When it comes to fessing up about the little discomforts of my aging physical self, I am resistant. Keeping my head in the clouds, refusing to admit that mileage matters, I imagine that it doesn’t apply to me. Until it does. Full confession: I got a hip replacement two years ago. The good news is that through yoga and Pilates, I was able to build back my strength and flexibility to the point that I am back in ballet class. My jumps are whimpy, but my extensions-not too bad for a 68 year old.

On other fronts, my innards don’t work like they used to. Diverticulitis has haunted me. Me! Genes count for something, but I can’t blame it all on my family of origin. Now I’m even more mindful of what, how and when I eat. To top it off, in a recent CT scan to assess the previous issues, it showed no “itis” but  the radiologist suspected my liver was fatty. A fatty liver!?! The indignity.

My whole adult life has been about staying healthy and trim on the inside and out. Plus I stopped drinking alcohol many years ago. To put those two words together and apply them to your truly was quite demoralizing. I spent two weeks accepting this new label and learning all about it thanks to Chat GPT.

In the next appointment, as I filled out forms about my health history, I bemoaned the fact that in addition to numerous bone breaks from my free-wheeling past, I was forced to circle more words than I wanted. At least I don’t take any medication yet I offered as a kind technician led me down a hallway. He performed a fibroScan, similar to a sonogram, to measure my liver and give numbers to my fattiness.

An hour later I received great news! The doctor told me the radiologist was wrong, that sometimes they wee a blur and take a guess. In fact she said my liver is lovely and the numbers don’t lie. I am a healthy specimen for a senior citizen. Then she schooled me on the importance of exercise and diet. Yes, I could step up the cardio, I admitted, but let me celebrate this win first.

The whole journey gives me pause, though. Why am I shy about sharing my imperfections? Perhaps my experience can help someone. So here it is…Feet first. High time I was honest about myself and you all. Arthritis is really a thing and the state of my innards is worth watching. No more head in the clouds!