I'm 23 and my body is failing me... I'm feeling old.

[Marquise_Madness]

I found my first gray hair at 11. My metabolism started slowing at 20-21. My back is bad.

And now my vision is starting to go and I need glasses. I am ordering some now and hoping that my aging slows down!

How has your body failed you?

 

[kenny]

Have you discussed this with with a doctor?

 

[Marquise_Madness]

Have you discussed this with with a doctor?

Not my back, no. My hair is genetic. My dad was completely gray by 30. My back is due to scoliosis and getting hit by a car while crossing the street. Weight gain is probably my metabolism/stress eating. Vision is normal; I just developed astigmatism and got worse eyesight as I got older. Happened to my brother at 20 or so.

 

[kenny]

Discuss all this with your doctor, not strangers on the Internet.
Find a good ophthalmologist ... NOT an optometrist that crapy insurance companies want to limit you to because an optometrist is cheaper than an ophthalmologist (which is a real doctor).
If your insurance won't pay, pay out of pocket.

I'm in my 60s; I've had glaucoma for around 25 years.
If I had obeyed my insurance company and only saw who they allow me to see (optometrists) I'd be blind now.
Insurance companies don't care about you.
They only care about profits.

 

[PintoBean]

Take care of your back with exercises that strengthen your core. Years of sitting at a desk really did a number on me.

 

[sonnyjane]

I needed glasses at age 9. It’s not that bad. I’m 34 now. I had LASIK 10 years ago but am starting to need reading glasses again. I’ve got some gray hair and scoliosis. Had thyroid cancer 7 years ago so had that removed. My knees are arthritic from collegiate sports. Other than that I’m honestly doing ok! I could be way, way worse. Pick some cute glasses! They always make me feel smart and hip.

 

[jordyonbass]

Lumpy and scarred fingers, a hamstring that needed an operation 3 years ago but didn't get it, receding hairline and grays in my beard starting to show, scar tissue in my back from an injury, occasional pains in right shoulder, probably more little things I am forgetting.

None if it is slowing me down, my plan is to redline this meatsuit doing things I love until the day I die. So other than the hair I have put it all down to wear and tear and keep going as per normal

 

[kenny]

Life is temporary.
I got some serious health issues, but I'm just glad to still be pissing off as many people as possible.

I read somewhere the human body lasts for only 40 years.
After that, be glad you're above ground.

 

[PintoBean]

I always had grays as a kid. I think it was from being whacked on the head all the time. I have less grays now I think lolol. My plan is to use some kind of a punky colored glaze when I have grays on the outside to highlight them against my natural black brown hair color.

I've had glasses for 20/30 vision since I was 13. I pop them out to drive. Now I'm more like 20/40. I've always had an astygmatism. Last year's exam I learned that I need reading glasses now too but the script is not so strong that I can do progressives with them. It was exciting for me because I had an excuse to get a new pair of glasses and I picked some awesome cat eyes!

One thing I think is important is to take the time to assemble a team of doctors that you're comfortable seeing. I found a dermatology practice I like. From there, I asked the office manager for a referral to a GP and got one that I am the most comfortable with to date of all the GPS that I've seen. From the GP I found an optometrist that I really like.

 

[foxinsox]

Only 40 years! That’s the end of me then
I’ve got a 2 year old partial knee replacement and a dodgy shoulder. I’m onto my third reading glasses prescription in 6 years. I’ve got mild gastroparesis and IBS. My thumbs have started aching most days.
At least my sleep maintenance insomnia has gone away and going to the gym 5-6 days a week is seeing me get stronger and fitter

 

[PintoBean]

Life is temporary.
I got some serious health issues, but I'm just glad to still be pissing off as many people as possible.

I read somewhere the human body lasts for only 40 years.
After that, be glad you're above ground.

True dat! My husband recently died at 38!

I just turned 39 and I'm a walking disaster.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Yup, I’ve had glasses since age 9 too, you get used to it, believe me. Contact lenses are great when you’re young, I’ve given up on mine now that I’m older (50’s) and really needing bifocal vision. I had back problems in my 20’s due to a mild scoliosis- that was really helped by physiotherapy, lots of swimming and painkillers on occasion!

