Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alternative

[AGBF]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Can't remember the name of the operation, but if anyone is interested, I'll go and find the details.

My mother had a, "Manchester Repair".

AGBF

 

[Gailey]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

its really noticeable for me as i decided to grow my eyebrows and let them fill in......luckily, they did....but with a lot of white. i've been getting them dyed when i go in for a facial about every 3-4 weeks.......

I mentioned above that I have my eyebrows dyed brown when I have my hair dyed blonde. I thought that the problem with my eyelashes was just that they were blonde as my eyebrows have always been, but now that I have read some postings by others I realize that women can actually (it seems) lose their eyelashes as they age. Maybe I lost mine and didn't even know it!

Deb/AGBF

Really?

OK, forget all my positive uplifting vibes, if that's the case, I'm checking out right now. There are just some things that are plain un-acceptable.

Off to work. See you guys later. XXX

 

[Matata]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Uppy you have become my heroine for detagging yourself. Gonna have to try that after I self-medicate.

Despite the betrayal of my bodily functions; loss of elasticity, flexibility, & memory; an increase in my gaseous state and an increasing resemblance to a Shar Pei, there are a few things I enjoy about my age:

I have reached a level of experience and wisdom that makes living easier. I am confident about myself & my choices.
I am relieved to no longer be burdened by all the uncertainty that comes with youth.
I no longer care so much about what others think of me.

Now that I have lived more years than I have left to live, it's easy to let go of stuff. You know, all that stuff that seemed important when we are younger that seems so silly now. It's actually painful to watch younger people winding their way through the path that will take them to old age. I'm glad I've been there and done that and don't envy those who are still early in the journey. When I read some of the threads by our PS younguns, I want to respond "oh my gawwwwd, why do you care so much, why does this bother you so much, geez if that's what you consider a major issue you ain't seen nuthin' yet" but then I remember that they are at a more tender point on the path and I am so very happy that it's a point I've left far behind.

 

[ChinaCat]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

I love this thread.

 

[junebug17]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

I've been having sleep issues too, but my problem is falling asleep. There were nights when I was laying awake until 4 a.m. Thankfully I work part-time and don't have to get up early on the days I do work...I really don't know what I would have done if I had to be someplace early. I've started taking melatonin, and it's been working for me pretty well so far.

I remember those days when I could grab a few hours sleep, then pop out of bed and be on my way, feeling and looking great. those days are long gone. Now, if I don't get at least 7 hours, I feel and look awful, and have trouble thinking clearly (well, more trouble than usual lol)

Oh, and the hair thing...it's taken me several years to stumble upon a somewhat flattering hairstyle...I tried a lot of styles, including a bob ala Nancy Grace. I just couldn't re-create any of them on my own, especially the longer styles. I finally went with a really short cut, kind of like Sharon Stones short do, but not as severe as hers. and I went a little blonder as well. I know a lot of women feel short hair ages them, but in my case I think it makes me look a little younger...well, at least now when I look in the mirror I think "eh, I look ok" instead of "OMG, let's start all over!!!"

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Hey girls! Sorry to be late to the party! Seems I have been late to lots of parties lately! Thanks Uppy for starting this thread! I am 51 and can totally relate to so many things that are written. First of all that STUPID cialis commercial! WHAT THE HECK with the two bathtubs? Whats the point??? Maybe DF can explain that one... Second, I had a hysterectomy at 43 for severe bleeding but they kept my ovaries so I didn't go into menopause. I had a FSH test in March '10 that said my level was 7 so IF the oven was open I could have triplets! Lucky me! In the last 3 weeks I am having Hot/Cold/Hot/Cold till I want to put a bullet thru my head. Dr says he doesn't want to test again till the fall cause my level wouldn't drop that fast but I think it did. If this is menopause God help me! I am the starter of the migraine/topomax thread. I am 100mg and can't remember my own name half the time so how Deb does 200 mg I don't know but at least I have no migraines. It did make me lose 10 lbs. Better to be dumb and thin than to have headaches At 51 I truly have no gray hair (no lie) but it must be the only good gene in my entire body. Looking forward to hearing more from each and every one of you! Will be away for the next two weeks on a 30th anniversary cruise (if I remember to go) so don't let this thread die out!

 

[lyra]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Okay, I have the red spots and 2 skin tags right now. I had some spots on my back removed by the dermatologist. As for the tags, the last one I had on my neck, well, I scissored it clean off. Before you freak, I only did that because when my DH went to the *same* dermie to get a tag on his neck done, the dermie used scissors. Blech, but it worked. I will try dental floss in the future. I have one in a bizarre area that has already been mentioned...

