I feel so decrepit

[Ginevra]

This is a rambly, venty, whiney whine about not being twenty any more. I think that’s what it is. 

I have been cleaning heavily all day, doing a bunch of the things that don’t get done for years in some cases. I also moved furniture and things in DS’s pig stye. He had rigged up my craft table in his room to be desk, but it was not the right table for the room, cuts off his bookcase, and gives him more surface to clutter with nonsense, plus I need my craft table! So I moved his dresser, vacuumed the dust mammoths out of there, picked up ninety thousand nerf darts 🙄 and seven hundred Uno and playing cards, and set up his formerly homeschooling desk in there instead. Fortunately, he was happy with the rearrangement and said he had been planning to do something like that. 

But now I can.not.move. I feel like I’m 98 years old. I remember when this kind of cleaning was no big deal; in fact I cleaned professionally for a short while. Big, huge houses, cleaning all by myself, 4000 sq ft in five hours. And then, I would be normal tired, not dead tired! 

Wah. 

Oh, PS. Something else that bums me out. DS said he wants to take down the solar system mural-stickers on his wall and repaint. 🥺 Awww, why do they have to go an get sophisticated tastes? That room was the cutest thing in the world when he was in his planet phase. 

Here’s a picture: 

Edited October 4, 2019 by Quill

[Annie G]

You’re a much nicer mom than I am. I’d have snipped that if he’s old enough to no longer want his solar system decor then he’s old enough to deep clean his own room.g. 

Housework tires me a lot faster than it used to, but cutting the grass/yardwork is no big deal. What gives????

[Guest]

5 minutes ago, Annie G said:

You’re a much nicer mom than I am. I’d have snipped that if he’s old enough to no longer want his solar system decor then he’s old enough to deep clean his own room.g. 

Housework tires me a lot faster than it used to, but cutting the grass/yardwork is no big deal. What gives????

I found a moldy water bottle under his bed. Ewww. 

Also, I know there are doubtless heaps of clothes in his drawers that don’t fit, but his clothes that DO fit are on top of the dresser because they don’t fit in it. 🙄

[Scarlett]

39 minutes ago, Quill said:

This is a rambly, venty, whiney whine about not being twenty any more. I think that’s what it is. 

I have been cleaning heavily all day, doing a bunch of the things that don’t get done for years in some cases. I also moved furniture and things in DS’s pig stye. He had rigged up my craft table in his room to be desk, but it was not the right table for the room, cuts off his bookcase, and gives him more surface to clutter with nonsense, plus I need my craft table! So I moved his dresser, vacuumed the dust mammoths out of there, picked up ninety thousand nerf darts 🙄 and seven hundred Uno and playing cards, and set up his formerly homeschooling desk in there instead. Fortunately, he was happy with the rearrangement and said he had been planning to do something like that. 

But now I can.not.move. I feel like I’m 98 years old. I remember when this kind of cleaning was no big deal; in fact I cleaned professionally for a short while. Big, huge houses, cleaning all by myself, 4000 sq ft in five hours. And then, I would be normal tired, not dead tired! 

Wah. 

Oh, PS. Something else that bums me out. DS said he wants to take down the solar system mural-stickers on his wall and repaint. 🥺 Awww, why do they have to go an get sophisticated tastes? That room was the cutest thing in the world when he was in his planet phase. 

Here’s a picture: 

I feel your pain Quill.  And I felt the same way when ds no longer wanted to decorate with Lego theme.  So sad.

[Arcadia]

My joints and muscles are aching so badly that my oncologist ran five autoimmune blood tests 😛  one is slightly elevated, two are negative and two more results have not been posted.  I am hoping the new mattresses coming this Sunday would improve sleep quality for my kids and me. 

My oncology surgeon did mentioned it might take six months or more after radiation treatment for the fatigue to wear off. Might be two years to be back to “full health”.

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, Arcadia said:

My joints and muscles are aching so badly that my oncologist ran five autoimmune blood tests 😛  one is slightly elevated, two are negative and two more results have not been posted.  I am hoping the new mattresses coming this Sunday would improve sleep quality for my kids and me. 

