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Suddenly, I’m Old.
Some days, I feel a hundred.
I’m lucky. I’m almost 72. I’ve never felt my age. Nor acted it. All my friends — male and female — are at least 10 years younger than I am. I’m not a hypochondriac but I do see my doctor — a lot. I have a few non-threatening health problems but at least I don’t have cancer. My younger sister has faced multiple challenges with throat and mouth cancer, as well as lymphoma.
But suddenly, I feel old. I thought becoming a grandmother so late in life was the reason why I suddenly felt old. But it’s not that. He actually pushes my physical abilities to the limit. He’s no lightweight.
I suddenly feel old because every morning I wake up with a different part of my body in pain — sometimes the pain is so bad I just stay where I am — in bed. Gout was diagnosed but after checking Dr Google I had my doubts — there was no redness or swelling and it wasn’t my big toe. And I rarely eat any of the foods that contribute to gout — the rich man’s disease.
Yesterday after a couple of months of testing, I received a definitive diagnosis — I have rheumatoid arthritis. Early stages which is why it was tricky to diagnose. I’ve had osteoarthritis for more than 20 years — I take anti- inflammatories which keep it in check and it never stopped me from doing any of the things I enjoy — travelling, swimming, or hiking.
But this rheumatoid type is a different animal. Some days I can’t put my foot down on the floor; other times I can walk only a minimal distance where every step is agony. I don’t like being like this.
Good news! I started on medication today. Bad news it takes 6–8 weeks to reach full effectiveness. Even more bad news. It’s got a shit-ton of side effects. But I’m determined not to get a single one.
