Mother Nature keeps looking for new ways to kill us

Mother Nature

by TAC - 2022-02-22 00:03:08

Yes, we are like an old automobile. Once we reach certain age (mileage), we begin to fall apart. In the case of a machine, we can make it last longer by replacing those parts that are failing. In the human body, only a few organs can be repaired or replaced. Like you say, we start to leave pieces on the road until we can no longer keep going. The fear of death is what make us so worried when we develop strange symptoms. Once, we accept death as unavoidable, we can relax and concentrate in trying to live our last years of our life, in the happier way possible. Many people who don't overcome the fear of death, become hypochondriacs or obsessive-compulsives who try to find answers for every little thing, instead of letting their doctors do their job and trust them. Medicine can't overcome Mother Nature.

Prognosis is good

by Gemita - 2022-02-22 02:47:09

No Mother nature cannot have its way with you just yet Edouard, way too early.  

Can we please look at the positive side of this?  Prognosis is good, didn’t you say, so my message can only be one of hope, surely. 

I do understand what you have had to face, being a cancer survivor myself.  With any illness it is important we find a way to release the anger and fear we feel as early as possible which is exactly what you are doing by venting here.  I found the fear of my disease far worse than the symptoms I suffered at the time.  Anxiety and fear are awful emotions to live with, they use up precious energy reserves, energy that we need to hold on to, to fight our illness.  

It sounds to me as though you have had successful treatment and that you will be able to enjoy a quality of life ahead Edouard?  It is far too early for you to start thinking negatively about the future.   At 70 there is still a lot of life to live, you have a new device, so go out there and start planning ahead once more.  

Lots of bits are falling off my engine too, but I pick them up and carry on with my life as far as I am able.  No one has ever suggested that medicine can keep us alive forever, but it is Human nature to look for ways to preserve life for as long as possible.  It is so precious.  I see no harm in this while we still have a good life.  

I send my best wishes to you and hope that you continue to make “good” progress.

Living is a risky business

by Gotrhythm - 2022-02-22 13:57:42

Regularly here at TPC we have younger people asking (very appropriately) "how long can I live with a pacemaker?" "Is my life over?"

Sometimes I'm tempted to answer (tongue in cheek) No, the chances that you will die of a heart condition have not been increased. But the chances that you will ultimately die of something else have.

It's one of the Universe's little jokes.

I'm reminded of Steve Martin's quip as he responded to eager and excited applause at the start of a show. He looked around and said, "You sure are happy--for a bunch of people who are all going to die someday."

Mother Nature is a mother

by AgentX86 - 2022-02-22 15:24:05

None of us is younger than we were yesterday.  We're all going to die and these setbacks are just a reminder.   Keep the oil changed and fix the broken bits as the crop up is all any of us can do.  Oh, and be happy doing it.

The first law of thermodynamics says that we can't win the game. The second law of thermodynamics says that we can't break even. And the third law says that we can't even get out of the game. The universe is destined to end. Some things before others.

Getting old isn't for sissies. Deal with it and be happy.

Old Chassis

by Marybird - 2022-02-22 16:55:42

Age 74 here, in shock that I'll be 75 on my next birthday. Impossible, how could it be? I look in the mirror ( not too often, I try to spare myself that), and think "who is that old lady and why do we keep her picture around???"

What passes for my mind  looks at things as though it's age 25, so that's the mental perspective. I always think of it as the 25 year old psyche that lives in this 74 year old body, and that poor psyche goes into shock sometimes at the things it sees happening with the old chassis. Denial is the default mode for me, I have to fight it, and realize that ignoring the fact that those old parts wear out over time won't make it all go away, that I'd better deal with it, make the needed adjustments, do what I need to do to keep it all running- there's no option for trading it in on a new model!  That way, I'm still able to get out there and enjoy the rest of my life, much rather do that than feel sorry for myself, or dwell on the entropy inherent in the nature of things- should we live so long.

I think of it this way, most of the time. I'm amazed at the advances in medicine and technology that lets us keep on keepin' on, keeps us in better working order, gives us a better quality of life than we could otherwise expect.

Thanks for a chuckle

by TLee - 2022-02-23 16:19:07

I had an "Oh, Yes!" moment at the descriptions of the too-real mind/body disconnect. When I have a really good day, meaning little arthritis pain, no arrhythmia, COPD meds working well... I find myself thinking, I'll bet I could jog for part of my morning walk. Jogging is not that hard, I'll just get out there & do it! Then reality kicks in & it kinda stinks, but if I can't run, I CAN walk, so I do.

As for the spare parts issue, as someone who is just waiting for the word to schedule a hip replacement, I say: How amazing is that?!

Thanks for the smile

by BradyJohn - 2022-02-26 14:53:19

Edouard, a public health nurse I know commented recently, 'what doesn't kill us mutates and tries again!'

Carry on friend!