Wanderer

I've been a clyde again, for the last 18 months of so, hanging 201-205#. And, it's been tough to stay there.

Yesterday, at 71, I got diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, and will soon be on steroids to try to gain control of it. This has made bicycle riding almost impossible for much more than around the block. This affects big muscle groups in your body, severe aching, and pain upon movement. It's all in the muscles. Luckily I don't seem to be affected in my legs, hips, and butt!

I've got it in my shoulders, arms, neck, and jaw. Been trying to ignore it for the past several months, and just can't take it any longer, without doing something about it. Told one of my Doctors at my semi annual inspection. Looks like now, I get another Doctor to add to my list. Internist, Orthopedist, Gastroenterologist, Hematologist, Ophthalmologist, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Urologist, and now a Rheumatologist. It's no wonder they have so many Specialties. And, I get to visit a lot of them twice a year. The Nurses, lab and x-ray technologists are calling me by my first name. Good that this is a full service clinic!

On top of my bad knee, cardiac issues, diabetes, kidney issues, and various other minor issues, just one more to clock up to age. This very seldomly hits anyone under 50.

I'm really worried! Looks like I will be eating nothing but celery!

At least I can still work on bikes! A few days ago, my youngest son wanted to borrow a bike, and asked if any of them were ready to go - I just rolled my eyes, and told him to check the tires.

I wish the wind would slack off, so I can go for a ride, after I mow the lawns!

BobbyG

When I think of aging and health I think of the plate-spinning acts I used to see on the Ed Sullivan Show. One plate wobbles and needs attention, and just as it's "fixed" another needs attentions. And every year another plate is added.

I'm sorry you are having issues. When confronted with health challenges my grandmother used to joke that "it was still better than the alternative." But at 93, she stopped making that joke. She lived to a hundred.

I hope you find a way to resume doing what you desire.

qcpmsame 

Hang tough Phil, sorry to learn about yesterday's diagnosis. That is one I am not familiar with, it sounds like a very harsh thing to manage and deal with in a daily basis. I take it from your post its chronic condition and like PD, its incurable, something that is going to be a daily management issue for you. Got you added to my prayer list for some relief from the constant pain you are having to endure, this part I can identify with very well.

Are the steroids considered a long term solution for this condition? Those things scare me when it gets past a short period of taking them. But, they play a very important part in managing chronic conditions involving muscles and bones in our joints Its good that you are under the care of these specialist so that the details aren't skipped over, and the possible interactions between drugs and supplements can be watched closely. least you have the ability and desire to work on bikes, if I loose this part of cycling, its going to be a long difficult period for me, you can still play a part in the cycling your family does until the rheumatologist has a grip on your condition.

Keep your spirits up, good thoughts and positive vibes are going out to you.

Bill

stardognine

Good luck with your health. I know how arthritis makes it tougher to ride sometimes. At least it's finally warming up good here, in the 80s F most of the week. 😀
I cut the grass yesterday, and it really needed it. We've had so much rain this spring, that there weren't many good chances to cut the grass.

OldsCOOL

The tragedy of youth is that it is wasted on the young.

Indeed, old age is not for cowards and is reserved for us veterans of life. I wish you the best and pray that your aches be few.

Biker395 

+1 It's exactly like plate-spinning.

Hope the steroids keep it under control and you get to do the things you love.

fietsbob

Step thru frames are not so shame filled, either..

RonH

Sorry to hear this. Seems we all have some sort of hinderance to riding when we get old. Of course I'm trying not to be old even though I'm 72.

Mow the lawns??? When we retired we moved into a community where that stuff is taken care by other folks. Our salesperson asked us when we were looking at houses and neighborhoods, "Do you want to cut grass or play?" We opted for playing.

Keep us posted of your progress.