When it comes to your health, having a persistent partner who nags you can actually save your life. This is especially true when symptoms are vague or don’t present themselves until the disease has progressed significantly. According to Professor Christopher Eden, a consultant urological surgeon, many patients downplay their symptoms due to a busy schedule, leaving the responsibility of pushing them to see a doctor to their spouse or partner. Countless examples exist of men who were diagnosed with serious illnesses, such as prostate cancer, after being urged by their wives to seek medical attention, often for symptoms like frequent urination at night.
In urgent cases, the intervention of a persistent spouse can make all the difference between life and death. For example, sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by infection, can be successfully treated if caught early. Dr. Ron Daniels, an intensive care doctor, states that partners often know their loved ones better than anyone else, and if they sense that something is wrong, they are usually correct. Reluctance to seek medical help can particularly affect men, as evidenced by a 2019 Bupa survey that found eight in ten men would rather endure illness than seek assistance, possibly due to fear, pride, or an overwhelming sense of busyness.
Louise Tyler, a relationships counselor, explains that being familiar with your partner’s body can have its advantages. For instance, noticing a mole on their back that requires attention. And in many cases, nagging is simply an act of caring and could even be life-saving. This sentiment rings true for the following couples who discovered the importance of persistence:
**Graham and Katherine:** When Graham began experiencing frequent trips to the bathroom at night in 2017, Katherine knew something was off. Despite being prescribed diuretic medication for high blood pressure, which he had been taking for 20 years, Katherine couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t the cause. She saw an advertisement from Prostate Cancer UK that listed frequent urination as a symptom of prostate cancer and mentioned it to Graham daily. However, he brushed it off, believing she was fussing. But when Graham started waking up tired, even after a good night’s sleep, Katherine had enough. She made a GP appointment for him, and after a blood test, it was discovered that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were high, indicating prostate cancer. Graham had his prostate removed, followed by regular PSA level checks. Despite microscopic remnants of cancer being found later, Graham underwent radiotherapy and hormone therapy, and his PSA levels have remained normal since.
**Jonnie and Louise:** Two years ago, Jonnie’s constant fatigue and muscle aches prompted Louise to urge him to see a doctor. However, Jonnie played it off as being someone who frequently gets sick. Tired of the impact it had on their family, Louise persisted for eight months until Jonnie finally agreed. Initial blood tests came back normal, but Louise, studying to become a nutritional therapist, noticed that Jonnie’s iron levels were slightly high. Although the doctor dismissed it, Louise insisted Jonnie seek a second opinion due to her knowledge of haemochromatosis, a condition in which iron levels build up over time and can lead to severe consequences if left untreated. The second GP concurred with Louise and referred Jonnie to a specialist haematology team, where he was diagnosed with haemochromatosis caused by a faulty gene. Treatment involved venesection, draining a pint of blood weekly, and Jonnie’s iron levels eventually returned to normal. He continues to monitor his levels regularly and avoids excessive red meat consumption.
**Michael and Kelly:** In the summer of 2019, Kelly noticed that Michael was constantly tired and would often fall asleep on the sofa after work, regardless of how much sleep he had gotten. Despite her warnings that he could become seriously ill if he didn’t slow down, Michael dismissed it as the demands of life. However, the beeping heart-rate monitor on Michael’s watch indicated that something was amiss. Kelly’s persistence led her to suggest he get his heart checked. It turned out that he had a heart problem that required medical attention. Thanks to Kelly’s observation and persistence, Michael received appropriate treatment.
So, while nagging may have negative connotations, it can sometimes be a positive force when it comes to health. Partners who pay attention to subtle changes, persist in urging their loved ones to seek medical help, and trust their instincts can truly be lifesavers.
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