Wellness

[qualitygal]

I just looked this up and I guess age, & back issues included, this isn't unusual, just kind of shocking to me. It's my first trip down Old Age Lane. I only get one trip, but it is a learning experience. I'm down 2" now from what I was most of my adult life. I guess it's par for the course.

Has anyone else been shrinking too? I could lose up to 1" more before all is said and done so to speak, according to the article I just read.

[ID2]

I seem to have all the other menopausal/older age symptoms ie. 63 years of age, weight problems, loss of waist. But I'm delighted to say I still have all of my 5'9" of me still intact! 

[Sweet_Serenity]

Last year Doctor measured me 5'5 used to be 5"6 1/2 weight gain along with breast cup size larger. No I'm not eating more, Yes do excercise. Thyroid is normal also. My stats are good! No Diabetes or high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Seriously considered breast reduction but! Looked at the risk factor jury is still out. Even my thin twin sister who eats very healthy has gained weight. I'm okay with my body, My problem! Finding a comfortable bra that doesn't make me look like Jayne Mansfield!!💁

[philogirl]

Way to go! I have my check-up next week. 

[SeaMaiden]

@qualitygal  You are not alone.  I was 5'10" when younger... now 61 with joint arthritis  throughout my body  and (4) joint replacements... I measure 5'8" on a good day.  It is normal to lose height as you age. Many things come into play. For some it is just very bad posture, for others it is bone loss in the spine and the spine compacting. n

[Poodlepet2]

Sweet, I can only wish my cups would runneth over: my Living Bra died from starvation!

I lost 80 pounds in my quest to control diabetes, but I have osteoporosis as well and I have lost an inch.

No matter what I do, I can't seem to get my D3 level up.  I had my first round of Reclast this past Spring, and in spite of that lovely commercial where that busy Broadway Actress is talking about how easily that fifteen minute infusion fit into her busy glamorous lifestyle....that was not the case for me.

To quote Roseanne Rosanna Danna, "I thought I was gonna die".

This was not the flu, but every joint hurt: ache is not the word.  My blood glucose scored into the wild blue yonder.  My doc gave me a Solumedrol dose pack, but without insulin, I was not about to take it.

I spoke with my Medico and he promised me I could have insulin my next round.  My stomach was in an uproar, but having the sensation of starvation and pain is no fun.

Before my next infusion, I am making a big pot of soup. I had six hours before the side effects kicked in....

My back is also circling the drain and I have pretty severe nerve deficits on my EMG, but I am staying active with yoga and what "I call ""Pilates Posture". It's hard to explain in words, but you "tuck" your pelvis under so that there is no curvature in the small of your back: you lengthen your spine being careful to keep your shoulders down.  This is the posture that ballerinas "live" in. It feels odd initially, but it becomes second nature-and that one simple exercise goes a long way.....it has the added plus of making me feel elegant and regal....( not that I could make it through an audition with the Bolshoi)!

Poodlepet2

[hckynut]

Just as there is only 1 option to getting chronologically older, losing height falls into that category also. Gravity, as most of us know, draws things downwards, on everyone. There are many variables as to what level a person falls into over time.

Weight/muscle mass/posture and problematic spinal issues. Personally, I have been 1" shorter, for years now. I primarily assess this to completely being missing 3 lumbar discs and having 3 compressed(crushed cervical vertebrae).

My concern is not my height. I'll keep concerning myself with things I can, to some degree, control. Keeping my desired weight/posture/muscle mass/strength/flexibility/functionality, and mobility.

hckynut(john)

[PamfromCT]

@Poodlepet2, You are so funny!  I won't bore you too much with my story, I hope.  After seeing every specialist on the planet, and two pain clinics, my PCP referred me to a Physiatrist.  He finally gave me a diagnosis of spinal stenosis and a script for PT in a warm water pool, with land therapy as well.  After three months, three times per week, I am feeling finally better.  The object was to strengthen my core.  Also, my hip was out of alignment.  I will continue going to the pool on my own now, doing my exercises, which I will have to do forever.  

I saw saw so many specialists along the way, and even had two steroid injections in my back.  I had a severe reaction to the last injection at a pain clinic and was told at MA General (not where I got injections) that no one should ever put a needle in my back again.  No kidding.  I would not advise anyone to go this route.  You are free of pain for a while, the pain creeps back, but you can only have a few injections a year.  Bad stuff.

Would recommend a Physiatrist if anyone is having muscular/joint pain issues in your back.  Knees and hips can be replaced.  Your back is here to stay.

I am glad your exercises and posture changes are working for you!  Keep up your good work.

[hoosieroriginal]

I bought a Teeter inversion table about a year ago and it has made amazing results - my back issues are resolved and I definitely stand much straighter.  Best purchase ever!  I get on it every day, especially after jogging on my treadmill (second best purchase)

[SeaMaiden]

---

@hoosieroriginal wrote:

I bought a Teeter inversion table about a year ago and it has made amazing results - my back issues are resolved and I definitely stand much straighter.  Best purchase ever!  I get on it every day, especially after jogging on my treadmill (second best purchase)

---

I would get  an inversion table, but , with joint replacements they are NOT recommended.