|
Post by Taildragger on Apr 16, 2023 10:34:50 GMT -5
I've been very physically active all my life, but at age 74 have dialed that back a little. Don't bicycle at all anymore and surf only occasionally. I still lift some minimal free weights, work out regularly on my Total Gym and walk the dogs 2-3 miles a day, but maybe a couple of years ago, I finally started to "feel my age". Often, when I wake up in the morning...dang I feel OLD: my lower back hurts, my joints are stiff, maybe the ol' hip is acting up again.
But once I get up and start moving around, gravity comes into play and stuff that was feeling out of whack seems to shift into something vaguely approximating proper alignment, the old joints limber up and most of the things that were hurting start feeling OK. Then I feel more like "my old self" and am ready to take on the day. Even into my late 60s, I would just spring out of bed at the crack of dawn, fully awake and fully functional. Nowadays, I get up at least an hour later than I used to and it takes me awhile to "get it together". A cup of coffee is a "must".
It's like my mind is still saying, "go get 'em, Tiger", but my body says, "hang on, Chief...gimme a minute, will ya?"
Can you relate?
|
|
|
Post by gato on Apr 16, 2023 10:54:00 GMT -5
I'll be 76 in just over a month. I start my day at 2:00 AM, do a 3X week workout at home, walk nearly every day. I do need my high octane French Roast coffee in the AM to get my engine running on all cylinders. All the insults to my back, hips, legs over the years have come home to roost, while I pick up speed on the down side of the hill of life. If I see a quarter on the ground, I might point it out to someone, but I'm not bending over to pick it up. Any on-the-garage-floor car repairs, I now delegate to those with wrench patches on their overalls. I still fling those 5 gallon water bottles up onto the water dispenser. My amps all have wheels now. My mind is still active. I don't leave the house keys hanging out of the knob overnight. I still remember important strings of numbers. Keeping up with "updates" on my iPhone is problematic, but I've struggled with those since Mr. Jobs revealed his device.
|
|
|
Post by Taildragger on Apr 16, 2023 11:26:49 GMT -5
Keeping up with "updates" on my iPhone is problematic, but I've struggled with those since Mr. Jobs revealed his device. My solution to that is to stick with with a flip phone. When they phase out 4G support, I guess I'll be dragged kicking and screaming into the modern world.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Apr 16, 2023 11:49:30 GMT -5
Sure. In my case the 70's started in my 50's. I already had degenerative disc disease at 30 and it seems to be running in the genes. My neurosurgeon is suggesting a procedure called XLIF but I'm seriously waffling on that decision after reading research at the NiH.
|
|
|
Post by rickyguitar on Apr 16, 2023 12:09:01 GMT -5
I am 68. A shoulder injury at 66 had me out of work for over a year. Out of work and seriously inactive. When we started fixing up the house to sell I discovered I had really lost my stamina. Worked like a dog for 8 months and was really physically suffering. After a couple weeks off I am still trying to recuperate. My advice is to do all you can to maintain your physical fitness. You may never get some back but it is important to fight the decline that comes with age. And coffee up bro.
|
|
argo
Wholenote
Posts: 406
|
Post by argo on Apr 16, 2023 12:33:43 GMT -5
72 here, and the distance between how high I can lift a leg and how far I can bend over at the same time is growing. But I can still put my pants on in the middle of the room. I believe in Newtons law that a body in motion tends to stay in motion. I still work as a part time cabinet installer and keep hoping Newton was referring to the human body also.
|
|
|
Post by revtones on Apr 16, 2023 12:35:30 GMT -5
I'll be 79 shortly. I just dug the V-strom and the old Triumph (avatar) out of winter storage and took them out for a spin. Had to treadmill for a while to get the back in shape,but other than that it's all good.
|
|
|
Post by Laker on Apr 16, 2023 13:23:27 GMT -5
I’m headed towards 77 this year and the only thing that seems to have changed for me is (outside of prostate cancer) pain in the knees and aching hands thanks to arthritis. With the winter snows finally done it felt good to get the Harley out for a couple rides last week and I do have another bike, an ‘07 FXD, that I picked up from a friend’s estate that I have at the local dealer for new tires and battery.