My oncology surgeon did mentioned it might take six months or more after radiation treatment for the fatigue to wear off. Might be two years to be back to “full health”.

I’m sure it plays a role in my energy and flexibility. 

My oncology surgeon is more the “you can do it!” Type. She’s not dismissive, but she does say things like, “you’ll be fine...you don’t need to nap.” Stuff like that. Sometimes I don’t know if she really thinks I should be “fine” at this point or if she’s just using psychology to placebo-effect me into thinking I’m fine. 

[Arcadia]

20 minutes ago, Quill said:

Sometimes I don’t know if she really thinks I should be “fine” at this point or if she’s just using psychology to placebo-effect me into thinking I’m fine. 

She’s probably saying the truth though. I still have herceptin IV immunotherapy (as well as bloodwork and oncologist visits) every three weeks because of the HER2+ so my recovery probably would take longer. 

[mumto2]

I totally understand and am actually really relieved there are so many of us.

I tire quickly and frequently feel like I can’t move after doing things that would have had no effect on me physically a few years ago.  I can’t quite believe how old I feel.

[EmseB]

I don't know if this fits the thread exactly, but I'm 39 weeks pg and I can't stand up or sit down without making heave ho sounds. Forget any kind of deep cleaning or anything remotely like that. 

[madteaparty]

I’m practically stationary in regular life and now, temporarily I walk around 6 miles min a day, some of it uphill. Yes, I’m in pain. Like, I was holding a hip today. Not even mid 40s. Smh. 6 miles is not a freaking lot. 

Edited October 4, 2019 by madteaparty

[Terabith]

My friend who had breast cancer at 38 said that radiation totally kicked her butt, fatigue wise, till almost six months after she finished.  

[PrincessMommy]

1 hour ago, Arcadia said:

My joints and muscles are aching so badly that my oncologist ran five autoimmune blood tests 😛  one is slightly elevated, two are negative and two more results have not been posted.  I am hoping the new mattresses coming this Sunday would improve sleep quality for my kids and me. 

My oncology surgeon did mentioned it might take six months or more after radiation treatment for the fatigue to wear off. Might be two years to be back to “full health”.

I tried the new mattress route when I started waking up acky and in pain.  Sadly, it didn't really help.  It helped *at night* for a bit, but even that has come back.

 

Quill - I feel my age plus 20yrs too.   I've been trying to do yoga to limber me up, but if I do a lot of physical activities during the day  - like house cleaning or yard work - I can barely move.   But my mornings are hardest.  I can barely walk when I get out of bed... like "Am I going to make it to the bathroom in time??!!" barely walk.  

[Arcadia]

28 minutes ago, PrincessMommy said:

I tried the new mattress route when I started waking up acky and in pain.  Sadly, it didn't really help.  It helped *at night* for a bit, but even that has come back. 

I’m not expecting miracles 🙂 My kids spring mattresses on the floor are already well worn out so their new spring mattresses with boxspring would help them sleep better. My current queen mattress is on the floor for more than a decade which is getting hard even for my husband. So we decided to go for a new mattress and an adjustable bed frame. I tried the adjustable bed frame at Mattress Firm, and my kids and I really liked it. It would be helpful for me in recuperating. 

https://www.mattressfirm.com/leggett-and-platt/50-series-adjustable-base/mfi119079.html

[fairfarmhand]

See also my thread on Dumb Ways to Get Hurt.

I hurt almost every day in some way or another. Hip pain, shoulder pain, leg pain. It's mostly muscular and if I'm diligent about my workouts and stretching I can keep it in check. (And I'm not talking heavy duty workouts. Just 25 minute moderate exercise) 

But the soreness that I deal with eavery day has totally changed what I want to do in the future. I used to think that I'd love to get the farm as self-sustaining as possible once the kids are out. I can't fathom how much I'll ache in 10 years. I'm only 40! There's no way I can work any harder physically than I already do now.

