Author Topic: The Vicissitudes of Ageing  (Read 8173 times)

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #25 on: 02 July, 2020, 02:34:25 pm »
I already wasn't allowed to because of my rheumatoid arthritis. Auto-immune diseases disqualify you as well.
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Tigerrr

  • That England that was wont to conquer others Hath made a shameful conquest of itself.
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    • Humanist Celebrant.
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #26 on: 02 July, 2020, 03:37:52 pm »
Sorry to see this Wow - hope it's short term.
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T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #27 on: 02 July, 2020, 04:41:06 pm »
I already wasn't allowed to because of my rheumatoid arthritis. Auto-immune diseases disqualify you as well.

Well, the older we get the more people stick needles in us, so one fewer isn't a hardship.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #28 on: 06 July, 2020, 05:21:27 pm »
One of the self-imposed side-effects of having spent 7 hours or so in a hospital is that I felt that I was at risk of having contracted COVID-19. From stuff I've read, something like 20% of new cases are in the group of people who have just visited hospital without COVID and they catch it while they are there. I have therefore been in isolation for the past week in order to shield Dez, who of course is a kidney transplant recipient.

It could be a lot worse. I'm occupying the granny annexe so I have a sliding door to the garden where I can do a bit of hoeing, watering, weeding and just sitting (except it's been less comfortable out there this past week). I've got my computer, my phone, a landline, my ipad, and I deal with the nightcam every morning and mess around with videos of hedgehogs and foxes. I get waited on by Jan, who has drawn the short straw: under normal circumstances she prepares the veg and I do all the cooking but now she's lumbered with the lot, as well as waiting on me.

Curiously, the doctor who supervised my discharge told me (after having gone to ask someone else) to self-isolate for a week, but it seems to me that that is likely to be a sloppy relaxation of policy by this shyster government, so I'm planning to stay in isolation for another fortnight. The urgency of this will be lessened as Dez and Alex will start renting a house tomorrow so Jan and I will be just the two of us. We have been in that state for less than 4 years out of the 44 years that we have been married. I'm looking forward to that.

I have also been continuing to check my blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Everything within bounds, although my pulse seems a bit low - mostly in the 50s. My temperature is always below 36°C as well.
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #29 on: 06 July, 2020, 06:47:40 pm »
I've gone 7 days without symptoms and most of the sites I've read seem to think that 5 days is the critical time by which symptoms start.

Of course, I could be someone who has become infected but is symptom free. If that's the case, I have no idea how you check for it other than having another test.
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #30 on: 05 August, 2020, 06:23:16 pm »
Arising out of the above, I went for an echocardiogram today. I won't get the results for several weeks, but I reassure myself that if I can walk to and from my cardio appointments (round trip 2 miles or just over) then things aren't desperate yet.
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #31 on: 05 August, 2020, 09:15:36 pm »
I seem to have missed this the first time round. It all sounds a bit scary. Glad it is being looked after.
Quote from: Kim
^ This woman knows what she's talking about.

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #32 on: 06 August, 2020, 10:41:55 am »
Arising out of the above, I went for an echocardiogram today. I won't get the results for several weeks, but I reassure myself that if I can walk to and from my cardio appointments (round trip 2 miles or just over) then things aren't desperate yet.

Aw, that's sadistic.  My cardiologist tells me what's what immediately.  I'm due for an arterial echogram in a couple of weeks, to tell me what's blocked & what's not, and presumably if my strivings on the bike are turning my aorta into a balloon sculpture. It was OK last year.

What I hate about making appointments is that they usually turn out to fall on the only decent cycling day of the week.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #33 on: 06 August, 2020, 11:47:07 am »
.... so I have a sliding door to the garden where I can do a bit of hoeing

Missed this earlier, good that it is settling down, but reading that ^^^ impressed me with your commitment to seasonal jollity. You take this look-alike thing seriously, don't you?

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #34 on: 12 August, 2020, 04:39:53 pm »
I just had a call from the cardiologist. My echocardiogram last week showed normality. No further treatment, other than to continue with the two new tablets (edoxaban and bisoprolol) for life.
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #35 on: 12 August, 2020, 07:03:06 pm »
At least that is positive news.
Get a bicycle. You will never regret it, if you live- Mark Twain

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #36 on: 13 August, 2020, 07:53:10 am »
I just had a call from the cardiologist. My echocardiogram last week showed normality. No further treatment, other than to continue with the two new tablets (edoxaban and bisoprolol) for life.

