A Shot, No Dark
I got shot yesterday.
It was by appointment.
How to avoid this if you’re younger and smarter
Seriously, we old guys have managed to learn a few things over the years when it comes to long term health:
- Quit screwing around. Get health insurance now, no matter how good you feel.
- Find a doctor you like.
- Get a check-up at least annually.
- Listen to the doc’s advice
- Watch your diet, exercise and get the rest your body needs.
I don’t mean you have to give up the athletic things that make you happy. Be an Ultra runner and an Iron man like my daughter. Play tennis whenever you can. Engage in team sports. Climb rocks and mountains like my friend Chris. Do what you love but treat your body with the respect it deserves.
One day you will wish you had.
I’ve never forgotten telling my wife that I had to turn back a half mile into a short hike on Mt. Hood. The pain from the tattered meniscus in both my knees was just too much.
I’ve lived in pain for years. On a scale of 1 to 10 I’ve gotten used to living with a 7 or 8 most days. There are times when I couldn’t sleep because of it. There were days when I considered consuming vast quantities of 90 proof liquid pain relievers. But I just suffered through because I didn’t really want to have knee replacement surgery. I put it off for years after having the meniscus in both knees removed.
An x-ray wedding photographer
The pain finally got so bad I got my doctor to refer me to a surgeon. The x-ray technician had to be wedding photographer in another life. She got exposures of my knees standing, sitting, laying down and you name it. It all came down to the same diagnosis: Bone on bone plus bone spurs and arthritis. Other than that they were in great shape!
Better late than never
Like most things when it comes to my health I put it off way too long. I didn’t have a personal doctor until I was 65. The first thing he suggested was a colonoscopy.
Because of that one suggestion I’m alive today.
Because I learned to listen to him I could get help when I found myself running out of gas about two hours into any work I was doing. He and my oncologist diagnosed a thyroid problem and prescribed the pill that got me back to normal.
Because I listened to the knee surgeon he referred me to I got shot yesterday.
You need surgery, but…
Dr. Feinblatt clicked on the computer screen and showed me the x-rays. He pointed out the bone spurs and where the arthritis was having its impact. He told me that both knees needed replacement. And then he said, “Have you thought about having injections to minimize the pain?”
We agreed that his suggestion would be good as I would need support after surgery and my daughter was not available until October. He agreed to have staff clear it with my insurance company.
So I got shot yesterday.
The physician assistant told me I’d know if it was working within two days. Either it was the placebo effect or swift reaction but I had the best nights sleep I’ve had in months last night. As I write this I not hurting. It is a wonder!
Take care of yourself
You only get one body to live your life. Yes, you can get some repairs done but the spare parts are never as good as the originals. Take the time to see someone to keep you “in tune.” When the years start to add up you’ll thank me.
And so it goes.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jerry Fletcher is a sought-after International Speaker, a beBee ambassador, founder and Grand Poobah of www.BrandBrainTrust.comHis consulting practice, founded in 1990, is known for on and off-line Trust-based Consultant Marketing and Brand development advice that builds businesses, careers and lives of joy.
Consulting: www.JerryFletcher.com
Speaking: www.NetworkingNinja.com
DIY Training: www.ingomu.com
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Comments
Jerry Fletcher
4 years ago #13
Jerry Fletcher
4 years ago #12
Jerry Fletcher
4 years ago #11
Thank you Michael.
Jerry Fletcher
4 years ago #10
Thanks Paul!
Jerry Fletcher
4 years ago #9
Dr. Ali, There was a time when we all wanted to learn the wisdom of the elders. When I was of an age when I should have been listening, I wasn't. If I can reach just one or two it will be worthwhile.
Michael Toebe
4 years ago #8
Paul Walters
4 years ago #7
Ali Anani
4 years ago #6
Ken Boddie
4 years ago #5
Haha, Jerry. Come on over and we’ll have you jumping with the jumbucks and running with the roos.
Jerry Fletcher
4 years ago #4
Judy, I wish someone had pushed me into having better medical advice when I was a lot younger. I'm still going to have to replace both knees but at least now I can do it on my schedule and in a lot less pain. And so it goes
Jerry Fletcher
4 years ago #3
Ken, Maybe now if I ever get to visit down under I can go walkabout. And so it goes.
Judy Olbrych
4 years ago #2
Ken Boddie
4 years ago #1