I also let my eyebrows go Brooke Shields recently...and found a lot of white shiny hairs were growing there. So I had them waxed and tweezed back into civilization with no white hairs. And the worst part is, my eyebrow hairs are so coarse that sometimes the salon trims them with scissors too. Talk about embarrassing. Thinning hair on my head (partly from diabetes and meds for that), but ample hair growing in thick elsewhere. Chin and neck especially! I swear I could grow a wimpy beard if I tried, but I wax instead. Too embarrassed even to try lasering. Unless someone tells me it is absolutely permanent.

Sometimes I have a lot of cognitive issues. It makes it hard to find words and even form sentences. This may be partly medication related also, but it is a problem in both speaking and writing. When it is really bad, my grammar completely fails me too. Doc is monitoring this for now. I was having periods of extreme forgetfulness, but for whatever reason, that has cleared up a bit. I think some of this is hormonally based.

Sorry, this seems way too me-centric. I just missed so many posts since yesterday! It's kind of awesome to be able to relate to everyone here.

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Well, I have no sense of humor today. Sorry ladies. Sometimes it just goes on Walkabout.

I worked today. Got home at 4:00, and have been laying in bed with my legs up. Boy, do they ache!! What the h*ll?? When did standing get to be an Olympic level sport? Good thing there are left over pork chops and rice in the fridge because hubby isn't happy about the amount of cooking he's been doing lately.

Cognitive issues. That's a can of squirmy worms! When I was younger, I used to get so upset when someone (especially DH) said "I forgot." I would really get pissed off, because the only way I could imagine how anybody could forget anything was if they didn't care about it. I had a mind like a steel trap! I could remember anything!! And I was smart too.

Well, since this fibromyalgia has kicked into gear (about the last 10 years) I have lost the ability to concentrate, remember things, organize myself, or even stay on a train of thought. It really bothered me for quite a while. I was program director for a medical assisting program at the local technical college. Teaching was my identity, and I was good!! Damn it, I was a great teacher!!! But it became harder and harder to keep things going to the level I expected of myself. In 2004 I took an extended medical leave of absence for the spring semester. I also started seeing a therapist. I went back to work in August, but by the end of that December it was obvious that I was not able to operate to my expectations, and I had no desire to "just go through the motions" as some of my coworkers suggested. So, I resigned. From my job, my career, my personal identity! If it weren't for the wonderful therapist I was seeing, who helped me realize that I didn't need to keep scrambling to "get back to where I was," but instead to move ahead to where I was going, I would have had a complete break down! Thank you, Charlotte!

Since then, I've put both my medical and educational degrees on the shelf, and last fall I agreed to take a part time job at my kids' high school running the little snack shop they have. I haven't had to stress myself mentally. I still get to interact with the kids and feel like I'm making a difference. And it gets my off my lazy ass and out of my own head for 3 days a week. Now, if I were only happy earning minimum wage with my master's degree, it would be perfect!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

how do you know if you are getting old??.... when you become a gardener...

 

[Gailey]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

how do you know if you are getting old??.... when you become a gardener...

Or a koi keeper.

You're dodging my challenge DF, and everyone knows it.

 

[soocool]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

My DD and DH laugh at me when I speak because I will use the wrong word when I swear I said the correct word.

Earlier I stood up to grab the remote and picked up a letter instead. I asked DH did I take the letter instead of the remote? (They were right next to each other) and he said he was wondering why I took it instead of the remote.

Funny thing is I remember phone numbers, addressses, birthdays, anniversaries, people from childhood, what bills need to be paid, all my dad's appointments, but I couldn't remember where I put my coffee mug this morning. DH asked why I left a full mug on my vanity. I didn't know that, I made a second mug wondering where my usual mug was.

Well tomorrow I am having a stress test. I have been having a bit of a heart rhythmn problem lately and the cardio noticed my bp was a little elevated. I am usually 110/60 and last week it was 120/88. Better be safe. I'll catch up with everyone when I get back!

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Sending prayers with you, soocool.

 

[risingsun]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Well, I have no sense of humor today. Sorry ladies. Sometimes it just goes on Walkabout.

I worked today. Got home at 4:00, and have been laying in bed with my legs up. Boy, do they ache!! What the h*ll?? When did standing get to be an Olympic level sport? Good thing there are left over pork chops and rice in the fridge because hubby isn't happy about the amount of cooking he's been doing lately.

Cognitive issues. That's a can of squirmy worms! When I was younger, I used to get so upset when someone (especially DH) said "I forgot." I would really get pissed off, because the only way I could imagine how anybody could forget anything was if they didn't care about it. I had a mind like a steel trap! I could remember anything!! And I was smart too.

