getting older

[threescoopsundae]

Thankfully, I've made it to 41 without any major illnesses, etc, and (apart from pregnancies) hardly ever go to the doctor. I ride out viruses, etc at home.

But over the past few months, nothing seems to be working as it did! I would be embarrassed to go to a doctor over of the individual niggles, as I really don't want to waste their time. But where do you draw the line? When do you decide to go to a doctor? If I went, I'd want to share a list of about 8-10 things that are annoying me, but I couldn't do that in a 10 minute GP appt. But I don't want to go back and forth 8 times!

I'd love to just hear from a professional that it's all just "age" and I'll go on my merry way. Advice always seems to be to get things checked out when they change for you. Do you run to the doc? Or do you just get on with it?

[Milliways]

Why don't you book in for a free NHS Healthcheck, available to anyone aged 40-74, and GPs have targets to do loads each year- or some pharmacies do them. You get a range of blood tests and general MOT. That would be a good start?

[PollyPerky]

What are you doing to keep fit and healthy? 41 is not old. If you start thinking it is you are on the slippery slope. I've got 2 decades on you and wouldn't say I felt 'old' in the way you describe.

[helzapoppin2]

Your thyroid function, especially if it's underactive, can cause a lot of niggles. It would be perfectly ok to ask to have that tested.
Mine was almost kaput and I had no idea until I was tested for something else.

[Simmi1]

I'm 40 and the same thing has happened to me. Although I haven't got niggles so much as one problem after the other. I'm embarrassed to go back to the doctor. No problems before this - I just wish things would go back to normal 😥

[PollyPerky]

I think OP you need to tell us a bit more about what exactly is not 'right'. We can't diagnose you but 40 is so very young and you certainly ought not to be thinking any health issues are 'old age' at 40!

The only checks worth having are your blood pressure, weight /BMI (though that's a bit contentious) a blood test for anaemia and thyroid function, and one for diabetes or pre - diabetes.

[dottyaboutstripes]

I had lots of "niggles" and put off going for a long time, but a blood test showed I was very anaemic, so id say it's worth going along for a chat

[Jjacobb]

Please go, I don't want to scare anyone but at 51 I was just like you. I had no specific symptoms, I just felt "not quite right". I mentioned to a few people that I wasn't feeling right but just put it down to age.
After several months a routine smear showed I actually had cervical cancer. I'm well now after chemo and radiotherapy and i feel well.

I agree you should go for a check up, your body is very good at telling you something is wrong. You shouldn't ignore it.

[PollyPerky]

If people feel unwell, it's important they try to identify what's not 'right'. ie tiredness could be anaemia , thyroid or diabetes. or it could be down to unhealthy eating, being overweight or not exercising.

Most serious illnesses are symptom-free until they are advanced. The 'worried well' are a real drain on the NHS and although I'd never dissuade anyone from seeking help if they feel really ill, a lot of niggles are linked to lifestyle.

Most surgeries now offer a health check for anyone 40+ so pop along for that if you are concerned.