Nappy Time

As readers of this column may remember, aging is of particular interest to me. My dad died when he was 52, my mom at 63 and my only sister at 52. In my opinion, I really don’t know what “old” is going to look like for me. I have determined, through doctor’s visits, that debilitating arthritis and diabetes are probably not in my future. I am also proud that I have a low blood pressure (typically around 110/85-90) though I also have a low heart rate, which may indicate the need of a pacemaker in my later years.

So it caught my eye when a recent study was published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia and reported in Everyday Health stated that senior citizens who take an afternoon siesta might be more inclined to develop Alzheimer’s disease. And if indeed they do develop Alzheimer’s disease they may nap more often and/or for longer periods of time.

I have to step right up and admit I am a napper. Not every day but especially when I travel I generally need some shuteye to get back on track. Also, on the weekends I may find myself prone in bed in mid-afternoon when, seemingly out of nowhere, I find myself totally exhausted. Sometimes I don’t even fall asleep; just the fact that I’ve stepped back from daily house chores can rejuvenate me.

But the study did have me pondering. Am I destined for Alzheimer’s because I like to nap? I might have to lie down to think about it.

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And speaking of age, I am enduring an injury that I’d like to think was not generated due to age but action.

In early April I had the extreme pleasure of attending a gala for Ascencia at City Club LA. It was a gorgeous venue attended by some of the most interesting people affiliated with the Crescenta Valley and Glendale. In addition to the delicious food, fun silent and live auction there was dancing – a favorite pastime of mine. While I was out “tripping the light fantastic” (and I’d like to think looking good while doing it) I apparently turned my knee.

Initially I didn’t think anything of it; it didn’t immediately hurt and, in fact, the following night Steve and I attended the GEF fundraiser where I didn’t have any trouble navigating the outdoor property.

However, since April 2 the pain in my right knee has grown progressively worse to the point where I now have trouble going up and down stairs – and we have a two-story house so that’s problematic.

Off to the orthopaedic doctor – Dr. Stetson in Burbank is a favorite. When son Matthew tore his ACL when he was a youngster, Dr. Stetson shepherded him to young adulthood while putting off surgery until Matt’s growth plate in his knee has closed. After getting an MRI this week, a small tear in the meniscus was discovered; but was this the source of the pain? There was no way to find out since we did not have a baseline to go from. So he injected me with cortisone with the hope that would take care of the issue and prescribed physical therapy as well. (I start that the week of May 30 – my birthday.) He did warn me that the cortisone would not touch the pain if indeed the tear is its origin. I’m hopeful, though.

But I am angry that a young person’s action (dancing) resulted in an old person’s injury.