Some of my illnesses are, more or less, usually the ailments of someone much older. Macular Degeneration specifically... But although SOME young people are diagnosed with types of arthritis, Lupus, Sjogren's etc... It is uncommon to be diagnosed with so many of these at once.
Most often, when you hear of someone who has IBD, arthritis, recurrent pancreatitis, vision problems, lupus, Sjogren's, etc.. The mind immediately goes to someone elderly. This is all fine with me, not a big deal. In fact, I find a strange satisfaction in seeing the expression on someone's face when he/she has read my chart but has skipped over my birth date. Once I even had a doctor step in, look confused, step out, look around, ask my name, and then tell me out loud that he was expecting an elderly person.
So here is what I propose.
If I am to be elderly on the inside - using canes and walkers and dealing with constant inflammation, being told that my eyes look (on the inside) as though they are 70 years old, then am I allowed to stay looking my age NOW for the rest of my life?
I mean, I am not 'scared', per se, of aging - actually I believe that aging is such a privilege. People who are lucky enough to grow to an old age are truly privileged - although usually old age comes with a certain stigma of health concerns.
So - since I already HAVE many of the health concerns of the elderly, does that mean that I get to LOOK younger for longer? Feel old, look young.
Anyway we can work this out? (Naturally, of course). Frankly even aging 'gracefully' would be a nice touch. :)
Just a thought.
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