Coping with age & serious illness. Anyone positive want to share?
I am a 72 year old widow and mother of 4 adult children. When my husband died 4 years ago I knew I had to reach out to make more friends, so I joined several local groups. I have some close friends and
enjoy going to community events. I have had bipolar disorder all my life (well controlled with medication), and earlier this year was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. I am still leading an active
life and am philosophical about my situation. Is there anyone out there interested in chatting about getting older or coping with illness? I have ideas to share, and would love to hear from people in
similar situations who would like to chat about our lives.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.
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@nycmusic
Thank you for your writing nycmusic.
Regardless the writings i view and folks that respond, there is always, always, something to be grateful for. Thanks for reminding me! And, it takes a person with spirit to realise that encouragement and faith that is available always, and in many differnt ways.
As you so well stated, " somehow we manage and celebrate sunrised and sunset. Thank you greatly.
Jofree
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6 Reactions@jofree and I thank you, jofree—your words resonate with me very well…how true, that ‘‘encouragement and faith that is available always, and in many different ways’’… we are simply on new journeys, exploring the world on gentler terms.
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2 Reactions@gravity3 you are so right —humor…and curiosity …make our journeys better…good words to remember !
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3 Reactions@jofree yes, 72 here and experiencing the same “life issues” — cancer, heart etc etc. But, my husband and I get up each morning and go! We camp, go shopping, eat out occasionally, do gkids baseball, softball, basketball games etc etc. Don’t stop living because of a few aches and pains. Whew! I need a nap—LOL
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10 Reactions@gmarosie ====
I think folks getting near our age, really need more sleep than anything else. Your comment, "Whew! I need a nap---LOL," is so true. I used to run on 4 to 6 hours an evening, stay up late, relax and read, go to bed and wake up totally refreshed; not now; read awhile, toss and turn awhile , eat a banana, back to bed and crawl out slowly. Thanks, it's great to be reminded that were all involved in life together, all along the way.
Jofree
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6 Reactions@jofree
I like your outlook, especially
“ Then, every other day, do something nice for a stranger.”
I would add “for a stranger or anyone who you can help.”
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6 ReactionsHi, my husband and I are in the final chapter of our lives. Thankfully we are in our Aging in Place Home now but there are many obstacles on a daily basis that we are navigating. The current one while he is recovering from a triple bypass is that we have recently (last month) been told that his macular degeneration is worse now and blindness is happening in one eye. Praise God he will still have sight in the other eye. We've also learned that his carotid artery is also almost at 80% blocked in which they will do another procedure in August to attempt to prevent a stroke. While this is going on I also have five chronic conditions that are hindering my health in that it prevents me from being a better caregiver for him. The daily adventures and battles of age can and are difficult. Our minds and desires want us to be and do better every day while our bodies seem to scream in protest. Like many, if not all of you, we will continue to get up daily, or at least try to, and strive to be our best at all times. Every second counts and so we strive to make a difference in each of those seconds. Have a great day.
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11 ReactionsI would, give me a call
Excellent advice!!!
@happilyalive
I was inspired by your post to write to you this morning from Melbourne, Australia. I am also elderly, and have two medical diagnoses, one of which is terminal. It is awful to feel your body failing while your mind is still full of things you wish you could do. I find that the only way to survive is to take one day at a time, and try to value and appreciate the little things in life which we probably didn't notice when we were young and rushing around with our busy lives. It is early summer in Mebourne, and the Jacaranda trees (do you have them in the States?) are in full bloom. They are like clouds of mauve blossoms reaching up into the sky, and whenever I see one my heart is full of joy. I also try to do at least one good thing for a friend or the community each day. Very simple, little things like sending someone a card or reaching out on the phone. We are all in this strange thing called 'life' together. I wish you and your husband well, and feel for you in your struggles. Please enjoy a joyous and peaceful festive season.
Very best wishes, @ellu
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16 Reactions