What health procedures have you put off doing?

[DLgal]

That said, I have put off scheduling an appointment with my family dr about it, and keep saying when I see her for something else I will discuss it then.

Be careful with this. Doctors have started double billing for this type of thing. When you make an appointment, it's for ONE issue. If you bring up another issue, that is technically another appointment and they WILL bill you for it, and likely your insurance will not pay for the second one. This happened to a friend of mine recently. She was in for an annual physical and brought up some GERD issues she was having. Her doctor told her to double up on her OTC meds and then she got a separate bill for the "additional health concern and treatment plan." She tried to fight it, she was unauccessful. That cost her $80. She was so annoyed.

 

[georgina]

Be careful with this. Doctors have started double billing for this type of thing. When you make an appointment, it's for ONE issue. If you bring up another issue, that is technically another appointment and they WILL bill you for it, and likely your insurance will not pay for the second one. This happened to a friend of mine recently. She was in for an annual physical and brought up some GERD issues she was having. Her doctor told her to double up on her OTC meds and then she got a separate bill for the "additional health concern and treatment plan." She tried to fight it, she was unauccessful. That cost her $80. She was so annoyed.

That would be annoying. Should be something to discuss at an annual exam!

However, the trigger finger issue should just be a referral to a hand surgeon. And @mmbrad02, be sure to get references from others about a good trigger finger surgeon. I have had more than one, and the first guy was awful. Had to do several rounds of hand therapy after and it took months until I could use my hand normally again. Second guy was great, no issues after (and he did carpal tunnel surgery at the same time).

 

[DLgal]

That would be annoying. Should be something to discuss at an annual exam!

You would think, right?

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

Two things I’ve put off.

My annual skin check at the dermatologist. My husband has undergone treatment for stage 3 melanoma, so I should know better than to put it off. My last check was about 18 months ago.

I also have a tooth bothering me and I don’t normally put off dental care. I’m leaving my long-term dentist at the end of this year as they no longer take my insurance and I haven’t had my records transferred to our new dentist yet. I really should go before it becomes a bigger issue.

 

[anjuan]

I have a spinal cord stimulator implant that I had put in for back pain but haven't used for several years now (my back pain is a lot better) that I need to get surgically removed. I should have it taken out because right now I couldn't get an MRI. Just dreading having the surgery.

 

[henryjan]

@anjuan, I have PA in several of my joints. In addition to creams, laser therapy, pain medications, and biologics, my rheumatologist has advised me to do physiotherapy. To aid with alleviation and to try to better your joints so that you can deal with this sickness as best you can, I would strongly suggest you see a physical therapist. Before getting out of bed, they advise doing a few exercises in bed. In particular, they demonstrate how to lift, sit, stand, and do other activities that are necessary for daily life in order to make them simpler for you. They also demonstrate various techniques to stretch and tone your muscles and joints as easily as possible. I sincerely hope you give a physical therapist a try, but connecting with others and getting along with them is equally important.