State of Play

I've made an appointment to have my decaying tooth on the right upper side either filled or extracted. It's only going to disintegrate eventually just as the one of my left upper side did some time ago. I felt that perhaps some bacteria was leaking into my bloodstream and exacerbating the autoimmune problems. 

I asked Google's Gemini: 

Is it possible that a decaying tooth could trigger an autoimmune response in the body? 

No, a decaying tooth itself wouldn't directly trigger a full-blown autoimmune response. Here's why:

Autoimmunity: Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Decaying Tooth: Tooth decay is caused by bacteria feeding on sugar and starches in your mouth, producing acid that eats away at the tooth enamel.

However, a decaying tooth can indirectly contribute to inflammation and potentially worsen existing autoimmune conditions:

Infection:  The bacteria that cause decay can spread through the tooth and into the gums, leading to an infection. This infection can trigger inflammation, a localized immune response.

Weakened Body:  Chronic inflammation from a dental infection can put stress on the body's immune system, potentially worsening symptoms of existing autoimmune conditions like Sjogren's syndrome (which affects saliva production) or rheumatoid arthritis.

Overall:

Decaying tooth -> bacterial infection -> inflammation (not full autoimmune response)

Inflammation can worsen existing autoimmune conditions.

So the tooth is probably not to blame for my current troubles but it's best to deal with as such decaying tooth can certainly spread bacteria around the body with unpredicable consequences. Meanwhile my autoimmune situation has become chronic and is proving quite debilitating. 

With difficulty, I'm walking around the block everyday just to keep up my mobility but the stiffness and soreness in my hands, feet and right shoulder are a constant. I'm not getting worse but then again I'm not getting better. This afternoon I felt especially bad and took one Ibuprofen and one Paracetamol. This gave me considerable relief and now, hours later, I still feel quite comfortable.

However, once the medication fully wears off, I'll probably be back to where I was. I still can't sleep in my bed and have resorted to spending the night on the sofa in the lounge room. I want to try some visualisation and self healing this evening in an effort to effect a cure.

Lying Flat

The expression "lying flat" has become a popular expression in China in recent years. I asked Google's Gemini to expand on its meaning, even though I had a general idea of what the term meant.

What does the current Chinese expression "lying flat" actually mean?

The current Chinese expression "lying flat" (躺平, tǎng píng) is a slang term used to describe a social and personal philosophy that rejects societal pressures to overwork and overachieve. Here's a deeper look at its meaning:

Literal Translation:

The term translates literally to "lying flat" or "to lie down flat."

Figurative Meaning:

Figuratively, it represents a passive resistance or opting out of the "rat race" mentality. It's about prioritizing personal well-being and a simpler life over chasing material success or career advancement.

Underlying Factors:

The "lying flat" movement arises from several factors, including:

Economic Inequality: A growing sense of disillusionment with the traditional path to success due to increasing economic inequality and limited job opportunities.

Burnout Culture: A reaction against the intense work culture in China, often characterized by long hours and high pressure.

Desire for Balance: A longing for a more balanced lifestyle with time for leisure and personal pursuits.

Spectrum of Responses:

The "lying flat" movement isn't a monolithic concept. It can encompass a range of responses, from:

Minimalism: Choosing to live with less and work only to meet basic needs.

Quiet Quitting: Fulfilling work duties but not going above and beyond.

Pursuing Passions: Focusing on hobbies and interests rather than career advancement.

Criticisms and Concerns:

The movement has received some criticism for potentially hindering economic growth and innovation.

Some worry it might discourage ambition and hard work.

Overall:

The "lying flat" movement highlights a growing societal shift in China, with younger generations questioning traditional values of work and success. It's a complex phenomenon with both potential benefits and drawbacks, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape in the country.

I guess the term sums up my retirement lifestyle rather well but in this post I'm using the term quite literally. I've discovered that when I lie down flat to sleep a pain starts up in the socket joint of my right shoulder which seriously impairs a restful night's sleep. However, if I prop myself up, so that my upper body is no longer flat, the pain disappears and I mean it completely disappears. Naturally I asked Gemini.

When I lie down flat to sleep, I encounter pain in the socket joint of my right shoulder. This considerably impairs a restful night's sleep. However, if I prop myself up with pillows so that my upper body is no longer flat in the bed, then the pain completely disappears. What might be the reason for this phenomenon?

