He was a jerk, for sure. I should’ve complained.

I totally get the whole data thing and am not arguing that there are risks and vulnerabilities that increase as we age. BUT…the way my doctors have talked to me about it seems like the wrong way to approach it — more like engendering panic and putting horrible thoughts into my head.

I don’t think it’s accurate (considering my medical history) for one of my doctors to have told me that my risk of cancer is high at my age. High-ER, sure, due to aging, but not HIGH. That’s not true. And one doc even told me cancer is inevitable. Also not true. (In fact, if you look at my medical history, I’m far more likely to kick it from heart failure.)

It also bothers me that they were so unresponsive when I was genuinely dealing with serious health issues (like weight problems, eating disorders, and suicidal depression) at a younger age, but since I’ve edged past 40, even though I’m in the best health of my life, they are helicoptering me. I would’ve loved to have had that level of attention and intervention when I genuinely needed it.

I’m fine with scans, I’m fine with being more vigilant with that sort of thing as I age, but I’m NOT okay with them treating me like a disease farm, telling me it’s inevitable that I’ll be struck with terrible illnesses, or questioning my decisions about my healthcare as if I’m mentally incapable of taking care of myself just because I’m over 40. That’s what I really take issue with.