Well, since this fibromyalgia has kicked into gear (about the last 10 years) I have lost the ability to concentrate, remember things, organize myself, or even stay on a train of thought. It really bothered me for quite a while. I was program director for a medical assisting program at the local technical college. Teaching was my identity, and I was good!! Damn it, I was a great teacher!!! But it became harder and harder to keep things going to the level I expected of myself. In 2004 I took an extended medical leave of absence for the spring semester. I also started seeing a therapist. I went back to work in August, but by the end of that December it was obvious that I was not able to operate to my expectations, and I had no desire to "just go through the motions" as some of my coworkers suggested. So, I resigned. From my job, my career, my personal identity! If it weren't for the wonderful therapist I was seeing, who helped me realize that I didn't need to keep scrambling to "get back to where I was," but instead to move ahead to where I was going, I would have had a complete break down! Thank you, Charlotte!

Since then, I've put both my medical and educational degrees on the shelf, and last fall I agreed to take a part time job at my kids' high school running the little snack shop they have. I haven't had to stress myself mentally. I still get to interact with the kids and feel like I'm making a difference. And it gets my off my lazy a$$ and out of my own head for 3 days a week. Now, if I were only happy earning minimum wage with my master's degree, it would be perfect!

This is exactly how I feel. As if I have lost my identity. One day I was practicing as an LPC, that evening I was in the emergency department. I never returned to work. This was ~two years ago. I was supposed to be out on medical leave for two weeks, then three months, then six months. By then, I knew I could not return. Working at a behavioral health center at a hospital is stressful. A dear friend and colleague also left the hospital to practice on her own. We decided, if/when I felt better, I would join her practice. She died suddenly, several months ago, at age 53. There have been so many losses that coming back from them is like trying to move a mountain. I have muliple health problems and, currently, I am only in touch with my daughter by email. This is her decision. You are all welcome to tell me to lighten up and tell me to "look on the bright side"--I play the Python video, myself, with some frequency. I'm not doing well. For me to post here, I need to be honest about who I am and where I am in my life.

 

[ksinger]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Well, I have no sense of humor today. Sorry ladies. Sometimes it just goes on Walkabout.

I worked today. Got home at 4:00, and have been laying in bed with my legs up. Boy, do they ache!! What the h*ll?? When did standing get to be an Olympic level sport? Good thing there are left over pork chops and rice in the fridge because hubby isn't happy about the amount of cooking he's been doing lately.

Cognitive issues. That's a can of squirmy worms! When I was younger, I used to get so upset when someone (especially DH) said "I forgot." I would really get pissed off, because the only way I could imagine how anybody could forget anything was if they didn't care about it. I had a mind like a steel trap! I could remember anything!! And I was smart too.

Well, since this fibromyalgia has kicked into gear (about the last 10 years) I have lost the ability to concentrate, remember things, organize myself, or even stay on a train of thought. It really bothered me for quite a while. I was program director for a medical assisting program at the local technical college. Teaching was my identity, and I was good!! Damn it, I was a great teacher!!! But it became harder and harder to keep things going to the level I expected of myself. In 2004 I took an extended medical leave of absence for the spring semester. I also started seeing a therapist. I went back to work in August, but by the end of that December it was obvious that I was not able to operate to my expectations, and I had no desire to "just go through the motions" as some of my coworkers suggested. So, I resigned. From my job, my career, my personal identity! If it weren't for the wonderful therapist I was seeing, who helped me realize that I didn't need to keep scrambling to "get back to where I was," but instead to move ahead to where I was going, I would have had a complete break down! Thank you, Charlotte!

Since then, I've put both my medical and educational degrees on the shelf, and last fall I agreed to take a part time job at my kids' high school running the little snack shop they have. I haven't had to stress myself mentally. I still get to interact with the kids and feel like I'm making a difference. And it gets my off my lazy a$$ and out of my own head for 3 days a week. Now, if I were only happy earning minimum wage with my master's degree, it would be perfect!

Ah Uppy! I'm so sorry! And you're scaring me. I've been going downhill fast these last few years. And I've just kept telling myself that I've gained weight/I'm getting older etc. But I should have known something big was up when I found in 2005 that I really couldn't "walk" anymore.
Long story short, in 2005, I decided I wanted to get in shape. When I went out to walk, I...couldn't. I didn't know it at the time, but I have a bad case of hypermobile joints. They don't necessarily make life miserable, but for some lucky few they do. I'm one of them apparently. I've had more left ankle sprains over the years than I can count, and have had "flat feet" from birth. Not really flat feet though, I found, but loose ligaments. In the last few years I had 3 separate docs write that or mention it to me, kinda like a throwaway diagnosis. "You have 1 herniated disc and 2 compressed, in your neck...and oh, BTW, you have Hypermobile Joint Syndrome." "That's a bad sprain....OMG, those feet, you have "loose joints". "You need custom orthotics for those feet and it should help some of that back pain..and you have hypermobile joints." I started googling and it was a revelation. So much of my life, all the way back to childhood even, is explained by those blasted joints.

