???The Future For My Body???

    I have mentioned before in my blogs that I have  joint replacements.  Seven, to be exact.  Osteoarthritis struck hard and early.  I was told I had not chosen my ancestors wisely enough!  With each replacement surgery, I expressed my greatfulness that parts were still available for a model this old.  Besides the new joints, I have twice had to  have repair work on my lumbar vertibrae.  This old back has exhibited painful signs of needing more attention for the past year and its demands have excelerated since January.  After X-rays and an MRI, I was dismayed to be told by the Nuerosurgeon that I was past the point of benificial  repair.  His diagnosis was couched in kind terms, but the message I got was that (a) I am too old  (b) repair work would be too extensive (we are talking about screws, bolts, steel rods, etc.) and (c) it would be better to treat the symtoms than to cure them.  This Doctor, whose opinion I have regard for, is sending his recommendations to my Primary Care Doctor, whom I will see next week.
    My reaction, before knowing what the treatment recommendations are, is:
Regarding (a) above.  I  am  only 80 years old.  I still think young!  Doesn't that count?  One doesn't just junk an aging vintage Cadillac.  It gets refurbished, polished up, and exhibited in parades and car shows!  Considering (b), so what is a little more metal in my body?  It won't make the scanner at the airport buzz any louder than it does now. So what if my back is really straight!  I only need it to bend when I sit. As for (c), I am treating symptoms now.  Taking the maximum daily dose allowed of anti-inflamatory medicine.  I have a little stash of codine based pills left over from previous surgeries that I dip into on the worst days.  Maybe THAT is the answer--just stay high!  When my little  mother was preparing to die, her doctor ordered Tylenol 3 (Tylenol w/codeine) be administered to her on demand.  The nurses at the nursing home were not very happy with that order and we had  to keep a sharp watch to make sure they were complying.  Thing is, I have way too much to accomplish before I say goodby to this life, to be in a state of "la-la land" all the time.  Besides, I can't drive if I take narcotic medication and I can't bear to have my wings clipped!
    I know I am obsessing about this before finding out what has been recommended for me. Maybe it will be weekly massages along with facials, or a week in Hawaii four times a year, or hiring someone to do the ironing.  I already have a house cleaner thanks to my good husband's insistance.
    If you are interested--stay tuned.  I will report back when I really know what is going to happen.