Under New Management

My views about my health care management started changing a few years ago. Until then, whenever I had a health problem, I felt confident that with enough rest, or medication, or even surgery, the condition would be cured, and I would return to my usual worry-free health status.

That’s not true anymore.

It started a few years ago when I went to a doctor about the pain in my right arm and shoulder. After examinations and x-rays, confirmed by a second opinion, I learned I have a torn rotator cuff that could not be repaired. As other muscles had come into play to compensate for this tear, I was advised to simply avoid heavy lifting and activities that caused pain. Although briefly sad that I was permanently  “damaged,” I was gratified by my body’s ability to adapt, and have readily followed this advice.

That was my first clue that with aging came bodily changes that might not be fixable. But I could adjust to these changes if I incorporated new management strategies.

This new view of my health status was reaffirmed when I went to physical therapy for lower back pain.   After a few sessions I asked the therapist how many more sessions were needed, and how long I would need to continue the exercises she had taught me. She responded that: The problem doesn’t really go away, you just learn to manage it. The exercise regimen would need to be incorporated into my life from then on.  As I was working with a trainer already, I integrated these exercises with my existing routine, and also do them in-between sessions.

Then I had a problem with foot pain. This led me to a podiatrist, who diagnosed plantar fascia. Injections helped the pain disappear, but he also fitted me with orthotics – inserts to put in my shoes to prevent a recurrence. And I would need to wear them from then on. They don’t fit into most of my shoes, but when they do, I wear them. So far, no pain recurrence.

So I am taking care of myself. I won’t lift heavy items so that I can avoid further shoulder problems, I will keep doing exercises to strengthen my back, and I will wear my shoe inserts when possible. So far, all these efforts have been successful. I anticipate that more adjustments and adaptations will be needed as time goes on, and I will welcome them when they provide relief from pain or keep my “equipment” in working order. It is clear that “Under New Management” has become a new way of life for me.