Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
Surprisingly sunny this morning! Welcome Sunshine!
Mary, I feel so bad for you! When neighbors are like that, through no fault of your own, your only choice is to avoid them until you can move. I do think things like this happen for a reason and that you were meant to go back "home" closer to your relatives.
I am taking my DH to the hospital to get his MRI's today. I am sure we won't know any of the results for a long while since the neurologist is affiliated with another hospital, even though the office is at the hospital medical building we go to.
0 -
Good morning. My niece and I had a wonderful time on our mini-vacation. Now back to doctor visits. PCP yesterday and vascular surgeon today. Good to read all the posts.
0 -
MM, I vented last night at a friend of theirs who has had joint replacements and knows that sensitivity and short temper are responses to chronic pain. Hopefully she has relayed the message.
Good to see you, Petite. Where is Taco?
0 -
Balance (harmony) is never static. One does not achieve a state of balance
that, once achieved, will stay that way forever. We may want to get our bodies
in shape--and we can. Yet those bodies are a process, and being in shape is
ongoing, not something one accomplishes and then moves on to bigger and better
things. We may want to get our cars or our houses just the way we want them,
and we can do that. And the balance we seek for our houses or cars is fleeting
at best. Life is just like our checkbooks. We need to learn the tools for bringing
them back into balance, for once we get them balanced, they will only have a
possibility of staying that way if never use them again.
Living in harmony is an ongoing process.
Anne Wilson Schaef0 -
I wondered about the "pee on the sidewalk" situation. It sounded bizarre but I am not and never have been a dog owner.
We have always avoided conflict with neighbors even when there was an annoying circumstance, always involving dogs. One neighbor, who was a likable man, had huge Rottweilers in a pen that bordered our property. My garden was in the vicinity of the pen and the dogs would bark ferociously at me when I was working in the garden. I never complained. The pen was very stout and there was no danger of the dogs escaping. I did wonder about the reason for owning such dogs and keeping them in a pen.
When this neighbor moved and another couple bought the house, they had a crazy large black dog who had evidently been abused. He would occasionally escape and would literally foam at the mouth as he barked and charged at anyone who happened to be outside. The neighbors would quickly get him and apologize. I was very glad when they moved.
Another couple who live in the neighborhood but not adjacent to our property had a German shepherd that would charge through their invisible fence. The dog nearly killed the next door neighbor's small dog and there was a nasty lawsuit. The police got involved. I worried that the Shepherd might one day show up in my yard, which isn't fenced.
I'm thankful that there are no dog problems now. My widow neighbor has a pretty little spaniel that barks when he sees me out but he's hoping I will come over and pet him. He's a lot of company for her.
0 -
petite, I just finished reading the Lymphedema and Lipidema Nutrition book and I am very disappointed. I was expecting something different from it. Just a basic healthy diet will do the same without the guilt or stress of feeling deprived. I am now very sorry I recommended it for your SIL.
Feels odd but kind of nice, sitting in a medical waiting room and not having the appointment be for me!
0 -
Just returned from seeing Ortho about bilateral knee pain. They took new xrays since the ones on file were 3 years old and I was surprised by that. The left knee has really declined with more bone spurs and actually bone on bone at this time. The right knee while looking better, but still on the decline, is the one giving me the most pain. He aspirated both knees and took about half and ounce from the right and about one third an ounce from the left. He said he was expecting any fluid from the left on palpation so it caught him off guard as well. He suggested cortisone shot in right knee to try to calm it down and I agreed however that means Orthovisc is on hold for 4 weeks. So I agreed to injecting left knee as well if I have to wait. I have been hobbling around for the past 4 weeks and by 9 PM I can barely walk. Icing and elevation buys some time but I miss being able to walk like a normal human. I walk like a crab it seems. So he while not being an Ortho surgeon discussed knee replacement with me and suggested 2 physicians at that site. They do surgery at the hospital but also have a surgicenter located near my son's home and having been an inpatient in that hospital, that was one reason I was reluctant to have surgery. The surgicenter is for ortho only, has onsite overnight stay facilities and less risk than inpatient surgery.
