Opus 2025-285: Providential Healthcare

When I was young, I pretty much took my health for granted.  I got sick, sure, we all did.  Colds were a part of life.  There might be physical intrusion, such a splitters, sprains or even broken bones.  You just took it and went with it.

Somewhere, as you grew up, you became aware of such things as personal hygiene, sanitation, not jumping off of high buildings, knowing that motorcycles sometimes fell over with you on them, you know, a general awareness that at least you were mortal.  Eventually, you grew up. Then you were old.

As I look at the lack of trust that has been generally defined by the Covid crisis, I find that my trust for medicine, and the medical profession is at an all time low.  This happens at the time of life when you begin to think you need the doctors more.  We were having a discussion recently on the revelation that President Biden had cancer.  What type of cancer he had is one that every man pretty much has to be aware of and is concerned about.  It is also something that doesn’t just suddenly appear, but slowly grows and develops.  Anyone who has regular physical check ups knows that men are supposed to get a test to see whether they are having problems with their prostate.  You would think it’s a no-brainer, but we are talking about Joe Biden.  With him everything is a no-brainer.

Then someone brought up the fact that doctors are telling men they don’t need to take the test anymore because it’s a slow growing cancer and not something to really worry about when you get to a certain age.  I personally experienced that, not the cancer but the advice.  When I switched from my private insurance to Medicare, I was told that I didn’t need to have the test anymore because it was such a slow, growing cancer.  It would not get me before old aged did.  My question was, “Just how do you know how long I’m going to live?”  I understand it takes about seven years for this to develop.  I was told seven years ago that I didn’t need the test anymore.  Does that mean that they only thought I would live till now and that I should just give up, roll over and play dead?

What most people, who trust their medical professional, don’t understand is that you can still request or demand that they do the test.  If you demand it, they will do it.  If they won’t, find a new doctor.  As you get older, you have to become more and more an advocate of your own health.

Also, as I get older, I realize more frequently that my health is in the hands of God.  It is providential.  I accept the fact that I will not die one day earlier than God allows, nor will I live one day longer than He plans.  No problem.  I’m ready to go.  I’m ready to stay.  Kind of like the apostle Paul,

(Php 1:25-6 KJV)  And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

I will continue to make use of what is available.  The focus will be on that slice of ailments that a doctor’s advice might give wisdom or which might actually cure something.  I don’t expect to get a lot of instant gratification.  I already have the Greatest Physician.

homo unius libri