 60, but he had a kick up the bum from me and did it!
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I saw it advertised about a year ago and replied and was sent all the information.In Chesterfield you could go to the Royal or the Whit Moor surgery.I went there and was given the ultra sound and thankfully came through with flying colours.
The nurse who did the scan told me the blood flow to my heart was excellent and there no fatty deposits anywhere.
I put it down to giving up the fags about ten years ago and walking at least two miles a day at a pretty brisk pace.
My objective is to get to 90 to see how my beloved grandsons life pans out.He is twelve at present.
Hope anybody else who has it done comes through successfully.
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Was at the hospital myself this morning for an endoscopy. I have an 'Hiatus Hernia'. I had to google it.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hernia-hiatus/Pages/Introduction.aspx (http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hernia-hiatus/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
The doctor also took 4 biopsies. I have 'Barrett's Esophagus' by the looks. I had to google that too.
I didn't like the findings. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrett%27s_esophagus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrett%27s_esophagus)
Will get the biopsy results in 4 weeks time.
The small area I believe is the Hernia and the larger area is the Barretts.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t382/Barry_Fly/gut2_zps34ebf1dd.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/Barry_Fly/media/gut2_zps34ebf1dd.jpg.html)
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@ nicheuk you are probably right about the macho thing with men and illness and also I am sure there are some women who stick their heads in the sand!!!
@ umpire - all good stuff and I do hope you reach 90 and see your grandson's life in adulthood.
@ Fly I hope your biopsy results are ok, you sure are having a rough time at the moment aren't you
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@ Fly I hope your biopsy results are ok, you sure are having a rough time at the moment aren't you
You do :-X
If the doctor I saw last Feb took more interest in my 'sickness' probs, I could have had this test nearly 11 months ago.
I feel really let down. My doctor spent too much time looking at my Marfan symptoms, the hospital didn't look into my sickness thing. I wasn't aware of this. They were only checking me for Marfan. My doctor should have made this more clear to me.
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You do :-X
If the doctor I saw last Feb took more interest in my 'sickness' probs, I could have had this test nearly 11 months ago.
I feel really let down. My doctor spent too much time looking at my Marfan symptoms, the hospital didn't look into my sickness thing. I wasn't aware of this. They were only checking me for Marfan. My doctor should have made this more clear to me.
I understand where you are coming from Fly, sounds like they were on the wrong trail, but try to think positive. I have read through the link you shared x
when's your next appointment ?
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4 weeks at the hospital. Can't see the point in going back to the doctors.
I'm already on the right tablets for the condition at this stage.
Not like the doctor prescribed it. I asked !!
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Fly, I also have a Hiatus Hernia and it took a long time to settle as I had to try several types of medication before I found one that suited me.
Whatever they prescribe will have ...."prazole" or something similar on the end. If one doesn't work, go back and ask to try another. My husband was prescribed Omeprazole and that didn't work for him. In sheer desperation I gave him one of my Rabeprazole and amazingly it worked. The doctor said there was nothing different about them just the names, but in my experience that's a load of tosh!
I hope you go on OK.
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It's ridiculous Gerty, me and Our_Lass are both on lansa'prazole'.
We've both been having tummy problems since stopping smoking.
I'm probably fine. It's difficult getting the. 'I might not be'. out of my mind, after feeling badly for the past year :(
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It's ridiculous Gerty, me and Our_Lass are both on lansa'prazole'.
We've both been having tummy problems since stopping smoking.
I'm probably fine. It's difficult getting the. 'I might not be'. out of my mind, after feeling badly for the past year :(
Fly, just keep focused on your daily life as much as possible, worrying is what we all tend to do - and then realise it was all needless.
One of my friends has had an Hiatus Hernia for years, not sure if/what meds she takes, but I know she's careful in her diet of certain foods.
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I have received a questionnaire today from Leicester University regarding the AAA check.They are asking how my health has been since I had the scan.It only took a few minutes and was not intrusive so filled it in and sent it back.
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Have you got to be over a certain age for the test?
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Have you got to be over a certain age for the test?
If its a test for Hiatus Hernia Simon, you don't have to be at a certain age. It's a condition that can affect at ANY time. Get off to the GP and explain the symptoms.
Below is a list of foods that trigger mine, and I avoid them as much as possible. Perhaps the other sufferers amongst us can add to the list......
Chocolate (boo hoo!)
Cheese
Onions
Rich gravy
Too much fried stuff
Citrus fruit (I love oranges but they hate me)
There's probably more than this but they are the ones that spring immediately to mind.
Anyone else?
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Have you got to be over a certain age for the test?
