Thoughts about aging

Mr. Ed

Mr. Ed

Be what you is not what you what you ain’t
Location
Central NY
Didn‘t think about aging prior to three months ago, but after a couple surgeries I‘m learning to cope with less strength and stamina than ever before in my lifetime. As a result of gallbladder surgery I have stomach pain on a daily basis, and find temporary relief with TUMs.

Perhaps most disheartening of all is the uncertainty of future accomplishments based on physical ability. I may not pass the physical qualifications for open water certification and should that happen I will not be able to try out the scuba equipment I bought.
 

I hope that you're wrong about not being able to pass the open water certification. If it's possible for you to do it in salt water, I'd recommend that because one is more buoyant in salt water than fresh water.

I've slowly been thinking about aging for a number of years. My wife and I are trying to tick some of the places we want to go off of our travel list sooner than later to make sure we're in good enough shape to enjoy them completely. I've also started to be a bit more picky about what I watch, read and listen to because I don't want to waste my time on things I don't enjoy. I am still open to try new things but I'm more willing to set them aside or stop listening, reading or watching when I don't think I'm going to enjoy the rest. Sure, I might miss something wonderful, but I'm usually fairly good at an early assessment of something.

I'm also trying to make sure I stay in good shape and get enough exercise so that I have the best possible chance of having the body and mind I'll need to do the things I want to do.

I think I'm also starting to let go of negative emotions more quickly because I'd rather spend my remaining years in joy and bliss than anger and frustration.
 
Mr. Ed said:
Didn‘t think about aging prior to three months ago, but after a couple surgeries I‘m learning to cope with less strength and stamina than ever before in my lifetime. As a result of gallbladder surgery I have stomach pain on a daily basis, and find temporary relief with TUMs.

Perhaps most disheartening of all is the uncertainty of future accomplishments based on physical ability. I may not pass the physical qualifications for open water certification and should that happen I will not be able to try out the scuba equipment I bought.
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Give yourself time to completely heal, Ed. Then start doing some physical therapy or just exercise at home but start small! Go easy on yourself at first, just stretches and deep breathing (which you can do while you heal), then cardio, and on from there. If you can then start exercising in water that'd be perfect! Build your core first (like indoors or at PT), then work hard on your legs and arms. There's no rush, buddy. Take it a step at a time and you could be golden in 6 months.

Good luck, man.
 

I bought HMB capsules for muscle recovery and Branched chain amino acids to improve recovery and increase endurance. I try to swim two times a week, but like today I was too tired, very frustrating. My stomach is in constant disarray, surgery side-effects. I keep pushing because until it's time to swim the length of the pool 32 times and float for 10 minutes I cannot worry about failing the scuba exam
 
Like you, I didn't think about aging either, until I was [sort of suddenly] hit with an effect of aging. And like I suppose many, I kept thinking ... I'll feel better tomorrow. So far, no tomorrow.

I have no sage advise for your particular situation, but do wish you a complete recovery. Like it or not , it will take time and I implore to not rush it.

Until then, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year too you & yours.
 
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You need to give yourself time to heal Mr Ed. My son had gall bladder surgery too and now he is fully recovered. If you need to take tums then I would ask the doctor about this. As for the scuba equipment, I know nothing about that but I am sure if you be patient and follow doctors advice you will eventually be able to use it. Best of luck.
 
Mr. Ed said:
Didn‘t think about aging prior to three months ago, but after a couple surgeries I‘m learning to cope with less strength and stamina than ever before in my lifetime. As a result of gallbladder surgery I have stomach pain on a daily basis, and find temporary relief with TUMs.

Perhaps most disheartening of all is the uncertainty of future accomplishments based on physical ability. I may not pass the physical qualifications for open water certification and should that happen I will not be able to try out the scuba equipment I bought.
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So sorry. Like you, the years seemed to catch up with me quickly and unexpectedly - It came as a total surprise. One year ago, I was a powerhouse of a pint-sized 70 year old woman who loved paddling solo canoes and hiking hills and ravines. Now, I nap throughout the day and night and congratulate myself if I accomplish one simple task. BUT, I haven't sold my outdoor adventures stuff... I won't give up on the idea that I may yet return to some semblance of normal. Think positively, Ed - and give yourself time to heal. Your new gear may get used yet!
 
Mr. Ed said:
I bought HMB capsules for muscle recovery and Branched chain amino acids to improve recovery and increase endurance. I try to swim two times a week, but like today I was too tired, very frustrating. My stomach is in constant disarray, surgery side-effects. I keep pushing because until it's time to swim the length of the pool 32 times and float for 10 minutes I cannot worry about failing the scuba exam
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That sounds like a good regimen. Don't over-do your PT; rest invites healing. Take a good rest at least 2X/day, and empty your head first so those energies are focused on healing.
 
I'm 84 years old. I've had an un-healable neurological disorder call Essential Tremor (shaking) since age 8- 9 years old which, over the years, has worsened and spread throughout my whole body, starting first in my hands and head. In my teenage years I thought I'd become a flight attendant, I also enjoyed chemistry. Well, the shaking prevented that and getting hired for (only one job) plus because of my fatigue). I turned to writing short stories, and E T experience poems. Sold one sci fi/sy fy fantasy story, and 2 - 40 line fantasy poems, ran out of energy for story writing, (being an amateur) and gave up. I had a website called tremortales 64 pages of many E T humorous poems . Regretfully, I unsubscribed from the website, but an Australian friend put them on her webpage. At least at 84 years I can still come up with humorous E T poems, so my life isn't just a total waste of space. I had some past poems self published years ago in many chapbooks, but ended up spending more money publishing then in selling. (Friends had fervently encouraged me to).
 
Mr. Ed said:
Didn‘t think about aging prior to three months ago, but after a couple surgeries I‘m learning to cope with less strength and stamina than ever before in my lifetime. As a result of gallbladder surgery I have stomach pain on a daily basis, and find temporary relief with TUMs.

Perhaps most disheartening of all is the uncertainty of future accomplishments based on physical ability. I may not pass the physical qualifications for open water certification and should that happen I will not be able to try out the scuba equipment I bought.
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Don't think you should have any type of stomach pain after about a month following GB surgery. Your roughly the same age as me Mr ED... I had the surgery , and it took me 2 weeks to get over really quite severe pain in my stomach, and not fully recovered for a month , whereas other people who'd had the same keyhole surgery were telling me they'd gone back to work within 2 or 3 days.:eek:..which was totally disheartening for me, and I thought something must be wrong with me, but recover I did and the pain went away.

If you're still taking ant-acids after GB surgery you need to see your doctor...

With regard to your swimming.. it's funny you mentioned 32 lengths and 10 minutes floating, because that's exactly my regime... Can't swim currently because of lockdown, but that's what I always aim for.. 32 lengths ..and I can float for a long time after swimming to relax my muscles

Wishing you well, and hopefully you'll get this all sorted before too long..
 

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