A few
nights ago, as my husband and I struggled to get out of our chairs, he
remarked, “Growing old ain’t for sissies.”
“No
joke!” I replied. I’ve always had aches and pains, but for the past two or
three years, the pain is worse and more constant. I coughed and hacked my way
through January and February, and that took a lot out of me. Being sick zapped
my energy levels.
The
advantage of the mystery illness—I tested negative for Covid and flu—was that
my nagging knee pain was gone. As soon as I returned to normal, the knee pain
returned with a vengeance. I went to a rheumatoid specialist and he prescribed
therapy. I stuck it out to the bitter end, but instead of feeling better, I
could barely walk.
This is
the time of year that I’m usually planning a trip to DC to attend the AIM
(Alzheimer’s Impact Movement) Forum. The last Forum I attended was in 2019. As
usual, I went a few days early to visit the sites. I was having problems
navigating because of my knees, so I would find a place to sit and admire the
view.
In
2020, I had purchased my plane ticket and reserved my hotel room. My friend
Sarah had invited Kathy, Jane, and me to spend a few days at her house in
Virginia. I was excited about my 20th trip to the Alzheimer’s Forum.
Then, wham bam, in person meetings were cancelled.
We met
virtually in 2020 and 2021. This year, the Forum is for AIM Ambassadors only. The
conference will be a scaled down version of past Forums. “Be prepared for more
walking than usual,” was the warning.
Life
circumstances have changed since 2020, and I knew that going to the Forum might
not be impossible, but certainly not probable. When registration rolled around,
I told my contact that I wouldn’t be going this year. Since I bowed out,
Jessica was able to step in and take my place.
I’m
happy for her and hope she has a great time in DC and makes an impact on our
legislators. I’ve told my friends who are going to the Forum to post a lot of
photos for me to see.
I believe
that those of us who can’t be there in person can use Zoom to view the
sessions. It’s not the same, but it will have to do. I’m sure I’ll feel a tinge
of regret and envy when I see the photos, but this is my new reality.
Getting
old really isn’t for sissies, but as a former co-worker used to point out—it
beats the alternative. No joke! Who ever thought I’d look forward to seeing the
doctor on Monday and getting shots in my knees? I’ll have to agree with my
former co-worker about alternatives—painless beats painful every time.
Copyright
© May 2022 by L.S. Fisher
http://earlyonset.blogspot.com
#ENDALZ
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