Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » Arthritis Is Back

Arthritis Is Back

Autumn sneaks early into September With cloudy days and cooler temp, A feeling of fall in the morning air Arthritis is back, causing me to limp. Thank goodness for dear ol’ Ben Gay With his sweet smell of peppermint, He helps me make it through the day By applying his soothing, minty scent. The pain is real, the ache depresses With stiffness that won’t go away, We all have those minor distresses Unfortunately, Arthritis plans to stay! Written September 10, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/13/2022 6:39:00 AM

I love the smell of Ben Gay "Thank goodness for dear ol’ Ben Gay" so this resounds with me!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2022 8:26:00 AM

(chuckling)

Harry Horsman

Date: 9/10/2022 10:23:00 PM

I'm with you there, Milt, and a degenerative spine to boot. Thank God going back into summer here in Oz, Keep up the great poetry my friend, it helps, yes a smile is worth more than all that gold at the end of the rainbow.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/11/2022 9:41:00 AM

I certainly agree with that, harry. I've had a growth at the base of my spine for several years that no one wants to do anything about, but I have considerable lower back pain. I guess we all have our crosses to bear...right?

Michael Tor

Date: 9/10/2022 6:14:00 PM

A lot of us Milton can relate to this arthritic pain when it is cooler and more wet out there. Yes Ben Gay is welcomed when that pain starts. I was surprise to see in the comments all who are suffering. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and thank you for sharing...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 9:19:00 PM

Arthritis is a very, very common ailment, particularly with those of us who are putting on more years. I believe almost everyone has a little of it in some joints after the age of 50 or so.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 9/10/2022 1:36:00 PM

I can relate, Milton! You’ve described this very well. Hope it improves…

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 9:20:00 PM

You, too, Ilene. Thanks so much for your understanding and your comment.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 9/10/2022 11:39:00 AM

Hello Milton, I have arthritis as well. in 5 areas of my body. lucky for me it does n ot hurt all at the same time. I know what you are going through. Enjoy your day my friend.

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 9/10/2022 3:12:00 PM

Hello Milton, thank you. It does not hurt all the time. but when it does I feel the pain. Enjoy your evening my friend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 1:30:00 PM

Thanks so much, Darlene. My sympathies to you, as well.

Jim Slaughter

Date: 9/10/2022 10:18:00 AM

I think I may be getting there, as well, L M. But so far I've only felt such discomfort in a couple of fingers of my right hand, of all places! Maybe I'll add Ben G. to my next pharmaceutical shopping list.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 1:32:00 PM

Actually, I use a prescribed creme my doctor at the VA sends me. It's better than Ben Gay. It's called Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel. You might ask about it because it's effective.

Jenna Logan

Date: 9/10/2022 9:20:00 AM

Ben smells of peppermint? How sweet he's become to his users. Sorry you're dealing with that ache, Milt.

Jenna Logan
Date: 9/10/2022 10:05:00 AM

Arthur with Ben's help. There's a poem in there somewhere.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 9:31:00 AM

Ah, I'm getting used to it, Jenna. It could be something much worse, so I'll settle for this. At least Arthur can be dealt with.

Julie Rodeheaver

Date: 9/10/2022 9:15:00 AM

I know that pain and I’m only 43 years old. I got it in my lower back, left ankle, my jaw and a few other places. I keep Tylenol on me and arnica gel. Enjoyed reading this poem. Julie

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 9:32:00 AM

Unfortunately once we put a little age on, Arthur comes to visit on a regular basis! LOL

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/10/2022 8:58:00 AM

Nothing worse than arthritic pain Milton, hope you can keep it at bay, I have it in my left hand, thankfully not too severe. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 9:32:00 AM

Mine is most in my lower back and right knee. Why? I don't know. But, at least it's manageable. When I move around, it helps a lot. I'm entirely to sedentary!