PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Research shows women are generally more likely to see a doctor and have regular checkups than men. Doctors say that needs to change.
It goes without saying that if you have chronic pain that is interfering with your life, you should see a doctor.
Will Smith learned a hard lesson about not paying attention to health issues.
“I felt nauseous and had to go to the bathroom to throw up, but it wasn't until after that that I started getting this really weird pain in my stomach,” Smith said.
The 25-year-old boy thought it was just a bad bug, but his mother thought it was something worse.
“He didn't look like my child,” said Apple Smith, Willi's mother. “He seemed sick and almost on his deathbed.”
“I didn't want to go to the hospital,” Will Smith said. “Oh, I thought it was okay.”
This is a common reaction among men.
According to a study by the Cleveland Clinic, 72% of men would rather do household chores than go to the doctor, and only 50% of men would consider getting a physical exam.
It turned out Smith had pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. This organ aids in digestion and regulates blood sugar levels.
“Pancreatitis sometimes causes a very intense inflammatory response, so his heart was racing and his fever kept rising intermittently throughout his hospital stay,” said Dr. Dave Kahat of Hennepin County Medical Center.
Smith spent five weeks in the hospital and lost 40 pounds, but said he learned an important lesson.
“It's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to let people know you're struggling,” he says. “Let me use my story as an example. I almost died trying to be a tough guy and not listening to my body. It's not worth it.”
Smith said the pancreatitis is now under control.
Doctors said people with chronic pain should seek treatment at an emergency center or hospital if they have trouble breathing.
Doctors also said everyone should get a physical exam once a year, especially as we get older.
