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I Sometimes Say Im Okay, Even When I'm Not

My body is a wreck!
I suffer from chronic pain. One bad knee since I was seventeen years old. After fifty, one hip that definitely needs replacing and the other which I suspect by now at sixty three needs replacing. Two ruptured disks in the lower back, three herniated disks in the middle back and two ruptured disks in the neck which are pinching the nerves to the right side of my body leaving me with some weakness in that side and some loss of feeling in the hand and foot on that side.
I walk with a cane. The cane isn't always needed but can be at any time without notice.

All of this came about through rough play and hard work over fifty years of living. Thirteen years later and I'm no better nor no worse. I can't do what I once could but I've not given up. I still play as hard as I can and do what work I can. And I can still party with the best of them!

Well when I hear that question “How are you doing” I shudder at the thought of unloading my problems on the asker. So I just say I'm Okay.

And I am.
I've adjusted to living with the pain. Some days it's bad, some days it's worse and some days there seems no point in living. Those last days are when I am confined to bed because of what I pushed myself to do the day or days before.
It's just life and I have absolutely no regrets.

Surgery is not an option! When I asked what the chances are of the suggested surgery working I was told 50% I'd be fine, 50% they would wheel me out of the hospital. The odds are the same if and when I do end up in a wheelchair, so I WILL WAIT and make the best of what I have.

So I'm Okay, are you okay? Heck let's turn on some music, have a drink and have a good time. Life is too short to waste it discussing that I'm not okay.
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aradia11 · 61-69, F
Hey Friend...my husband goes through the same issues his back. He too had a hip replacement. It seems he went downhill after that!
He has Osteoarthritis in his hands feet n back as well. And also the bulging disc, pinched nerve. He can be unbearable at times. I try to deal with it as best I can, being wife caregiver at times.
The quality of life may not be there yet we do the best we can.

Your a real cool dude!! You fed many people..and are a salt of the Earth type of person.
I send you healing and hope...may you be blessed w better days!!!

Your old friend Aradia