Most people I know reckon that age 40 was when everything really began to go south in terms of aging, it certainly seemed to be the time when more serious illnesses started to become apparent. Kenny is correct, I think we’re only built to live that long!

 

[missy]

I found my first gray hair at 11. My metabolism started slowing at 20-21. My back is bad.

And now my vision is starting to go and I need glasses. I am ordering some now and hoping that my aging slows down!

How has your body failed you?

Hi Marquise_Madness, I am sorry you are feeling down about things and perhaps I can offer a different perspective for you. Consider your blessings and value what you have now. Fast forward a few decades and you will realize how wonderful your health was back when you were in your early 20s. Gray hair-Color it if you want. Metabolism slow? Check it out with your internist have blood work done and then exercise, eat right and see if you need any other medical intervention. Bad back? See a specialist and perhaps find a good PT and start doing exercises that might help relieve your discomfort.

Wishing you lots of healthy and happy decades ahead. And yes please get an eye exam if you haven't had one in the past 2 years. With whichever eye care professional you choose. Just make sure (as with all your doctors) that they are qualified and licensed and good at their profession.


How has my body failed me? Lots of auto immune issues causing skin and hair issues but I am thankful for what I can do and that generally I feel well. I didn't start developing most of my health issues until my late thirties and honestly I didn't appreciate how great my health was when I was younger so value the good health you have now and value each day and enjoy it to the fullest. Life is unpredictable at best and can change in a moment. And I for one have a new found appreciation for the good health I do have right now despite the health conditions I have.

Discuss all this with your doctor, not strangers on the Internet.
Find a good ophthalmologist ... NOT an optometrist that crapy insurance companies want to limit you to because an optometrist is cheaper than an ophthalmologist (which is a real doctor).
If your insurance won't pay, pay out of pocket.

I'm in my 60s; I've had glaucoma for around 25 years.
If I had obeyed my insurance company and only saw who they allow me to see (optometrists) I'd be blind now.
Insurance companies don't care about you.
They only care about profits.

Hi Kenny, sorry you have glaucoma and 25 years ago things were very different in the fields. However yes, I would go to the specialist who deals primarily with the disease you have so you are getting the best care. So if you have glaucoma a glaucoma specialist is who should treat you and if you have a retinal tear a retinal specialist is who should treat you and if you have cataracts and need surgery you need to see a cataract specialist. Optometrists are (generally) very skilled at providing comprehensive primary eye care and diagnosing (and in certain cases treating) ocular disease and caring for your general eye care needs. Optometrists go through a very thorough education (college, then 4 years of Optometry school and then usually complete a residency) and are quite capable of taking care of one's primary eye care needs. But to each his/her own and fortunately you have options.

I will add for those who might not know I am a (retired) Optometrist. Who did a residency and provided excellent care for my patients while I was in my profession.

http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-doctor/choose.htm

Hope your glaucoma is well controlled and that your vision is comfortable and clear.

 

[missy]

Life is temporary.
I got some serious health issues, but I'm just glad to still be pissing off as many people as possible.

I read somewhere the human body lasts for only 40 years.
After that, be glad you're above ground.

Exactly. I always say it's like at this point we are just putting ourselves back together as best we can until we cannot anymore. The human body wasn't meant to last for so many decades. Sometimes it can feel like a losing proposition but then I ask myself what choice do we have? Or is it like that Peggy Lee song...

Is that all there is?

 

[arkieb1]

I found my first gray hair at 11. My metabolism started slowing at 20-21. My back is bad.

And now my vision is starting to go and I need glasses. I am ordering some now and hoping that my aging slows down!

How has your body failed you?

You should try and sort it all out now because it doesn't get better with age more things get worse or start to fail. If you think life is unpleasant at 23 think of what it will be like at 43, or 53 and so on. I'm another that suffers from an autoimmune disease, severe allergies to a bunch of things, stomach ulcers, skin issues etc.....

 

[ksinger]

I hate to sound all poo poo about it because I know you're concerned, but those are not signs of aging in the standard sense. You don't get to chalk those up to aging.

