I only ask because the only thing wrong with me is acid reflux... I take Prevacid for it....no other drugs...I feel good....healthwise..and I'm 66...and I see how many are on so many medications for so many health problems... I am so sorry that you guys are having to deal with your health problems on top of dealing with a spouse with Alzheimer's!!! Knowing that you have so much on you will keep my pity parties to a minimum!!!

Mary-I'm doing fine. Initially I was terrible. Lost a lot of weight and looked like hell. The rest of my family still needs me and I want to be here for them. I relied on natural products for stress-never took a tranquilizer. I eat a very healthy diet with nothing from a box. I work out every day and enjoy seeing the critters running around on my walks. My hands on caregivng days are over, now I am just a visitor. I have been through hell and come out the otherside a stronger person.

Mary, I'm like Gourdchipper, but a bit younger - 77. I'm basically in good health. Had my annual physical last week and was told to come back in 6 months. I do take pills for high blood pressure, but that's about it. I try to exercise at the YMCA at least 3 times a week. Now that good weather is here I hope to get outside more, but I'll have to do that when DW is a day care as she can't walk much anymore.

I have a low thyroid condition, perfectly controlled with meds for the last 15 years, and asthma, currently calmed down so much I'm off all meds except for one allergy medication. I haven't even used the rescue inhaler in over a month.

I have knee and feet problems, so walking doesn't happen all that much. It just is what it is.

I was like you at 65 in 2000, and since then for the most part have not had any physical limitations although I do have apparently mild heart disease and have been prescribed and take various meds for high blood pressure and cholesterol. But it's amazing how irritating small things can be - the hot flashes I'm finally having, my essential tremor that limits my ability to sew or do certain things with my hands, and in particular a bad knee that I keep re-irritating when I carry around something heavy. It's just killing me not to be able to get out in the sunshine and walk in this beautiful weather!

It's interesting how you can forget things until someone else mentions them. I have had both knees and my shoulder replaced (boy, does that set off the alarms in airport security), but they are working so well, that most of the time I completely forget about them.

I take 10 mg of Lipator for cholesterol. Otherwise, I'm healthy and want to go places and do things but then we have this AD in our house.

I have type 2 diabetes but control it (a1c under 6) with diet and exercise. I was taking no daily medication until I went first onto a supplement for stress then onto zoloft (1/2 a 25 daily). I'm 53 and my husband has only been diagnosed a year.

I'm 50 and healthy except for having to take vytorin for my cholesterol and anti-depressant to keep myself level for my husband.

Phranque, darlin', that is not funny. Take care of yourself. Where are you staying now?? n.

I think/thought I was relatively in good health. In this AD world, I like the word relatively.. but last summer I went in to look at the local doc for refill of anxiety meds.. a 30 day supply can last up to 3 months or more..depending on the degree of uproar around here. So he says, you have a thyroid nodule..thats causing your anxiety. I'm making you an apt. for a scan and a needle biopsy. (all this just for a refill??).. Scared the wits out of me..but I did it.. Inconclusive was the result.
Then a few months later, another ultrasound..nothing had changed. NOW, last week the second needle biopsy and a huge bruise on my neck that looks like a very ambitious hickey ...and result of UNDIAGNOSTIC. The doc. (this time an ENT) wants me to come in a discuss it Monday.. although I waited till yesterday to call his office and ask about the result. Makes me wonder if they would have ever bothered had I not called. I don't know what to think..thought I was just fine. I do feel tired at times when I should be tired. Also feel a great deal of anxiety when dealing with some of the difficult things that make no sense and are so upsetting, but heck, I'm 67 so is one supposed to have the zest one had at 20? Can removing a thyroid fix that? Gosh! I feel quite well when I'm not on duty here 24/7. Nuff Said.

Most thyroid nodules are benign and are treated by giving thyroid hormone. This suppresses the thyroid stimulating hormone which is making the nodule grow. Thus, it should regress. If the ENT doesn't mention this, you should bring it up when you see him on Monday. You do have to be sure it isn't cancer, but a properly done biopsy should answer this.

Judy, I had a thyroid nodule in 1985 and the doctor just put me on a high dose to shut it down, then lower to keep me going.3 years ago I switched from the synthetic to natural thyroid. Been pleased with the results and since I do not have medical insurance I don't go to a doctor. I went to a naturopath to get them and refill at need - I don't have see her once she got it adjusted.