So I made an appointment with one of the surgeons he cited to get a feel for when I should or can have this done. I realize I will no longer be able to kneel like previously but if I can squat again, that would be a blessing. We have a trip booked for mid October so I have to keep that in mind. I want to be able to enjoy the trip either way.
Chisandy, since you have had both knees replaced did you do both at once or individually? I guess that's something I need to consider as well. I literally have no opioid meds left that I can take without severe SE's so that is also one reason I have been dragging my feet.
MCB: As far as making a dog pee on a sidewalk, those people obviously are not dog owners because I have never had a dog that would even consider that as an option. Small minded people who as someone said have unresolved issues of their own that are being projected on you and poor Tippy. So unless they are willing to pee on the sidewalk to give him a "sniff" source to decorate, they should just be ignored. It is shameful how much our society has degraded in the past few years where being nasty became acceptable behavior. We all have issues we need to deal with and should not take them out on others. ((Hugs)) for you and Tippy.
My DD explained why the Pileated woodpecker hangs around their house. Seems the former neighbors covered up rotting porch posts with a new coat of paint. The present owners are dealing with this woodpecker seeking out whatever bug has chosen to eat said posts and DD says there are rather large holes where he has drilled. So they either need to replace those posts ending his snack bar or face the consequences when their porch roof collapses.
They are also the neighbors from hell so my DD is enjoying this. Between their 2 kids who insist on playing football in her front yard trampling her garden beds and their 2 dogs who aggress her dog through her chain link fence, she has had it with them. Their dogs also are left outside for most of the day while the owners work from home and bark constantly. They have a wood slat/post fence with green wiring for their yard. My DD has to walk her dog in her enclosed yard on leash because of the dogs next door. Both she and DSIl also work from home listening to this racket for the better part of the day. They sound like Mary's neighbors because they are resistant to change.
It was sunny but now showers have moved in and it is in the low 60's. Hope everyone has a good day. Karen hoping treatment to day is bearable.
0 -
Partly cloudy here today but the temps are oh so nice. Got all my bills paid and carried around to those ones I can pay in town and save the cost of a stamp. Starting to feel nervous about 'mail' issues. I call in and pay the biggest part of my bills by phone now.
Considering a credit card just for paperless billing. I would not consider such a thing, but the funds I get do not come on a strict, consistent basis — making it difficult. If I do anything paperless, I would like to do it all paperless. I get the same amts. of funds per month, but with the inconsistency, I could have some real troubles. Been thinking this over for the last three months and still not sure.
There sure are a lot of in-considerate people with their dogs. All the dogs we have had will in fact bark, but usually will stop when we chastise them if they keep it up. Living in the country like we do makes it all a bit more relaxed, but we still have expectations of our animals. We are glad when they bark if anyone comes since it is more secluded back on our little lane, and we are not taken by surprise. We have been for the most part fortunate except for the last neighbor on our right with the German Shepard who lies to chase cats and kill them. We finally (soliciting the help of the animal control warden) got the neighbor to understand that we did not intend to tolerate forever his letting the dog escape.
He does have I think three dogs over there and the ones that are outside (somewhere in is back yard) seem to bark at all hours during the night. We don't hear barking during the day. I don't hear well at night, but when I wake to use the bathroom at night, I do hear those dogs. Always worry I won't be able to go back to sleep.
Hope all with treatments or tests or results do well. Spring is being very pretty and rewarding so far this season. Hope it is that way for all.
0 -
Betrayal, maybe I have a weird sense of humor, but it strikes me as funny to imagine woodpeckers drilling holes into porch posts. The pileated woodpeckers are very impressive birds. We used to have a pair that came to trees in our yard but I haven't seen them in a number of years.
I follow some groups on Facebook that post pictures of birds. This summer Baltimore Orioles have been showing up in Louisiana yards and this is unusual. Also quite a few painted Buntings. I have seen only one here in my yard and only a couple of blue buntings.
Betrayal, I'm remembering all the yard work you did last year. Your knees must have been bothering you then. I hope you can get some relief in the future. I know quite a few people who did well with knee surgery. Unfortunately my sister Linda is not one of them. She had four surgeries on one knee and is now afraid to have surgery on the other knee.
