The Organ Recital

When I was younger, I heard jokes about conversations among older adults that were “organ recitals” – meaning they were telling each other about pains and health problems related to their various body parts. I laughed at this expression. And like so many things I heard in my youth about what happens when people get older, I thought this would never apply to me. I would have no need to engage in these conversations.

You probably guessed what you are about to read next. My earlier thinking was wrong, and I am becoming a full-fledged member of this musical ensemble!

My entry to this group started about ten years ago, when a lipoma on my left thigh was discovered, and removed, twice. About a year ago it reappeared and causes some discomfort during long walks. Currently it is being followed by semi-annual MRIs, and I hope further surgery will not be needed.

And then there’s my left arm problem. I have experienced aches and pains in my left upper arm, between the shoulder and elbow, for a few years. This finally brought me to an orthopedist. I was diagnosed with bursitis, inflammation of the small fluid filled sacs (bursae) in my shoulder. The doctor said I was having referred pain – meaning that even though the cause was the bursae in my shoulder, the pain was felt in a lower part of my arm, because of shared nerves.

I couldn’t help thinking – What a bummer! Who made that referral? Wouldn’t it be better if pain stayed at its source, making it easier to diagnose the problem?

I was given a set of six exercises to develop strength in my shoulder muscles. I have been doing them every morning and hoping for a decline in the pain.

And then there’s also my back issue. A couple of years ago I started feeling tiredness in my back area, down my spine, and sometimes found that I was slouching. My doctor referred me for physical therapy, and I began some exercises to strengthen the muscles around my spine. I have incorporated them into my routine during my twice-weekly visits to the gym.

So overall, I probably shouldn’t complain. I have friends who are dealing with more serious health issues, many related to aging, such as osteoarthritis and tears at the knee and hip joints, some requiring surgery. I am grateful that I don’t have those problems now— and none of my health concerns involve vital organs— not yet.

I no longer feel that I am immune to the inevitable body changes that come with aging. But I hope I can continue to keep my “recital” as short as possible.