Musings on getting old and the consequences

[petefrom bearswamp]

Regards to all on the forum.
I have been lax over the last year or so in following the forum.
this is a update on my health or lack thereof
I have had PVCs for all of my adult life, so in 2020 my primary referred me to a cardiologist who prescribed a 3 lead pacemaker to alleviate the pvcs.
In September of 2023 I was diagnosed as having had a silent heart attack and elevated BP.
Given a regimen to follow and meds for the BP.
since then (2024) my kidney function had deteriorated to a egfr of 18, so nephrologist ordered a kidney biopsy.
This returned a diagnosis of Amyloidosis, an incurable but treatable disease.
I spent a 3 day session at Boston General which has a renowned Amyloidosis section.
a battery of tests including a bone marrow biopsy.
This revealed a disease called Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia another incurable but treatable disease.
3 sessions of Chemo, a bunch of meds and 20 pounds later my numbers are good per my oncologist.
next a diagnosis of SIBO, an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
More pills, this time an antibiotic that has caused vicious diarrhea, so I have stopped taking them.
aint getting old great?
I have no complaints though having had a full life with a wonderful wife and family many good friends and memories.

[Raider Bill]

DanGit! Pete!
Sorry to hear all that.

We were just talking about cheese and your name came up.

[Stephen1]

It is certainly great to hear from you , maybe not about your ailments, but we all have to remember the great life we have lived for sure! 
Carry on and remember to stop in and visit a bit more. 

[Jeff]

Thanks for checking in with us my friend.

[barbender]

Great to hear from you Pete! Sorry to hear about the ailments, it does seem to go with the territory. Keep breakin' trail for us😊

[Texas Ranger]

Like Barbender said, goes with the  territory.  Now in my family (wife and I) we have more docs  than friends.  Wonder if they will all be my pallbearers? After all, they will lose income. (kinda black, but where I am)

Hang in, bud, we are rooting for you.

[caveman]

Pete, it is good to hear from you.  I hate to read that you have been having so much trouble lately.  You are an inspiration to me and several others here. I hope that your treatments provide you with more health and wellbeing. 

[TreefarmerNN]

I hit the "like" button but don't really like hearing about medical issues for you.  Still, you have a wonderful, philosophical attitude which makes dealing with docs, medicine and ailments easier.  Still not easy or desirable but your attitude will help you get through it.  I salute you, sir!

[Magicman]

Wow Pete, your ailments go far beyond my understanding and pronouncement but it sounds like the diagnostic and treatment medics are giving you the king's treatment.  I was not gonna joke, but my "king" comment reminded me that you did spend some time on the throne. 

Take care my Friend and please stay in touch with your updates here.

[thecfarm]

that was way too long of a post.    
I hope things get better!!!!

[customsawyer]

Great to hear from you Sir. Hate to hear about the troubles.

[Peter Drouin]

Best of luck to you in getting better.

[wuddy777]

Getting old really is a full-time job, huh? Appreciate you sharing all that, Pete, hell of a ride.

[Andries]

Pete; so good to hear from you.
Keep on keeping on and post when you can, ok?
Best wishes!

[Chuck White]

Good that you're still with us, Pete!

I didn't hear anything from you, so I'm thinking that you didn't come up North last fall.

You take care and follow your Dr's orders as best you can.

Take care, my friend!