However, in the last couple of years, not only have I had the back/neck/ankle problems, I have had a decrease in stamina, headaches ALL the time, and it's gotten to where my husband can't even touch my back, and I used to be able to stand a really firm backrub. Now it's OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! And my collarbones hurt, and my hips hurt and my rib cage hurts and the mornings destroy me. OMG. And I stay stiff ALL day, it never goes away. And I could complain forever, but I won't.

I finally started the process to see what's wrong, but it took SO much to force me in there! By the time I actually go to the doctor I've already felt like crap so long it seems normal. But I suspect it's not. And I SO don't want to end up disabled. I think that's what galvanized me. Right now I'm moving pretty well, and summer is my best time (although I hate the heat) because high heat and no fronts make me feel better. I'll be laid out when the spring and fall fronts begin to roll through....

I never ever thought I'd end up like this, and I don't know how to wrap myself around it yet.

Again, I'm very sorry for your day. To some degree I can relate.

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Marian, this is and will continue to be a safe haven for all of us!! No apologizing for needing to vent or having a brief (and I mean granny panty brief) episode of poor me. We will pat each other on the back, pour a virtual glass of spirits, and help find the bright side of life. We are who we are, but we are not defined by our situations or limitations.

Ksinger, aren't you an Okie too? Can you remind me of where you live? I wish I had magic answers but I don't. All I do know from going through this is there are some wonderful new ways to look at yourself and the world when you aren't too busy looking at who you used to be. This may not thrill you, but there is a correlation between HMS and fibro. I'm going to give you a link to another forum I belong to. I has been helpful for me from time to time when I needed info or to connect with others who are challenged by fibro.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/fibromyalgia-discussions

Now, let's all pull up our support hose and find someone else to make fun of!!!!

 

[gemgirl]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

I've been having sleep issues too, but my problem is falling asleep. There were nights when I was laying awake until 4 a.m. Thankfully I work part-time and don't have to get up early on the days I do work...I really don't know what I would have done if I had to be someplace early. I've started taking melatonin, and it's been working for me pretty well so far.

I remember those days when I could grab a few hours sleep, then pop out of bed and be on my way, feeling and looking great. those days are long gone. Now, if I don't get at least 7 hours, I feel and look awful, and have trouble thinking clearly (well, more trouble than usual lol)

Oh, and the hair thing...it's taken me several years to stumble upon a somewhat flattering hairstyle...I tried a lot of styles, including a bob ala Nancy Grace. I just couldn't re-create any of them on my own, especially the longer styles. I finally went with a really short cut, kind of like Sharon Stones short do, but not as severe as hers. and I went a little blonder as well. I know a lot of women feel short hair ages them, but in my case I think it makes me look a little younger...well, at least now when I look in the mirror I think "eh, I look ok" instead of "OMG, let's start all over!!!"

junebug, how does melatonin make you feel after you take it? Do you feel woozy and sleepy? I've never taken anything to help me sleep because I really don't want to feel drugged before I fall asleep.

 

[ksinger]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Marian, this is and will continue to be a safe haven for all of us!! No apologizing for needing to vent or having a brief (and I mean granny panty brief) episode of poor me. We will pat each other on the back, pour a virtual glass of spirits, and help find the bright side of life. We are who we are, but we are not defined by our situations or limitations.

Ksinger, aren't you an Okie too? Can you remind me of where you live? I wish I had magic answers but I don't. All I do know from going through this is there are some wonderful new ways to look at yourself and the world when you aren't too busy looking at who you used to be. This may not thrill you, but there is a correlation between HMS and fibro. I'm going to give you a link to another forum I belong to. I has been helpful for me from time to time when I needed info or to connect with others who are challenged by fibro.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/fibromyalgia-discussions

Now, let's all pull up our support hose and find someone else to make fun of!!!!

Yep. Okie too. Up north a bit, of OU town. But I'll be down that way mid-Sept taking weekly jewelry class (again) at The Firehouse.

And yes, I have read of that connection between HMS and fibro, and that HMS can mimic it. It makes sense in a way, since you start out with pain quite early. But regardless of how they end up labeling it, it is probably going to have to be managed in the same way, since fibro/hms is pretty much about symptoms anyway.

Right now I'm getting as much massage as I can afford. I'm trying to get myself un-anemic (I'm sure that's not helping) and am considering trying t'ai chi again - news is it's supposed to be good for this.

I've been feeling reasonably good lately except for the blasted migraines which kicked into high gear the second the GP threw samples of Cymbalta at me. I seemed to hurt less bodywise, but the migraine increase kinda made it a wash, and then I found out that it's been kicking up my BP, so I'm getting myself off that stuff. Don't need migraines and BP issues, thanks. I'm supposed to see a rheumatologist at the end of this month, but I'm just worried he'll be an arrogant jackwad. I hope not. I don't need someone looking down his nose at me. I'm liable to throttle him, or tell him off. Grr.