Doneit:
I tested my blood glucose 1 hour and 2 hours after each meal for about a year to learn what I could and couldn't eat (and more important how much). Now I hardly every test.

Judy-in my humble opinion I would see an endocrinologist. Balancing thyroid meds is a delicate process. Like being on coumadin frequent blood levels are needed for medication adjustment.

I'm so glad so many of us ARE in good health...and we have to stay that way! For those of you who are not in good health, extra thoughts and prayers are with you - because going through this caregiver journey is difficult enough when you are in good health, and almost impossible when you are not!

Before my husband was diagnosed with AD, we had begun taking Centrum Silver vitamins each day; my husband had to take a coated aspirin each day as well; and we drink 8 oz. of cranberry juice each day (Cran-Raspberry is our fav, followed by Cran-Pomegranite). I have a fruit-flavored yogurt every morning as well. Other than some walking, I don't get enough exercise, and after working all day and taking care of my husband evenings and during the night, I just don't have the energy. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

Diane T and others who are dieting, I am proud of you for your weight loss!

This weekend was so beautiful! I bought my flowers (I buy them from the nursery already blooming) and potting soil, got the outdoor plants out of the basement and set them back up and watered them, and planted the new flowers on the patio, around my newly painted 20 year old patio table! I worked all weekend, and though I'm tired, it looks SO GOOD! I needed that! Those of you in Florida, Texas and other warmer climes already have had your flowers planted and blooming - we're just beginning.

And Spring is a beginning..I'm determined to be an optimist!!!

I hope everyone enjoys good health, or at least better health as we journey down this road together, dear friends!

I did the same, doneit, all winter. Now my wildflowers are all blooming so I just go out and cut some each day to use inside. They are so colorful and brighten my mood. DH likes them too. Also bring herbs in that smell good!

Thyroid gland can wreck havoc on a person. It's very important to take the medicine all the time if it is prescribed, not just when one feels like they need "energy". My late aunt took all of her meds like that. mmm. a blood pressure pill yesterday, but not today...same with thyroid. It finally caught up with her...but her routine would drive the family nuts. She carried all of her pills with her (even to the grocery store) in a big Vera Bradley bag. It was her "bag of honor". :-)

I am lucky so far....72 yo and just taking 2 baby aspirin (self-prescribed) per day. We have been drinking skim milk for the last 20-30 years, which probably has a lot to do with it. Also eating probably less than 1,000 calories per day.
My daily exercise is dressing, bathing, and changing my DW. Lots of work rolling her over in the hosital bed and pulling up trousers...good for the back!

I like to cook, but recently I've been too depressed to 'cook' anything but Healthy Choice soups and frozen dinners. Other soups and dinners are good too, if no preservatives and low salt and sat. fat. Hopefully I can get back to real cooking soon.

Physically I am a very healthy 59 year old. No boxes on any form to check yes to. Perfect blood pressure, cholesterol, blood work, etc. However, since dementia entered my life I have gone on lexapro for anxiety & depression. Also take an occasional 1/2 tab of ativan for anxiety.

Other than falling this year, I'm very lucky.

Marsh, will the screw they just put in my collar bone set off airport alarms?

Hey, Kitty....I have LOTS of metal parts and screws in my body (28 screws in my face, alone) and everything is made of Titanium. I don't set off alarms!

I would advise you to seek some other forms of exercise, recreation, or work.:)

I'm still pretty well intact, I've only suffered one broken bone in my life in my right hand above the little finger. No cataracts yet but I do need to get a new pair of glasses.

Stunt Girl, with all of those broken bones do you have Arthritis?

I'm 65 and healthier than I have been in years. I've always had high cholesterol and have been obese for several years. In September I ended up in the hospital for an angioplasty to unblock one of my major arteries that was 90% blocked. Was informed I had coronary Artery disease, and was told I had pre-diabetes. Really scared me. I amended my diet, started exercising, lost 45 pounds. Last time I went to my PCP my cholesterol was completely normal for the first time in years. My blood glucose is very normal, and I have a lot of energy. I feel so much better (and dropped from size 18 to size 10). I just decided I couldn't afford to have health issues if I were going to take care of my DH for as long as possible. I have never had high blood pressure and in fact it runs very low. Ever notice when you are trying to lose weight that so many people try to sabotage your efforts?