GETTING OLD AIN'T FOR THE FAINT OF HEART (MAE WEST)

Although Fall is my favorite season, I come to it each year with some mixed emotions. Every year at this time, I begin my scheduled yearly medical exams. As I approach my 68th birthday, I have just completed a series of gel shots for an ailing right knee that locks conservatively about 8-10 times a day. At the end of these shots, I did not have a lot of relief, so an MRI was requested. Not surprisingly, I have arthritis and "complex" meniscus tears due to old age. With no assurance that arthroscopic surgery could help the locking, I shall endure this issue for the time being. Next, was the first time comprehensive hearing test. The good news-my hearing is PERFECT! The bad news-I have negative pressure and my eustacian tubes are dysfunctional. WHATEVER... I'll take sudafed when I fly. After the hearing exam, I went through an intensive eye exam which lasted over two hours. Good News again-perfect eye sight, but bad allergies, and just continue with over the counter readers. The next appointment was to my Endocrinologist who monitors my osteoporosis, my sugar, my nine nodules in my neck, and prescribes Prolia shots that I get twice a year. My nodules have shrunk-HURRAY! Coming up: My annual Ob-gyn appointment, my annual physical with my internist; my annual visit to my cardiologist; and finally, my annual bone density and mammography. By the time I have completed all these examinations, it's spring again! Oh-I forgot to mention my 3 times a year dental cleanings, and my annual body scan with my dermatologist!! Ironically, U.S. News came out today with a report that all American adults under the age of 65 should be screened for anxiety disorders. The task force didn't recommend that seniors over 65 get screened since symptoms of anxiety and aging can overlap! How can we NOT be anxious? We are constantly dealing with waiting for our lab results, and sitting for hours in various doctor's waiting rooms? What happened to the time when we went to a doctor once a year for only our annual physical? Those days are long gone! I have a friend who says that we can only talk about one body part at a meal and then we must zip it! Despite all my complaining, I realize that getting older is better than the alternative. It is a benefit not afforded to everyone. And, in many cultures, old age is held in particularly high esteem. But, old age is rarely celebrated. The bottom line is that we can either view aging as an opportunity or a deficiency. I choose to view it as an opportunity. That being said, there are a few concerns I must express to you. For example, who will monitor the random hair growth on my face when I can no longer see it, or have hands that can't manipulate the tweezers? Or, will I be mistaken for a turkey at Thanksgiving when people are sitting across from my neck at the holiday dinner? And finally, who will help me locate my car in various parking lots after many minutes of searching? My hope is that my family and friends will not become frustrated with me, and will exhibit enduring patience. After all, this is the first time I've ever been old. I haven't yet had a chance to practice! But, first and foremost, I want to feel respected, loved and not alone. Isn't this what we all wish for - whether we are young or old? "If you're not getting older, you're dead. Tom Petty (he ought to know!) "So far about aging, despite the creakiness of one's bones and cragginess of one's once-silken skin, is this: DO IT. BY ALL MEANS DO IT. Maya Angelou "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln Wishing you all the most exquisite fall season! PEACE OUT-ONE B