CHEST X-RAYS/CT SCANS

Just discovered there isn't a SOP in the US or Mexico regarding Chest x-rays or CT scans. I've had 6 physicals in Mexico, and I presented copies to my MD NOB he asked when my last x-ray was and I said at least 10 years ago.

After looking into senior Google, I found most MD's don't order x-rays unless issues present themselves regardless of age. I would suggest, especially in Mexico where x-rays are very inexpensive you get one every couple years, at least as a basis for comparison! Especially if you are/were a smoker. In my case, MD saw something suspicious, ordered cat scan, confirmed issue. Now must wait 6 months for follow up scan.(Has me semi freaking out) Since there were no issues, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, weight loss, coughing up blood etc., hopefully way ahead of the game so to speak! Yup, I miss my smokes but enjoy living more!

Just an FYI!   

I know this is easier to say than to do, but try not to ruin the next six months by worrying about something that is more likely not to happen than to happen. You can change nothing by freaking out and worrying -- even if you did it non-stop for six months. As you said, you have had no symptoms and the doctor is advising a recheck in six months, so he is not panicking. Put that worry up a shelf and get back to it in six months of needed. It will still be there.

Thank You Lady O, you are a class act on this board. What will be, and life goes on. My message hopefully will resonate with everyone, get a chest x-ray periodically, not a big deal. Doing so will give your MD something to work with, and you won't have to go thru 6 months of wondering!

Dr. Sam and Chapala Med, what say you?

Jim W wrote:Thank You Lady O, you are a class act on this board.  What will be, and life goes on.   My message hopefully will resonate with everyone, get a chest x-ray periodically, not a big deal.  Doing so will give your MD something to work with, and you won't have to go thru 6 months of wondering!

Dr.  Sam and Chapala Med, what say you?

Pictures up the trap door, pictures of the main frame...don't forget the Urologist and have a light shoved up the eye of Mr Happy :)
A CAT Scan couldn't hurt either....

Whatever happened to ¨take 2 Aspirin and call me in the morning ?

Whoa.......sounds like you have your whole weekend planned, Hocks. Have fun......jajaja.

¨take 2 Aspirin and call me in the morning ?s, Hocks that's what the MD used ta say!

Jim W wrote: ¨take 2 Aspirin and call me in the morning ?s, Hocks that's what the MD used ta say!

Careful of them US Doctors Jim... They're like Democrats.... they all have their hand in yer pocket   

It would seem to me that Jim posted on a topic that could end up being more than important to more than one individual on this forum. It isn't just ex-smokers, people who worked around 2nd hand smoke, people who have inhaled questionable chemicals either through work or from a hobby or people who may be predisposed genetically. From what I know of Jim's situation, it seems that he didn't have a "baseline" to work from and now gets to wait 6 months before he has an indicator if there is a problem or not. Unless, you really do not care to know, what would be wrong with getting an inexpensive x-ray to establish a baseline for yourself?

Thank You Neil, as usual you are better @ splaining my intent...I hope this message hits home with a few board members!

Thanks again, Jim

As I said to you last nite on the phone a tiny tumor showed up on a routine chest x-ray 20 years ago. Size of my small finger nail. The next immediate step was a CAT scan to confirm.

Then they went looking for a biopsy. First a tube and camera down the windpipe into the lung. Nothing - nothing found. Next a scope down the outside of the lung through a one inch incision. There it was on the outside of the lung.

Surgery three weeks later. Upper Hiller lobe removed. Out of the hospital on the 6th day. Full lung capacity recovered in a couple of months.

If I were you I would ask about getting those "....scopy" procedures down ASAP.

Regards

SunFan

Thank You Sunfan. Took your advice and contacted MD today. He says it is the only nodule found in the lungs.....a relief as a past 2 pack per day smoker.....and it is to small to biopsy. Apparently, less than 3mm. So I look forward to another CT in 6 months.