0 -
After a flight delay of over an hour and then waiting for our one checked bag for 45 minutes, we arrived home at 1:45am, during through patchy fog. It’s a 90 mile drive from BWI to our home. DH and I enjoyed the vacation and had lots of fun. Wednesday night went to the Laugh Factory. We did lots of walking. It was hot the first day, but got cooler as the week progressed. I was glad that I had a fleece jacket (I’m always cold). Thursday morning before our flight, we played blackjack at a smoke free casino and we’re actually winning. It was hard to leave the table, but we needed to checkout from our hotel and leave. It was our first time back in Las Vegas since before the pandemic. Just finished our 4th load of laundry and went to the grocery store earlier today. The cats have been especially needy, requiring lots of petting and lap time.
Mary - our next door neighbor has two dogs - a chocolate lab and a golden retriever. When they see DH is the back yard, they run over to the fence. DH gives them both a stick and they run away to play. I don’t think I ever hear them bark, unless it’s a quick hello bark greeting. Not sure what you neighbor expects.
Illinois - we’re long time electronic bank users and where I can, I’ve switched to pay by credit card. It helps me manage when the bills get paid. I’ve setup alerts, so I know when charges hit my credit card. I’ve gone paperless as well. Just wish both DH and I could get copies of the bills.
Hope everyone is doing well and feeling healthy.0 -
Love the double rainbow Mavericksmom.
0 -
All I have to do is transfer money from savings to checking when my check arrives. The amount is determined by how much is left over from the previous month. All my bills arrive at the bank and they pay them for me. I just opened another account in town, especially for cash on hand and quarters for laundry.
They are going to totally redo the landscaping here this summer. We have been growing violas in the rocks next to the building for years, so now we are digging them up and potting them.
A walker was available in the freebies area of the community room. I now have it, and It makes getting around the neighborhood better, although the EGT is much better for longer distances. I agreed to give a friend my sleeper loveseat. I was wandering the neighborhood, and saw a yard sale with a leather full-size sofa, loveseat, and recliner rocker all for $100. I agreed to buy the recliner for $50. Waiting for them to deliver it.
0 -
We already got the results from my DH’s MRI back via his Patient Portal. His brain is fine, but one thing kind of upset me.
The report mentioned a cyst near his cerebellum, but that it hadn’t changed since 2007. We were never told he had a brain cyst in 2007! Thank goodness it didn’t get larger!
His lower spine is a mess with a lot of issues that explain his walking issues. Now we need to wait until we hear from his neurologist. Not sure PT will help but doubt surgery will be possible due to his age, 82, diabetes and heart disease.
My ribs on the side where I had my recent mastectomy have become painful. Intermittent pain that sometimes makes me gasp. It’s hard to tell exactly where the pain is coming from but I don’t think it’s muscle. Comes and goes. I will mention it to my breast surgeon in June if it’s still bothering me.
I pay all regular bills on my bank site. (Bill Pay) I have done it that way for years! Makes it easy and I never miss paying a bill. I also keep a notebook where I list all the bills and balances on anything that has one.
I keep a spread sheet on my computer as well but just of bills that carry a balance and I only fill that out twice a year so I can see the debt shrinking!
I know someone who used a credit card to pay his bills to get air miles. He paid his credit card off every month and was able to travel a lot “for free.”0 -
MM, that pain might be from a cut nerve.
0 -
MM our Florida home isn’t rented when we’re not here. I’ve never wanted to be a landlord, and I don’t like the idea of strangers in here either. With my partner, I’m sure I drive him nuts when he’s watching sports and I read/interrupt with some tidbit I’m reading. Paybacks I’d guess! Your photo of the rainbow is beautiful.
Mary our next door neighbor had a dog that barked constantly. The dogs name was Charlie. Partner and I called him Charlie Barker. Its been years, but I think the dog went when the girlfriend did.
We leave tomorrow to start the journey north. The trunk is packed, and over packed - I have too much clothes. I blame it on gaining weight and keeping 3 different sizes because you all know I could lose weight and need them. Right?!? We’re on schedule to be on the road around 1 PM.I’ll be in touch from the road and maybe post any interesting photos. Enjoy the weekend.
