I need some advice. Must I slow down?

[TeresaMay]

I am approaching 80.

My problem is in my left leg. Anything that goes wrong seems to choose that leg!

I wear compression stockings for lymphoedema and at first the change was dramatic and I was living my life almost as previously. I have slight arthritis in that knee, not sufficient to be considered on a list for replacement. I definitely would not wish to have a serious operation.

Lately I have been experiencing increased pain in that leg. So much so that I feel I am crawling on all fours to get home.

I use two sticks or a wheeled frame to get on duty or shopping. When on duty I manage to use one stick.

I am continuing with the volunteering work that I have done during the last 14 plus years. This involves a lot of walking (I am careful to keep standing to the minimum) maybe two or three hours at a time. I have reduced the amount I used to do.

As previously advised by a doctor I walk for at least an hour every day.

I have noticed recently that when I take off the stocking at bed time, there is sometimes a vein showing prominently (not coloured, just raised) in the area near where the increased pain is. I am wondering if this is an additional problem. Should I be returning to the GP? If a varicose vein, it seems compression stockings are the treatment, and I am wearing them. Could I be doing further harm by continuing to live my life in the same way. Or should I reduce volunteering still further to make way for newer retirees to join the band of volunteer tour guides?

[Lynora]

Get checked out before making a change in your volunteer career! It could just be a troublesome varicose vein, that may be easily rectified, but better to get scrutinised first. If you don't want to slow down, then don't. But, if you feel your body is trying to send signals, then reduce your working hours and let a younger retired whippersnapper get their foot in the door!

Where do you volunteer?

[Anne16]

Hi There, I will be 80 next year and for the first time ever these last 12 months have been so difficult in terms of coping with my primary lymphoedema which I have in both legs. I only gave up part time work 2 years ago but now I am finding standing almost impossible and am able to walk less and less. However, I am still able to attend my allotment, and be a full time carer to my 81 year old husband. I do try and pace myself but am so looking forward to the cooler days! Take care.

[lovesradio in reply to Anne16]

Anne you are a star! Volunteering, allotment, full time carer. Keep on keeping on girl xx

[veriterc]

Well done. At 80 you deserve a bit of me time!. As another 80 year-old can I suggest you take some time out for YOURSELF !

Go and have an Aromatherapy massage. Not only is this blissfully spoiling, but in Europe (with far better health care than we have) massage is often prescribed. Ensure you use a nice skin moisturiser especially on your legs. I have suggestions for medically-approved products on aftercancers.com Again recommended in Europe. And finally, see if you can go to a hospital hydrotherapy pool. A blissful way to exercise, and you often meet nice people in the pool. If you give yourself a treat, it generally has enormous health benefits.

[Sheilamoose]

Veins do become more prominent as you age (I'm a living testament to that). Not a doc but could be venular failure, which is my diagnosis but lower half of both my legs are now dark brown (iron deposits caused by blood not being circulated properly by collapsed veins).

[TeresaMay]

Thank you for your replies. I have now had a telephone conversation with my doctor. Her opinion is that my difficulties are arising from another problem that I have with that leg. I am proceeding on that advice which could easily curtail my volunteering as the framed walker can get in the way.

I am concerned that there is advice to take time for myself. My volunteering IS time for myself. I have tried throughout my life to do what I wanted to do, not what was fashionable or likely to further my career.