I thought I was doing fine. No kidding. One minute I was climbing tall mountains around Asheville (well, at least part of the way) and hauling 50 lb. bags of potting soil, and then WHAM! All of a sudden, I'm spending my days juggling doctors' appointments and wondering when my back is going to feel good enough so that I can clean up the piles of lint and unidentifiable objects underneath my bed.
My current list of conditions runs to two pages and my medications and supplements would, and do, fill a drugstore. And to add insult to injury, my ears are ringing all the %&&$$ time! Yes, I'm a Southerner, and I say Ten-Eye-Tus!
Well, I knew that my count of years was dangerously high, but I thought I was staying active and engaged, and managing quite well. I never expected that things could change so dramatically and so quickly. Apparently getting old is a wall that slams you when you are thinking of something else. And, here's the kicker, I can't get one "condition" under satisfactory management before the doctor is adding another one that I am suffering instead of a experiencing a natural high up on Black Balsam. Who do I speak to about slowing things down a bit until I can get a grip?
I actually had one health care provider say, "You are getting old. Your body is breaking down, and you can't accept it." I was so shocked, I forgot to say, "Would you please introduce me to the person who said, 'I'm so happy: my body is breaking down."
I wonder if this has happened to other people in this way? How do you handle it?So far I've tried angry; depressed; hiding out; complaining day and night; and just plain resentfulness. Score: Old Age - 5, Sandi - 0.
In the middle of this we moved ourselves to a new town, and that was so difficult, but it did give me permission (in my opinion) to hang around the house doing nothing and not combing my hair. I'm pretty sure this is not going to work for me either. I've still got some time left (some being an indefinite amount), and I don't want to spend it feeling, well, OLD!
It has recently occurred to me that the solution to this old problem, is not in a 30-day supply of anything. I'm going to have to do something about it myself. Writing this is a task I have set myself to start using my brain again, and think these things through. Not sure what comes next. Any ideas? Is it time for my next dose? Honey could you please find my phone for me, again?
Obvious to me old friend… stop visiting Doctors, and drink more!
ReplyDeleteNow there's some sound pain-killing advice, or at least I won't care about those aches and pains as much! All I need are some old friends, some beach music, and some hanging out - cheaper than those doctors' offices for sure!
DeleteSandy… just stop going to Doctors…Drink more!
ReplyDeleteSandi, I have taught a Sunday School class of the "older" ladies for years. One sweetheart used to say, almost weekly, "Getting old ain't for sissies!". My dear, we shall endure! Limping and groaning all the way perhaps, but we shall.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, you are right. It's not for sissies; you have to both fight and endure. It's well known that feisty people last longer, but a good dose of equanimity goes a long way also. I'm seeking that balance.
DeleteSo sorry this is happening to you. We are going through similar problems with old age, health and pains. I am thinking of trying Nerva, an online program that is supposed to help with pain management. I will let you know!
ReplyDeleteJo Ellen, I would like to hear about Nerva and about how you are doing. Pain, that devil, sure takes the shine off things. It's the biggie I'm trying to deal with, while trying to have a life. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteI am so excited that you are doing this! It will bring me laughter and joy and truly, I am thrilled you moved to the Piedmont. It means we can have coffee and conversation and share the names of good books and compare our body complaints. The world is huge, but gets smaller and more special every time I connect with someone truly special! (I did not wish to be anonymous, but clearly I am too old to make that change…. Google is grayed out and I do not have a URL. Oh well. Jill)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Anonymous Jill! I firmly believe that making new friends, while treasuring the old, is an important piece of staying lively. I am gobsmacked to meet someone with whom I share so much. Let's do it, new girlfriend - and over coffee too!
ReplyDelete