Over Forties Health Thread

[greenman]

Im David and am a returning member who hasnt posted for a while sorry!  I feel I have reached that period in my life when health issues arise that make me feel like Im getting old. Im aged 45.
I have recently been diagnosed with age related high blood pressure and have been advised to take medication.  I also have all the classic symptoms of low testosterone levels which have recently been measured by my GP.
Im also suffering with depression and fatigue which may be linked with this.  Why do I feel like my life is heading downhill at the moment, how can I turn things around - right now I just dont know.
HELP

[rayandrae]

Hey David,

I am going to be 45 this year, and I can relate to what you are saying. My biggest concern is that the health risks are going to be real now, instead of perceived; how will I handle it?

I had a call back from a mammogram last winter, and I was really scared. I spoke with someone who had several family members with breast cancer and she said "You will deal with one thing at a time as it comes. You have shown through other things you are strong, and you will deal with this intelligently and with strength." For some reason that really calmed me, and I realized that yeah ... I will do just that. Cuz I always have done, just that. If you look back on your journey David, I will bet you can say the same thing.

I recognize we are in a different stage, but it actually releases us from alot of the generalizations in the world. We become sort of invisible to the young ones, and can be as dorky as we want. As well, we have the confidence and wisdom we have earned. I don't like the spreading middle, but I do appreciate and enjoy life in a much broader sense too.

I hope I am not sounding to pollyanna. Just want you to know that I feel like that sometimes too. But I also really value where I am as well. BUT it does mean I have to regularly exercise ..... 

Rae

[greenman]

Hey Rae,

First of all thankyou so much for replying to this thread its good to know that there are people out there that can offer their insight and understanding on this forum.  I suppose realistically every age that we go through has its own set of problems.  As we get older for most of us there are going to be age related problems with health, but its just that realisation that we are now being affected that is hard to get your head round.

I can understand your fears about the mammogram, as my sister too had breast cancer and sadly didnt survive. I suppose we have to realise that we are bigger than the sum of our fears and like you say we deal with one thing at a time rather than letting the fear take over.  Its best to deal with stuff intelligently, seek support find an inner strength - we are stronger than we realise as time has proven to us.

I love your positive slant on things when you say:I recognize we are in a different stage, but it actually releases us from alot of the generalizations in the world. We become sort of invisible to the young ones, and can be as dorky as we want. As well, we have the confidence and wisdom we have earned.

I too will be dorky and grow old disgracefully if I want to!!

I suppose also we have to bear in mind that we are becoming a bit more high maintenance and have to take more reponsibility for our health and wellbeing.  I too have a spreading middle, but I do have a springer spaniel so I am at least getting out for regular walks and exercise.  Like you say its important to appreciate and enjoy life in its broader sense, and to be realistic.