The indignities of aging! It seems that the human body, once it gets past 50 or so, develops an array of ailments large and small, regardless of lifestyle. Diet and exercise can hold some conditions at bay; with others, it comes down to factors that can’t be changed like genes, gender and flat out luck (or the lack thereof). Should we live so long, at one point we will all develop our “stuff” (as it is commonly called in the YMCA women’s locker room). My personal “stuff” has mostly to do with skin and bones.
“Oh you poor thing, you’re just skin and bones!” It’s the lament of many a grandmother, applied to their rangy-limbed however-many-pound descendants. Apparently they’ve been saying this since the early 1400s to describe those who are painfully thin or emaciated.
No one says that about me.
Just wait a few years, 9, it will be a hot topic at every family dinner.
I’ve blogged about the skin issue- -skin cancer, to be specific- -in the past:
https://www.susandmatley.com/official-blog/a-vampires-garden-with-the-people-inside/
Skin and Bones: In my vampire days, skin was more of an issue. . .
Fortunately, the topical prescription mentioned in that post did eradicate the basal cell carcinoma. This beat the heck out of previous other removals through MOHS surgery, and the festively nick-named “Burn and Scrape” method. It was far less expensive, too.
The wonders of modern medicine.
Which brings me to the topic of bones. I’m sure I’ve mentioned osteoporosis plenty of times in public and in private. This disease is item two of my major “stuff,” diagnosed and tested for in many ways for two-plus years. In my initial treatment approach I tried to improve (or at least maintain) bone density exclusively through strength training and a powerhouse calcium supplement. Eighteen months later my bone density was slightly worse; pharmaceutical intervention was highly recommended. I am not, and never have been, a “better living through drugs” type of person, but when it’s time, it’s time.
Skin and Bones: some of the 206 bones in the human body.
You started that pill thingy.
A bisphosphonate called Fosamax. Unfortunately, the once-weekly pill irritated my esophagus, which can cause ulcers and even worse things. The replacement treatment is the annual infusion of a different bisphosphonate, Reclast.
So you only have to do that once a year instead of every week?
Exactly. And instead of a constantly irritated esophagus, Reclast just makes someone feel like they have the flu a day or two after it’s injected.
Injected? You mean you have a SHOT?
Honestly, 9, I didn’t even feel it.
That’s what grown-ups always say!
In this case, it’s true. Nurse David, who says he has absolutely the best job at Walla Walla Clinic, slipped the needle into my arm so painlessly I didn’t even realize he’d done it! This happened in a pleasant, quiet room. The infusion, that puts the medicine into my bloodstream, took about 20 minutes. I am also continuing the powerhouse calcium supplement and strength training. Hopefully this three-part approach will result in a more encouraging bone density scan next fall.
Skin, and bones, and all the other physical, mental and emotional components that make us who we are. Repairs, maintenance, success- -and sometimes not so much success. But as mere mortals we keep trying, right?
Hi Susan, Sorry about the bone density thing and the skin cancer. I’ve had my share of MOHS and similar procedures. Ack! Fortunately, my bones, so far, are good–probably from skiing my whole life and my German genes. I hope the new shot works well. Take care, friend.
Hi Julie! My German genes did not come to the forefront, I resemble the Irish part of the family more ways than not. My sister favors the German, and, at 67, has the bone density of a teenager. I have a suspicion that you and I are going to grow into being unusually healthy and superbly feisty old women in two or three decades! Thanks for reading, commenting, and caring, I very much appreciate it.