It’s been a “fun” 2 weeks. Getting older SUCKS!!!!

I'm 58 and to this point in life been very healthy. Sure maybe 20# overweight, but don't take any medication, no health issues even though lots of stuff runs in my family and generally living a very good life. 2 weeks ago my foot began hurting me one night out of the blue. It's happened before, but I've always chalked it up to standing all day in work boots, climbing a ladder, lifting something or walking somewhere on a slope. I figured it was just a bruise of some sort, so never a big deal. This time it was worse, so I started surfing the interwebs and came upon a little word, GOUT! I spoke with a family member who is in the medical field and she confirmed that it is likely gout and all of those previous episodes were likely slight flare-ups also. Well who knew! I had heard of gout but never knew what it was. I found out that it isn't pleasant, but with a short course of meds it goes away prett unremarkably. That was last week. 
 

This past Sunday, we get up, have breakfast, walk the dog and go out to do some shopping and visiting family. We get home, make and eat dinner and all was normal. I was sitting on the couch with the dog, got up to walk to the bathroom and experienced a pain, almost like a runners cramp, in my left lower abdomin. I didn't think much of it, but walking was certainly a bit uncomfortable. Figuring it was something in the chicken parm that I made for dinner, I passed it off as gas. I figured it would "pass" in a bit. Nope, the discomfort persisted and walking around wasn't much fun. Taking the dog out to go potty took 4x's longer than normal. Again I called a family member who told me to try a few things to rule out and urgent organ issues. Thankfully it wasn't anything major, but a trip to the doctor yesterday revealed diverticulitis possibly. She ordered a cat-scan at our local hostiptal immediately. After 4 hours in the hospital, drinking some horrid stuff for said cat-scan, an infusion of some other chemical, I ended up getting a quick scan. 
 

The results are a case of diverticulosis. Lucky me. I never knew what that was either! Since it was a mild attack, the results showed we caught it in time and with a few minor changes it shouldn't turn into full blown diverticulitis.

I knew that getting older was inevitable and would certainly come with some medical issues, but WOW, it's been a tough 10 days. I know that I shouldn't complain about this or anything else in this wonderful life because there are many out there who deal with much worse on a daily basis, but when it comes on this quickly it's really eye-opening. I guess I'm not invincible after all . I guess I'll change up my diet, drink more water, lose some weight and see what else comes down the pike. 

I have found that these sorts of things come in bunches, with no explanation as to why...  I hope you feel better, and you can soon appreciate your good stretch of health again :)

Getting old sucks. I recommend avoiding it if at all possible. 

Both can be handled without major medical procedures, and might be related to diet.  That is one thing I have noticed personally.  After 50 the body becomes less tolerant of questionable diet choices.  Or to be an optimist, your body will reward you for healthy eating.

I have dealt with diverticulitis for about 20 years. Remember that feeling, if you start to get the slightest pain in that spot take action, if caught early that action is no good and a lot of water for 2 days and then reintroducing "low yield" foods. If you miss that boat it's oral antibiotics, still don't listen it can be IV antibiotics and a hospital stay (tested 2x). 
 

I agree, eat clean and the chances are greatly reduced, I have had it so many times I can see it coming based on my own poor diet choices before it happens. 

Sorry to hear that!

I turned 42 this year. When I finally took myself to the doctor toward the end of last year, my cholesterol was so high she had them do an ultrasound on my liver. 

Started taking the cholesterol meds, now I have neuropathy in my right foot, so I stopped taking them. So I go back next week and see if we can get the insurance company to approve the once per month injection pen. I don't want to do the 6 pills a day of prescription fish oil!

But I also need to lose a ton of weight and lay off the boozing. I know that would help a ton. 

I am 58. I am very fit and never had health issues. But things are happening around me that cause me to be nervous. My younger brother got colon cancer and my wife is having steaks cut out of her regularly. Her mother just died days before Christmas from her third bout with cancer. In an hour I am off to the doctor to have what appears to be a lesion examined.......

Yup, it's not for sissies.  You can feel great one day and then the next all hell can break loose.

I had a colonoscopy then a minor procedure a few weeks later.   I kept thanking the medical team as I feel these are tough jobs to do every day.  

You think it sucks selling industrial and hydraulic hoses and fittings all week?  Try doing 2-3 colonoscopies a day, every day......LOL 

Getting older is just part of life.  I'm "only" 52 and have a host of medical challenges.  I do what I can to stay fit and healthy while not worrying about the rest.  We're all going to face health issues, I choose not to let them get in my way or complain about them.  Yeah it sucks, but it is what it is.  If I die tomorrow, it was quite an adventurous 52 years.

stuart in mn said:

Yup, it's not for sissies.  You can feel great one day and then the next all hell can break loose.

BTDT