Many things can kill us and as we have seen on previous threads on mens health and we know we are far behind the female of the species on healthcare. We can have a daily attendance at the gym, jog at lunchtime, walk the soles off our new €150.00 trainers at the weekend, look far more bronzed than Hughie but inside our skin we have no idea of how healthy/unhealthy we are.
1. We ignore the warning signs, blood in urine, running several times per night to the toilet, wetting much of the time, dying to pee immediately after another one, running to the toilet during the day. We endure pees that would have difficulty in filling an egg cup. We'll talk about Trump, Obama, Kenny, Paisley but never ourselves. Sure, it won't happen to me . . . then we have no choice but visit a Urologist. We pray that the initial scope test won't hurt (least of the problem) but something is preventing a full test. Because of our careless approach over time, now an operation is necessary for further investigations after which we pray that whatever was there didn't spread from the prostate to the bladder or even further. (At this stage you've paid around €600 in private health insurance excess).
2. We're fit, but after a walk we are caught for breath. There is difficulty in climbing the stairs. Good sleep is a rarity. Cutting the grass is getting more difficult, but don't mind that, I used to play hurling, rugby and soccer in my youth. My heart is as strong as O'Connell Bridge and beating with a vengeance. Open heart surgery on the way. Possible life support for a time. Certainly critical status for few days after surgery.
I know, I'll get that medical test before we go on holidays next year . . . or the year after. A great funeral though . . . He was a genuinely nice guy . . . wouldn't listen to anybody . . . local five-a-side cup played in his honour after work.