Having your metabolism slow at 20 isn't aging, is usually what they used to call "the freshman 10 (or 15 or 20)". Where you leave home, mom's not watching what you eat, and now neither are you. I gained at least 20 lbs over the first 3 years of college and when I finally got on the scale was like WHAT?? Ah to be back in the days when you could whip the pounds off at a clip. Now? Uhhh...

I wore glasses from age 3 to 15, when I was able to ditch them for a decade or 2, until I hit the dreaded 40, and now I can't see a damn thing without glasses. Basically, your eyes change over your lifetime, some of which is simply human variation and not age-related.

The back can probably be improved right now by the proper exercises. That will be a bit tricky and you might need help picking the right ones for you, because there are many things that can cause back issues. The human back is a crap design overall.

But Arkie and others are correct, get what you can under control now (mainly that back thing, and whipping off any excess weight), because years of those will age you prematurely. Right now, you're still a pup and can change things and have those changes effect your quality of life for the better for decades.

And how has my body failed me? There is not enough keystrokes for it. Let's just say big bad autoimmune and leave it there.

 

[KristinTech]

My brain failed me for years, telling me that my body wasn’t capable of running and endurance exercise. At 41, I joined a local beginner triathlon group and I have completed many sprint and Olympic length races and a half marathon last year! I never thought my body was capable of that. Triathlon is one of the only times I take off my diamond studs. I wonder how many diamonds are at the bottom of those lakes I swim in!

 

[whitewave]

I bought into the whole isagenix nutrition system-- really like it a lot and have been doing it since July. I have stomach issues, inflammation, etc and the protein shakes have digestive enzymes and probiotics, etc. It has been very helpful for me.

I start back with a trainer on Tuesday-- I'm pushing 50 and I know weight training solves a lot of issues for me.

 

[anne_h]

Hello! Sorry to hear these things are getting you down.

I'm almost forty and overall am feeling well!

I have a couple medical issues, but in the grand scheme of things they are minor and I can manage around them.

I do have various family members with serious health concerns, so as I continue aging, I will keep an eye out for those.

BTW, I have worn glasses since my mid-twenties. I work in IT and have been full-time on computers my entire career. My eye care professional said she sees this a lot now... lol

Anne

 

[AprilBaby]

58 and no gray hairs! Yay! Glasses at 12, gave up contacts after my firstborn gave me dry eyes. Friday I was told I have “ baby cataracts “. Great. The peak of goodness was 35. Then it went south.

 

[kenny]

Hi Marquise_Madness, I am sorry you are feeling down about things and perhaps I can offer a different perspective for you. Consider your blessings and value what you have now. Fast forward a few decades and you will realize how wonderful your health was back when you were in your early 20s. Gray hair-Color it if you want. Metabolism slow? Check it out with your internist have blood work done and then exercise, eat right and see if you need any other medical intervention. Bad back? See a specialist and perhaps find a good PT and start doing exercises that might help relieve your discomfort.

Wishing you lots of healthy and happy decades ahead. And yes please get an eye exam if you haven't had one in the past 2 years. With whichever eye care professional you choose. Just make sure (as with all your doctors) that they are qualified and licensed and good at their profession.


How has my body failed me? Lots of auto immune issues causing skin and hair issues but I am thankful for what I can do and that generally I feel well. I didn't start developing most of my health issues until my late thirties and honestly I didn't appreciate how great my health was when I was younger so value the good health you have now and value each day and enjoy it to the fullest. Life is unpredictable at best and can change in a moment. And I for one have a new found appreciation for the good health I do have right now despite the health conditions I have.






Hi Kenny, sorry you have glaucoma and 25 years ago things were very different in the fields. However yes, I would go to the specialist who deals primarily with the disease you have so you are getting the best care. So if you have glaucoma a glaucoma specialist is who should treat you and if you have a retinal tear a retinal specialist is who should treat you and if you have cataracts and need surgery you need to see a cataract specialist. Optometrists are (generally) very skilled at providing comprehensive primary eye care and diagnosing (and in certain cases treating) ocular disease and caring for your general eye care needs. Optometrists go through a very thorough education (college, then 4 years of Optometry school and then usually complete a residency) and are quite capable of taking care of one's primary eye care needs. But to each his/her own and fortunately you have options.

I will add for those who might not know I am a (retired) Optometrist. Who did a residency and provided excellent care for my patients while I was in my profession.

http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-doctor/choose.htm

Hope your glaucoma is well controlled and that your vision is comfortable and clear.

