ANXIETY AND AILMENTS AS WE AGE

It seems more and more these days that the subject matter discussed by my contemporaries revolves around our current ailments or the anxiety about our loved ones health. While I still think of myself as someone in her twenties, my body begs to differ. This past Spring and Summer have been especially challenging for this aging body. While on a vacation to California, I was experiencing a high level of anxiety due to chest discomfort. As soon as I returned home, I went through a multitude of cardiac testing and basically, my Cardiologist told me that everything was quite normal "for my age." I was prescribed a very low dose of a beta blocker and magically, I have been feeling fine! Next, my feet which have been an issue for years (due to 20 years of donning high heels every day), have lately prevent me from walking my daily three miles. I have resorted to the gym and avoid the treadmill at all costs. After weekly visits to podiatrists where they shave calluses, tape toes, suggest surgery without guaranteeing it will fix the issue of gnarled arthritic toes; I am still at a loss. I continue on my quest to find someone who doesn't want to cut me and will have an innovative idea to help relieve the pain. And, then, out of no where I started experiencing a nagging and persistent bladder issue (TMI). This affliction has rendered my summer exhausting and frustrating. Once again, I was told by my internist, a urologist, and my ob-gyn that this is a common "age related" issue!! I am so tired of using that term as the catch all phrase to describe what's ailing me. None of these physicians agreed on the antibiotics(a total of 3), the remedy for the pain, or the prevention of further issues. Oh, and I can't forget my bone on bone right knee which needs a partial replacement or a total replacement, depending on which Dr. you consult. Truthfully, this is the least of my issues. I have delayed surgery with gel shots and they are helpful. Ultimately, I will do this surgery but presently, it does not affect my daily quality of living. So, that situation will wait a bit longer before a resolution. What I have come to realize is that Medicine is NOT an exact science. You must have confidence in your doctors and make sure they have your best interest at heart. If they are not really listening to you, they will give you a generic cure and not one that addresses your personal issue. Seek second and third opinions (you may have to wait 6 months to see the doctor that has been recommended as "the best"). It is rare to have two doctors concur on treatment and cure. Be persistent. Beg and call regularly for a cancellation. If your have a contact that can help you to be seen, use them! Finally, have an advocate-no matter what your age is! In the meantime, you all know me well enough to know my distractions from all this ridiculous nonsense. I spend exorbitant amounts of downtime watching movies, tv series, and reading books or listening to podcasts. Without commenting on all of them, I will provide you with my lists. BOOKS Headshot by Rita Bullwinkle My Friends by Fredrik Backman Dreamcount by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Names by Florence Knapp On my nightstand for next read: The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo MOVIES Happy Gilmore 2 (silly) My Oxford Year (sad) My Old Ass (cute) Nonna's (sweet) Fly Me to the Moon (entertaining) Superman (worth the trip to the theater) The Materialists (just ok but kept my attention) Naked Gun (want to see) TELEVISION Hunting Wives Netflix Untamed Netflix Stick Apple The Bear HBO Max Sirens Netflix The Better Sister Amazon Prime Mobland Paramont + Your Friends and Neighbors Apple TV Billy Joel Documentary HBO Max Billionaires Club CNN Live Aid Documentary CNN Jane Mansfield Documentary (My Mom Jane) HBO Max The Buccaneers Apple TV The Summer I turned Pretty Amazon Prime Too Much Netflix The Gilded Age HBO Pernille Netflix PODCASTS Smartless-always great interviews. The World's First Podcast with Erin and Sara Foster Good Hang with Amy Poehler Finally, Listen to any podcast that features Rabbi Steve Leder! He is the senior Rabbi Of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. He is a brilliant and insightful speaker. He is uplifting and a pleasure to listen to. I am not religious, and I love this man! Google him in your podcast app-you'll thank me. Wishing you a Healthy and a Happy end of Summer. Listen to your body. Exercise Regularly. And take care of yourselves and your families. "You can have 1000 problems in your life until you have a health problem. Then you only have one. George Passas "Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the Soul." Douglas MacArthur "My physical body may be less efficient and less beautiful in old age. But God has given me an enormous compensation: my mind is richer my soul is broader and my wisdom is at a peak." Robert Muller PEACE OUT-ONE B