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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to go to the doctor again after age 50?

31 replies

Sleepydoor · 25/01/2024 12:22

I suspect most people will say I am being unreasonable, but when I turned 50 my doctor ordered all the expected tests including mammogram and colonoscopy. He then suggested putting me on medication for results that were approaching borderline and I had follow-up tests every 3-6 months for various things. I was not diagnosed with anything -- I just had a number of results that were close to borderline. I feel fine. I am going through perimenopause and have been trying to improve my exercise and eating habits to combat this, but I don't want to get on this treadmill of regular testing and medications when I feel okay. Honestly, I'd rather just take good care of myself and let nature take its course. AIBU?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sleepydoor · 25/01/2024 13:56

Answersunknown · 25/01/2024 13:52

this would be 1000s of pounds.

I remember my overnight stay in Canada hospital where the bed cost me 3k before any tests or healthcare…

I'm not sure I know what point you are trying to make (genuinely). Do you mean my doctor shouldn't be billing this much unnecessarily or do you mean I should appreciate the value of the care I am getting?

OP posts:
Answersunknown · 25/01/2024 15:03

@Sleepydoor neither really!
more surprised at people thinking this could be nhs - given the underfunding

and recollection of how expensive the Canadian system can be.

I do wonder if there is ab ‘insurance paying’ aspect to keep billing up for you, and that your approach isn’t better x

Original poster
Sleepydoor · 25/01/2024 15:24

Thanks everyone. Posting this and the replies have helped me to get unstuck in my head about this. I realize that I am lucky to have access to the system of healthcare that I do and that I need to start making that system work for me, instead of feeling like I am being used to work the system in some way.

OP posts:
BeaRF75 · 25/01/2024 15:34

I am late 50s and haven't seen a GP for approx 20 years. I haven't had "all the usual tests" because I disagree that they are necessary (as do many people, including some doctors). If I felt unwell, I would see a doctor - otherwise, it's not needed. This is my freely made choice, and I have many medics amongst my friends and family, so nothing against doctors. The point us that everyone can make a choice - no right or wrong.

TorroFerney · 25/01/2024 17:02

Sleepydoor · 25/01/2024 13:21

I don't pay for any of the tests or doctors visits (universal healthcare coverage in Canada) but my doctor seems very focussed on billing as much as possible. He comments on it frequently and it makes me feel like he cares more about billing than whether it is strictly necessary. He's also routinely an hour behind with appointments, so a doctor's visit takes a minimum of 2 hours if you factor in 20minutesx2 travel time.

I do empathize with you though. It seems like we represent two extremes.

Show quote history

Oh yes I sympathise that wouldn’t sit right with me either .

Boomer55 · 25/01/2024 17:42

BeaRF75 · 25/01/2024 15:34

I am late 50s and haven't seen a GP for approx 20 years. I haven't had "all the usual tests" because I disagree that they are necessary (as do many people, including some doctors). If I felt unwell, I would see a doctor - otherwise, it's not needed. This is my freely made choice, and I have many medics amongst my friends and family, so nothing against doctors. The point us that everyone can make a choice - no right or wrong.

Nor me. If I want help, I’ll ask for it, but being over pension age does not mean I want to take part in all their (extra funds) monitoring.🙄

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