Yeah, I know "it beats the alternative"...

Mike the Lab Rat · Post by **Mike the Lab Rat** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:35 pm

...but getting old frigging sucks.

For the last several months now, I've had this on-again-off-again pain in the joint connecting my thumb to my left hand. Since I'm right-handed, it's not that big a deal, but it's still annoying. Advil helps once in a while.

Mentioned it in passing to a friend of ours who happens to be a doctor.

She flashed me a wicked smile and asked, "How old are you again?"

I told her I was 41.

"Sound like arthritis, bub."

Arthritis?!?! WTF?!?! Am I doomed to go the enlarged prostate, bifocal, creaking when I walk, Luther route?!? Crap! Am I going to start getting shit in the mail from AARP? Am I now required to park my shopping cart at an angle and block supermarket aisles? Must I now befriend people named "Tilly" and "Myrtle and take up bridge?

Fuck.

Y2K · Post by **Y2K** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:39 pm

<------just found out he has arthritis in his knee after a MRI.

Getting old does indeed suck ass sometimes.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:41 pm

I hear ya.

Two years ago, I was playing softball 3 nights a week and indoor soccer 2 nights a week. I did this for about 5 years straight and felt 110% all the time.

I turned 30 this year and now only play softball 1 night a week and golf 1-2 times a week. After every softball game, I'm sore as can be for 2 days.

I just don't want to know how bad it will be 10 years from now...

Terry in Crapchester · Wed Aug 02, 2006 2:23 pm

I feel your pain (literally, that is).

I've been having some funky kind of pain in my right heel and ankle lately. Worst part of the day is when I first get out of bed in the morning, hurts like a mother to put any weight on it at all. As the day wears on it subsides a little, and stretching seems to help. I've sprained my ankles so many times over the years that I'll probably need to replace them eventually, but since artificial joints have a limited life expectancy, I'm hoping to put that off as long as possible.

As for bifocals, been there, done that when I was 39 (I'm 41 now). At the time I was thinking that bifocals were 15-20 years away. :brad:

Wolfman · Post by **Wolfman** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 2:35 pm

come on Mike-- as you may understand
chances are if you look at your maternal
Grandfather--you'll see yourself
as you age-- hope it's good news.
Mine lived to 84---unfortunately he smoked
cigarettes all that time--but passed away while
reading the morning paper in his easy chair--
no chronic problems and a full head of white hair.
I'm 67 and so far--so good-- my major activity is
umpiring high school softball and officiating HS
football-- do about 2 hours of yard work--swim
almost daily and I park my car at the end of the lot
and walk a little more than most folks my age--
I haven't seen an MD in about 15 years--my eyes
and hearing are shot, but do not need anything but
glasses for reading and driving-- life IS good !!

Mike the Lab Rat · Post by **Mike the Lab Rat** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 2:36 pm

The heel pain sounds kind of like plantar fasciitis. Worst in the morning and if you've been off it for a long time? I had symptoms like that a few years back - so bad I could barely walk after rolling out of bed or after spending a long time sitting at a lab bench. Podiatrist diagnosed it and said it was pretty common in big-footed freaks like me. The good/bad news was that the "best" treatment was pretty much no treatment. I did shit to stretch the tendons/ligaments (rolling foot on soup can when sitting, pulling on foot with a belt, etc.). The doc said it would go away within a year, and dontcha know, it did.

Y2K · Post by **Y2K** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:18 pm

Well at least this thread makes me feel a lot better knowing my old body is not even close to falling apart as you Four Eyed Gimps and Cripples self destruct ....

Now where did I put that bottle of Ibuprofen?...

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:31 pm

I'm 39.

And I feel great.

Been wearing the same strength contacts since I was 16. Had 6 major knee injuries, but they feel good as new these days. Blown up my lower back more times than I care to count, and it couldn't feel any stronger right now. The liver shit the bed, but seems to be churning the booze just fine these days. Hair doesn't grow on the front of the forehead quite the way it used to, but no big deal.

I'm in as good of shape now as I was 20 years ago...and I look even better.

It truly does suck to be you guys.

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:36 pm

25 and in fantastic shape. Not looking forward to getting old.

Luther · Post by **Luther** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:36 pm

Work was kind of hard on my body, but after the 10th knee surgery (Nice new silver knee), I still have other problems. In other words, my body is nickle and diming me to death.

