It's true, I believe the last time I had a proper poke and prod from a doctor was around 1987. I'm getting some blood work done, gonna talk a little about possible sleep apnea, make arrangements to deal with a longtime abdominal hernia issue...

I'm not at all nervous. Just curious - what should I expect? (meaning....am I going to have to show him my sack?)

I have no idea what they make men do.

I had my first full physical since high school last year.

Interestingly, it was after I’d quit smoking, but only at the very beginning of my quest to lose weight. And everything came back great. I was “healthy” as a fatty. Go figure.

20 years? Wow.

Expect a bunch of lifestyle questions and a quick eyes, ears, nose and throat check. Height, weight, body temperature measured, reflexes checked, chest and abdomen listened to with a stethoscope. Doc'll palpate (feel you up) all over, and I think I may recall some exams where the doc has made me move into various positions to check my flexibility/mobility. You'll maybe need to catch up on a shot or two, and you'll have blood extracted to screen for some things. Other things will vary, depending on your specific concerns.

If you've been herniated, you're definitely gonna have to show your sack. Doc is gonna squeeze 'em as you "turn your head and cough." Depending on your age, it's also not altogether a bad idea to get a prostate exam, in which case doc'll have you bend over as he/she works a finger into your butt and presses down toward the front of your body.

For the apnea, doc may particularly check your breathing, but ultimately end up sending you to a sleep or pulmonary specialist, I'd think.
[Edited 2/18/10 7:21am]

How are your teeth and eyes? Have they been looked at recently?

thank you for your replies, they've been helpful

My eyes are totally up-to-date, teeth probably 5 years ago. I'm due for those as well.

I'm 38 btw, hoping to hold off on that prostate for a little while longer. But it would be good to know what I'm working with I guess.

I pretty much know I have sleep apnea - I snore like mad and apparently stop breathing sometimes. I expect I'll be doing a sleep study before long and maybe I'll get a CPAP then. Can't say I really want to wear that every night. I've heard numerous people say they had surgery instead and it completely fixed the problem.

abigail05 said:

Assuming you have no oral problems, it'll probably be casually recommended you see a dentist for an exam and cleaning.

Prostate exams are recommended usually for men 40 and up, but if you have a history of cancer in your family, it may be recommended much younger. I got my first prostate exam at around 30, though my family has no real cancer history. (Maybe the doctor just thought I was cute and wanted to stick it to me. ) Anyway, I don't think it's a bad idea to request one regardless. I just had a friend die from prostate cancer at age 37. He had no idea he had it for years.
[Edited 2/18/10 7:42am]

Lammastide said:

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. Man, that is so young. 37.

Not sure I'm brave enough to request the exam though! I suppose the doc will just suggest it. For now I'm mostly thinking I'd like to keep breathing while I sleep I'd love to see if it will even promote some weight loss. Wishful thinking?

abigail05 said:

Good for you for going


and I saw you mentioned waiting on the prostate screen ~ please talk to your Dr. about that ... if PC runs in your family you may want to get your basline NOW


best wishes

thanks mach

no history of cancer in the family, actually we're a pretty healthy bunch of Scandinavians. Grandpa did have a stroke probably 60 years ago (died last year) but I don't believe that's a hereditary thing

abigail05 said:

It's good for you to go! I go every year even though I don't want them to find anything!

But... they're trying to help you.. That's what you have to keep in mind if you can... They're trying to throw you a life preserver.. That's the way I've tried to look at it.. so..

Postive vibes your way!

thanks much!
I'm sure it will all be good.

abigail05 said:

you can do it!! they lubricate and if you relax it won't hurt at all

I gave the master a card with a free health check-up on it for his 30th birthday, and he took it to the doc and they checked everything that required a box to be ticked. He asked for me to be there with him for moral support but afterwards said it was no big deal.

I had a check up physical in 2008. I was super good on all but one. But they said that was okay too. For now. My blood glucose was a smidgen high. But I had all good results...

ZombieKitten said:

I do feel badly for you ladies and your yearly visit. My wife says it's a little awful.

I get a check-up every year,usually around January.

abigail05 said:

it's not in the ass though

abigail05 said:

Wow... I get a physical every year..

yes your gonna have to show him your sack and you'll probally end up on your side with one leg pulled towards your chest for the dreaded rectal examination

abigail05 said:

well at about your age our check ups get more and more invasive. When the gloves go on...just try to relax!

the glove @ the DR'S OFFICE

nope, no glove, no anal

doctor checked out the sack, not a big deal at all

the blood draw was less painful than taking down the Christmas tree (pokey needles). It was nothing!

he doesn't think I have a hernia OR sleep apnea. Just thinks a diet of fatty food and some gastric things are causing that bit of pain. Prescription: Pepsid AC

As for the Apnea, I'm a little too high functioning and just plain awake during the day hours to have it, he thinks. But he did refer me to the Ear Nose Throat people for a look, and perhaps I'll have surgery for a deviated septum.

all in all, a good visit! Thanks for all your words of encouragement

abigail05 said:

now, dont leave it another 20yrs before your next visit

prb said:

alright

abigail05 said:

sorry, that was the mother/nagging wife coming out of me

prb said:

actually I thought it was very funny!

abigail05 said:

Glad to see you'll remain among us for a while.