Yes! I had a heart attack 15 years ago and I am so glad I did!
The NHS sorted that out PDQ and I've taken tablets ever since. I have to be careful but that isn't too difficult.
So - why was the attack lucky for me? Well a year later I had to be checked over at the Dr's surgery. The lucky thing was that I did not see the Dr but the practice Nurse. She checked weight, Blood Pressure, etc and then said that I should go for a blood test for their records. "In fact, because of your age group I think you should have two blood tests, the second one being for your P.S.A." She then went on to explain it was a way for checking the presence of prostate cancer. I agreed and off I went to the hospital.
About a week later, the results were back and I was sent for. This time I was to see the Doctor, a young man in his 30s. He told me that my P.S.A. was quite high about 15.2 but he was puzzled why the nurse had asked for it as I had no symptoms. "I wouldn't have sent you and these tests are often wrong", he added.
He decided to send me for another test - with the same result! I was then sent for a biopsy, cancer was found to be present and an operation scheduled.
I was lucky there too as I was offered brachytherapy and not removal. It worked. They check me now only once a year by 'phone. Initially I had to go to the hospital every 3 months, but I've been OK for so long that they do not see me now. I still have an annual P.S.A. test of course.
Two months ago I went to the funeral of a friend who had died because of this damned thing. It had spread to his kidneys, liver and colon and he had suffered terribly for years. He was two years older than I. He'd had symptoms but had assumed the "waterworks" problem he had was due to age. I did not have even that symptom!
The nurse has since retired - but Bless you, Katharine, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Gentlemen, the message is this - if you are over 50 years old for heaven's sake nag at your Dr to send you for a P.S.A test! It could be your life saver!!!
Do NOT wait for a heart attack!!!
(P.S.A. Prostate Specific Antigen)