Haven't seen a doctor in 5 years. Is this a death sentence?

[skleep]

I've seen plenty of gynos in the past 5 years, and I have had my blood pressure tested.  I also went to the ER one time for a nausea thing.  So I've been in healthcare settings but for insurance reasons I never actually saw a regular doctor.  I know I should, but I'm so worried to go at this point because I'm afraid I already have something fatal.  I'm only 23 and I seem "healthy" so that's probably why it never occurred to me to go.  Would you be worried if you were me?  My family also discourages going too often because of my anxiety.

[msgb98]

I think that you are fine.
If you do have the yearly with your gyno that is great. Your B/P is fine too you stated.
You do not want to make a thing where you feel you have to go. But if you want a check up perhaps that would be best.

[kazoo]

I rarely go to general doctors.  My gynecologist can order blood tests, which I think are useful in identifying problems.  And she can check my heart and lungs, screen for osteoporosis, and do a fecal occult blood test for colon cancer... along with the usual gyno stuff-- pap and mammograms.

I figure that pretty much covers what I would need.  I am over twice your age.  At your young age, I think you are fine.  Maybe you can ask for some of these supplemental tests from the gyno.  You obviously don't need to be checked for osteoporosis or breast or colon cancer yet, but a general blood test might be a good idea.

I also see a dermatologist on occasion, who checks for any skin issues.  I had a basal cell carcinoma when I was 40, so I have a history there.  But again, you are 23 years old, and are very unlikely to have anything serious. 

[WyattsMomma]

Well, before I had became a hypo, aside from the gyno, I hadn't seen a doctor since I was 15/16, and I was 29. So, 13 years easily. In the last year I have been over 30 times. I am pretty sure you are doing better than me, :)

[E.B]

i have a fear of going to the docs...besides having a bad weightlifting accident in 07 that sent me to a hospital for a couple of days, i have not had a check up since high school and im 31...again i have a huge fear of going to docs.

[Slangevar]

A lot of people your age don't see a doctor regularly. I don't think I started getting regular gyno checks until I was in my mid-20s, and I didn't start getting regular doctor check-ups until my 30s.

Most 20-somethings are outrageously healthy, so unless you want a health baseline, you probably don't NEED to go to the doctor until you have some new symptom pop up.