Oh, and when this has been the worst? 14/18 points. EASY. Right now, not so many, but as I said.

And yes, I'm shutting up now.

 

[risingsun]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Uppy~ I love you like a sister! You have done a good thing here. I'm going to watch "Look On the Bright Side of Life" and think of you

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

I've been having sleep issues too, but my problem is falling asleep. There were nights when I was laying awake until 4 a.m. Thankfully I work part-time and don't have to get up early on the days I do work...I really don't know what I would have done if I had to be someplace early. I've started taking melatonin, and it's been working for me pretty well so far.

I remember those days when I could grab a few hours sleep, then pop out of bed and be on my way, feeling and looking great. those days are long gone. Now, if I don't get at least 7 hours, I feel and look awful, and have trouble thinking clearly (well, more trouble than usual lol)

Oh, and the hair thing...it's taken me several years to stumble upon a somewhat flattering hairstyle...I tried a lot of styles, including a bob ala Nancy Grace. I just couldn't re-create any of them on my own, especially the longer styles. I finally went with a really short cut, kind of like Sharon Stones short do, but not as severe as hers. and I went a little blonder as well. I know a lot of women feel short hair ages them, but in my case I think it makes me look a little younger...well, at least now when I look in the mirror I think "eh, I look ok" instead of "OMG, let's start all over!!!"

junebug, how does melatonin make you feel after you take it? Do you feel woozy and sleepy? I've never taken anything to help me sleep because I really don't want to feel drugged before I fall asleep.

I know I'm not Junebug, but maybe I can give you some info that can help you decide if melatonin is something you want to try.

Melatonin is a natural substance made in the pineal gland in the brain. This substance is responsible for what is technically called our circadian rhythms, our natural sleep and wake cycles. It is secreted at different times of the day based on what your normal sleep habits are. Have you ever known someone who works midnights and then sleeps all day? Babies pineal glands are not regulated for several months after birth. And I know you've heard the term "jet lag." This means your melatonin secretion is not aligned to your current daylight/darkness location on the earth.

Sometimes our pineal gland gets mucked up and its rhythm gets out of whack. I go through periods of time when I find myself wide awake at 3:30 EVERY MORNING!! To get yourself through times like that, you can take suppliments of plant based melatonin within an hour of going to bed. It should help you fall asleep, and if all your parts are working correctly, even help reregulate your own secretion. There are some cautions about taking it all the time and tricking your own body into not producing its own melatonin. I'm not going to get into a discussion on that. But I suggest if you decide to try it, go to a health food store and ask an employee about the different types of product. Health food stores are pretty rigorous about what brands they stock (since there is no federal regulation on suppliments). I would hesitate to buy from WalMart or other such national superstores. Suggested dosage is 3mg, however I take a 10mg because I'm so resistant to it due to fibromyalgia. It is a water soluble substance so you should have to worry about toxic levels. It's out with the first morning pee!!

Hope this helps!! Oh, and to answer your question, it doesn't give you the "groggy" feeling or the hangover effect the next morning.

 

[gemgirl]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Well, I have no sense of humor today. Sorry ladies. Sometimes it just goes on Walkabout.

I worked today. Got home at 4:00, and have been laying in bed with my legs up. Boy, do they ache!! What the h*ll?? When did standing get to be an Olympic level sport? Good thing there are left over pork chops and rice in the fridge because hubby isn't happy about the amount of cooking he's been doing lately.

Cognitive issues. That's a can of squirmy worms! When I was younger, I used to get so upset when someone (especially DH) said "I forgot." I would really get pissed off, because the only way I could imagine how anybody could forget anything was if they didn't care about it. I had a mind like a steel trap! I could remember anything!! And I was smart too.

Well, since this fibromyalgia has kicked into gear (about the last 10 years) I have lost the ability to concentrate, remember things, organize myself, or even stay on a train of thought. It really bothered me for quite a while. I was program director for a medical assisting program at the local technical college. Teaching was my identity, and I was good!! Damn it, I was a great teacher!!! But it became harder and harder to keep things going to the level I expected of myself. In 2004 I took an extended medical leave of absence for the spring semester. I also started seeing a therapist. I went back to work in August, but by the end of that December it was obvious that I was not able to operate to my expectations, and I had no desire to "just go through the motions" as some of my coworkers suggested. So, I resigned. From my job, my career, my personal identity! If it weren't for the wonderful therapist I was seeing, who helped me realize that I didn't need to keep scrambling to "get back to where I was," but instead to move ahead to where I was going, I would have had a complete break down! Thank you, Charlotte!

