Getting older is scary

[smokem-cl]

So I had my Doctors visit last week, and the news isn't good.

Seems I've developed diabetes, have high blood pressure and a host of other things going on. I have to go for a vascular screening, and have a bunch of other tests need to be done, but it looks like cigarettes are out, which in itself isn't such a bad thing, I'm ready to quit 'em. Have to change my eating habits, again not a bad thing, but the pills I have to take remind me everyday just how much getting older is scaring me!!
About the only thing I have left that I can enjoy is cigars. The Doc told me they were OK as long as I don't inhale, which I don't, and I cut back to less then 4 a day oflmao: Really he said to keep it to a few a week. So I'm gonna smoke less, but enjoy 'em more I figure.
On top of all this I turn 50 in October!! What the hell will I be like by the time I'm 60!?!?!?!
Bright spot in this whole mess is G-Man, my son, will be 18 come June 14th, and we get to have our first cigar together which will be very, very cool. Also I know just how much Mrs. smokem loves me. She has been my rock, and tells me we'll do whatever it takes to get me well.

Sorry for the rambling rant, but I just needed somewhere to vent.

[Matt257]

Sorry to hear that you feel your getting old. But doesnt life supposedly start at 50, or is it 60. Anyways, thats what my dad tells me

[Shelby07]

I know what you mean. It is hard, but the alternative sucks.

I know that exercise, eating right, getting lots of sleep and living a healthy lifestyle will help, and in many cases, reverse diabetes, high blood pressure, and everything else that happens when we neglect ourselves (note I didn't say "get old.") It's just that it's so damn hard to do!

[tobacmon]

Tom I as well know how you feel--sorry for your news. I'll be 52 in May and I had a doctor give me pills for my cholesterol and have yet to take them--don't follow my lead by the way. After much consideration my level 152 is not high and was told with the combination of all levels is why she wants me to take em.

I'll see what she says when my next check up comes around--exercise!

[Shelby07]

The problem with some of those pills, especially some of the cholesterol lowering pills, is that once you start you can't stop. Your body won't let you.

A few years back I had a checkup and found that I had high cholesterol. Well, everyone in my family has high cholesterol and they typically live well into their 80's with little or no complications. I went for a heart scan and guess what?? Calcium buildup was 0 to -1%. None! Nada!. Had I started taking the pills I would have been into my 6th year on them and would have been unable to stop taking them.

Don't get into the rut of taking a pill to fix everything. My feeling is that doctors are in the business of dispensing pills. It's my body and my life. Learn what the alternatives are. If you have to get on medication, then do it... but don't think it's a fix-all. Pills may keep you alive, but your quality of life might really suck!

Exercise, lose weight and stay active.

[Poss253a]

Sorry to hear about your ailments. Getting older just plain sucks. Like the saying goes..."Youth is wasted on the young."

The best way to try to reverse this situation is to try to exercise regularly. Try going for walks....possibly joining a gym...so weight training combined with cardio will really help out your diabetes and cholesterol problems.

[smokinj]

Sorry about the news.

[GoinFerSmoke]

Tom diabetes is a disease yes but with diet and exercise you can possibly get off the pills...

For info go to http://www.diabetes.org
If you need help and or info feel free to pm me...

[smokem-cl]

Originally Posted by GoinFerSmoke

Tom diabetes is a disease yes but with diet and exercise you can possibly get off the pills...

For info go to http://www.diabetes.org
If you need help and or info feel free to pm me...

Jim,

Thank you!

[tobacmon]

Originally Posted by Shelby07

The problem with some of those pills, especially some of the cholesterol lowering pills, is that once you start you can't stop. Your body won't let you.

A few years back I had a checkup and found that I had high cholesterol. Well, everyone in my family has high cholesterol and they typically live well into their 80's with little or no complications. I went for a heart scan and guess what?? Calcium buildup was 0 to -1%. None! Nada!. Had I started taking the pills I would have been into my 6th year on them and would have been unable to stop taking them.

Don't get into the rut of taking a pill to fix everything. My feeling is that doctors are in the business of dispensing pills. It's my body and my life. Learn what the alternatives are. If you have to get on medication, then do it... but don't think it's a fix-all. Pills may keep you alive, but your quality of life might really suck!

Exercise, lose weight and stay active.

My point exactly Mark--great point--I am glad I did not start these pills--as you said it's all about making money from the Pharmaceutical company's..LOL

[smokem-cl]

Originally Posted by tobacmon

My point exactly Mark--great point--I am glad I did not start these pills--as you said it's all about making money from the Pharmaceutical company's..LOL

Well, my doctor is not a "pill pusher" but given my family history, he thought it would be a good idea to get me started on a good course of action. He also told me we could reevaluate my situation in another 6 weeks, but for now, he wants to make sure I'm as well as I can be.

Mark does make a good point in that, you have to make up our own mind. It's your body, and we all have to do whats right for us.

[cdowden3691]

I just spent the entire wknd in the hospital with the father in law. He's got complications (i'll spare you the details) from not taking care of his diabetes. He is older, per se (in his 70's), but he did not control his blood sugar levels and now it's costing him.

Don't mean to scare anyone, just take it with the intent it's meant... Take care of yourself, educate yourself about diabetes, because that will empower you to manage your health with some consistency. Staying on top of diabetes is a daily task and will give you the best shot at staying healthy for the longest period of time.

Best of luck to you...