In other news, our chuch just completed a full court gym. All the men were pretty gung ho about playing ball on Sunday Evenings. I know of at least 4 who have hurt themselves to the point that that no longer sounds like fun. They're all in my dh and my age bracket

[PrincessMommy]

49 minutes ago, fairfarmhand said:

See also my thread on Dumb Ways to Get Hurt.

I hurt almost every day in some way or another. Hip pain, shoulder pain, leg pain. It's mostly muscular and if I'm diligent about my workouts and stretching I can keep it in check. (And I'm not talking heavy duty workouts. Just 25 minute moderate exercise) 

But the soreness that I deal with eavery day has totally changed what I want to do in the future. I used to think that I'd love to get the farm as self-sustaining as possible once the kids are out. I can't fathom how much I'll ache in 10 years. I'm only 40! There's no way I can work any harder physically than I already do now.

In other news, our chuch just completed a full court gym. All the men were pretty gung ho about playing ball on Sunday Evenings. I know of at least 4 who have hurt themselves to the point that that no longer sounds like fun. They're all in my dh and my age bracket

Me too.  I've had to re-think how I thought my future would look.    

 

[KungFuPanda]

5 hours ago, Quill said:

I’m sure it plays a role in my energy and flexibility. 

My oncology surgeon is more the “you can do it!” Type. She’s not dismissive, but she does say things like, “you’ll be fine...you don’t need to nap.” Stuff like that. Sometimes I don’t know if she really thinks I should be “fine” at this point or if she’s just using psychology to placebo-effect me into thinking I’m fine. 

Sounds like a quack!  Everyone could benefit from a nice nap now and again!

I feel you on The Old.  I posted here a few weeks ago about throwing out my back for the first time.  I am antiquated.  I teach dance classes to these cute young things who don't take ibuprofen at bedtime just so they can move a little better in the morning.  Ugh.  I wanna be young again.  I don't even want to look young.  I just want to remember what it feels like to not wake up and take inventory of what hurts before you make any sudden moves.

[madteaparty]

5 hours ago, PrincessMommy said:

I tried the new mattress route when I started waking up acky and in pain.  Sadly, it didn't really help.  It helped *at night* for a bit, but even that has come back.

 

Quill - I feel my age plus 20yrs too.   I've been trying to do yoga to limber me up, but if I do a lot of physical activities during the day  - like house cleaning or yard work - I can barely move.   But my mornings are hardest.  I can barely walk when I get out of bed... like "Am I going to make it to the bathroom in time??!!" barely walk.  

Ugh, I don’t want to start anything but the morning pain reminds of DH RA flareups...

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Seasider too said:

Quill, are you doing any gentle yoga? I feel like that is good for body alignment, flexibility and stealthy (over the long haul) strengthening. 

I often hurt, too, and need a new mattress, but I’ll tell you gals what’s a game changer for me - foam rolling. Seriously, it makes a big difference. I try to use it regularly but forget. When I do remember, yeah, big difference. 

At my age I can’t imagine being totally pain free. I would say rather than do a lot, then hurt, I tend to do less of the kinds of things that require odd body alignment (ie gardening, painting walls). I’ve been striving to get things in the house and yard to a low-maintenance level. Obviously I don’t have young teen boys here anymore!

I do yoga, yes. I’m not consistant about it, but I do about ten minutes most days. I use the app Down Dog. 

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Arctic Mama said:

My mom SWEARS by her big foam roller. I have been meaning to get one but am not sure where to go online for it.

I don’t know what this is. I think I have seen it before, but I’m not sure. 

I’m *supposed* to be doing self massage on a regular basis in order to keep lymphedema at bay. I even have a nice, big jar of Shea Butter my friend gave me which makes it easier. So, what’s my reluctance? Well, of all the trivial details, I feel very weird lying mostly undressed on my bed so I can rub everything. 😬 Even if ds is at school and dh has left for work, I am paranoid someone will walk in on me, looking like I’m...having some solitary play...😄

[PrincessMommy]

19 minutes ago, madteaparty said:

Ugh, I don’t want to start anything but the morning pain reminds of DH RA flareups...