This can starts at 65 Simon 'aortic aneurysm'
At 60 there is a bowel cancer test which is sent out.
This is simply sending a small smear of poo to the Lab.
A kit is provided.
Both worth doing
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You see I also take Lanzoprazole for acid reflux, ive had to for a few years.
My doc said it would be looked at but she said it might be the endoscope which im not keen on.
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You see I also take Lanzoprazole for acid reflux, ive had to for a few years.
My doc said it would be looked at but she said it might be the endoscope which im not keen on.
Yes endoscopes aren't very nice Simon, but perhaps a necessary evil? You might also elect to have a sedative or even a light general anaesthetic. I've had it done twice, under sedative. The experience doesn't last THAT long and I found I could just about cope.
The aftermath is quite amusing if you laugh at burps!
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Have to admit endoscopes are something I dread having to have as well Simon.
Used to be the same about catheters, Have had one - hated it. Still do if I had to have another.
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I have received a questionnaire today from Leicester University regarding the AAA check.They are asking how my health has been since I had the scan.It only took a few minutes and was not intrusive so filled it in and sent it back.
I volunteered for that when I had my scan but haven't heard from Leicester University yet. I'd forgotten about it so thanks for the reminder.
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It's ok having the sedative if you have a couple of hours spare to get over it. ie: No Driving.
I went for the throat spray, local anaesthetic. Just advised me not to eat or drink for an hour and a half.
Got a phone call for a job as I walked out of the hosp 20 mins after the procedure.
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I am not sure what you mean Big Dave.Have you had your AAA scan.When I had mine the nurse who did it told me there was no problem straight away.
If I remember correctly 1) was no problem
2)keep a check on it
3)refer you to the hospital
4)immediate operation
I thought that was I but it appears that they are doing periodic questionnaires to see how you are doing.I reckon it was about 18 months ago since I had it done.
Sorry if I have misunderstood.
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Had the scan a few weeks ago (all OK) and said I'd help with the Leicester University survey. I sent the card I was given off right away but haven't heard back yet.
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I think that's it until the questionnaire in about 18 months time.
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I'm really heartened to read of the men on here who have these tests, maybe the trend is increasing and men more aware. :)
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I think there was something about Toby Perkins father having an AA in Germany and luckily he was very near to help and his life was saved.Normally you have no chance.
My brother in laws sister in law took ill at the dentists just before Christmas and was taken to hospital,where after a three hour wait they saw her but she suddenly took a turn for the worse and died.The post mortem gave her death as an AA.
It must be far more prevalent in men because they do not seem to have a programme for females.
On a slightly different tack about hospitals a lady I know slipped on the ice near her home and had a cut behind her ear.She went to A&E just before midnight on the Saturday evening and finally arrived home at 8.30am on the Sunday morning.That to me is totally unacceptable and it makes you dread that you may have to go there.She said it was not all that busy.
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Oh dear so sorry to hear of the death of this lady umpire.
When I had the chat with the nurse in Chesterfield Hospital who was promoting the AA scan she told me that in general it only affected men for some reason and women didn't need the scan - it appears that maybe a small minority of women may be affected from what you say umpire.
Sounds as well as if the hospital is hit and miss with getting people through A&E then as I have been twice in recent months and both times the wait hasn't been too long.
I also hear on the news this morning that a 'Liver' test is becoming available, the Liver disease is becoming high on the list of causes of death. The Dr reported that the YOUNGEST person he had seen with this disease was 17 years old !!!
It seems it is not just alcohol related but obesity and other reasons are among the rise in this disease!!
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If its a test for Hiatus Hernia Simon, you don't have to be at a certain age. It's a condition that can affect at ANY time. Get off to the GP and explain the symptoms.
Below is a list of foods that trigger mine, and I avoid them as much as possible. Perhaps the other sufferers amongst us can add to the list......
Chocolate (boo hoo!)
Cheese
Onions
Rich gravy
Too much fried stuff
Citrus fruit (I love oranges but they hate me)
My friend's diet is mainly fish, chicken, ( red meat only in very small amounts ) vegetables and lots of fruit - she can and does eat oranges, so it does affect people differently. She doesn't drink alcohol.
Chocolate - she enjoys it, but rations herself to two squares a night as she says she can tolerate that amount - and loves choccie !!
There's probably more than this but they are the ones that spring immediately to mind.
Anyone else?
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Forgot to update my status on this thread. Results tomorrow dinner.
Me thinks I'll be Ok. Watch this space . . . . .
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Got the all clear ;D
Back in 3 years for a routine check up.
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(y)
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Hubby went for this scan yesterday and was given the all clear.
Keep taking advantage of it chaps
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Good. (y)