Getting a physical

[packers1981]

I'm 31 and male. I haven't had a physical in two years and now I'm scared that it's been so long that I will have some deadly disease that could have been caught. I just want to stop thinking this way but I keep obsessing. I'm not sure what to do.

[oceanlover]

I know the fear! But chances are, you are just fine! I get tingly/burning sensations sometimes and it is the one thing I don't really tell my doctor. I'm terrified they will send me off for an MRI which will reveal I am ridden with cancer or some other disease. I am terrified of any x-rays or scans...i just "know" if i have one i will finally be diagnosed with something terrible.

Let your doctor know you are anxious...i always do and it helps the whole process! :)

[packers1981]

Thanks Oceanlover. That made me feel better. I think the same way you do. I'm always dreading that "let's get you in for a scan"  type thing from the doctor. However, my doctor isn't one that likes to send for unnecessary testing.

[ceh1354]

I can totally sympathize with what you are going through. And the waiting is hard- if we could all be so lucky as to get in the same day or the next day. But in the mean time, talk to yourself in your head.
Do I believe or have reason to believe there is something to be found? It's only been 2 years and I am doing fine. I am fine and will confirm that at my appointment. Think how much better you will feel when it's over.
Also, do what you do: pray, meditate, talk out your fears with a spouse, significant other or friend. Sometimes saying your fears out loud makes them less scary and less relevant.
I know it's hard!! You can do it!!

[trainwreck]

Packers, you are 31.  Wait until you get a reminder every year that it is time for a physical.  When I was 31, I never went yearly.  I went when something was bothering me. 

What you should do when your doctor asks you how you feel is tell him/her exactly what you just posted. 

[packers1981]

Thanks everyone. As usual, you all have helped and been rational.

[packers1981]

I guess what got me going again was when my grandmother told me that I had a great uncle that died from prostate cancer. I of course took that and ran since I don't have many cancers in my family. So of course now Ithink iI'm going to get it.

[marc]

There have been studies that say that if a man lives long enough, he will get prostate
cancer or a prostate problem.

[trainwreck]

If you are worried about it, the check is simple.  But it is not something he is going to do at your age, because you are so low risk.  My doctor doesnt start screening white males until 45. 

[packers1981]

I'm betting my doc will be hesitant to do that as well. Thanks again for the reassurance.