Wednesday, August 13, 2008

"Old Age-itis"

I have a 96 year old patient who comes to see me every 2-4 weeks for manual therapy. She may be the feistiest patient I've ever cared for. Every time I inquire about why she came in this week, she says, "I have old-age-itis." She never give much information as to how this specifically manifests, so I have to investigate by palpation and further questioning. I'm not sure how much good I do for her, but she keeps coming back, and every time, I learn more and more about her life.

She's ruthlessly independent and very proud of it, as she and her husband (also 96) still live alone. Neither of them drive, so every Tuesday their baby girl (age 70) takes them to doctor's appointments, the barber, and out for a nice lunch. She refuses to let me help her move from the chair to the treatment table. She once told me that old people are like five year old's, they want to try it for themselves because no one believes they're capable.

She is as sharp as a tack, recalling the difficulties of the Depression and quickly criticizing the current state of the educational system. She proudly states that as this country goes down the tubes, she'll know how to live without electricity or running water because much of her life was spent under these circumstances. She's appalled that young cashiers at the supermarket can't do simple math and require the assistance of the register to determine the change she is due. And, having the wisdom that comes with age, she disciplines herself to not go down certain roads of conversation (politics in particular) as it will be fruitless and only work -up herself and everyone else in the room.

Obviously, this lady has made an impression on me. Most impressive is that I want her to teach my other patients what it is to take care of yourself despite the obstacles.

So many of the people I treat are chronic pain patients who have allowed their illness to define them. Instead of acting like a five year old, they submit to the low expectations of most medical professionals they interact with and refuse to take me up on ideas concerning critical components of self care, such as good nutrition, sleep, and especially, staying physically active. Like 96 year old patient using a walker, we all need some help in becoming healthier, be it a therapist or a workout buddy. Asking for help or taking the advise of a professional does not have to be a marker of personal deficiency. Rather, aquiring assistance helps us to recognize that refusal to pursue what is needed is the major barrier for improvement.

Additionally, many of chronic pain patients have related psychiatric issues, including depression or histories of abuse. Many are fully aware of activity, both physical and mental that compromise their state of mind, yet they have been unable to become the master of themselves. They are held captive to unhealthy patterns that are paralysing. I am fully aware that there are immovable external stressors such as poverty, lack of an educational foundation, physical disability, etc. However, we each are endowed with the free will to choose how we percieve and manuver within the external pressures of life. At 96, my patient doesn't see her near blindness and chronic illnesses as unconquerable obstacles of fully living each day, rather they are just part of the context that helps her to see the world for what it it: difficult, but not unbearable. cruel, but not without goodness. finite, but not without hope.

3 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Showed this post to my dad. His basic response with my emphasis added, "Preach it, girl!" Great post.

4:50 PM  
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10:39 PM  
Blogger Angela G. Gentile said...

Great post, Amber. I always enjoy reading about how older people view themselves, and "old ageitis" seems to be a good word for what ails this lady! Thanks for sharing. :) Angela G. Gentile

12:39 PM  

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