Given the beautiful spring day, I thought about walking to the health centre for my AAA screening. Indeed, the walk will have done me good. But then I thought the worst. What if the results indicated I’d be having an aneurysm sometime soon? Who’s gonna drive me home tonight, I sang, Cars style, in my head? So, I drove, not having considered the possibility that it would be far too dangerous to drive back if the screening was full of bad news. Who would collect my car? Anyway, let’s cut the crap: the news was good. I’m not about to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and, all being well, I never will. There are no scans needed after this one.
As ever, I talked far too much during a medical check. I was slightly nervous and that was reflected in the verbal diarrhoea that spewed from my lips. By the end and I was being advised by the medical person – I didn’t ask what her title was – that all was good, I asked how many people fail to show up for these screenings. “Some people don’t turn up,” she replied. “But we make it clear that there is no obligation to attend.” Which, we both agreed, makes no sense. What was the worst thing that could happen today? I might be susceptible to an aneurysm so the NHS would treat me for it. It could literally be a life-saver. The best thing that could happen? What actually did happen: of all the things I might die from – and that’s a long list – this probably won’t be one of them.
I’m less of a hypochondriac than I used to be because, frankly, I’ve already had a decent chunk of my life and didn’t die young and I am beginning to confront my own mortality. The best thing I can do is to take the tests when they are offered and try to get healthier and fitter, or should I say less unhealthy and less unfit?
I’ve known this screening was coming for a long time and I am glad it’s all over. If you get offered one, you know what to do!