Bummer.  Anything ending in -olol is bad news for cyclists (apart from the minor consideration of staying alive, of course).  Actually, a decent dose of caffeine will counteract it.

(My doc does not approve such sentiments.)
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #37 on: 13 August, 2020, 11:37:41 am »
I'm getting to be quite good pals with Nigel the Physio.  Got an appointment with him next week to sort out a knee/leg problem that only manifests itself walking.  I'm fine on a bike.

Took the car to Exeter for some maintenance, and rode home.  Met an old friend on a city corner—he was waiting for someone, so we chatted.  He asked me about work, I explained I was retired.  He said he'd assumed I was "mid to late 50s", even sounded sincere about it.  I wish!

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #38 on: 13 August, 2020, 12:29:59 pm »
I just had a call from the cardiologist. My echocardiogram last week showed normality. No further treatment, other than to continue with the two new tablets (edoxaban and bisoprolol) for life.

Bummer.  Anything ending in -olol is bad news for cyclists (apart from the minor consideration of staying alive, of course).  Actually, a decent dose of caffeine will counteract it.

(My doc does not approve such sentiments.)

Please elucidate!
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #39 on: 13 August, 2020, 01:08:00 pm »
I suspect T42 is referring to the possibility of beta-blockers "limiting" the amount of effort you can put in.  I'm only on a low dose and I can still cycle fairly normally (including steady climbs of long hills) but very occasionally I experience a sort of lead-legged feeling, especially if I experiment with a little increased effort.  Although I have no particular symptoms and haven't got significant arterial disease (angiogram) I'm on other drugs in addition to yours, presumably because, in addition to AF, my heart is in a bad way (Ejection Fraction of 8%).  However, I'm following the advice, taking the pills and riding most days and I'm hopeful of an improvement at my next echo.  I'm also really happy that you seem to have got off so lightly - that's really good news!  (Sorry if you were hoping to be able to give up gardening!)

All the best

Peter

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #40 on: 13 August, 2020, 01:24:57 pm »
I suspect T42 is referring to the possibility of beta-blockers "limiting" the amount of effort you can put in.

Exactly.  Back when I was on the damned things, 2008-2011, in spite of being on what my cardiologist called a homoeopathic dose, I had to fight to get my heart rate up to a level that kept my legs adequately supplied with blood, and hence oxygen.  Doing a half-hour 8% climb was utter hell.

Last year the cardiologist suspected me of committing atrial fib and prescribed a different BB, and my doc persuaded me to go along with it.  Effects weren't as bad but they were there, and thrust me into such a deep depression that I abandoned the diabetic diet.  Exit beta-blockers, but unfortunately the depression is still here and my diabetes figures are all to hell.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #41 on: 13 August, 2020, 02:48:11 pm »
As others have posted, *olol meds are beta blockers. That means they reduce the effect of adrenaline on heart rate, which leaves some people feeling unable to get out of second gear.

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #42 on: 13 August, 2020, 03:13:08 pm »
As others have posted, *olol meds are beta blockers. That means they reduce the effect of adrenaline on heart rate, which leaves some people feeling unable to get out of second gear.

The result of fighting it is acute lactate burn.  I used to go up hills at a rhythm of 5 pedal strokes & pause, 5 pedal strokes & pause.

In -olol, the operative syllable is LOL.

As I observed above, a good dose of caffeine counteracts the BBs to some extent, but it's not a recommended strategy.  Last summer, when I was fighting the second infliction, I could get an extra 20 bpm with two large cafés au lait. YMMV.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #43 on: 13 August, 2020, 04:31:50 pm »
I suspect that, as the one forummer who has turned slow cycling into an art form (tips hat to Nikki), none of this will worry me. It's quite uncommon for me to get my heart rate up. Some years ago I wore a HRM during a 75-mile ride. I happened to pump into my nephew, a GP, during the same ride. I've forgotten what the statistic was now, but I'm sure I mentioned it somewhere on "Rides & Touring" at the time, but I don't think my heart rate exceeded 100* at any time during the ride.

