Age related decline.

Jaden

Jaden

"no buds chill"
Silver Member
Well let's see. Let me start by saying that I'm confident in saying that there isn't a definitive age where it becomes impossible to compete. It's not like you hit 40 and all of a sudden you're done.

It's not so much age that causes you to not be able to compete, it's more what comes with age and there are remedies. Eye sight starts to decline, lazik. Arthritis gets bad, shoulder, hip, knee replacement surgery. Bad lower back (potentially caused by playing pool for years), steroid injecitions, surgery etc.

I found out after my game declined that I had run away diabetes and massive arthritis. I got the diabetes under control and then found out that I had no rotator cuff movement in my left shoulder, had shoulder replacement surgery and after recovery I started playing well enough to compete again so I signed up for the Arizona open and the Phoenix open, then i found out that my right shoulder needs to be replaced too.

I start practicing like I used to, more than perhaps anyone besides Shane, and my back ( have had lower back issues since I was 17) started making that nigh on impossible. I had one injection a few weeks ago and it was likely in the wrong spot, or I also needed one in a different spot so that's scheduled for late July. We'll see how much of a difference that makes.

I'm still going to compete in both tournaments and depending on how I feel afterwards we'll see whether I continue to try and compete or if I hang up my hat and focus on Ontarget Billiards. I had to delay the surgery on my right shoulder to be able to compete; however the doctor said that if I put it off too long it may not be repairable. I play left handed so my right shoulder doesn't really effecct my quality of play, more so just the pain distracts my focus which is the same with my back pain, it just distracts my focus and anyone who's played top level pool knows that focus is everything in competition.

So we'll see how it goes.

Sorry for the rant if it came off that way,

Jaden
 
I'm in the same camp at 79.
I'm playing at about 75% of prime which was in the '80's.
I have to wear glasses and shots I used to just stretch out to make now require the bridge.
Back in the day I played every day now it's a couple times a week.
I don't have the burning drive to compete anymore; I want to crush you if we play but it's just not the same intensity as in the past.
 
I can identify with the physical malady. Mine came from being launched from my motorcycle by a left turning car.
The recovery had me at the pool table for therapy every day as soon as I got out of the hospital. One handed at first as the left required a sling. I think it helped my recovery rate. My therapy Dr was surprised. 🤷‍♂️
 
In my early 30's my neck partially fused due to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Aside from eyesight issues I can't think of much more to screw up your game. I have a tough time sighting straight down the cue now. I can't stretch out for a shot because I will be staring straight down at the felt.

I had meniscus surgery on my right knee an now have a new hip on the right side as well. I will probably have to get the left one done within 2 years or so and I am only in my mid 50's. Getting old sucks and I am aging more quickly than most. Parts are failing left and right. The only thing that seems more robust is ear hair growth.
 
I played the US open many years ago and i did better then i planned. The next year wasn't so good. I got hit with a huge Arthritus flare up and couldn't get out of bed neverless play pool for that grueling pace. So i sold my spot and i haven't competed since. I don't play as much as i use too. I don't think i have the stamina to play that many hours straight. I think 30 minutes is pushing it for me. Arthritus inflamation is starting to mess with my eyes and some days are good and others are bad.
 
I admire those of you who fight on...and wish Jaden the best. This recreational banger slacked off after an unsuccessful eye surgery...but the real capper was a spinal collapse and fusion of the c-3.c-4.c-5, and c-6 vertebrae, with massive never damage. To put it bluntly, I'm now a cripple who can move only short distances with a walker. 82 trips around the sun, with only the last trip around being a bitch, so I am grateful for those years.

Do all you can, as long as you can, because that can change in a heartbeat. And do keep in mind...father time never loses.
 
Jaden said:
Well let's see. Let me start by saying that I'm confident in saying that there isn't a definitive age where it becomes impossible to compete. It's not like you hit 40 and all of a sudden you're done.

It's not so much age that causes you to not be able to compete, it's more what comes with age and there are remedies. Eye sight starts to decline, lazik. Arthritis gets bad, shoulder, hip, knee replacement surgery. Bad lower back (potentially caused by playing pool for years), steroid injecitions, surgery etc.

I found out after my game declined that I had run away diabetes and massive arthritis. I got the diabetes under control and then found out that I had no rotator cuff movement in my left shoulder, had shoulder replacement surgery and after recovery I started playing well enough to compete again so I signed up for the Arizona open and the Phoenix open, then i found out that my right shoulder needs to be replaced too.

I start practicing like I used to, more than perhaps anyone besides Shane, and my back ( have had lower back issues since I was 17) started making that nigh on impossible. I had one injection a few weeks ago and it was likely in the wrong spot, or I also needed one in a different spot so that's scheduled for late July. We'll see how much of a difference that makes.

