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The joys of ageing - or not! What are your experiences? What could we do differently?

Marianne72

As a result of visiting to my GP with a list of ailments [I save them up to have less appointments], I need yet another blood test, another appointment and an eye test. I was also diagnosed with arthritis in my thumb. PIty there isn't a book about ageing and how to prevent it or at least lessen its effects Rolling eyes. I am grateful for the NHS, because pills and eye drops I need would cost a fortune.

I wish the Government would focus on preventative measures, rather than giving medication or leaving mechanical problems until operations are necessary. For example, my free NHS exercise class holds many benefits -

  • chatting with people my age and older with similar difficulties
  • my arthritis pains reducing in intensity and frequency,
  • learning the proper exercises for different problem areas.
  • the incentive to continue the exercises at home

Similarly, I wish my former GP had informed me how to prevent diabetes 2 decades ago, instead of not giving information before its onset. If only there were exercise classes in care homes and for the over 70's, for example, this might trigger huge savings on pills, appointments and operations. Would you agree? What do you think might ease these issues? Do you think there is enough spent on researching ageing?

Parents

  • I'd like for some alternative health practices to be offered, such as osteopathy and massage, osteopathy really helps to keep again joints mobile and to decrease pain. Massage is good as it keeps one generally mobile and in less pain. 

    There are a few herbal remedies that doctors know work, but can't prescribe, either because of lack of testing or for legal reasons in the case of medical cannabis.

    It would also be good if doctors and different depts actually talked to each other and consultants refered you to a collegue who maybe able to help you too, instead of having to go back to your GP and go through all the referal process again.

    I think most of all respecting that although you might be getting older, you're still a human being and you should be talked to and not at

  • in reply to TheCatWoman
    TheCatWoman said:
    alternative health practices to be offered, such as osteopathy and massage, osteopathy really helps to keep again joints mobile and to decrease pain.

    I've had osteopathy for my neck in the past and found it really beneficial. I agree these would be ideal adjuncts but the cost would be too high for the NHS; these are for individual treatments, whereas exercise programmes can cater for groups of 10 or more would be cost effective, especially if they used, for example, physio trainees.

    But the whole thing of preventative measures would surely save a huge amount on painful and expensive operations and procedures. There needs to be far more research into the cost benefits.

Reply
  • in reply to TheCatWoman
    TheCatWoman said:
    alternative health practices to be offered, such as osteopathy and massage, osteopathy really helps to keep again joints mobile and to decrease pain.

    I've had osteopathy for my neck in the past and found it really beneficial. I agree these would be ideal adjuncts but the cost would be too high for the NHS; these are for individual treatments, whereas exercise programmes can cater for groups of 10 or more would be cost effective, especially if they used, for example, physio trainees.

    But the whole thing of preventative measures would surely save a huge amount on painful and expensive operations and procedures. There needs to be far more research into the cost benefits.

Children
  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    I wish you wouldn't keep dissing my experiences and ideas. After all, I worked professionally in the NHS over 3 decades, so hopefully know what I'm talking about. I also worked in the private sector, alternative medicine, so I have a very rounded view. Your experiences dont seem to tally with many patients and colleagues I've talked with over many years. You have said that you have a lot of difficulties and I appreciate that, but I do feel 'downed' by you  a lot and I am not the first to say this - out of exasperation. I need positivity too, having endured a lot in my life. I come on here to hopefully spread my ideas, a bit of cheer and support people. You really need to think more, before posting replies - and I mean that from the heart, because I do like other aspects you demonstrate on here.

  • in reply to Marianne72

    I think you need to look at it in the round, if more people had osteopathy then they'd be mobile quicker, be less prone to weight gain and the problems that causes as well as the mental harm caused by being in long term pain. They'd also be back to work in a couple of months, meaning less incapacity benefits etc.

    I'm dubious about a lot of physios having had one who didn't know what core strength was or why it was important and another who complained that my grip was to strong and hurt her hand, I had one who was good. He did actually give me some helpful exercises to do for my shoulder, but he's been less good with my knee.

    I think some of us would benefit from more personalised exercise regimes, I did yoga for many years and some martial arts too, the first two physios thought I couldn't possibly have any problems because I was still to flexible and strong, having been trained in massage means my hands are still strong, even though my fingers are still and the joints hypermobile. All I'm allowed to do in gyms is the exercise bike and the treadmill, they won't let me do anything else because of various slkeletal problems, then I'd have to come home and walk Fearn, so I just do my daily walks with her, out in the fresh air and beautiful countryside.

    Most physios in my experience have very low ambitions for thier patients, if you can dress, feed yourself and wipe you're own bum they seem happy.