Traveling with swollen ankles--Lenora Worth

Old age is not for sissies. I'm traveling to Florida for a conference. Packing has become an all day event when I travel now. First, I have to gather all the drops--the eye drops, the ear drops, the nasal sprays. Then I have to gather all the dental equipment--floss and mouth rinse, night guard for TMJ, picks and polishes. Then it's on to the pills--high blood pressure, sleep medicine, migraine medicine and the usual pain medicine and vitamins, calcium and vitamin D for bones. You name it, I've got it. Next, it's the makeup--concealer, de--puffers, brightning creams and brow and lash enhancers. And don't get me started on Spanx and elastic--they are my new best friends.

And to add insult to injury, I had three doctors appointments before I ever left home. New medications to try, and something went terribly wrong with one of them. I now have swollen ankles and water retention. I called one of my doctors to find out why my ankles look like I've been stung by a bee. His reaction--I'm on vacation and I'm probably eating too much salt. I won't tell you what I thought, but I did politely explain to the "on-call" doctor that I've avoided salt and I know all about what not to eat while on vacation. I didn't need a lecture; I needed help.

Such is the joy of growing old. But hey, the water is beautiful and not a tar ball in sight. Everyone should start packing for Florida right now. Just don't forget the drops, the polishes, the brightener, the Spanx and whatever you do, avoid salt.

Wish you were here!