I'm still going to compete in both tournaments and depending on how I feel afterwards we'll see whether I continue to try and compete or if I hang up my hat and focus on Ontarget Billiards. I had to delay the surgery on my right shoulder to be able to compete; however the doctor said that if I put it off too long it may not be repairable. I play left handed so my right shoulder doesn't really effecct my quality of play, more so just the pain distracts my focus which is the same with my back pain, it just distracts my focus and anyone who's played top level pool knows that focus is everything in competition.

So we'll see how it goes.

Sorry for the rant if it came off that way,

Jaden
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If you had an unsuccessful epidural it might be time to look for a different doctor. I had a few that were of little to no help, the doctor even said if the first 2 didnt help its no use coming back for the 3rd. Years later I got hooked up with the current doctor who does my epidurals, he is the only one I will let stick me in my spine now but finding someone really good at what he does can make a world of difference.
 
Sooner32 said:
In my early 30's my neck partially fused due to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Aside from eyesight issues I can't think of much more to screw up your game. I have a tough time sighting straight down the cue now. I can't stretch out for a shot because I will be staring straight down at the felt.

I had meniscus surgery on my right knee an now have a new hip on the right side as well. I will probably have to get the left one done within 2 years or so and I am only in my mid 50's. Getting old sucks and I am aging more quickly than most. Parts are failing left and right. The only thing that seems more robust is ear hair growth.
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Do you take anything for you AS? I'm in the same boat!
 
easy-e said:
Do you take anything for you AS? I'm in the same boat!
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Yes, I take Enbrel. I was on it many years ago, lost insurance and was off it for a few years. Those years are when my neck fused. Prior to Enbrel I was on a variety of different anti-inflammation drugs with Indocin being what I took most because it was cheap. I have been back on Enbrel now since at least 2008 or so.

I have never had some of the other symptoms like iritis or issues with my heel (achilles tendon), so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. My issues have mainly been neck, sacroiliac and hips. My shoulders were giving me a lot of issues but Enbrel sort of halted that for me.

I believe the best thing you can do is try to stay as limber as possible. I was told that when I finally was diagnosed at 24 years old but I did not listen and now really wish I had. I am now lifting weights a few times a week but still need to do more stretching or something.
 
GoldCrown said:
You are not alone. Father time has me by the nuts. Biggest issue in the past few years...concentration/motivation.. Lately it has been endurance, bad back and balance issues.....otherwise like James Brown I feel good.
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Here is what I hate. I have played for decades with less than the best results. Lucky to be in the top 8. I watched some of the older champions...As soon as they can't be in the top 4 they quit because they aren't winning. I wasn't winning for decades....I don't play well after 10:00 pm
 
GoldCrown said:
Biggest issue in the past few years...concentration/motivation.
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Yup, me too.

When I was a teenager, I couldn't wait until I got home from school to practice. I would practice hard for sometimes 8-10 hours. I would set up and practice the same shot hundreds of times.

I still want to have that drive, but I just cannot make myself do it. Now I play 15-20 minutes at a time and without much focus / concentration. It's still fun and I enjoy it, but it would be funner if I had that drive back again.
 
Jaden said:
I'm still going to compete in both tournaments and depending on how I feel afterwards we'll see whether I continue to try and compete or if I hang up my hat and focus on Ontarget Billiards. I had to delay the surgery on my right shoulder to be able to compete; however the doctor said that if I put it off too long it may not be repairable. I play left handed so my right shoulder doesn't really effecct my quality of play, more so just the pain distracts my focus which is the same with my back pain, it just distracts my focus and anyone who's played top level pool knows that focus is everything in competition.

So we'll see how it goes.
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Please don't take this the wrong way, but why? What is the point? If it hurts that much, and healthcare is not cheap, why keep trying to compete on the level of teens through 30 somethings?

I know I have a limited amount of time left to enjoy playing in any tournaments etc... It isn't so much the physical decline yet, it is the long grueling hours. Tournaments mostly go on all hours of the night, I just can't hack that any more, and I'm not willing to do any sort of drugs. But I know in another 10 years I won't be able to enjoy it at all.
 
Badpenguin said:
Please don't take this the wrong way, but why? What is the point? If it hurts that much, and healthcare is not cheap, why keep trying to compete on the level of teens through 30 somethings?

I know I have a limited amount of time left to enjoy playing in any tournaments etc... It isn't so much the physical decline yet, it is the long grueling hours. Tournaments mostly go on all hours of the night, I just can't hack that any more, and I'm not willing to do any sort of drugs. But I know in another 10 years I won't be able to enjoy it at all.
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I love the game... to quote a famous movie "If you can't cut the mustard, you can still lick the jar".

Like I said, I signed up for the tournaments after recovering from shoulder replacement surgery and realizing I can still play a little. By the time I realized it was difficult to play 12-15 hours a day still (like I said, I used to practice more than practically anyone) I figured I could still try to compete practicing 3-5 hours a day. lol

Adn I also said, I'll play these two tournaments and see how I feel afterwards. If it's too painful then I'll go out gracefully and focus on making cues and billiards equipment and working on car projects (got two of those going right now).
 
