duceditor

When, back in the early `70s my parents retired and moved to a FL condo I for the first time in my life became aware of the "Let me tell you about my ailments" phenomenon. Not that it was new -- it had been joked about for years by stand-up comedians and in movies (My personal favorite is 1955's "Marty") -- but it was then new to me.

Back then, of course, getting "old" and having the common ailments of age seemed so, so far off. But now I am older than my dad was when he retired and so it is time for me to do what I said I'd do back then: Never NEVER become a bore by talking about my ailments.

In truth I am still in good health. But a shoulder injury that required surgery and several months of recuperation has tested my resolve and constancy to that ideal.

"I will never become a bore by talking about my ailments."

Obviously (I hope!) actually looking for good advice in dealing with them is not included. But no...

"Oh, does my shoulder hurt today!"
"Oh, that's nothing. My knees! I wouldn't wish such pain on my worst enemy!"
"And did I tell you about my corns?"


Never!

(I promise)

-don

jdon

I will be happy just getting to the age where I complain about aches and pains.

John_V 

Don,

Nothing wrong with not talking about your ailments. I am sure that talking about ailments does bore some people. I have no problem talking about my Leukemia because it is not limited to people fifty and older. Cycling has helped me tremendously in the fight to keep it under control and since I have been cycling, it is under better control than with the medication alone. If one person with Leukemia reads about my cycling and how it affected my Leukemia, and it helps them, then me talking about it has made a difference in someone's life. That can't be all bad or even boring.

duceditor

John, That is a productive talking and yes, of course, it can be a positive thing. An encouragement.

Where and when a certain line is crossed one has to decide for themselves, if, indeed, one even cares. But if ever I see eyes glazing over, or I recognize in myself the signs of my becoming a 'kvetch,' I'll know (or hope I'll know!) that its time to either change the subject or just shut up and let someone else have the floor.



-don

John_V 

I see where you are going and I agree that "my shoulder hurts since I turned 50" or "my knees aren't what they used to be" kind of conversation can be a bit boring and sometimes people don't really care. But it's funny that whenever I get with my friends that are my age, it seems that the conversation somehow shifts in that direction. There needs to be something else to discuss instead of going from grandkids to ailments.

bgross

True story:
20 year old worker to 50 year old boss: "Does your back ever bother you?"
Boss: "Yep."
20: "What do you do for it?"
Boss: "Get used to it."
20: "But you never complain."
Boss: "Doesn't help."
20: "What can I do?"
Boss: "Quit whining."

UberGeek

You don't want to hear about people's medical ailments, don't get into ham radio... The "nick name" for some of the conversations on the radio is "Prostate Problem Net"...

ScorpioLance

and don't go to the 65+ thread here. I wanted to just shoot myself already with all those discussions. Thought I had been re-directed to Web MD site!!

DnvrFox

You know, that comment really wasn't necessary, productive nor appropriate.

ScorpioLance

Geeeeesssshhhh! Just kidding. Lighten up a little. Sorry to offend.

DnvrFox

I have generally found that if one person is dealing with a situation or an ailment, that others are also, and at time it is very beneficial to discuss those on the 50+ forum (or the 65+ forum) - I have received many PM's from folks thanking me for bringing up a topic.

Like it or not, there are certain age-related things that happen to u s. It is good to discuss these because:

1. It helps to know you are not the only one;

2. Sometimes someone has found a way through the problem that is useful for all to know; and

3. Sometimes support is needed from everyone - re: the several folks we have had with cancer over the past few years, and the support and interaction that everyone gave them.

If this does not seem appropriate, then Isuggest one move to the Road forum, where they don't seem to have any of these problems. You would likely be happier there.

DnvrFox

You are not yet 65. Stay off my lawn.

ScorpioLance

We all have issues as we get older. I have more than my share. I just don't feel like boring people with those problems and try to focus on the positives.

DnvrFox

Someone finding solutions to challenges/problems that are likely common to many of us is never boring - at least to me. I think most of us focus on the positive much of the time. FYI, here is the stated purpose of the 50+ forum:

"Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling"

ScorpioLance

I was responding to this particular thread which seemed to imply that hearing about ailments all day IS BORING!!!

JMHO......Over & out......done explaining.

gcottay

No need for umbrage, DnvrFox.

I totally agree about not burdening ordinary social conversations with aliments real or imaginary and happily take the pledge.

That does not, of course, in any way preclude, dismiss or demean health related threads here.

DnvrFox

Really?

Mr. Beanz

Hey, that's great! Now why not let someone else share THEIR opinion? Sound like he's doing a good job of trying to stay off your lawn. Some of us enjoy reading the many and several opinions shared in the forums now please let someone else share their opinion as well. I enjoy the variety of threads especially since I am quickly coming upon 50 myself.

DnvrFox

He/she is welcome to share his/her opinion, and I am welcome to respond. Both have happened. What are you complaining about?

XR2

Lately I can't go 2 weeks without some issue cropping up. And I'm not old yet.

gcottay

Yep, really. See bolded ver of the pledge.

"I will never become a bore by talking about my ailments."

DnvrFox

I didn't know we TALKED on the 65+ forum, yet here is the statement of concern - not about talking, but about writing:

Mr. Beanz

It would be nice to enjoy reading another poster's opinion without having to see your whining posts like he stole your cat, that's what I am complaining about. Every time someone posts something you don't like, you seem to blow up into a childish rant, you're how old?

Am I the only one that sees this? You tell me why the dude says "lighten up" to your 9 year old like ranting response.

gcottay

Yep, I was focused on the difference between routine social conversations (talk) and postings here (write) and totally missed the 65+ comment. Umbrage away. The problem seems to be that some unseen but malicious force is causing the OP to read there but, since that might be considered an aliment, he's not talking about it. <G>

RonH

I don't complain about aches and pains (because I usually don't have any) but my wife keeps reminding me that I'm getting older.
Most of our "older" friends complain about aches, pains, weight problems, meds, doctor visits, etc. They just don't understand how I'm able to ride 20, 30, 50 miles. They can't imagine themselves riding 2 blocks. Now that's scary!!