There are a few possible reasons why you experience shoulder pain when lying flat on your back, but the pain disappears when you sleep propped up with pillows:

Rotator Cuff Impingement: This is a common possibility. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. When you lie flat on your back, the space in your shoulder joint can become compressed. If you have rotator cuff impingement, this compression can irritate the tendons and bursa (fluid-filled sac) in the shoulder, causing pain. Propping yourself up with pillows takes pressure off the joint and allows more space for the rotator cuff tendons to glide smoothly, reducing pain.

Labral Tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and helps keep the ball (humerus) of the upper arm bone in place. A labral tear can cause pain, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Propping yourself up with pillows might shift the position of your arm and reduce pressure on the labrum, alleviating pain.

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis in the shoulder joint can cause pain and stiffness. Sleeping flat might compress the joint or stretch the capsule in a way that aggravates the arthritis, while sleeping propped up might provide some relief.

Sleeping Position:  Sometimes, simply the way your shoulder is positioned when lying flat can irritate nearby tissues. Propping yourself up might change the position and alleviate discomfort.

Recommendations:

See a Doctor: It's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They can perform a physical examination, order imaging tests (X-ray, MRI) if needed, and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Self-Care Measures:  In the meantime, some self-care measures might help manage the pain:

Apply ice packs: Apply ice packs to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time, wrapped in a thin towel, to reduce inflammation.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain.

Sleeping on your side: Sleeping on your unaffected side might be more comfortable than lying flat on your back.

Maintain good posture: Practice good posture throughout the day to help align your shoulder joint and avoid further strain.

Lying flat on my right side so that the shoulder joint is compressed might naturally cause pain and discomfort but the orientation of my body doesn't seem to matter. If I lie flat on my back, flat on my stomach or on my side with the right shoulder uppermost, it doesn't make any difference: the pain is always there. It really is caused by simply lying flat in any position and once I prop myself up, I'm fine.

The joint or its surrounding tissue is definitely damaged from an injury way back in my early thirties when I was playing tennis. At the time, I pushed through the discomfort and continued playing but the joint was never the same. However, it never caused me any day-to-day discomfort until now when it would seem all my chickens are coming home to roost.

I should be thankful I guess that I don't experience pain when I'm upright or else I'd be in a pickle. The Ibuprofen doesn't seem to have much effect so I've discontinued the use of that medication.

Ibuprofen

Today I ventured out and brought some ibuprofen to alleviate the pain in my aching shoulder and other areas. Of the ten tablets on the card, I'm taking three of the 400mg tablets daily. So far I've taken three and the relief is significant. However, the effect wears off after a few hours. What I'm hoping is that after three days, the inflammatory response that my body is generating will subside.

That probably will not happen but in the meantime, I'll enjoy some respite from the discomfort. However, I can't take ibuprofen forever so I'll need to get to the bottom of why my body is turning on itself. On the positive side, I've been forcing myself to walk more and as a result I don't feel as debilitated as I did earlier.

A trip to Medan is planned in early June which will provide me with the opportunity for some psychic healing, focused mainly on treating my thymoma, but perhaps assisting with my chronic inflammation as well. Perhaps the two are related so I asked Google's Gemini the following question and its response suggests that there may well be a link:

Is there any research available that links thymomas or thymic cysts to excessive inflammatory responses int the body?

The research on a direct link between thymomas or thymic cysts and excessive inflammatory responses in the body is limited and not entirely conclusive. Here's a breakdown of what we know:

Thymus Gland and Inflammation:

The thymus gland plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in T-cell development. T-cells are white blood cells that help fight infections.

In some cases, thymus dysfunction can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This suggests a potential link between the thymus and inflammation. 

Thymomas and Thymic Cysts:

Thymomas are tumors that grow in the thymus gland. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Thymic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the thymus. They are usually benign. 

Current Research:

Studies haven't established a definitive link between thymomas or thymic cysts themselves and causing widespread, excessive inflammation throughout the body.

However, there are some associations to consider:

Paraneoplastic Syndromes: In rare cases, thymomas can be associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. These are groups of symptoms caused by substances released by the tumor that can affect various organs and sometimes trigger inflammatory responses. 