Overall, I do know I’m slowing down a little, but many of my old friends are already fertilizer so I’m not doing too bad.
|
|
|
Post by Seldom Seen on Apr 16, 2023 19:23:45 GMT -5
I’m “only” 65 but it’s weird how, once in a while, a random, sharp pain hits me for no good reason. I could be sitting, walking, whatever, and boom. A few seconds later it’s over. The timing and locus are random. I’m thinking Voodoo Doll.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Apr 16, 2023 19:38:53 GMT -5
I’m “only” 65 but it’s weird how, once in a while, a random, sharp pain hits me for no good reason. I could be sitting, walking, whatever, and boom. A few seconds later it’s over. The timing and locus are random. I’m thinking Voodoo Doll. Its probably back related. I know I'll get random stingers, burners, itches, tingles. They could be anywhere, a thigh, shoulder, elbow...often a sequence of all in rapid succession.
|
|
009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 524
|
Post by 009 on Apr 16, 2023 20:39:31 GMT -5
My neurosurgeon is suggesting a procedure called XLIF but I'm seriously waffling on that decision after reading research at the NiH. Thanks for posting the "XLIF" procedure. I'm seeing a neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks; you can't have too much information. I have just begun to investigate XLIF after reading your post. I watched these two YouTube videos; one refers to the XLIF procedure, and the other (TLIF) is about the same, except that the approach is directly perpendicular to the back and straight in, with lots of grinding/removal of bone and pulling on nerves to get to the disc. I'll read those NIH papers soon, but so far I think the XLIF is a lot less traumatic, less fraught with potential complication. Do you have any other possible (minimally invasive) surgical techniques in mind? PS - I really don’t want to hog so much screen space here. I cannot figure out how simply post/paste a web site address/LINK only (the addresses are not editable)…. (sorry)
|
|
|
Post by oldnjplayer on Apr 17, 2023 6:19:45 GMT -5
I turned 74 and have Leukemia in remission. I was not a real physical guy when I was younger no sports but some backpacking and cross country skiing. When I retired I tried to walk a little. When I turned 70 I tried walking a little everyday and working upper body with very small weights to keep flexibility. When I was in treatment for the Leukemia COVID was at it's peak. I found walking helped deal with infusions and helped keep my head on straight when when I was essentially not able to go anywhere except for medical reasons. I live within walking distance to a nice small county park and found that at 6:30 am it was pretty much empty and therefore safe (COVID wise) I have definitely slowed down from my younger days, but thankfully have a minimum number of aches and pains. I did have what was called Sciatica which made the five hours in the infusion chair uncomfortable but I started doing some stretching exercises I found on line. Can't say for sure but eventually the Sciatica pain subsided. I still do the exercises every day. Every thing I read seems to agree that at minimum walking is good for your physical and mental health. Getting old isn't great but it is better than the alternative.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Apr 17, 2023 7:46:19 GMT -5
My neurosurgeon is suggesting a procedure called XLIF but I'm seriously waffling on that decision after reading research at the NiH. Thanks for posting the "XLIF" procedure. I'm seeing a neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks; you can't have too much information. I have just begun to investigate XLIF after reading your post. I watched these two YouTube videos; one refers to the XLIF procedure, and the other (TLIF) is about the same, except that the approach is directly perpendicular to the back and straight in, with lots of grinding/removal of bone and pulling on nerves to get to the disc. I'll read those NIH papers soon, but so far I think the XLIF is a lot less traumatic, less fraught with potential complication. Do you have any other possible (minimally invasive) surgical techniques in mind? PS - I really don’t want to hog so much screen space here. I cannot figure out how simply post/paste a web site address/LINK only (the addresses are not editable)…. (sorry) XLIF has been the only back surgery recommended to me and that took 2 MRIs over a year to come by. I think the first MRI the neurosurgeon simply read the report, the 2nd one he actually looked at and found the target of the XLIF procedure. Between a decision to have part of my guts removed and this surgery I just got weary of it all. I may reconsider when I get on medicare in another 18 months. Best of luck to you.
|
|
|
Post by HenryJ on Apr 17, 2023 8:24:29 GMT -5
I turn 3/4 of a century in a few months.
I was singing in our church choir when we quit having choir and choir rehearsals in 2020. When we started back, maybe a year later, I noticed that I had aged a good bit over that period of time. It was not as easy to get up into the choir loft. It was as if there was one year in my early 70s that I transformed from a middle-aged person to an old person.
But I can still play my guitars.
|
|
|
Post by Taildragger on Apr 17, 2023 10:03:45 GMT -5
Boy, those XLIF and TLIF videos are daunting.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Apr 17, 2023 10:16:17 GMT -5
Boy, those XLIF and TLIF videos are daunting. Yeah, this is the paper at the NiH that I read put me on hold. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6911674/Specifically the bowel perforation reference. Because there are issues in that department I would want to make sure my GI doc and the neurosurgeon are on the same page.
