6/21/2007I turned 59 a few weeks ago and this has caused me to reflect back on all that the nifty fifties have brought me. While in my 50's I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and now asthma. Most of these ailments I have been able to keep under control by changing my life style and taking the proper medications. Asthma is my only uncontrolled health issue. It makes me a little apprehensive about what the sexy sixties will bring. (bubonic plague?....scarlet fever?)It also makes it difficult to know for certain what particular ailment is causing your symptoms. At work lately if I am stressed, fatigued and  very busy (there's a recipe for disaster) I have been getting chest pains. Once I rest, the pain abates. Because of my multiple conditions it is hard to figure which illness or combination of illnesses causes this. I figure that it is probably my asthma causing this because I had a treadmill test a little while back and everything was fine with the old heart. Also when I have gone to the ER due to an asthma attack( a far too frequent occurrence), they always run an EKG and the heart has been OK. It does give a fella a few anxious moments though. While I don't want to be a "Nervous Nelly"  I also don't want to be wrong and wind up in real trouble  I have taken the next 2 days off and will see if things continue to improve. If not, well ,the ER people are always very nice.Soon work will no longer be an issue. While I don't think retirement will be the answer to everything, I can't help but think that my health will improve without all the stress and with a more normal schedule. (I do have problems getting enough rest while on the third shift). In the meantime I'm just trying to dodge another trip to the ER.Be well,tomp.s. I didn't mean to comeoff as if I'm on death's door, I'm just (very) concerned. I'm sure it's nothing and I'm probably just being silly.tom