So, you feel really well? Full of zest and enthusiasm? Or, are you pessimistic about your wellbeing – with each little body discomfort posing a threat to your longevity?
So, you feel really well? Full of zest and enthusiasm? Or, are you pessimistic about your wellbeing – with each little body discomfort posing a threat to your longevity?
Well there it is, an “attitude rainbow”– ranging from false opportunism at one end, false optimism at one end, through to overwhelming hypochondria at the other.
The benefits of a systematic, well organised, medical assessment at its basic level affords a searching, on-hand, full view examination with a focus for the unusual, odd or lateralising aspects.
Assessments that are more involved have add-on tests to better evaluate symptoms and signs – that have been observed.
For instance, a basic ECG may show features that warrant better evaluation by a stress echocardiogram. A full, exhaustive assessment places an honest perspective on symptoms and signs. The “feeling well” and the “full of zest” person may have several “just in time” negative blood features that will respond to prompt, correct intervention.
The pessimistic hypochondriac may have no significant features and can be encouraged to cast off his negativity and take positive steps. One such client complained of severe chest pain on exercising. During the stress ECG sojourn his pain reappeared without any negative test features being noted and the pain very much in evidence. With objective reassurance the pain vanished at the end of the test. The subject’s wife phoned in two weeks later indicating her husband was a pain free, positive guy.
Using this as an example, we all have chest pain from time to time. Should you rationalise it, or should you take a positive step towards evaluation?
The decision is yours.
By Dr Ian McPherson, executive manager – medical services, Peak Health Management. Email [email protected] or visit www.peakhealth.com.au