Thank you.
I do have an ophthalmologist I love!
I see her 4 to 6 times a year (depending on my pressures) and she's performed some surgeries for my open angle glaucoma.
At over 60 my far vision is still better than 20 20.
I'm grateful I'm getting good care.

Did not mean to diss optometrists.
Just, as you say, for more serious conditions an ophthalmologist is the correct one to see.

 

[FinleysMom]

Been wearing glasses since 6th grade. Started to gray in my 30s and my thyroid was removed in 2000. Slow Metabolism and some depression are attributed to thyroid. Have your doctor check your thyroid.

FM

 

[Marquise_Madness]

Discuss all this with your doctor, not strangers on the Internet.
Find a good ophthalmologist ... NOT an optometrist that crapy insurance companies want to limit you to because an optometrist is cheaper than an ophthalmologist (which is a real doctor).
If your insurance won't pay, pay out of pocket.

I'm in my 60s; I've had glaucoma for around 25 years.
If I had obeyed my insurance company and only saw who they allow me to see (optometrists) I'd be blind now.
Insurance companies don't care about you.
They only care about profits.

Yes! My mother has glaucoma so I made sure they looked for it as well, but I have a really good support netwock and I make sure I have actual doctors who take me seriously. I do not mess around when it comes to my health, but my back is definitely something I need to work on.

Hi Marquise_Madness, I am sorry you are feeling down about things and perhaps I can offer a different perspective for you. Consider your blessings and value what you have now. Fast forward a few decades and you will realize how wonderful your health was back when you were in your early 20s. Gray hair-Color it if you want. Metabolism slow? Check it out with your internist have blood work done and then exercise, eat right and see if you need any other medical intervention. Bad back? See a specialist and perhaps find a good PT and start doing exercises that might help relieve your discomfort.

Wishing you lots of healthy and happy decades ahead. And yes please get an eye exam if you haven't had one in the past 2 years. With whichever eye care professional you choose. Just make sure (as with all your doctors) that they are qualified and licensed and good at their profession.

Yeah, I just need to take care of myself but I'm just feeling... old.

I hate to sound all poo poo about it because I know you're concerned, but those are not signs of aging in the standard sense. You don't get to chalk those up to aging.

Having your metabolism slow at 20 isn't aging, is usually what they used to call "the freshman 10 (or 15 or 20)". Where you leave home, mom's not watching what you eat, and now neither are you. I gained at least 20 lbs over the first 3 years of college and when I finally got on the scale was like WHAT?? Ah to be back in the days when you could whip the pounds off at a clip. Now? Uhhh...

I wore glasses from age 3 to 15, when I was able to ditch them for a decade or 2, until I hit the dreaded 40, and now I can't see a damn thing without glasses. Basically, your eyes change over your lifetime, some of which is simply human variation and not age-related.

The back can probably be improved right now by the proper exercises. That will be a bit tricky and you might need help picking the right ones for you, because there are many things that can cause back issues. The human back is a crap design overall.

But Arkie and others are correct, get what you can under control now (mainly that back thing, and whipping off any excess weight), because years of those will age you prematurely. Right now, you're still a pup and can change things and have those changes effect your quality of life for the better for decades.

And how has my body failed me? There is not enough keystrokes for it. Let's just say big bad autoimmune and leave it there.

Yes! I need to work on losing weight! I am working on it but I'm a stress eater.

Been wearing glasses since 6th grade. Started to gray in my 30s and my thyroid was removed in 2000. Slow Metabolism and some depression are attributed to thyroid. Have your doctor check your thyroid.

FM

I will! It was within normal levels but I think I have PCOS that is acting up because my body hair is now out of control.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I have had a myriad of small issue so far but nothing major yet, thankfully. Wear glasses/contacts and occasionally have to deal with a little carpal tunnel and a little bit of knee pain that comes and goes.
I would say the most important thing I would deal with at your age is inflammation. Get it lowered as much as you can with diet. Get rid of processed food and sugar is the best way. You will be surprised how much better you feel. Since inflammation is a big trigger is so many diseases and conditions it is probably the best thing you can do for yourself.