Since then, I've put both my medical and educational degrees on the shelf, and last fall I agreed to take a part time job at my kids' high school running the little snack shop they have. I haven't had to stress myself mentally. I still get to interact with the kids and feel like I'm making a difference. And it gets my off my lazy a$$ and out of my own head for 3 days a week. Now, if I were only happy earning minimum wage with my master's degree, it would be perfect!

Since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia fifteen yrs. ago (though I've had it for 19 yrs. or more) I have felt like my body has failed me, but even worse than that for me is the cognitive dysfunction. I worked too, was good at what I did, and was on a path to futher career success when I forced to quit because of chronic unbeatable untreatable fatigue. My immune system was in the toilet and I got sick so damned often. But the lack of mental clarity, the word finding issues, the short term memory loss, the loss of comprehension when reading etc etc etc, just blows whatever is left of my once very sharp mind. I had a amazing memory before FM & CFIDS and now I am reduced to post-its, wall calendars, pocket planners and notepads left everywhere around my house. I force myself to write for our marriage ministry, it's my way of contributing something, but people should only know what I go through to get clear thoughts down on paper or into an email.

Recently what has nagged at me most about the cognitive dysfunction that I've already been experiencing for the past fifteen years, is watching my Aunt (my Mom's sister) who is in the advanced stages of dementia. She has about a fifteen to twenty second memory span. My Mom also has dementia, though she is only about four years in, is absolutely forgetful and lacking both short term and long term memory, but she can still carry on a conversation. I've been wondering what will happen to me with the combination of cognitive disability I have now plus my family's predisposition to dementia. I really worry about forgetting everything and getting to the point of never having a clear minded thought again.

 

[PinkTower]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Sending prayers with you, soocool.

I teach school and hardly have time to breathe. I took a little break today to call about a health insurance deductible issue. You know, all the health insurance paperwork is equal to a part time job. Well, I go into my tote bag to get out my cell phone. The tote bag is stashed in a storage closet next to the classroom. Guess what I found? My cordless phone handset from home. I brought it to work in my tote bag??? Scary. No wonder no one called me all day.

 

[lyra]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Uppy, Marian and KS, I'm sorry for all you've been through.

Marian (lord I hope you're Marian, RisingSun!), I really relate to your losses added onto your health issues. I have had the idea that I was alone in that sort of thing. Especially the personal losses. It does a real number on you mentally as well as emotionally. It changes your life, doesn't it? I hope you have better days.

Right now I'm waiting on a shoulder MRI in October. Hahah, now my hip on that side is failing too. I've also been told I have an unknown or un-something auto-immune disorder. (Sorry, the brain isn't on today.) I was tested for lupus, but it's not that. I have all the symptoms of fibro, but the docs here don't really treat it they just go one complaint at a time. Pain management is hard to obtain up here. The last thing I need is more meds though! I think I take 11 pills a day right now.

I find some relief with massage therapy, but they just upped their rates to $70 per 45 mins. and $90 per hour. My DH wants me to be comfortable, but I cannot justify to myself spending almost $400 per month on 4 hours of therapy. Maybe 2 sessions. Have any of you tried anything that really helped?

Uppy it sounds great that you are connected to your kids through the school job. I know it has been a blow to have to leave a career that you loved though. Hope you have a better day tomorrow!

PS. Good luck on the stress test tomorrow SoCool!

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Marian, this is and will continue to be a safe haven for all of us!! No apologizing for needing to vent or having a brief (and I mean granny panty brief) episode of poor me. We will pat each other on the back, pour a virtual glass of spirits, and help find the bright side of life. We are who we are, but we are not defined by our situations or limitations.

Ksinger, aren't you an Okie too? Can you remind me of where you live? I wish I had magic answers but I don't. All I do know from going through this is there are some wonderful new ways to look at yourself and the world when you aren't too busy looking at who you used to be. This may not thrill you, but there is a correlation between HMS and fibro. I'm going to give you a link to another forum I belong to. I has been helpful for me from time to time when I needed info or to connect with others who are challenged by fibro.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/fibromyalgia-discussions

Now, let's all pull up our support hose and find someone else to make fun of!!!!

Yep. Okie too. Up north a bit, of OU town. But I'll be down that way mid-Sept taking weekly jewelry class (again) at The Firehouse.

And yes, I have read of that connection between HMS and fibro, and that HMS can mimic it. It makes sense in a way, since you start out with pain quite early. But regardless of how they end up labeling it, it is probably going to have to be managed in the same way, since fibro/hms is pretty much about symptoms anyway.

Right now I'm getting as much massage as I can afford. I'm trying to get myself un-anemic (I'm sure that's not helping) and am considering trying t'ai chi again - news is it's supposed to be good for this.