0 -
Mavericksmom - I had rib pain after my mastectomy/ implant surgeries as well. It sometimes hurt to take a deep breath. I had an X-ray which didn’t show any abnormalities, so I did 8 sessions of PT. It really helped. I still get shoulder stiffness, so I need to do the exercises more frequently or the pain returns. Hope you feel better.
0 -
Mary and Cardplayer, thanks for the comments and advice. I am honestly not sure where the pain is coming from, I think it is the ribs. The pain hits without warning and not only when I am in motion, walking , stretching etc. I can be perfectly still and it comes. It lasts only seconds, up to a minute or so. I tend to panic with things like this so soon after cancer surgeries, but I remind myself that it is most likely nothing to worry about.
The pain in my upper leg and hip have subsided quite a lot. Very glad I didn't rush to the doctor about that. My BS appointment is scheduled for the end of June. If I still have issues then, I will tell him about it. I suspect it is something simple and will resolve itself by my BS appointment. Still, good to know PT worked well for you Cardplayer!
Cindy, have a wonderful trip up north! Beautiful day in Northeastern PA!
DH and I are going to our grandson's First Holy Communion this afternoon. Then we will join his God Parents and their families back to my DD's house for a light meal and cake to celebrate. I am not sure my GS will appreciate the framed saying I got him, but I will explain it to him. He is very smart and can get quite serious, so hopefully he will understand the meaning behind the words.
0 -
Carole, knee pain last year was controlled by Orthovisc injections but I was unable to kneel or squat even with injections so it did take a toll on my back when I had to bend. DH did a lot of bending for me for planting nut not mulching. Miss being able to garden as I did in the past when I used to spread up to 225 bags of mulch, etc. with no issues. With planting daffodils and Solomon Seal plus use of periwinkle I have been able to decrease number of mulch bags needed.
Will getting a knee replacement help? Unsure but have to give that consideration since knee has arthritis and bone spurs have progressed.
Hummingbird showed up at bay window today announcing its return. I had to locate feeder and make a batch of nectar to fill it. I will get it out before we leave for GD's soccer game.
Sold the excess pavers today so one less item in our overcrowded garage. That is on the list for organization this summer. Dh completed electrical job he had to do to for the candles we have in the windows. They will now have their own outlets instead of using extension cords (hate them). We need to insulate outer wall and wall above doors and then have DB drywall them. Garage gets very cold in winter. I have an extra refrigerator and upright freezer in the garage and the cold causes issues with them. I am eating down the freezer so I can defrost it, get someone to install a new door seal and then restock with organizers I purchased. It ices up because the seal is shot. It's a commercial grade freezer so I hate to ditch it for a newer one.
DH thinks he will paint interior once it is all done but I think it would be faster and cheaper to hire my DS's painter. So we will see. It is a 2 car garage so lots of ceiling and wall to cover.
Sunny and supposed to be in the 70's today so looking forward to being outside and spending day with DS's family. Hope everyone has a good weekend.
0 -
I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and
express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of
coincidences that have no meaning or connection.
As for me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the
views of eternity and hope my choices will create a positive ripple
effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.
Mike Ericksen0 -
Looks great outside. We are thinking of going to the street fair today. Only goes from 10a.m to 2 p.m. Didn't go last year so we will give it a whirl. I think there are 40 vendors lined up and lots of food booths.
Big classic car, 70 or 80 I think, displayed. Dh will love that, but I am not much into more than a short glance. Maybe he will be better since standing too much bothers him.
Hope you all have a great Saturday.
0 -
We had quite a dramatic storm, with lightning and thunder, move through this morning. It's still overcast with light rain.
Cindy, I hope you have a safe trip to your northern home. I know you will be happy to arrive and adjust to your alternate world.
I planned to clean our master bathroom today, my project for the day, but I seem to be waiting for sunshine to give me some impetus! LOL.
The royal wedding was on when we got up a little before 7 am. DH watched it. Now he's watching Warren Buffett and the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting. He gets a kick out of Buffett.
