It's So Interesting to be a Woman... and at this age!
Good afternoon,
Yesterday was a medical day. That is, I had two medical appointments. I always try to take care of all that stuff at the end of the year (after my deductible is met) and before out-of-pocket costs start again. So, first I went to the rhuematologist to find out why my knees hurt so much. I figured it is just old age and arthritis. So, we took xrays and found a little of that stuff, but not a lot. Verdict: need to lose weight (only 15 pounds), exercise more and work on getting the joints to me more limber. (of course, I remember joints of another kind, but we won't go there.)
Then, I went for my annual mammogram. Now, men, I know you've always heard your women complain about the mammogram and it's totally true, whatever they say. So, I got into my little hospital gown and sat in the waiting room, where it was freezing. It was about 40 degrees outside, but they had the AC on inside where it also felt like 40 degrees. I had goosebumps on my arms, not to mention elsewhere. So, it's time to go into the room and take the positions. Yes, boobs on the cold xray shelves, with the attendent moving my boobs around to be positioned correctly, then getting squished down so I won't move and then told to stop breathing. What joy. So, we did both sides and I got sent back to the waiting room to wait while they made sure the film came out okay.
The doctor came out and said that because my breasts are so "dense" (and I don't think he meant as in stupid) we were going to do an ultrasound to make sure there was nothing lurking underneath. So, into another room we went. Here, the nurse slathered gel all over my boobs (and it was freezing cold gel). Then, she went all over the territory with the ultrasound wand or whatever they call it. When done, she left me covered with gooky gel and didn't give me anything to clean up with but said, "don't worry, it's made with water, doesn't stain and has a built in moisturizer." How wonderful is that. It was still sticky and cold and wet.
Why do I write all this? I'm not sure. I think there's the dignity piece ... and I'm sure men feel it as well when they go to the proctologist or urologist. For me, I'd much rather someone I like be messing with my body parts AND I also know it's really important to have this all done. So, it's a mixed bag.
Point: Regardless of how unpleasant in might be ... it's important to do all the necessary things to keep yourself healthy.
Within the last month, I've had a check up, a gynecological exam, an abdominal ultrasound, a bone density test. Good news: I've got the bones of a 35 year old and no osteoporosis, no breast tumors, clean PAP smear and little arthritis. Bad news: my knees still hurt. But, I guess that's a small price. I can control that with more walking, bicycling at the gym and losing weight. One problem ... do I have to give up eating everything that's good?
Anyhow, wanted to rant a bit, and laugh about it all. If anyone is reading this .. maybe give you a chuckle.
Make sure you do what you need to do to be healthy .. you know, those self-exams, those medical tests. Treat yourself to wellness. it's worth it. It keeps you young and vital so that you can then go out in the world and accomplish all that you're up to.
Two last point: 1. Do yourself a favor. I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you want to stay healthy (at least mentally) turn off the TV news!!! End of sermon. Watch too much of that and you'll be jumping off the rooftops. 2. Remember to laugh as much as you can ... even when it's hard to find something to laugh at. It's so curative.
Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Ann
Yesterday was a medical day. That is, I had two medical appointments. I always try to take care of all that stuff at the end of the year (after my deductible is met) and before out-of-pocket costs start again. So, first I went to the rhuematologist to find out why my knees hurt so much. I figured it is just old age and arthritis. So, we took xrays and found a little of that stuff, but not a lot. Verdict: need to lose weight (only 15 pounds), exercise more and work on getting the joints to me more limber. (of course, I remember joints of another kind, but we won't go there.)
Then, I went for my annual mammogram. Now, men, I know you've always heard your women complain about the mammogram and it's totally true, whatever they say. So, I got into my little hospital gown and sat in the waiting room, where it was freezing. It was about 40 degrees outside, but they had the AC on inside where it also felt like 40 degrees. I had goosebumps on my arms, not to mention elsewhere. So, it's time to go into the room and take the positions. Yes, boobs on the cold xray shelves, with the attendent moving my boobs around to be positioned correctly, then getting squished down so I won't move and then told to stop breathing. What joy. So, we did both sides and I got sent back to the waiting room to wait while they made sure the film came out okay.
The doctor came out and said that because my breasts are so "dense" (and I don't think he meant as in stupid) we were going to do an ultrasound to make sure there was nothing lurking underneath. So, into another room we went. Here, the nurse slathered gel all over my boobs (and it was freezing cold gel). Then, she went all over the territory with the ultrasound wand or whatever they call it. When done, she left me covered with gooky gel and didn't give me anything to clean up with but said, "don't worry, it's made with water, doesn't stain and has a built in moisturizer." How wonderful is that. It was still sticky and cold and wet.
Why do I write all this? I'm not sure. I think there's the dignity piece ... and I'm sure men feel it as well when they go to the proctologist or urologist. For me, I'd much rather someone I like be messing with my body parts AND I also know it's really important to have this all done. So, it's a mixed bag.
Point: Regardless of how unpleasant in might be ... it's important to do all the necessary things to keep yourself healthy.
Within the last month, I've had a check up, a gynecological exam, an abdominal ultrasound, a bone density test. Good news: I've got the bones of a 35 year old and no osteoporosis, no breast tumors, clean PAP smear and little arthritis. Bad news: my knees still hurt. But, I guess that's a small price. I can control that with more walking, bicycling at the gym and losing weight. One problem ... do I have to give up eating everything that's good?
Anyhow, wanted to rant a bit, and laugh about it all. If anyone is reading this .. maybe give you a chuckle.
Make sure you do what you need to do to be healthy .. you know, those self-exams, those medical tests. Treat yourself to wellness. it's worth it. It keeps you young and vital so that you can then go out in the world and accomplish all that you're up to.
Two last point: 1. Do yourself a favor. I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you want to stay healthy (at least mentally) turn off the TV news!!! End of sermon. Watch too much of that and you'll be jumping off the rooftops. 2. Remember to laugh as much as you can ... even when it's hard to find something to laugh at. It's so curative.
Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Ann
Labels: BAby boomers, Health and aging, wellness
posted by Ann Fry, Head Boomer at
4:53 PM
2 Comments