A couple of nose surgeries, couple of jaw surgeries, a toe lopped off and a nasty case of F.U.O. (Fever of Unknown Origin) only just begin to compile my messed up portfolio.

But...I gut it out. I still travel (entered a 100m race at the border crossing between Israel and Jordan), some hiking, photography, and yard work. I told my doctor that I don't want to live to be a hundred...just get me to Wolfman's age. Mike, I also have some pain in my left thumb joint. I was telling Mrs. Luth about it and she then deadpans and says, "Well, how many times have you broken that hand?" Funny thing though, she won't let me do any "exertion" type of work without her around. Shoveling that large river rock? Gotta have Mrs. Luth around in case I hurt myself. Tearing down the 2nd floor deck? Nah, gotta have the battleaxe around to call 9-1-1 or something. This all began this spring when I fell off the step ladder while trimming a bush. BFD.

Rip City

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:37 pm

Luther wrote:I told my doctor that I don't want to live to be a hundred...just get me to Wolfman's age.

Why do you repeat yourself?

Oh yea, that age thingy. ;)

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:47 pm

Luther wrote:I fell off the step ladder while trimming a bush.

Your wife must be very tall.

Terry in Crapchester · Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:50 pm

Luther wrote:Funny thing though, she won't let me do any "exertion" type of work without her around. Shoveling that large river rock? Gotta have Mrs. Luth around in case I hurt myself. Tearing down the 2nd floor deck? Nah, gotta have the battleaxe around to call 9-1-1 or something. This all began this spring when I fell off the step ladder while trimming a bush. BFD.

Rip City

Since you mentioned it, that brings an interesting story to mind.

Two years ago, my wife decides we're going to take a big carpet out of one of the bedrooms. I'm dragging the damn thing into our garage, don't bother to cut it up first, and my knee starts to snap, crackle and pop, then buckle (old HS football injury). I'm starting to fall face first on the driveway, so I put my hand out to catch myself, and wouldn't ya know, I break my wrist. So by now I'm lying on the driveway in agony, my 70 lb. American Staffordshire terrier goes into full-scale protection mode, circling me and not letting anyone remotely near me. Meanwhile, my wife is screaming at me that I'm faking the whole thing to get out of doing yardwork.

After awhile, I manage to pull myself up and hobble to the couch, where I stay for a couple of hours. By now, the pain in my knee is starting to go away, so I start to notice the pain in my wrist, which, unlike the pain in my knee, is not subsiding on its own. I tell my wife I'm pretty sure my wrist is broken and I probably ought to go to the hospital. She tells me that if I was so concerned about that, I should have gone earlier. So I have to drive myself to the hospital, where, sure enough, they tell me my wrist is broken and slap a cast on it.

Good times.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:01 pm

Mike the Lab Rat wrote:The heel pain sounds kind of like plantar fasciitis. Worst in the morning and if you've been off it for a long time? I had symptoms like that a few years back - so bad I could barely walk after rolling out of bed or after spending a long time sitting at a lab bench. Podiatrist diagnosed it and said it was pretty common in big-footed freaks like me. The good/bad news was that the "best" treatment was pretty much no treatment. I did shit to stretch the tendons/ligaments (rolling foot on soup can when sitting, pulling on foot with a belt, etc.). The doc said it would go away within a year, and dontcha know, it did.

I'm pretty sure I had this. Getting out of bed hurt like HELL on my right foot. I thought I had a stone bruise or something. I never went to the Dr. After a year and a half, it just went away.

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:03 pm

I have arthritis in my knees, particularly bad in the right knee where the ACL and part of the cartilage were removed in 1969. Recently visited the ortho specialists who recommended taking this:

http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/hu ... /index.asp

I believe it has made a difference. Also, because the problem is focused on one side of the knee, they gave me an orthotic device that fits in my shoe and forces more of the load to the less compromised side of the knee. Between those two things, pain has been greatly diminished.

Y2K · Post by **Y2K** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:22 pm

Goober McTuber wrote:I have arthritis in my knees, particularly bad in the right knee where the ACL and part of the cartilage were removed in 1969. Recently visited the ortho specialists who recommended taking this:

http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/hu ... /index.asp

I believe it has made a difference. Also, because the problem is focused on one side of the knee, they gave me an orthotic device that fits in my shoe and forces more of the load to the less compromised side of the knee. Between those two things, pain has been greatly diminished.

