At What Age Do You Give In And Take That Pill?

I think I’m yelling “Uncle”

I’m in pain. I’m not dying and I know others have it worse. It’s a little needle in my spine that annoys me from the moment I wake up until I go to bed at night. It’s making me crabby. Just ask my family.

I know I am paying for all the years spent riding horses, climbing mountains, dancing en pointe, and falling off of balance beams. I’ve had concussions, one cervical neck injury and a pissed-off lower back.

If you had told me that I would pay for my misspent youth with the pain I feel now, I would have told you to pound sand. Even today, I will tell you that I wouldn’t take any of those experiences back for a bazillion dollars just to live pain free.

Now I’m over sixty, in otherwise good health, and I still want to do some of those things. But, increasingly, the little needle is getting in my way.

A visit to the doctor revealed minor disc problems and some arthritis, but nothing out of the ordinary for a person my age. “Really, nothing to worry about,” my doctor told me. She actually told me I was aging well and lectured me to keep moving.

Well then, how come I can throw my back out by simply sneezing, for God’s sake?

She prescribed medication for me to use when things are really bad that generally brings my pain level down to nothing. Seriously, it’s a damn miracle. So far, I’ve only taken it when absolutely necessary. Although it’s approved to do so, I don’t take it every day.

After sneezing while trying to get out of my car, I was in so much pain I couldn’t breathe for a minute and thought I’d punctured a lung. Oh yes, I can be a drama queen if I want to be.

I went back to the doctor. She asked me why I wasn’t taking the medication to prevent these episodes.

I told her that I don’t like pills, I’m afraid of causing other problems by taking them, popping pills isn’t my style, and any other excuse I could make up.

Her reply was to wonder why I wouldn’t want to improve the quality of my life and live pain free, by taking one teeny tiny pill.

I have always pushed back on doctors who want to quickly prescribe medication instead of looking for alternatives. I pride myself on good health through diet and exercise. I’ve used physical therapy for injuries and always managed to feel better. Until now.

What’s wrong with me is degenerative and a part of normal aging. There is no “fixing” it. It may get worse, it may not. At this time, I’m not bad enough for surgery, and I’m not limited enough to affect daily living. So why not take a pill and feel better?

I’m terrified, that’s why. I don’t want to admit that I’m old enough to require medication of any kind. And, I don’t want to take something that might have side effects that will cause another problem requiring other medication, causing other side effects. I’m afraid of the downhill slide.

I used to think I had won the genetic lottery. I’ve never had any real issues and have made it this far without the need for any chemical help. My body was always strong and able. It did whatever I told it to do.

Now it’s pushing back. It wants a rest and some humility. I think it wants to take that drug on a regular basis.

At this point, I truly have tried everything. I’ve faithfully performed the exercises and stretches prescribed by two incredibly competent physical therapists. I eat well, move a lot, and try to stay positive. So what’s the harm?

Will I have to take it for the rest of my life? No one knows. So far, it has worked well for me with no side effects. Will that change? Again, no one knows.

I think I’ve decided to suck it up, take the little pill, and get on with life. I am the age I am and I’ll just have to get over that. I want to keep moving and live as well as possible for as long as I can.

After all, life is short, and getting shorter by the minute.