I've been feeling reasonably good lately except for the blasted migraines which kicked into high gear the second the GP threw samples of Cymbalta at me. I seemed to hurt less bodywise, but the migraine increase kinda made it a wash, and then I found out that it's been kicking up my BP, so I'm getting myself off that stuff. Don't need migraines and BP issues, thanks. I'm supposed to see a rheumatologist at the end of this month, but I'm just worried he'll be an arrogant jackwad. I hope not. I don't need someone looking down his nose at me. I'm liable to throttle him, or tell him off. Grr.

Oh, and when this has been the worst? 14/18 points. EASY. Right now, not so many, but as I said.

And yes, I'm shutting up now.

REALLY??? I took the jewelry class there a couple of years ago and loved it! Meg (OUPeargirl) and I were just talking yesterday about signing up for it. Are you doing the evening class or a daytime class?? Wouldn't it be fun to do together????

I'm sorry the Cymbalta flared up your migraines. Mine seem to have been at bay for about a year now, and the Cymbalta is my go-to med. That and Lunesta for sleep. One of our other poster friends (she can out herself if she wishes) started on Lyrica about 2 months ago and last I asked she was doing wonderfully better. I HATE finding good doctors!! I switched about 2 years ago because my former doc did nothing but throw meds at me and I was a walking zombie. The new doctor is much better about listening to me, but I wish she'd be a little looser with prescribed the "as needed" or occasional pain meds/muscle relaxers.

 

[PinkTower]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Just wondering, am I the only person in our group that has Crohn's Disease? I know Sundial's son has it; I hope she finds out about us.

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Just wondering, am I the only person in our group that has Crohn's Disease? I know Sundial's son has it; I hope she finds out about us.

I miss Whitby!!! She's the expert in beating Crohn's with a stick.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

uppy - how much does the dental floss thing hurt? be honest here lol I have perhaps a TMI thing here... but here goes, I got one under my left boob and it was close to the crease so it got a lot of friction and that thing took on a life of its own it got so big... it got some sort of blood source. Anyway, on to the good news... it was getting infected a little bit so I took a bandaid and neosporin and changed it a couple times a day and I'm telling you, after having that thing for a couple years gradually getting worse, within just a few weeks it was GONE. Never clipped it... but there is nothing there where it had gotten to be huge and black and... like I said, tmi I'm sure but in case this helps anyone, had to share lol

I really really don't want to click send - this is the right thread for these disclosures right? lol

 

[ksinger]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Marian, this is and will continue to be a safe haven for all of us!! No apologizing for needing to vent or having a brief (and I mean granny panty brief) episode of poor me. We will pat each other on the back, pour a virtual glass of spirits, and help find the bright side of life. We are who we are, but we are not defined by our situations or limitations.

Ksinger, aren't you an Okie too? Can you remind me of where you live? I wish I had magic answers but I don't. All I do know from going through this is there are some wonderful new ways to look at yourself and the world when you aren't too busy looking at who you used to be. This may not thrill you, but there is a correlation between HMS and fibro. I'm going to give you a link to another forum I belong to. I has been helpful for me from time to time when I needed info or to connect with others who are challenged by fibro.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/fibromyalgia-discussions

Now, let's all pull up our support hose and find someone else to make fun of!!!!

Yep. Okie too. Up north a bit, of OU town. But I'll be down that way mid-Sept taking weekly jewelry class (again) at The Firehouse.

And yes, I have read of that connection between HMS and fibro, and that HMS can mimic it. It makes sense in a way, since you start out with pain quite early. But regardless of how they end up labeling it, it is probably going to have to be managed in the same way, since fibro/hms is pretty much about symptoms anyway.

Right now I'm getting as much massage as I can afford. I'm trying to get myself un-anemic (I'm sure that's not helping) and am considering trying t'ai chi again - news is it's supposed to be good for this.

I've been feeling reasonably good lately except for the blasted migraines which kicked into high gear the second the GP threw samples of Cymbalta at me. I seemed to hurt less bodywise, but the migraine increase kinda made it a wash, and then I found out that it's been kicking up my BP, so I'm getting myself off that stuff. Don't need migraines and BP issues, thanks. I'm supposed to see a rheumatologist at the end of this month, but I'm just worried he'll be an arrogant jackwad. I hope not. I don't need someone looking down his nose at me. I'm liable to throttle him, or tell him off. Grr.

Oh, and when this has been the worst? 14/18 points. EASY. Right now, not so many, but as I said.

And yes, I'm shutting up now.

REALLY??? I took the jewelry class there a couple of years ago and loved it! Meg (OUPeargirl) and I were just talking yesterday about signing up for it. Are you doing the evening class or a daytime class?? Wouldn't it be fun to do together????

I'm sorry the Cymbalta flared up your migraines. Mine seem to have been at bay for about a year now, and the Cymbalta is my go-to med. That and Lunesta for sleep. One of our other poster friends (she can out herself if she wishes) started on Lyrica about 2 months ago and last I asked she was doing wonderfully better. I HATE finding good doctors!! I switched about 2 years ago because my former doc did nothing but throw meds at me and I was a walking zombie. The new doctor is much better about listening to me, but I wish she'd be a little looser with prescribed the "as needed" or occasional pain meds/muscle relaxers.

