Sue's notes to self

I admit it, I am feeling my age at the moment. I ‘retired’ from paid work over 15 years ago and I haven’t stopped doing stuff since. Now I have to seriously consider retiring for real, moving into a quieter (less administration heavy) phase of my calling. I’d have to in a couple of years anyway, but maybe it is ‘time’ for me and the hubby for a while, before it’s too late, and I can’t move at all.

I first discovered creaky joints when I was in my mid 40s, though to be fair they used to give me trouble when much younger. I vividly, and painfully, recall having to get my mum to pull my legs straight when my knees got stuck. Now I look at the pile of pills I have to take each day for my several ailments, most of which come with age, and give thanks that I do not have to pay for all these prescriptions. There are some advantages for being 60+! Thankfully, we have recently taken to recycling the empty tablet blister packs, so I don’t feel quite so bad about the waste either.

Blood pressure, digestive issues, restless legs, cholesterol, neuropathy, borderline diabetes, to add to the arthritis, all snuck up on me since my ‘first’ retirement. I reckon I could deal with most, if it wasn’t for the Restless Leg Syndrome which can have me climbing the walls at night when I can’t sleep, and stops me getting proper rest. Okay, so I fall asleep in front of the TV most evenings. To be expected at my age I think. Having a nice new riser-recliner has made that easier too.

I find myself ‘clutching at straws’ for remedies that might help me keep moving and functioning. The cranberry is for the (sshhhh… bladder) and the collagen gummies for the joints. There’s also strong painkillers in the upstairs pill stash as I can’t take anti-inflammatories (because of the blood pressure). Not to mention the cream for the knee.

I have had several referrals – that came to nothing – because of my aches and pains. I have a gamut of exercises to help get my arm working again and my jaw now too, the latter from the dentist. Okay, so I talk a lot, and get earache because of it, but still, this was a new issue!

My latest purchase is a grounding mat, in the hope that it will help with the circulation / neuropathy in my lower legs. Oh, I do hope it works!

There is a great poem by Pam Ayres, ‘Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth.’ I am seriously considering writing the equivalent for all the parts of me that have let me down lately. My only consolation is that many of my friends of the same age are fellow sufferers of the majority of these complaints. I seem to be alone with the RLS though, which is ‘the pits’, as it’s the most annoying too.

Oh, and did I mention that I have recently got myself some hearing aids?

Now, I don’t want you to think that I am bemoaning my lot. Things could obviously be a lot worse, and I am glad I am still here to ‘enjoy’ them all. All the same, it would be nice to go back and tell my younger self a few home truths so that we might have avoided the creaky joints, which make exercise difficult, which makes losing weight hard, which make me want to eat chocolate more……………. aaaarrrrrgggghhhh!

All I can say is ‘roll on proper retirement’, then I might have a go at this daily exercise regimen for oldies. Clutching at straws I know, but I can but try.

Sue , June 2025