*It was 140.
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Wowbagger

  • Former Sylph
    • Stuff mostly about weather
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #44 on: 13 August, 2020, 05:59:15 pm »
... as the one forummer who has turned slow cycling into an art form ...

I would also tip your hat also in the direction of Cycleman, at least on the uphills.

Cycleman now has electric assist as a default. I can't keep up with that... ;)
Quote from: Dez
It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.

Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #45 on: 14 August, 2020, 08:30:22 am »
That depends on which trike I'm riding. The trice has e assist but the ez3 is unassisted. I am faster on the trice but enjoy riding the ez3 more as can spin better on it. Also I feel less constrained by needing to find free voles enroute .  :)
the slower you go the more you see

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #46 on: 14 August, 2020, 10:42:29 am »
I suspect that, as the one forummer who has turned slow cycling into an art form (tips hat to Nikki), none of this will worry me. It's quite uncommon for me to get my heart rate up. Some years ago I wore a HRM during a 75-mile ride. I happened to pump into my nephew, a GP, during the same ride. I've forgotten what the statistic was now, but I'm sure I mentioned it somewhere on "Rides & Touring" at the time, but I don't think my heart rate exceeded 100* at any time during the ride.

*It was 140.

Whereas it is not uncommon for my heart-rate to exceed 150.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

TimC

  • Old blerk sometimes onabike.
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #47 on: 14 August, 2020, 03:54:14 pm »
Having had pericarditis a couple of years ago, and diagnosed on a regular aircrew medical with a mildly ectopic heartbeat (for which the CAA required twice-yearly Holter tests), I decided to do my own monitoring and bought a Kardia personal ECG device. Giving up the rather stupid lifestyle that I've lived for the last 45 years has helped, and I now know that my heartbeat is generally normal with only very occasional lapses into ectopia (if that's a thing!). Having been extremely fit in my youth and early adult years (up to around 40), I assume this is essentially 'athlete's heart syndrome' and bears careful watching - my RHR is around 46, max around 180, and BP around 116/78, so all else appears normal. I shall do all in my power to avoid having to take any drugs whatsoever, if possible, so my diet has improved markedly and I am cycling more (and more sensibly) than was the case. Wine is still a weakness, but I'm not giving that up! Of course, something will get me but I'm going to make it it as difficult for the Grim reaper as possible...

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #48 on: 14 August, 2020, 04:16:28 pm »
...I shall do all in my power to avoid having to take any drugs whatsoever, if possible, so my diet has improved markedly and I am cycling more (and more sensibly) than was the case. Wine is still a weakness, but I'm not giving that up! Of course, something will get me but I'm going to make it it as difficult for the Grim reaper as possible...

Good luck with that. I remarked to MrsT this morning that I am heartily sick of measuring my life out in pills (e.g. I just calculated that I have taken 4524 doses of clopdigrel since 2008) and prescriptions.  I suppose that's preferable to not having a life to measure but it's still bloody depressing.

T'other thing, of course, is that appointments with specialists always fall bang in the middle of perfect cycling days.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

TimC

  • Old blerk sometimes onabike.
Re: The Vicissitudes of Ageing
« Reply #49 on: 14 August, 2020, 04:22:02 pm »
...I shall do all in my power to avoid having to take any drugs whatsoever, if possible, so my diet has improved markedly and I am cycling more (and more sensibly) than was the case. Wine is still a weakness, but I'm not giving that up! Of course, something will get me but I'm going to make it it as difficult for the Grim reaper as possible...

Good luck with that. I remarked to MrsT this morning that I am heartily sick of measuring my life out in pills (e.g. I just calculated that I have taken 4524 doses of clopdigrel since 2008) and prescriptions.  I suppose that's preferable to not having a life to measure but it's still bloody depressing.

T'other thing, of course, is that appointments with specialists always fall bang in the middle of perfect cycling days.

Yes, I'm aware that there's more than a small element of luck in this. I've gotten away with abusing my body for many years, and I have to accept that statistically I should be in a much worse place than I am. I am sure it will all catch up with me eventually. For now, I will enjoy what I have and do what I can to continue doing so for as long as possible. In so many ways, it could all change tomorrow.