violated

psa isn't the be all end all that some like to make it to be. it doesn't catch every case, and it has plenty of false positives. it does have its place, and its one of several tools a good Dr. uses. I'd rater be violated by one than carried by six. not that I have a history but I want my Dr. using every resource they have available. if nothing else it speaks to them checking my health as thoroughly as possible, rather than the minimum

 

Yes, there are times that radiation is worse than the cancer. And chemo as well. The fact is, that there just are no guarantees when it comes to cancer, or its treatment.

I'm in agreement with you, nitro. I've had more than one doctor tell me that the PSA test is good, but it is only a part of an exam. Like it or not, (and I can't imagine anybody who DOES like it,) the digital exam needs to be done.

IMHO, it is immature and childish, to be squeamish about medical procedures. However, it is also immature to just blindly go with what a doctor tells you needs to be done. A person absolutely has to take personal responsibility for their own health.

If a doctor is telling you something that just doesn't sound right, get another opinion, or perhaps more. Particularly if the doctor is encouraging you to have something done that will make him money.

As for having a doctor, that is an old time acquaintance, so what? Believe me, they have seen enough arse wholes in their career, that your particular one is not going to "stand out."

 

The internet allows you to do unlimited research on types of treatments . Forums for cancer victims and their families are very informative .

 

The thing that got to me about internet research on cancer, was just the sheer volume of it. When my wife was diagnosed back in January, I did a lot of internet research. I found a lot of information that was at complete odds with other information. Quite frankly, I was more confused when I stopped the research, than I was when I started.

I'm not saying that internet research is bad. I'm just saying that you can find just about every point of view there is, and everyone wants their "opinion" to be taken as "fact."

 

Personally I would take advantage of everything the Dr. will do for you if your company is paying for it. Prostate exams are costly and if you can get him to do it during your physical why not? Same with the ball juggling, could let you know early if you have a hernia!

Just remember these people are professionals and have done this hundreds of times. You don't have anything they haven't seen before and if you do its a good thing you are there!

 

i have hardly ever had a thorough physical.....they most of the time dont do their job IMO...

 

I'm with you guys! The Doc usually checks my eyes and makes sure I am breathing and then signs off.

 

Okay, I am one of those practitioners that has to do the finger wave. However I am female and have very short small fingers.
Although the DOT exam does not require a prostate exam most regular physicals for a man over 50 do.
The last time I needed to do a prostate exam I could not reach it. I told the gentleman I needed to do the right thing and find somebody to do the exam who had longer fingers.
He froze on the table and asked me, "is it going to be somebody medical?"
I started roaring laughing and said, "Well, I was actually thinking of just going to the waiting room and asking everyone to hold up their hands and picking the person with the longest fingers...however if you want a medical person.. I'll just go get a different doctor."
Funny story, I will never forget it.

 

@Skye, well this is one time that seeing an ancient thread revived was well worth the reading!

 

Don't sweat it. They just want to make sure James Westfall and Dr. Kenneth Noisewater are ok.