Aging is not my friend
By patgalca
@patgalca (18493)
Orangeville, Ontario
September 4, 2026 8:53am CST
Is it aging or is it more fibromyalgia symptoms? Since my sister has also developed these illnesses I tend to believe it is the former.
This past year I have been in the hospital at least 5 times. Severe pelvic pain sent me to the ER where I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. That was followed up with a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. So every part of my digestive system is messed up (diverticulitis, GERD, IBS).
In January I fell on the ice. Severe pain and the inability to breathe required an amulance ride to ER. Nothing was broken but I had bruised ribs which lasted for 2 months, and a collapsed lung. My husband happened to be home when I stepped outside to put the garbage out. It was either a curse or a blessing. Good that he was there when I fell but I feel I may not have fallen if he wasn't there.
I will be 64 next month and though in pictures I still look 40, I am starting to feel my age. No, I haven't done anything to my hair or face except for healthy living. I don't even wear makeup. My husband looks 20 years older than me. 
If genetics play a role, I still have another 30 years of life in me. Keeping busy to prevent alzheimers doing lots of reading and volunteering. Exericse has slowed down to gentle exercises as opposed to walking the treadmill (gotta sell that thing). Keeping myself nimble. But meds and vitamins are costing me a pretty penny.
But, I keep on keeping on. 
If genetics play a role, I still have another 30 years of life in me. Keeping busy to prevent alzheimers doing lots of reading and volunteering. Exericse has slowed down to gentle exercises as opposed to walking the treadmill (gotta sell that thing). Keeping myself nimble. But meds and vitamins are costing me a pretty penny.
But, I keep on keeping on. 7 people like this
7 responses
@Wrexxo (6684)
•
4 Sep
that's a lot to go through in one year, diverticulitis, a collapsed lung, all of it, and you're still keeping on is honestly impressive. Genetics or not you're clearly doing the work to stay sharp and nimble, that counts for alot. Here's hoping the next 30 years are way less eventful on the hospital front.
2 people like this
@patgalca (18493)
• Orangeville, Ontario
4 Sep
I got blood tests earlier this week and just checked the results. What was high (iron) is back to normal. B12 was low but back to normal. Kidney function (low) remains stable. However, a new alter on my results shows slightly high cholesterol. I'm glad I was able to fix some things. Not happy with a new concern.
2 people like this
@mayka123 (17176)
• India
4 Sep
You've certainly been through a lot over the past year. I think as we get older we become much more aware of every ache and pain, but I love your attitude of just keeping on keeping on. Staying busy, reading, volunteering and doing gentle exercise all sound like good ways to keep enjoying life at your own pace. And looking 40 when you're about to turn 64 is definitely something I'd be very happy about! ?? Wishing you a much healthier and easier year ahead.
@Marilynda1225 (92049)
• United States
4 Sep
From your picture I would never think you were almost 64. The best you can do is keep on doing what you've been doing. Aging comes with all sorts of problems but keeping yourself nimble (so to speak) and your mind active, hopefully the aging will be slow.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (126408)
• United States
4 Sep
I’m so sorry you’ve had so much trouble. Fibromyalgia definitely makes me feel old. I may look a lot younger than 45, but I do not feel 45 at all. I think I feel what it’s like to be 70, although my dad is 71, and gets around better than me!
1 person likes this
