Wednesday 26 August 2015

JUST DO IT

Hello. Apologies if you are eating, maybe read this after you have finished your meal. A question. What is the most important thing in your life. Most people would say their kids and their family, their other half, followed by pets perhaps. What is at the top of the list for you? I admire those that love other people more than themselves, it shows a compassion for their fellow human beings, and should be applauded. I admire those people who go through traumatic experiences, and somehow come out the other end to pick up the pieces and carry on with their life. It is very important to build up a resilience to all the unpleasantness that might come our way.

So what am I waffling on about? For me, the most important thing in my life is trying to maintain my reasonably good health. If I were to fall ill I would be the worlds worst patient, I would moan and groan that I can't do this or do that. I would sit around and become a right miserable and crabby old witch. I would feel sorry for myself, I would be depressed saying why me, why has this happened to me. I don't want to become that person, so I try hard to look after myself.

Our NHS offers free healthchecks, eye tests, tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and bowel cancer. And if we have any other concerns about something which is not quite right with our bodies we can make an appointment to see a doctor. We are lucky to have this service.

I was reading in the newspaper that people ignore the test for bowel cancer because it is too much faff. I don't like faffing too much because it wastes time, but this is one faff I am happy to put up with. It could save my life.

Here are some figures.
Cervical screening has 79% take up, breast cancer screening 72%, on average only 54% of the target population accept an invitation for bowel cancer screening, with only four out of ten taking up the offer, according to the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.



My test is ready to put in the post. If you get one of these, don't bin it, don't leave it lying around to think about it, don't moan that it's too much faff.  Ok, it's not very nice to mess about with your own poo, it stinks, you might feel sick, but for goodness sake, it's only the waste matter from all the food you have noshed. Put a face mask on, open the window, spray some perfume around, it only takes a minute or two. If  your health is the most important thing to you, JUST DO IT. If not for yourself, do it for your loved ones who will be left behind if you die.

Thank you for reading. Come back soon.
Toodle pip

30 comments:

  1. Yes I agree, do the test, my Mum did the test for bowel cancer, went to smear tests and breast screening and do you what, she died last year from lung cancer!

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  2. and when the letter comes to say everything is OK you feel really glad you did take the time.

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  3. Speaking as a reader much older than you, Ilona, I'd say the best plan for a good older age is to take care of your body right now! I hate going to doctors but I found one I like, and get tested routinely for various ills. Mainly though, being active and interested, making new friends as well as keeping old ones, eating a good range of food, enjoying cooking from scratch, all these are very good health insurance!

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  4. I concur.I get colonoscopies and have so far, had no problems. You're right.

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  5. Rather a few minutes of hassle than a nasty diagnosis. Sensible advice. Natalie

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  6. You're absolutely spot on here, Iiona!
    Prevention is better than cure, health is wealth and the greatest wealth. If you don't have ur health, well quality of life is impaired.

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  7. Some people like me sometimes stupidly prefer to bury their heads in the sand. I hate waiting for test results! I have my routine 3 yearly smears, my sight checked every 2 years and my diabetic retinopathy screen annually though. I am 51 and haven't yet been called for a mammogram however I'm a bit dubious about this test as have read good and bad things 're. The real benefits vs risks.

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    1. I was diagnosed with breast cancer during an annual mammogram. Not even the doctors could find the lump with a manual exam after the mammogram. It was very small. So glad I got my mammogram while it was still small with no lymph node involvement. I want you to have a mammogram. Please.

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  8. I agree, just do it. As with a lot of diseases the earlier it's diagnosed the less drastic the treatment and better outcome. Also It is free. Many would envy us.

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  9. So right!! If you get these tests it is sensible to take advantage. I hate the smear but I know it's important. Mammogram is okay (as I am quite large on top) and the poo test? Easiest of the lot! Go for it!!

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  10. Got my mammogram scheduled, and not scheduled for the other for a few years yet. These kinds of tests are also free for those of us on Medicare in the States.

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  11. I just call them my MOTs.
    xx

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  12. I would make a bad patient too. Like you, I'm a "doing" person too. I've done a couple of the poo tests and they are no problem.
    If you are over 50 you should have had one mammogram by now.

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    1. Not necessarily- I was 52 as it depends when your Dr's surgery has its call up. So it is usually between 50 and 53 in my neck of the woods.
      And I so agree with you about the poo tests - I have regular colonoscopies because of family history but am not happy with the 5 year gap between each one so do a poo test in between - puts my mind at rest.

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  13. I have done these tests 3 times now and recently had my 2 yearly mammogram - any tests available and I will go for them :)

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  14. I get lots of FREE tests that are offered on our NHS just had some ultra sounds done on my gall bladder and liver, Screening only takes minutes and my last mammogram didnt hurt, got eye tests next week, I think a change of lenses will be needed, the retinopathy tests yearly due to diabetis is another regular test I get. It pays to have tests done rather than be sorry later
    Danneke

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  15. both my brother and a friend have made a full recovery , after being diagnosed from one of those tests discovering bowel cancer that had no symptoms at all.