Jaden said:
Well let's see. Let me start by saying that I'm confident in saying that there isn't a definitive age where it becomes impossible to compete. It's not like you hit 40 and all of a sudden you're done.

It's not so much age that causes you to not be able to compete, it's more what comes with age and there are remedies. Eye sight starts to decline, lazik. Arthritis gets bad, shoulder, hip, knee replacement surgery. Bad lower back (potentially caused by playing pool for years), steroid injecitions, surgery etc.

I found out after my game declined that I had run away diabetes and massive arthritis. I got the diabetes under control and then found out that I had no rotator cuff movement in my left shoulder, had shoulder replacement surgery and after recovery I started playing well enough to compete again so I signed up for the Arizona open and the Phoenix open, then i found out that my right shoulder needs to be replaced too.

I start practicing like I used to, more than perhaps anyone besides Shane, and my back ( have had lower back issues since I was 17) started making that nigh on impossible. I had one injection a few weeks ago and it was likely in the wrong spot, or I also needed one in a different spot so that's scheduled for late July. We'll see how much of a difference that makes.

I'm still going to compete in both tournaments and depending on how I feel afterwards we'll see whether I continue to try and compete or if I hang up my hat and focus on Ontarget Billiards. I had to delay the surgery on my right shoulder to be able to compete; however the doctor said that if I put it off too long it may not be repairable. I play left handed so my right shoulder doesn't really effecct my quality of play, more so just the pain distracts my focus which is the same with my back pain, it just distracts my focus and anyone who's played top level pool knows that focus is everything in competition.

So we'll see how it goes.

Sorry for the rant if it came off that way,

Jaden
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Sorry to hear you’ve dealt with so many ailments. You probably still play at such a high level despite your health issues due to great talent, perseverance and pool knowledge.

I’ll be 51 soon and have been fortunate to not have any major physical problems apart from back stiffness if I play for too long.

I definitely need glasses for reading now, but j haven’t noticed any significant impact of eyesight decline on my pool game.
 
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westcoast said:
Sorry to hear you’ve dealt with so many ailments. You probably still play at such a high level despite your health issued due to great talent, perseverance and pool knowledge.

I’ll be 51 soon and have been fortunate to not have any major physical problems apart from back stiffness if I play for too long.

I definitely need glasses for reading now, but j haven’t noticed any significant impact of eyesight decline on my pool game.
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Yeah when I got out of the Navy I kind of cheated because I was of the mind that I didn't want to be seen as inferior and I opened my left eye when I couldn't really read the eye chart. Then a couple of years later I had to have corrected to 20/20 vision for a job and realized my eyesight was no longer better than 20/20. I started wearing glasses and came up with a way of playing and seeing with my glasses without having to wear those goofy pool glasses. Then a few years later I got a great military discount in San Diego for lazik in both eyes for $2500 total and have had great vision ever since (except like you said occasionally needing reading glasses).

I've always had back problems but it would be fine for months and then it'd spasm and I couldn't walk for 3-5 days. I had misdiagnosed severe tendinitis in my left knee and then doing a 1.5 flip on a 1 meter board at the community pool caused the pattelar tendon to fail completely. My knee cap was floating up around my thigh. They had to shave off the bottom of my patella, drill four holes from bottom to top through and attach 4 heavy duty sutures to my tendon and thread them through the holes and I had to wait for the shaved off bottom to grow back over the tendon that was tied off through the drilled holes.

Then I had tendonitis in my achilles tendon and then after that recovered and I started jumping rope again, I fractured my heel. Wearing my boot for that I played pretty sporty, even beat Edgie Geronimo 7-5 on the mezz tour.

I had shoulder problems for most of my life too. Turns out that I was missing one of the bicep tendons in both shoulders. I had to have orthoscopic surgery when I was 25 on my right shoulder and they scraped a bunch of arthritis that was already there then. Then a couple of years ago I was in so much pain that I couldn't sleep because of my left shoulder. They x rayed it and determined I had no rotator cuff movement, any shoulder movement I had was from me shifting my shoulder blade. That's why I had so much trouble jumping the ball.

I had reverse shoulder replacement surgery June a year ago and after it healed I was finally able to move my shoulder. Now I can jump like a mad man. My right shoulder was also in pain but only after getting the relief in my left shoulder did I realize how much pain was in my right. When the doctor checked it, he said I needed to get that one done sooner rather than later or it might become unfixable. So I'll probably get that scheduled for Early September and hopefully finally be whole and mostly pain free by this time next year.

I won't ever stop playing as long as I can pick up a cue, I love the game too much but we'll see how it goes as to how much I compete now.
 
Enjoy as much as you can.
If you can get a few matches in the tournament and get your heart pumping a little, even if you have to bow out early, that's something.
Getting old is what it is.
I hope you can find some fun in it while you can.
Get the shoulder fixed up, get in the gym and back to the competition!
Wishing you well
 
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