Hit the wall this year

[Bmoboy]

Long term back soreness accelerated in April, eventually leading to MRI and lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosis.

Years of sloth and obesity caught up to me.

Now, two cortisone shots and months of PT later, I use a walker around the house and a wheelchair for outings.

Big chunks of money went into a stairlift and ramps in an effort to stay in the home we own.

Tomorrow I go to see the neurosurgeon and soon a neurologist to get as full a picture as I can of what my future may hold.

Current pain doc wants to do a MILD procedure. I imagine the neurosurgeon will suggest something more surgical.

My wife is now my primary support. I do as much as I can, but that is a lot less than last year.

Just venting.

Getting old is not what I imagined, but is anything what we imagined it would be?

[Srkdqltr]

1. Getting old isn't for sissies. I hope you get help with pain. Keep doing everything you can do.

[Walleye]

2. Feeling my age myself, do whatever you can to make it better and good luck

[Bmoboy]

3. Much appreciated

72 is proving to be a hard number.

[MOMFUDSKI]

4. I hit the wall at 74.5 years.

Herniated disc, surgery, piriformis syndrome, PT, pain doc recommended wire at sciatic nerve w/battery sending electric signals, can’t walk far at all or sciatica starts, now drop foot in my GOOD leg, jazzy wheeled chair, wheelchair at the airport. Will see my Ortho surgeon soon for the drop foot. Big scar down front of my face from skin cancer removal 1 month ago. I am a disaster. Was walking 4,000 steps every morning for years until 18 months ago and was in great shape. Thin with lots of energy. Wow. Not for sissies for sure. Best wishes to you

[liberal N proud]

5. I hear you

Long list of issues this year
Started out with a heart scare
Next came my 5 year colonoscopy
Then my gallbladder needed removed
I had complications from surgery 4 week post
Then taking NSAID pain reliever, I am now dealing with bleeding ulcers.
The last one scares the hell out of me.

[MOMFUDSKI]

6. Had a friend that got an ulcer

from NSAIDS. They gave him a medicine to heal the ulcer. It worked.

[liberal N proud]

8. I am in that treatment now

The shortage of blood prevented them from giving me a transfusion

[LoisB]

7. I do hope it is all "fixable". Good luck to you.