Thymitis: Thymitis is an inflammation of the thymus gland itself. This can occur in association with thymomas or independently. While thymitis can cause localized inflammation in the chest area, it doesn't necessarily translate to widespread body-wide inflammation. 

Further Exploration:

More research is needed to fully understand the potential connection between thymomas/cysts and systemic (body-wide) inflammation.

Some studies suggest that thymomas might be linked to specific inflammatory markers, but the clinical significance and cause-and-effect relationship aren't fully established.If you're concerned about excessive inflammation:

It's important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause. They can perform tests and rule out other conditions that might be causing the inflammation. 

Overall:

While a definitive link between thymomas/cysts and widespread inflammation is lacking, there are potential associations worth exploring further. If you have a thymoma or thymic cyst and are experiencing excessive inflammation, discussing it with your doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.

DOMS

Ah, at this late stage of my life, I discovered DOMS. Let Gemini explain:

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common phenomenon you might experience after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise. It's characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, and stiffness that typically peaks 1-3 days after the activity.

Here's a deeper dive into DOMS:

Causes:

The exact cause of DOMS is still being researched, but the leading theory suggests it's a result of microscopic tears in muscle fibers caused by strenuous exercise, particularly activities that involve eccentric contractions (lengthening of a muscle under tension). These microtears trigger an inflammatory response in the body to repair the damaged tissue. This inflammation leads to the pain, tenderness, and stiffness associated with DOMS.

Symptoms:

Muscle pain and tenderness: This is the hallmark symptom of DOMS, typically felt most intensely 24-72 hours after exercise.

Muscle stiffness: The affected muscles might feel tight and difficult to move through their full range of motion.

Reduced muscle strength: You might experience temporary weakness in the affected muscles.

Risk Factors:

Unaccustomed exercise: People new to an exercise routine or those returning after a break are more prone to DOMS.

Strenuous exercise: Activities involving intense effort, eccentric contractions, or unfamiliar movements can increase the risk.

Poor exercise form: Improper technique can put additional stress on muscles, leading to more micro-tears.

Treatment and Prevention:

While DOMS can be uncomfortable, it's generally harmless and resolves on its own within a few days. Here are some tips for managing and preventing DOMS:

Rest: Allow your body adequate recovery time after strenuous exercise.

Active recovery: Light activity like walking or gentle yoga can promote blood flow and aid healing.

Stretching: Gentle stretching before and after exercise can help improve flexibility and potentially reduce DOMS severity.

Massage: Massage therapy can improve circulation and promote healing in the affected muscles.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Preventing DOMS:

Gradual progression: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to allow your muscles to adapt.

Proper warm-up and cool-down: Dedicate time to warm-up exercises before and cool-down stretches after workouts to prepare and relax your muscles.

Proper form: Ensure you use proper technique during exercise to avoid putting undue stress on your muscles.

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after exercise to support muscle function and recovery.

Additional Points:

DOMS vs. Injury: While DOMS can be uncomfortable, it's usually not a cause for major concern. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or bruising, it's best to consult a doctor to rule out a more serious injury.

Individual Variation: The experience of DOMS can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals might be more susceptible to it than others.

By understanding DOMS and following these tips, you can manage discomfort and optimize your workouts for better results.

Almost two weeks ago now, I tripped on the bottom stairs leading to the front door. I landed face down with my hands in front of me to brace myself for the fall. In the previous description, there's no mention made of age as a factor in the sudden onset of DOMS and yet it clearly is. I've suffered similar falls in the past and not shown any such symptoms. 

The day after the fall I was fine but next day I was a total wreck and remained that way for about two more days before gradually recovering. This was really a relatively minor fall and I wonder what the consequences would be have been had the fall been more serious. My body's inflammatory response was massively excessive. If a similar event happens I'll be sure to take some ibuprofen to ameliorate the symptoms. This time around I only took panadol which really didn't have much effect at all.

Maybe it's psychological but ever since turning 75 I've suddenly felt OLD. All I do is to ensure that I remain active and mobile. I've done a lot of sleeping during my gradual recovery and it's easy to fall into the taking refuge in the bed. Giving in to this tendency however, will greatly accelerate ones demise.