I have an appointment Friday for the orthotic inserts.
Thanks for that link, I'm going down to the Store right now and hook myself up with some of dat shit.
Seriously.... I appreciate the fact that your pain and agony has helped others like myself lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
:D

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:26 pm

Really sucks to be you guys.

As I get older, I become less and less of a barroom warrior, and suffer less nagging injuries as a result.

Matter of fact, I might have to have a beer and a bong hit before noon, just to celebrate my good health.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:38 pm

My aches and pains are from sports, not being a "barroom warrior." I'm still in good shape, but I have tight hammies, always have. No matter how much I stretch, I always have had this problem.

I think it's time to try yoga.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:43 pm

Oh, I've had plenty of sports injuries, as well.

Played some hoops the other day...and sadly, I can't throw it down anymore. Then again, I'm only about 6'1", so dunking was always overachieving in my book, anyway.

And to say barroom brawling isn't a sport...well, that's just ignorant. Win the SuperBowl and you get the Lombardi Trophy, win the bar brawl, and you get to keep the hottie for the night. Same concept.

socal · Post by **socal** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:48 pm

Dinsdale wrote:...win the bar brawl, and you get to keep the bar skank for the night. Same concept.

Beauty is in the eye-patch of the beholder.

Uncle Fester · Post by **Uncle Fester** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:49 pm

Make a list of all the injuries you've ever had in your life.

When you hit 45, you get to revisit them all.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:50 pm

It's more about the overall build and figure. Because the age-old saying usually holds true -- you cann drink them pretty, but you can't drink them thin.

YD · Post by YD » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:50 pm

Luther wrote:(entered a 100m race at the border crossing between Israel and Jordan)

Loot-Her?

socal · Post by **socal** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 4:55 pm

timmay wrote:
Luther wrote:(entered a 100m race at the border crossing between Israel and Jordan)
Loot-Her?

Got me a teevee.

Sin,

Looter
.
.
.

UcantPwns · Post by **UcantPwns** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:29 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:I turned 30 this year and now only play softball 1 night a week and golf 1-2 times a week. After every softball game, I'm sore as can be for 2 days.

Good God... I work out 5 days/week, play V-Ball Tue nights, B-Ball Thu nights, and I'm never sore.

Oh yeah... I'm 37.

You are pathetic.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:35 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:I hear ya.

Two years ago, I was playing softball 3 nights a week and indoor soccer 2 nights a week. I did this for about 5 years straight and felt 110% all the time.

I turned 30 this year and now only play softball 1 night a week and golf 1-2 times a week. After every softball game, I'm sore as can be for 2 days.

I just don't want to know how bad it will be 10 years from now...

I'm turning 40 this month. Still walking 9 holes a day 4 times a week, hitting the gym 3 times a week and the treadmill 3-4 times a week when golf is out of season. So far only minor aches and pains. And those tend to come after sitting or standing in one place for too long. Actual activity has always helped me ease the pain, not hurt me. Have you considered stretching on a daily basis? Maybe doing some light gym work the day after playing softball?

Van · Post by **Van** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:46 pm

Aside from the chronic migraines, kidney stones and the rebuilt cervical spine, none of which are age related issues, I'm doing pretty well physically.

My reading vision is taking a crap, is all. Presbyopia, I believe it's called, when older eyes become far sighted and require reading glasses.

Gonna have to start wearing reading glasses. Seeing the eye doc on Monday.

Yeah, fuck.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:48 pm

BSmack wrote:
IndyFrisco wrote:when golf is out of season.

Does not compute.

There's two golf seasons -- Concrete Season, and Quicksand Season.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:50 pm

Van wrote:Aside from the chronic migraines, kidney stones and the rebuilt cervical spine, none of which are age related issues, I'm doing pretty well physically.

BWAHAHAHA!!!!!

Mr Goody-Fucking-Two-Fucking-Shoes....."whaaaah!! I don't wanna drink beer or smoke a doob....THAT STUFF IS BAD FOR YOU!!!! WHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!"

Yeah, that strategy sure worked for you, eh?

Terry in Crapchester · Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:55 pm

Dinsdale wrote:
BSmack wrote:when golf is out of season.

Does not compute.

You haven't been to the U&R. 'Round these parts, there's snow on the ground about six months a year.

Y2K · Post by **Y2K** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:03 pm

DAMN that CosaminDS is facking expensive.
I hold the GoobTube's advice in the highest regard so I'm sure it was well worth the money.

This stuff better not have any "oh BTW" side effects like impotence dammit!

