The older we get..............

[Lizzywizz]

I am now 70 and was diagnosed approx 15 years ago having had two auto immune conditions from the age of 20. I worked as a special needs teacher and worked for many years in a stressful situation. When fibro eventually hit, I was also retired through ill health. I have a great GP now, but find that too often my flares are put down to 'age' and a kind of 'what do you expect at your age' attitude. I have poor breathing now (sarcoids attacked my lungs) as well as fibro. I try to stay active, I love creative crafts, take my dog out every day (except for very bad days) and generally do my best to stay as healthy as poss. I love socializing but feel very sad when my condition is not taken seriously. I just wonder how other older folk cope??

[rosewine]

I am not quite as old as you but have hit retirement and it really irritates me. I have gone to conferences in the past at at university that has a special department that studies ageing and their attitude is very positive and that people should be able to be active still in their 70's, 80's and beyond with the right help, diet and medication. It seems to me that the NHS is now deciding to limit some operations for oder people when they could actually be life changing. If we had a dog and we knew an operation would cure a problem and give them another three or four years of happy, fulfilling life we wouldn't hesitate to provide it. I know when I went for the results of my hip Xrays to be told by the receptionist it was moderate osteo arthritis and we had the quip about what can we expect at our age I could have grabbed her by the throat, I gave her a look enough to kill and was waiting for the doc to do the same but fortunately for him he didn't.

[Lizzywizz in reply to rosewine]

Thanks for your reply and thanks to gins for the welcome. I appreciate it must be frustrating for younger people too, many think they are not believed. I think, rosewine, you are correct, for the older generation it does often depend on getting the right help, diet and meds. We still have a lot to offer, I am hoping to go into the local school to help listen to readers, a fibro friend and I intend to start a small craft group for example. I am surprised I still have a tongue because I have had to bite is so many times when people have been patronising or said ignorant things to me about my condition. I realize this happens to younger folk and really feel for them especially when they have young families, careers etc.

[rosewine in reply to Lizzywizz]

What a wonderful thing to do, someone I used to know did that with the school children and she said it was really rewarding and the craft group also sounds a great idea. I worked for a charity for the elderly for many years and alot of the volunteers were well past retirement age and they had so much enthusiasm about life in general. A class I go to run by them has a 95 year old whose brain is still as sharp as a razor and one of the oldest people to go to the computer class was in her early 90's so it showed even at that age she felt she could learn new things. Good luck with the two things you intend doingx

[Ginsing]

Hi Lizzywizz

Love your handle by he way Think firstly we should say welcome although I see you have been with us since March this is your first post.! So welcome and thanks for posting.

It must be frustrating for you as it is for most of us. There is nothing really different about your situation could be several people I know and we are all muddeling along coping with all the problems of Fibro as they occur. We are very lucky that we can reach out to others in this manner via the internet. So never feel alone and it will be interesting to read of other peoples ways of coping

Have a good day Keep smiling

xgins

[TheAuthor]

Hi Lizzywizz

Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I genuinely hope that you find the forum useful, informative and loads of fun!

I am 51 and feeling at least 101? I really haven't been diagnosed with Fibro that long to be honest, less than a year I think? It came on very quickly and has just plateaued! It has not got any better or any worse. My medications work for me most of the time but they have their moments!

I also have severe asthma and COPD to go along sciatic nerve damage and arthritis. I use a tri-walker to get about but if I am really struggling i will borrow my wife's electric wheelchair just to pop to the shop etc. Have only done this a couple of times though.

Everyday I do exercises that my physio has given me, and unless I am really poorly I will do them religiously without fail. I really believe that they help me stay mobile.

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today?

Ken x

[Artyrosie]

Well its my 60th birthday next week and if anyone gives me any guff like this, let them watch out! (I can be quite fierce on my better days). I;ve seen the attitude when caring for my now 84 year old mother in law - its almost an "older people don't count" attitude.

[mitziblue]

Honey I understand, I'm 52 but sometimes it's well you are getting older... well I know that but you know your body better than anyone. I went through the same thing before I was diagnosed with endometreosis and fibro. You know when it's the illness and when it's just slowing down due to age. Hope you start feeling better sweetheart!!! xxx Mitzi

[Hidden in reply to mitziblue]

Mitzi, you are there for everyone on all the forums.You are so kind x

[mitziblue in reply to Hidden]

Thank you sweetheart, but the same can be said about you also darling!!! Hope you are feeling better and better each day!!! xxx Mitzi

[Hidden in reply to mitziblue]

Thanks Mitzi getting there x