|
|
009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 524
|
Post by 009 on Apr 17, 2023 11:28:48 GMT -5
Pretty scary stuff.... Over the weekend I bought (ordered) a couple of spinal decompression gizmos. I'm going to give these a try.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Apr 17, 2023 11:35:38 GMT -5
Pretty scary stuff.... Over the weekend I bought (ordered) a couple of spinal decompression gizmos. I'm going to give these a try. Let you and your neurosurgeon be the determining factor, I'm just expressing my opinion here as it relates to me. These procedures exist for a reason. My hesitancy has a number of components; other medical issues, financial reasons, timing, etc. XLIF is still on the table for me, just not now. Best of luck.
|
|
|
Post by slacker 🐨 on Apr 17, 2023 11:39:55 GMT -5
I started having hip pain when I was in my late 40's. I was bone on bone before I turned 50 and had a hip replacement 2 weeks after my 50th birthday. I've never really been the same. The surgery was a success, but I did have some residual pangs of pain when I did some movements (bending over, pushing my lawn mower under low hanging tree branches, for example). They didn't have me do much in the way of physical therapy after the replacement, which I think would have helped that. I kinda invented my own for range of motion stuff and that helped alot.
Unfortunately, I then started having issues with my other hip. It's amazing how hard it is to do much physical when your hip hurts constantly. The more I do, the harder it is to sleep for the pain. So I don't do a lot of physically demanding stuff. We have a boat and I swim a lot in the summer. I did water ski briefly last summer. I may try to do more of that.
Bottom line - I'm not in very good shape at age 59 and really struggling to find activities I can do to get into better shape without being in perpetual pain.
|
|
009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 524
|
Post by 009 on Apr 17, 2023 14:10:07 GMT -5
Pretty scary stuff.... Over the weekend I bought (ordered) a couple of spinal decompression gizmos. I'm going to give these a try. Let you and your neurosurgeon be the determining factor, I'm just expressing my opinion here as it relates to me. These procedures exist for a reason. My hesitancy has a number of components; other medical issues, financial reasons, timing, etc. XLIF is still on the table for me, just not now. Best of luck. Oh, no no no! If this doesn't work out, like I can't move, and I'm in irretractable pain, I'm going to need someone to blame, and cuss at (at least for the therapeutic value)! Ha, ha. Just kidding, of course. No, I extensively research all my health conditions and medical/surgical remedies. I'll probably drive the neurosurgeon nuts. Anyway, nothing will happen soon; I will have been waiting for this initial consultation for at least two months and the appointment visit time is only 20 minutes long. (I suppose this isn't too bad, considering I had to wait five months for my dermatology visit; glad I didn't have a melanoma....) This back pain topic is not new here at Moe's. I always track this stuff. Here are three links (FYI) that some guys here directly or indirectly provided over the last couple of years or so. I have only skimmed the info; will revisit & study critically: sonospinesurgery.com/www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/microdiscectomy-microdecompression-spine-surgerycoflexsolution.com/Your symptoms are more widespread but similar to mine (limited to feet, but progressing). I figure there's a chance daily decompression can resolve most symptoms, maybe halt this problem (spinal stenosis / intervertebral foraminal stenosis). I'm going to hand my neurosurgeon a Sharpie marker and ask him to put an "X" on the vertebral spine that is in "mild degenerative retrolisthesis L4 on L5" so I can identify it. I'm thinking of buying a chiropractic spine adjusting tool and have my wife gently work that vertebra back into place over a few months' time. (You can buy anything on eBay.) Or wear an elastic back brace for a few hours a day with particular pressure on that vertebra (maybe stick a big cotton ball under the brace in that spot); kind of like going to the orthodontist. Well, I brainstorm extensively. Your pal, Walter Mitty
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Apr 17, 2023 15:38:16 GMT -5
Or wear an elastic back brace for a few hours I wear an elastic back brace for anything physical, including any lengthy walks. For me it helps. When I first blew out my back at 30 they fitted me for a specific brace which I've since, uh, outgrown. I now just use the ones available at drug stores. Oddly enough, it helps to stave off abdominal pains too. My neurosurgeon thinks there's some referred pain issues going on, in fact it was my Gastro doc who sent me to the neurosurgeon.
|
|
|
Post by Taildragger on Apr 17, 2023 15:47:58 GMT -5
I have to brace/stabilize myself before I sneeze. If I fail to do so, mt L5 reminds me that I should have.
|
|
|
Post by Ricketi on Apr 17, 2023 18:09:16 GMT -5
I've been going to a chiropractor the last four months for lumbar issues, L3,4 and 5. It has helped somewhat. Insurance covered the first 36 visits, now it's out of pocket. Down to going one day a week. I'm hoping things will be better by end of summer but I have my doubts. If I have to do some heavy work I wear elastic back brace.
|
|
|
Post by Opie on Apr 18, 2023 7:24:33 GMT -5
I had two CO-FLEX implants about five years ago, saved my life as far as I'm concerned. My pain, even with surgery, was better right outa the box. Been mostly pain free ever since. I can't say enough good about it. coflexsolution.com/
|
|
|
Post by 6l6 on Apr 18, 2023 16:04:23 GMT -5
I'm 77. 6ft tall (shrinking though), 188 lbs.
