Colonoscopies Explain Why U.S. Leads the World in Health Expenditures

[Curmudgeoness]

31. I see your problem.

You have a GYN. Just stop going to him/her.

I have never been pressured to have anything done, although if I feel that it is a good idea, I will agree to it. I have never had a mammogram, I haven't had a Pap test for 20 years. I did have a colonoscopy last year, and that was nearly 10 years after they told me it was time to have one at age 50. But I had to be given a very good reason for it, and beyond the fact that my mom died from colon cancer, the doc did have a good enough reason for me to agree. I ended up with GERD, and had to go to a gastro doc to see what was causing me problems. He was insisting that I have the colonoscopy at the same time I had the endoscopy. I refused. He was shocked and asked why. I flat out told him that if we did find cancer, I was not going to treat it, and since I felt fine, I did not want to find something and ruin what life I have left. His response was that the colonoscopy can find pre-cancerous polyps, that can be removed and prevent the cancer. Made sense.

What I am saying is that it is possible to say no, especially if you have a good reason for refusing and the doctor has no good reason for insisting beyond "it is recommended". Do your research on what is and is not right for you to do. Doctors are just covering their asses.