As I approach mid 70's, I sometimes reflect on the changes I am dealing with as I age. I also do quite a bit of reminiscing about my life, but today I want to talk about how growing older affects us all.
Recently I have been having issues with my joints. I realize that working 27 years as a psychiatric nurse may have played a part in this issue I am now having. I worked long hours on my feet, often dealing with out of control people; sometimes being assaulted by my patients. It was hard work and, although I am now paying the price, I truly loved my job. I loved my patients and I thoroughly enjoyed my team. That said, unfortunately, I am now paying a fairly high price for my service.
I developed the most extreme pain in my right knee last Autumn and it grew to the point that I could not move my right leg without screaming. So.....many moons later, I now have my own personal titanium knee residing inside my leg. Yea! That experience took many long months to recover from and included three times a week physical therapy. I am happy to say that, for the most part, all of that is over and I now have a fully functioning leg with only minor issues.
I thought I was through with all of that when my right foot went kaput. Now, I have had bunions on both of my feet since I was in my 20's and they have never bothered me. Now, all of a sudden, I developed a hammertoe next to the big toe on my right foot. That was most unpleasant, but because it continued to rub against my toe, I developed a large ulcer and that sent me to see a Podiatrist who said I would have to have bunion/hammertoe surgery.
I was not a fan of this idea, so I went for a second opinion. The new doctor said he would see after we healed up my ulcer. So, three weeks later, I saw him and he said if it wasn't hurting me, no surgery. I was ecstatic because I do not want anyone else cutting on me.
I thought I was in the clear and I was feeling pretty good. I was able to walk my dogs again, I was able to exercise again, I was feeling like myself again.
I was recently thinking about how many doctors I have managed to accumulate in my retirement. There is my PCP, whom I really like; there is my Oncologist, who is very sweet and I like very much; there is my Orthopedic Surgeon, whom I dislike intensely; there is my Podiatrist, who is very sweet; there is my Sleep Doctor, who I cannot stand so I only see his PA; there is my Endocrinologist who follows my thyroid; there is my Hepatologist who is following my liver; there is the Audiologist I see for my hearing loss; there is my Optometrist who keeps my eyesight manageable; and then you add the mammogram, the bone scan, and all the lab techs.
It seems that I am accumulating doctors at an alarming rate. I can remember the time, not too long ago, when all I had was my GP and I only saw him once a year.
Aging sucks for your body! Don't let anyone tell you different. The flip side is that aging does not have to suck for your mind or your emotions. Those are solely under your control. I firmly believe that.
Even with all that has been going on with my body, I still am actively enjoying my life. I look forward to learning something new each day. I enjoy spending time with my family and my fur-babies. I love socializing with my friends, either in person, on the phone, or online. Everyday is a chance to improve and make things more enjoyable for myself. I think it is all in how you look at aging that really makes the difference.
I hope my story encourages you to really reflect and find the joy in your own life!
"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever." - Walt Disney
