If it’s not one thing….It’s three

Posted by pb50 @pb50, Apr 30 6:56pm

I recently realized that four short years ago, i had only one Doctor I saw more than once a year - my Rheumatologist. The others (skin check, mammogram, vision, primary) got a drive by annually for labs, thanks and see you next year.
Now it seems everything is wearing out simultaneously. Each has become as demanding as a toddler. And it is getting on my nerves!!! 🙄

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Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Apr 30 7:29pm

You have my sympathy--actually my empathy--as for several decades many--many!--health issues have provoked me. The main thing that has helped may sound a bit odd--but I've compartmentalized my health worries and don't lead with them socially (unless on Mayo Connect where it is a relief to be honest!). I had a dear friend who was old enough to be my grandmother. When she was in her late eighties I was often worried about her, and visited to enquire weekly as to how she was doing. She was a kind of reserved stoic person (opposites attract) but she'd simply say she'd update me for a few minutes and then on to other topics. I did as she asked, and now that I'm 70 I'm seeing the wisdom of her approach. My best friend is the Queen of Listening--she never appears bored with my complaints--so I always tell her what is going on which kind of drains off my impulse to go on...forever. So I guess I'm seeking balance between expressing my problems but not wanting to be defined by them. Do you find more and less serious issues kind of get lumped together, as both can wear a person out? I hope you get a break, too, without anything new!

celia16 | @celia16 | Apr 30 8:29pm

I’m seeing the various doctors, think some things have improved. Some haven’t, but I’m hoping in time they will. It can be frustrating. Glad when I have good days though.

Scott R L | @scottrl | Apr 30 8:30pm

Old age is a lousy reward for a lifetime of hard work.

pb50 | @pb50 | Apr 30 8:33pm

In reply to @scottrl "Old age is a lousy reward for a lifetime of hard work." + (show)

😂😂😂. Amen!!

pb50 | @pb50 | Apr 30 8:35pm

In reply to @mir123 "You have my sympathy--actually my empathy--as for several decades many--many!--health issues have provoked me. The main..." + (show)

Many thanks!

SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Apr 30 9:20pm

Well, what’s the alternative?

geebold | @geebold | Apr 30 10:16pm

I really understand this post all too well. Every day I wake up, happy to still be on this side of being, but wondering what will hurt today. I am planning to shift my thinking and wake up with a positive mantra: my body is strong; my mind is clear; and today will be a great day.

celia16 | @celia16 | May 1 4:05am

I am very aware that many of my peers are really struggling. They have severely limited mobility, need for assistance and serious chronic ailments. It’s unreal. I feel so lucky when I’m walking around the gym on the track. And, then there are the obituaries…..omg, I tend to look too much.

pb50 | @pb50 | May 1 12:14pm

In reply to @SusanEllen66 "Well, what’s the alternative?" + (show)

There are always alternatives my friend

bmilanowski53 | @bmilanowski53 | May 1 12:18pm

I find this post very relevant. I have been delving into Stoicism and have found it very helpful. My husband died nine years ago, and I have tried to learn from his experience. I only have power over what I put in my body and how often I move it my mind has a mind of its own and has to be kept in check constantly, I find Pickleball helps