My new normal

[olsarge]

19 years ago I was diagnosed with COPD.  As a result I have had yearly CT scans to stay on top of things.  Last month my scan showed a small spot on my lower right lung so a pet scan was ordered.  Doc tells me scan proved conclusively that the spot is non-cancerous.  He offered a biopsy but the spot is so small and in such a difficult place he could almost guarantee a collapsed lung that would require a 3 day hospital stay.  Same difficulty with surgery.  I opted for more frequent CT scans to monitor the little bastage till it gets larger or disappears on its own.  So quarterly CT scans it is

[ctom]

You're not alone in the copd department.

[Lines]

That's the option I would have gone with too olsarge. Not only for fear of collapsing the lung, but to avoid introducing more viruses and complications through surgery. I've seen so many friends and family go in for simple surgeries and end up with more serious problems than they started with. Sending prayers for healing now!

[Lamar]

 Well non-cancerous is good news. At least now you know to watch it. This getting old is not for the weak. Seems like every time I go for my regular check up we're going to need to watch something or work on doing this better or let's adjust this medication. I just want to hear one time Keep up the good work and we'll see you next time.

[ctom]

I just want to hear one time Keep up the good work and we'll see you next time.

You must have missed hearing this 30 years ago, Bud!

[Lamar]

You must have missed hearing this 30 years ago, Bud!

 Na truth is I'm in really good health for being 65. Seems like a good number of my friends are battling something. Just part of getting older.

[bigjim5589]

Yep, this getting older is hard on old people.   

I'm in reasonably good health, but have been dealing with some heart issues.

I had started to check my blood pressure again frequently last year after my wife had passed, and found it was staying high, so went to my primary care. She referred me to a cardiologist after some testing showed I may have a problem.

The cardiologist had the test done to check my arteries and they're clear, and they got my BP lower with more meds. I had been taking some meds for BP for several years, but now taking added meds.

However, I had some A -fib, they got that corrected with meds, but now my heart rate is lower than they consider normal, under 60 beats per minute. It wasn't like that until I had begun taking the A-fib meds. It had been up in the 70's to 80's. So, now I'm not taking the A fib meds, to see if my heart rate improves. I had a heart monitor until the other day, and go back to the cardiologist on the 19th.

There's the chance the A-fib could return, so wait & see.

Last visit he had said I may end up needing a pace maker.

So, it never seems to get better, just fixing one issue, causes another.

I feel fine too, just old. I've had no symptoms through all of this, at least not any I can tell.

All any of us can do is go through the  motions and try to deal with the issues as they arise and let the doctors & the Lord do what they can & Will.

I know darn well I have less days ahead than I have behind me, so I just keep living as best I can and putting my faith in the Lord! He has the final say anyway!

With my wife passing, I just tell folks I'm suffering from a broken heart, literally it seems.

You guys take care of your health.

[Lines]

Prayers out for you as well bigjim! Prayers out for everyone in here who is dealing with health issues. I'll be 65 this fall, and so far I've only had to deal with some minor things. Bigjim hit the nail on the head about more days behind me, than ahead of me.
Thank the Lord daily for the ones he has granted.