Elderhood: The Other Knee

 

Leonardo da Vinci's leg drawing, circa 1508. Source: Royal Collection Trust.

From Elderhood's author, Louise Aronson, a true anecdote: 

"The best response to the combination of social prejudice [about aging] and medical laziness came from a nonagenarian who went to see a doctor about knee pain. After a history and exam of the knee, the doctor said, 'What do you expect? The knee is ninety-five years old!' To which the old man replied, 'Yes, but so is the other one, and it doesn't bother me a bit.'" 

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Twice, maybe three times now, I've had a healthcare provider suggest that a concern I have is common as we age. And then they are finished with the topic. 

They didn't ask these fundamental questions, although I prefaced my concern with: "This is a change": 

1. How long ago did you notice it? 
2. Was it sudden? 
3. What was your experience before the change? 
4. Is there anything else that is different? 

So I reiterate: "This is a change. I am concerned about it." 

This has been effective, thus far, in producing more inquiry, including testing to rule things in or out.