Old Age

I don't look (my opinion) or feel (most of the time) old.  However, as I "mature", I'm finding we mature people are forced to put up with things we didn't even think about in earlier times.  I have been very lucky to be healthy, and except for a few issues playing softball, I've been able to enjoy an active retirement with only minor aches and soreness.  (As we say here in old people's land, "if we ever get up in the morning and don't feel sore, we must be dead".  Anyway, unlike most of my friends I've also not had to take any "maintenance" pills.  That has just changed.

I've had sore hands off and on for several years and I've taken Aleve to reduce my discomfort so I can do the things I want to do.  Several doctors in Texas and here in Florida, after several tests, could not find anything wrong.  A couple of weeks ago, while Les was here, my hands hurt so bad I had to stop playing golf after about 14 or 15 holes.

I just changed doctors last year and like all the others, after discussing my past hand issues, he told me if it happens again to call immediately and he would see me.  So after Les left the next day, I called and got in to see his PA (almost a doctor).  After an hour discussing my issue (when do you ever see a medical person for an hour?), it was decided to do some blood tests to try to at least eliminate some things.

The following week, I was informed we have a "winner".  It's called Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Since it's only in my hands and not other joints, it's thought to be minor and after another hour discussion last Friday with my doctor and his PA, we decided to use a drug called Plaquenil (the official name is three times as long and I can't pronounce it) at least until I see a Rheumatologist.

So as I've said many times, it's not easy being mature and every time I heard a young person say they can't wait until they get old enough to retire and enjoy The Villages' lifestyle, I tell them it's great here, but I would trade it for their youth in a heartbeat.