Yes! It would be a ball to take it with you guys! I'm taking the Tues evening class. It makes for a 40 minute drive home, but it's worth it. Check out their site and see if they have any openings. I think it starts the 14th?

Oh, and I've just been at your forum link. Holy crap. Reading a really good list of symptoms, and gosh darn but I have a laundry list of them, not all thank goodness, but more than I like. Sheesh...

I refused the Lyrica. I don't want to risk the weight gain. He just looked at me and blinked. I may get to the point where I don't care, but I can't help but think that more weight on my poor loose joints can't be a good long-term approach.

Oh well, I hope you guys can get in the class. Some of us swore to come back so I'm expecting at least a couple of people I know to show up again.

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Cehra~ Yep, we said any issue was a valid issue. And that was an ISSUE!!!!! Damned freakin' bras make everything worse, don't they? I'm glad the neosporin worked for you. I think that and Excedrin migraine are the closest things to miracle meds that science has given us.

The dental floss thing can sometimes give one sharp pain. Just don't be a weenie when pulling on the ends! Get it done the first time. Sometimes there's a capillary feeding the thing and I have to stop the flow with a tissue. But then, after its done bleeding, I just coat with neosporin and slap on the bandaid. Twenty-four hours later you'd never know it was there.

I think maybe I need to start an alley way medical service for all those quick fixes that the doctors charge up the wing-wang for!

 

[risingsun]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Uppy, Marian and KS, I'm sorry for all you've been through.

Marian (lord I hope you're Marian, RisingSun!), I really relate to your losses added onto your health issues. I have had the idea that I was alone in that sort of thing. Especially the personal losses. It does a real number on you mentally as well as emotionally. It changes your life, doesn't it? I hope you have better days.

Right now I'm waiting on a shoulder MRI in October. Hahah, now my hip on that side is failing too. I've also been told I have an unknown or un-something auto-immune disorder. (Sorry, the brain isn't on today.) I was tested for lupus, but it's not that. I have all the symptoms of fibro, but the docs here don't really treat it they just go one complaint at a time. Pain management is hard to obtain up here. The last thing I need is more meds though! I think I take 11 pills a day right now.

I find some relief with massage therapy, but they just upped their rates to $70 per 45 mins. and $90 per hour. My DH wants me to be comfortable, but I cannot justify to myself spending almost $400 per month on 4 hours of therapy. Maybe 2 sessions. Have any of you tried anything that really helped?

Uppy it sounds great that you are connected to your kids through the school job. I know it has been a blow to have to leave a career that you loved though. Hope you have a better day tomorrow!

PS. Good luck on the stress test tomorrow SoCool!

Yes, lyra, risingsun=Marian! The losses have been the worse. Loss of career, loss of self, loss of health, loss of relationships for various reasons. Feeling a loss of purpose and meaning. I think because everything happened so quickly, I had no time to prepare for "what comes next." The current developmental milestone I need to negotiate is generativity versus stagnation. I am stuck. I'm hoping to find some pain relief within the next few weeks. That will help significantly. I can't take most pain meds, so I have to have nerve blocks and the like. I'm recovering from an injury to my ribs and it makes me downright testy. The rift with my daughter is very draining. I trust we will work it out, but it is taking what little reserve I have left. The longer it lasts, the more exhausted I feel. I used to be very good at helping my patients deal with loss. I'm not very good at helping myself. I had an appointment with a therapist, which I had to cancel because I hurt too much to get there. I am planning to try something called neurofeedback. It's similar to biofeedback, but it works directly with the brain. Mine could certainly use a tune up.

 

[Gayletmom]

Re: Getting older isn't so bad when you consider the alterna

Dang, this thread is moving fast! I leave the house for a couple of hours and we've added pages! Anybody think maybe this was waaaaay overdue?

To all of you with health issues-Uppy, RisingSun, Lyra, Ksinger and anyone I failed to mention-please know that you can come here and unburden yourself. There are few things that I can think of that are more challenging than feeling bad regularly. I wish that I had some substantive advice to offer but I'm sending my thoughts and prayers.

I am relieved to be avoiding major health issues although this peri-menopause sucks! Anybody considered bio-identical HRT? I have a couple of thoughtful friends who are trying it and I need to take the time to investigate.

Someone asked about botox and I use it on my forehead. I was fortunate to find a nurse practitioner who does skincare and is very conservative with the stuff. She uses about 20% of the dose that most plastic surgeons use and it's done wonders for the lines. I'm afraid to try it, however, around my mouth or anywhere that it might impact my facial expressions.