Thnx

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:03 pm

Terry in Crapchester wrote: 'Round these parts, there's snow on the ground about six months a year.

Yeah, and 'round these parts, I could be snowboarding in a little over an hour here in August, since there's places that are covered by glaciers 12 months out of the year.

But see, people with brains choose to not live in such places, especially when they can live near places that offer all the wonders of winter(year-round), without suffering all of the negatives associated with it.

Oh well -- I truly appreciate all of the stupid people voluntarily herding themselves into the less-habitable places...I really do. More room for me.

Van · Post by **Van** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:07 pm

Dinsdale wrote:
Van wrote:Aside from the chronic migraines, kidney stones and the rebuilt cervical spine, none of which are age related issues, I'm doing pretty well physically.

BWAHAHAHA!!!!!

Mr Goody-Fucking-Two-Fucking-Shoes....."whaaaah!! I don't wanna drink beer or smoke a doob....THAT STUFF IS BAD FOR YOU!!!! WHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!"

Yeah, that strategy sure worked for you, eh?

I'm guessing it did, yeah, 'cause imagine where I'd be if I had to add self abuse issues to those others...

Fuck, what if I also had your liver?? And your knees? And your hairline??

The rebuilt cervical spine though, yeah, that one was almost certainly due to some sort of injury I suffered somewhere along the line so that one's on me.

Terry in Crapchester · Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:09 pm

Dinsdale wrote:But see, people with brains choose to not live in such places, especially when they can live near places that offer all the wonders of winter(year-round), without suffering all of the negatives associated with it.

So now we're going to equate intelligence with the desirability, from a weather standpoint, of the place where we live?

There are other considerations, too. Free child care, for just one, in my case. Also, a relatively low cost of living (although our property taxes are among the highest in the country relative to property values) and relatively low crime rate.

You'll learn, some day (I hope, anyway).

Y2K · Post by **Y2K** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:11 pm

More room for me

temporarily.........

once the Monster Tsunami rolls through the U&L I't should open up the market for the patient investor.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:16 pm

Terry in Crapchester wrote: You'll learn, some day (I hope, anyway).

Maybe you'll learn someday.

Yup, I could find a place where it costs less to live. If I had kids, I could probably move somewhere where I could leech free child care.

I could do all sorts of things.

But, I choose to live where I do, in yet another grossly overpriced West Coast region...because I enjoy it. It makes me happy.

What makes me sad, is that there's so many idiots out there who put their happiness up for sale.

I love outdoorsy shit. I live in a world capital of outdoorsy shit. I could probably move, and put away more money in an IRA...at the expense of being able to do the outdoorsy shit I love.

Your values, principles, and desires were for sale. Mine aren't, nor will they ever be.

I'll stay put right here, thank you very much, and continue living my Utopian existance. But hey, think about all of the money you save on child care by living in a snow-covered shithole.

socal · Post by **socal** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:16 pm

I've been an on-again, off-again runner for over 20 years with no major injuries but for a badly sprained ankle 15 years ago (pick-basketball) that I still feel when I stretch it. In the last year, my knee swelled up like a grapefruit after Lil' socal took me out from behind in a sahkuh scrimmage. Two Sundays ago I tweaked the knee again playing basketball. But I ran this morning, six miles, trying to keep up with my kid and the cross country team. Fat chance.

I don't wear glasses but it's time to see a doctor. Cannot see distant signs as clearly as I used to.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:17 pm

Y2K wrote: once the Monster Tsunami rolls through the U&L

Yeah, I hope my house, sitting at about 175 feet of elevation, probably almost 50 straight-line miles from the ocean doesn't get washed away.

socal · Post by **socal** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:21 pm

Dinsdale wrote:
Y2K wrote: once the Monster Tsunami rolls through the U&L

Yeah, I hope my house, sitting at about 175 feet of elevation, probably almost 50 straight-line miles from the ocean doesn't get washed away.

Won't save you from the Cali's though.

UcantPwns · Post by **UcantPwns** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:23 pm

Dinsdale wrote:But see, people with brains choose to not live in such places, especially when they can live near places that offer all the wonders of winter(year-round), without suffering all of the negatives associated with it.

Besides the outside chance of having a 16-ton ceiling tile kill me during my commute, I'm finding it awfully hard to come up with many drawbacks of living in Metro-Boston.

I know FU is going to be pissed at me, but my SUV does indeed have 4WD, and cost me about $30K less.