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    1. Thank you, that's a good incentive to get the tests done when they are offered.

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  16. From Margie in Toronto - WOW now you've made me pay attention - I have the packet sitting in my drawer right now and I have been putting it off. Not sure why - I get a yearly mammogram, eye test, dental checkups etc. - going to do it this weekend. Thank you Ilona.

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  17. You're right, it's not a favorite thing for one to do. But, been there, done that. I, too, do not make the best patient. I have many issues; i try not to let it get me too down. Have the pity party, move on. (And, i've had my fair share of those parties!) Life's too short. Make adjustments; we all have to. I like to people watch; notice how other people are..Some need walkers; some walk with a limp, some look depressed. We all have our troubles...

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  18. Smear tests, boob squash tests, poop tests - all a bit ikky but life saving - have a giggle about them and they seem much less nasty. I had my three year mammogram a few weeks back and the waiting room ended up giggling like school girls. I'd asked why the appointment times were so precise - mine was for 2:24 - it seems every step of the process is worked out to the minute and the patient has exactly 3 minutes to disrobe. The ensuing conversation degenerated into how fast you could get your kit off given a good enough incentive ;)

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  19. I am SO grateful that these tests are available now. My Mother and Grandmother both died from colon cancer and I would by dying now too if not for screening colonoscopies available.
    Get over it and get your tests done!!!

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  20. I did this test a couple of years ago, it's no bother, no faff and not smelly either so no problem. The other thing to mention is teeth. Having done an online dental course and being a bit wiser, looking after your teeth and particularly the gums is really important, they can be the source of all other ailments since anything that's in your mouth works it's way to your stomach and thence into the bloodstream. So keep flossing!

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  21. Good and Great Advice. Done mine a few months back and you are right it really is the most disgusting test ever but you feel good when it comes back all OK. I take up every test that's offered to me ....mostly they are only a few minutes long and free so why not......and as treat go have a cake and coffee afterwards! Keep up the good work ....Ruby xxx

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  22. I go for breast screening & regularly send off the bowel samples when the pack arrives. Like you, I don't find it a bother at all, I quite enjoy getting it all organised and sent off. Wonderful moment when the letter comes to say everything is normal.
    Wendy (Wales)

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  23. So right! I was diagnosed with breast cancer during my annual mammogram last year. It was found at stage 1, no lymph node involvement, and my prognosis is excellent! No one likes to hear the word "cancer", but early detection is the key to living a long life. I also decided to show my grown children how a cancer diagnosis is handled=Go to the doctor, do exactly what he recommends, whatever that may entail, pray, and live a long life! We are so lucky to live in these times.

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  24. Hi,Ilona.AMEN to that.I cannot stress how important it is,as you say also,be PROACTIVE regarding your health.Push all squeamish sensibilities aside and do what is necessary to test for any of the things mentioned.Recently have had a breast biopsy after two ultrasounds and two mammograms in a week and half's time's time due to anomaly found.Cringing because of being nuked but....being a breast cancer survivor they were not taking that lightly.It is not cancer,thank goodness.But these tests took place to safeguard me and I am in a screening program.There is lots of disinfo out there about the pros and cons of tests and their effects and ultimately we must decide for ourselves.I decide to get the tests when necessary,after much deliberation.I have had colonoscopies and have had pre-cancerous polyps removed.No regrets there,as my father died of colon cancer and all that entails.Also a dear friend has survived that but now has a colostomy that she must deal with because hers was found too late.My early diagnosis of precancerous endrometrial lesions were caught by smears and I have had laparascopy and eventually hysterectomy to attend to that because of Mum"s history of breast,uterine and stomach cancer alternately.I had a skin cancer found due to tests,too.For the last twenty years have a chronic incurable immune system disorder that I manage.( was found by a rheumatologist initially because I troubled to get a test done).I did not win the lottery in the gene pool,obviously,tee-hee.A yearly physical and eye exam are on the list.My health challenges have made me a patient stronger person with a true appreciation and respect for healthy living and seeing the beauty of our days here on earth.Okay,am off the podium now!Thank you for reminding everyone and caring.Bye for now,D.

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  25. Hi Ilona,

    So important to use the "poo on a stick" test as we call it. So lucky for us that 4 years ago both my husband and I got our first test kit. Mine came back clear but my husband had to do a repeat and then was called in for a colonoscopy. They found cancer but thankfully at very early stage. He had suffered no symptoms so it was really wonderful that the test picked the microscopic blood specks in his test. He went on to have surgery (no walk in the park but he was amazing all through it as were the medical team at our local hospital) and 4 years later he just has to have an annual colonoscopy and ct scan. It is so important to do this test, relatively quick and easy in one's own home. Since my husband's experience several of our friends have now started to do the test, before they just used to ignore it. Thank you for highlighting this in your blog. Sue Hatherell

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  26. I love your spirit! You're awesome.

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