But I believe it has a huge impact on us as we age. Aging past sixty I mean.
I observed myself yesterday. I had lab work booked in anticipation of an appointment with my internist on Thursday. I pulled out the requisition from my medical file (I am much more organized in old age) and lurch off to the lab. Pain has been a challenge in the past week so I bring George, my trusty cane.
Only to learn I had brought the wrong requisition.
This included hormone testing so rather than tell them I had the wrong requisition with me, I underwent a session on how to correctly perform hormone testing.
Hauling - with difficulty, keeping my balance on top of George - the two unneeded and unnecessary enormous hormone jugs and all their attendant instructions all the way out to the parking lot and the safety of my car. Breathing a huge sigh of relief, I headed home, wondering how and where to dispose of these jugs.
But the day wasn’t done with me by a long shot.
Suddenly, I realized I had no memory of receiving my health card back from the technician. I called the lab, no card. Panic.
Finally, after a few hours, in despair, I looked in my wallet and there it was. No memory of receiving it or placing it carefully back in my wallet. What the hell?
I come to the conclusion that a pain filled day seriously affects the brain. There is no room for anything else. The whole focus is on keeping it together, keeping the aforementioned befuddlement away from medical observation.
The brain is on overdrive just putting one foot in front of the other with a watchful eye cast outward for the men in white coats ready to pounce.
And in case you’re wondering, there has been little to no research done on pain in old age, apart from a few offhand observations that it possibly might contribute to rapid onset of dementia as neurons firing constantly wears out an elderly brain.
I hear you loud and clear! This has happened to me several times and it's downright scary. 'What the Hell' fits! You're probably on to something re pain and its effects on elderly brains, it's bound to have an influence on us due to its ever-presence in our lives. Hope today (and tomorrows) are good.
ReplyDeleteSo good to feel not so alone in this, Marge. We need to write and explore all these unresearched matters. I do believe there's not enough funds available for studies on aging as so few dear leaders place value on seniors and their health. We are discarded.
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Pain is the cause of many older people being afraid to leave their homes. I use wheels these days and rely on them to help me walk and a couple of tablets.. hell some days to get going!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that Chris. I am on the verge of "wheeling" myself. My pain is uncertain and unpredictable, thus the hold off on getting more serious in my assists. Some days are not bad, others a horror show. Yes, the pain pills are close by at all times.
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I often do things quite automatically and have no memory of doing them afterwards. I'm sure it's true that constant pain can affect brain function.
DeleteYes, the automatic as well, we put things in our wallets unconsciously perhaps? It all added to a confusing day in the end wondering if I was ready for the winky farm.
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Those of us who aren't dealing with frequent pain need to be more patient and understanding with those who are. It's not easy either, but I wouldn't choose to trade places! I hope your troubles soon let up. BTW, I'm "only" 65 and have had absent-minded experiences like the one you describe for a number of years already. Is it age or is it the nature of some of us? Maybe never was yours but I think maybe always was mine. -Kate
ReplyDeleteI believe that a busy brain contributes to this as we age. I've always had my brain firing off in all sorts of directions and this is far from helpful in old age. There's not enough effin room in the storage compartments for one. So add pain and it's far from a successful outcome.
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Take a photo of the card if you have a phone with camera. That's what we do for back up.
DeleteExcellent idea, I will adapt immediately!!!!
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Years back I went to a pain management clinic where the presenters told us that pain impacts on EVERY aspect of our lives. They expected applause for that statement but given the fact that chronic pain for at least six months was a prerequisite for attending the course they didn't get it. On bad days particularly I do a lot on automatic. And forget things. Pain is a very bad companion. Particularly where multitasking comes into the equation.
ReplyDeleteYes, the holding 3 thoughts in the head at the same time when pain is present is a thing of the past. Pain is THE BOSS and every other single function is weak or absent. I was so utterly wretched yesterday that lying down later and doing absolutely zero was the only relief. I knew you'd understand, EC.
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You'll get no argument from me; a pain filled day absolutely does affect the brain.
ReplyDeleteI've seen so little written about this River and I suppose it's a fine balance with medication. I was refused sleeping pills even though some nights I lie awake with the pain and am completely disoriented the day afterwards from lack of sleep.
DeleteNot enough gerontologists around either. None here in my province.
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Do you have an on-line writing class? I need to do that. I tried to sign up to comments but it won't "take". Emma
ReplyDeleteNo, unfortunately Emma, many are so against Zoom and on line and need the F2F apparently. I would be OK with it.
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I don't have pain but I'm used to life with a cane and its mind blowing how much more difficult everything gets with only one available hand.
ReplyDeleteI certainly know the feeling of getting back to the car by the skin of one's teeth.
I lose things constantly, shoving them into pockets or bags without being at all mindful and then having to figure out where things are. Thats just how I'm wired but the hassle of a lost thing is worse when movement takes effort.
I hope you have a lot more good days than bad
Thank you Kylie. yes, the pocket thing. I only buy clothing with pockets, easier said than done. And a knapsack too but very awkward taking it on and off especially with pain in arms. I try and empty my pockets when I land in my home but sometimes pain even forbids that.
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Pain makes tired, befuddled and forgetful no matter your age.
ReplyDeleteDoing things on automatic is the brain's way of coping with overload, rationing brain power and getting us through the day. We just have to learn to trust this ... it's only when automatic no longer works, that we're in trouble.
I hope all your other tests come back fine!
Thanks Charlotte, I see my internist today. I try and watch what I eat and religiously take all my readings every day. I agree on the automatic mode. It generously takes over from time to time. But I find I am far more mute than I used to be. It's enough work coping with the other stuff. So relieved to be understood and validated here.
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Your post ties right in with my post written early this Thursday morning. Maybe our brilliant minds are thinking alike. 😄
ReplyDeleteOh DKZ I will check that out, nothing like group support in all of this!!
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This may not be what you're looking for. There's also a magazine/publication but I can't recall the name right now to search it. Also I have so much pain in my left arm/shoulder I can't use it too much. Emma
ReplyDeletehttps://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-a0035794.pdf
Emma
Sorry to hear this Emma. It appears there are a lot of us hobbling around and very little of health care throwing an eye out for seniors and their challenges.
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And here where there is coverage better than some other provinces, only a few physios get funding to see seniors. Everyone else of course pays. But if physio don't get senior funding from the gov they won't see us. Get out your trusty heating pad. Emma
DeleteIt must be a challenge every day. I can only hope that it improves, or it can at the very least be managed with medication. All the best - David
ReplyDeleteThank you for your good wishes David. Some days are better than others and I have to manage my energy like a miser. A very different life style to adjust to.
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I've only had severe pain with toothache and I found it absolutely exhausting and put me in a foul mood.
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt sympathies Mary. x
Great blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
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