I know what RA is but what is DH?

 

I've actually wondered about it.  I saw a commercial this past week that explained many of my symptoms.  ☹️  I'm not sure what I want to do about it.   I also have hashimotos.  

[MercyA]

First of all, hugs. I've never minded growing older before recently, but for the past few months I keep thinking, "Hey, how am I suddenly in my mid-40's? What happened?!?" And I admit I don't like it!

Secondly, I don't know what your surgeon is thinking. If you feel like you need a nap, take a nap! It'll do you good. 

And thirdly, at least you still look fabulous!!! Truly, I am envious. 🙂

[madteaparty]

3 hours ago, PrincessMommy said:

I know what RA is but what is DH?

 

I've actually wondered about it.  I saw a commercial this past week that explained many of my symptoms.  ☹️  I'm not sure what I want to do about it.   I also have hashimotos.  

Sorry was typing while half asleep, I meant my husband’s RA flareups. I guess I’d try to see a specialist. It’s been ages but I know there’s a blood test and X-rays to check for damage. In my dH’s case, he had the juvenile form, and it’s been in remission for many years. It’s just when he had the flareups it was the most awful thing. In my own case, I dislike going to the doctor and we had very bad experience with the first one we saw. I would put myself on an anti inflammatory diet as much as possible. I assume you’re already taking all the fishoils?

Edited October 5, 2019 by madteaparty

[wintermom]

I think the fact that you had the energy to start and finish a cleaning project of that magnitude says volumes. Give yourself huge kudos for that. Very impressive.

I don't really think it's worthwhile comparing our current feelings of soreness/pain with what we "remember" feeling years ago. Back then, if you were cleaning on a regular basis, your body would have had the opportunity to build up to a level of being able to do that kind of specific work. If you suddenly did 20 push-ups your arms would certainly have felt it. 

Right now, I'm pretty proud of myself for "building up" to the point of being able to ride the bus to work without pain. 😂  I can play tennis for 3 hours, but sitting down for an hour just kills!

[Janeway]

I have felt the same way.

 

Secretly, I am kind of thinking of taking a Vicodein that I have (old prescription) to see if that can get my house clean.  Even my knees hate my stairs. And getting up and down from the ground...ouch!

[Arcadia]

8 hours ago, madteaparty said:

It’s been ages but I know there’s a blood test and X-rays to check for damage. 

 

My oncologist ordered five autoimmune blood tests because of my muscle and joint pains. He did order more because might as well test for more if a blood draw is already needed and my insurance out of pocket is already maxed out. My rheumatoid factor and ANA came back negative using the ELISA method.

I think he ordered

1. Rheumatoid factor (RF) - mine was negative 
2. Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) - result not posted yet
3. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) - mine was slightly elevated 
4. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - result not posted yet
5. Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) - mine was negative 

10 minutes ago, Janeway said:

 Even my knees hate my stairs. And getting up and down from the ground...ouch!

 

I have a history of weaker muscles behind my kneecaps. Those got tighter and hurts firstly when getting up and down from the ground, squats are a torture. Then climbing stairs hurt. I was using my hands and elbows to help get up from the ground and bed, and those started hurting. Doing stretching exercises has been helpful though painful while doing.

[Katy]

I never worked in oncology other than temporarily when they were short staffed or when transferring a patient over there, so take this for what it's worth, but my guess is the doctor telling you not to nap has anecdotally seen that people who fight through the fatigue and get up and move anyway are much more likely to recover full function than those who give in, go to bed, and lose even more function than they had right after surgery. Which doesn't mean you shouldn't ever nap.  It just means don't let finding it more difficult than it used to be become an excuse for never doing anything, because if you do you might find you never can do anything.

As an aside I've found taking cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric capsules are better than Advil at making aches, pains, and when-did-I-get-old feelings go away.  They now sell all 3 in the supplement aisle at Walmart so you don't even have to mix them up yourself anymore.