I've had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders and had my gall bladder removed in 2004. Good to go!
I still play golf (I used to hit it about 260yds on average but now if I catch a good one it only goes about 190yds) and snow ski (my favorite sport that I will continue to do until my dirt nap).
I can still play a solo 4 hr acoustic set without the need for a setlist. Good stuff to keep your brain working.
I do occasionally have to deal with a "trick" left knee issue I've had since I was a teenager, but it sure ain't nuthin' like dealing with cancer.
Much to be thankful for.
6
|
|
|
Post by Laker on Apr 18, 2023 16:34:00 GMT -5
Here’s something for you guys to think about.
One of my best friends, going back to the early ‘60s, was my guitar-playing partner (he is like a Rolodex of material) in a weekly jam session we did up until COVID shut us down. Towards the end of our sessions he started developing lung issues where he made a trip or two to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where he was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and was, eventually (about a year ago) put on supplemental oxygen. Mayo said the fix was to do a lung transplant, but, at his age they didn’t know if they’d be able to re-start his heart so, thus, the oxygen and we now watch him fade.
During October of last year some of us friends went to his home and we had a little jam session since he doesn’t leave the house anymore and a good time was had by all. In January when we got together he had lost a bit more ground and it was apparent that singing was beginning to be a bit taxing. I have not visited since but I’m told he can’t pick up the guitar anymore and singing is a no go.
Things can sneak up on you so gradually no never realize you’re slowing down until it’s too late.
|
|
009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 524
|
Post by 009 on Apr 18, 2023 19:39:27 GMT -5
I received this back stretching (decompression) device today. I haven't tried it yet, wanting to be sure I was going to use it correctly. Here's a link / overview: sitanddecompress.com/Amazon and eBay sell these. I got mine via eBay, and the cheapest one I could find. Over the weekend I bought a six-foot x 1-5/8 in. metal fence post and laid this across the corners of two metal cabinets sitting at 90 degrees to each other. I'll hang around there and stretch out.
|
|
009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 524
|
Post by 009 on Apr 19, 2023 10:26:00 GMT -5
I just set this harness up and tried it. I had to do a lot of adjusting; it feels like a torture device -- it's difficult to relax your core muscles and allow the spine to stretch out when it's so uncomfortable. No matter how carefully I wrap the harness around my chest, it always, eventually, slides up to the armpits --very uncomfortable. I'm sure as I continue to use it I will learn to strap in with better results.
It seems unlikely that any of you guys will purchase one of these. But just in case... The eBay seller did not list a choice of sizes, so I figured it was a "universal" size. They sent me a Large, which works, but I think a Medium would have been a little better; not worth returning/exchanging. I saw other, more expensive variations of this harness that had padding at the armpit areas.... should have spent more money an gotten one of those (mine was about $52, the cheapest I could find). I think that something like an inflated tire innertube might work and be a lot more comfortable; put your arms through and hang by your armpits. Hanging by the bar directly would seem like a good idea, but it takes a lot of strength to hang there for more than a few seconds. Forty years ago I could do around eight pullups; I'm down to 1/2 now.... ;-(
A couple of famous chiropractors on YouTube suggest using individual handles attached to a wall (they sell them along with mounting backets), and then hanging by your arms. Maybe this would be better.... I have no place (no wall space) where I can install handles and use them, so I opted for this harness.
About 50 years ago, a lab partner in school was goofing around and while my back was turned towards him, he quickly gave me a bear hug and jerked me up and off my feet; a total, unexpected surprise. I could feel my back stretching out in an instant. I was fairly young and did not have any back discomfort, but man, my back felt so, so good at that moment of stretching, and for the next 10 minutes or so.
|
|
argo
Wholenote
Posts: 406
|
Post by argo on Apr 19, 2023 12:05:43 GMT -5
|
|
009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 524
|
Post by 009 on Apr 20, 2023 14:58:17 GMT -5
I decided to return this thing. eBay sent/emailed me a prepaid mailing label. It's not a free return; the mailing fee will be deducted from my refund amount. eBay "estimates" the fee (Priority Mail) to be $19.10 and will adjust when the package is scanned into the system. (I got a receipt -- says $0.00 fee to send....) The post office normally charges $10.40 for the same thing. I'll find out when I get my refund, but it feels like a scam to me, charging me / punishing me for returning it. I buy a lot of stuff via eBay; never had this exact experience.
I think my idea of an inflated inner tube has merit. WalMart probably sells these. I wonder if they'll let me try a few on first? :-)
|
|