Watch What Your Doctor Tells You !

[billt]

This is just something I thought I would share with you guys. A couple of months ago my primary care doctor was a bit concerned with my PSA level. (Blood test that indicates of possible Prostate Cancer). It was showing a slow, but steady rise. He told me of this new fangled blood test that actually tested for Prostate Cancer and suggested that I have it done. I agreed. The test came back positive for Prostate Cancer with an 85% accuracy level. However being as this was a new test, they would not treat for Prostate Cancer based on the results of this test alone. They required a actual biopsy to confirm it.

So off to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale I go to consult with the best doctors in the land, and let them have at actually stabbing my a$$hole for samples. If you guys have never had this done before, it ranks right up there with having a Pit Bull chew on your nuts while you are laying naked in a cactus patch! So I walked out of the Mayo Clinic 2 days ago with blood dripping out of my ass from the 16 stabbings I endured, (Oh yes, I counted every one!), pretty much convinced I'm going to be dealing with a Cancerous Prostate.

Well just a few minutes ago Dr. Cheney called me, (a super nice young doctor), to tell me the biopsy WAS NEGATIVE! All of this worry was for nothing. I learned from this......Don't worry about ANYTHING until you actually have something to worry about! An 85% "accuracy" just meant I had to sneak through a smaller 15% window. Until I'm John Wayne heading into the Metropole for my final shootout, I ain't going to worry about dieing anymore! Now I'm going to have a few, (many), glasses of wine with Melanie, who said from the get go this was all bull$h!t, and never believed anything that these guys were saying. I got to start listening to that woman more.  Bill T.

[Ichiban]

I got to start listening to that woman more.  Bill T.

With age (and a few new holes in your delicate bits) comes wisdom.   

[Pathfinder]

Yeah, Bill, watch for those accuracy measures. I had a thalium stress test and the cardiologist said I was clear, no problems, 85% sure.

A month later I had a quad bypass. Upon grilling by nurse ex-GF, the "85%" shrank to 25%.

Good news on your test, my friend. Endure the pain - and the good-natured jabs by folks here, and maybe even Melanie, and savor every damn day regardless of your health. Each day is a blessing from the Lord, and no one is promised tomorrow.

[billt]

Yeah, Bill, watch for those accuracy measures. no one is promised tomorrow.

Damn, have you got that right!  Bill T.

[PegLeg45]

First, and most importantly, I'm really glad the test was negative for you Bill.
I hate you had to endure that type of ordeal to find out.

Secondly, I am totally convinced (from dealing with a lot of doctors over the last ten years or so) that many have turned more toward the 'business' side of the equation than the 'healing and medical' side. It seems that many like to run as many tests as possible (especially if you have good insurance).

[Sponsor]

[Texas_Bryan]

First, and most importantly, I'm really glad the test was negative for you Bill.
I hate you had to endure that type of ordeal to find out.

Secondly, I am totally convinced (from dealing with a lot of doctors over the last ten years or so) that many have turned more toward the 'business' side of the equation than the 'healing and medical' side. It seems that many like to run as many tests as possible (especially if you have good insurance).

Its a meat market out there.  But don't get me wrong, most medical professionals are good folks.

[billt]

http://www.carislifesciences.com/

This is the blood test that is supposed to be "85% Accurate". It very well may be, but thankfully not in my case. If you take it be advised, and DON'T GET WORRIED!

" This drives everything we do, from developing a dynamic new cancer blood test for prostate cancer"

There had to be some satisfied Yugo owners out there as well. I mean, if your only batting for 15%.....  Bill T.

[PegLeg45]

Its a meat market out there.  But don't get me wrong, most medical professionals are good folks.

To clarify, my original statement wasn't a widespread condemnation of the profession.
I'm sure there are way more good docs than bad out there....I guess it only takes a couple of bad'uns to ruin it for a lot of folks.
My wife and I have personally been fortunate to have great doctors.

[MikeBjerum]

First Billt - Glad to hear the good news!

Second - My brother-in-law has had biopsies done three times.  Last time he was here I told him to just have the damn thing removed!  They are concerned because his psa is up (only about half way on the scale below the cancer concern level) and he has "a slightly enlarged prostate."  Nothing has changed in ten years except they have done three biopsies.

He was whining, and I pointed out it is his decision.  If nothing is changing and you don't like it - Just say no!  If you enjoy the pain let them keep doing it ever couple years.  However, if I were that concerned about their warnings I would just tell them to take it out.  Damn - One or two more biopsies and they will have it all anyway.

[alfsauve]

Even some of the most reliable and oldest tests produce false results sometimes.   Some of us have chemistry's that don't match the norm.  All they can do is go for the center of the bell curve.  Better to have a false positive than a false negative, though.  Glad everything check out alright.




Not "human", but my recent experience with medical tests is with my dog who is suppose to be dying of severe liver failure....according to the blood tests (plural).....but guess what, nobody told her or her liver.   She the most healthiest and active 12 yo dog the vet has ever seen.