Jackie, the street fair sounds like fun. A good opportunity for a stroll. Nine times out of ten, I would end up buying something. Especially if there's a pottery booth.
Happy Saturday.
0 -
Reporting on the street fair. It was great fun. We ran into several people we knew, and several who seemed to know us. In the last category we both puzzled over it later but were never able to figure out the one guy who talked to us for nearly ten minutes. Such a nice man — we do wish we knew who he was, but guess we definitely are not keeping up.
For some people I know them well from their workplaces and we have nice, pleasant conversations always, but I have to stop and think when I see them away from where they work. I actually don't many of their names, but oddly I remember voices before names.
Carole, I have to admit, we did buy something. I agonized over it but took two cozies. Those are those little shaped (made from cloth) holders that you can use when heating bowls in the microwave. I really don't heat that many bowls, but decided I would like to have something to put our ice cream bowls in because the sherbets we like are even colder to me than regular ice-cream. Also, if you sit them on the table, they will leave wet marks. They were $6.00 each which I thought was a bit pricey, but figured they should last a really long time around here.
Many other things and there was a bit of pottery but it was all very small items (like soap dishes) and I am/was into bowls and baking dishes. Besides the soap dishes were $25.00 and I don't use enough bar soap anymore to justify spending anywhere near that much on a soap dish. Not being catty, but I do wonder how much that lady might have sold today. Due to the prices, I saw on her small items I did not bother to ask her if she did larger ones figuring I would not be able to afford them anyway — and I do already have a lot of them.
We are expecting the possibility of rain. It has clouded up several times today but the sun is out again and is in muted form. Hope it holds off till after we get back from the store. We were going to go after we left the street fair, but the fresh air, sun and long walk in between standing here and there sort of exhausted us. We decided to come home and have a rest. Another little age reminder in addition to being pretty much out of shape as well. We are going to have to build up some stamina.
Stay well.
0 -
Still a little tired from our travels, but caught up on sleep last night. Did some cleaning and caught up with DS. We put our hummingbird feeder out today and the hummingbirds have returned to drink. We stayed close to home today as the Apple Blossom parade was happening in town. We had a beautiful day - sunny and 70. Looks like rain comes our way tomorrow afternoon. safe travels Cindy. Hope everyone has a nice evening.
0 -
We had horrible news before we left today. A gf up the street called, I’ll admit I didn’t want to answer because we had to get out of the house. But I answered when I saw it was her. Her son died, 55 years old. A friend went to his house and found him on the floor next to his bed. To all a total shock.
Our drive was uneventful, which was perfect. Partner planned out BJ’s gas along the way, right off the highway for easy fill ups.
It sounds like everyone had some decent weather. Jackie the street fair sounded fun.
0 -
We had a wonderful time yesterday with DD, her family and friends! Sun was out all day, such a welcome from the dreary days we have had! The service was wonderful, the children were adorable, and they split it into three different services, so it wasn't overly crowded. So great to go unmasked and feel normal again!
Last week we got a large cabinet that was in the office, dismantled, and will put it out for trash pick up on Tuesday. Making progress, ever so slowly. What I want to keep is going into drawers of a secretary desk I will put in my bedroom, the rest I put in labeled bins and will put upstairs in one of the extra rooms.
Big debate is whether to keep outdated desktop computer or just use my laptop. I am leaning towards laptop. I prefer typing on a regular keyboard as opposed to a laptop, but laptops are so much easier to find room for. Might need a new printer as the one we have is not printing clearly even after many cleanings.
I realized that instead of moving a table out of my bedroom, at least for now, the printer could just sit on that. That runs on wi-Fi so no issues with extra wires. I think when all is done, the decluttering and "downsizing" will make our lives easier with minimal changes in lifestyle.I can't wait until the decluttering is finished so I can spruce up my bedroom and my DHs with new comforters and curtains!
Cindy, so sorry to read about your neighbor's son! I lost my nephew, about the same age, like that in the fall of 2021. My DS couldn't get him on the phone, after days of trying they decided to drive to his home to check on him, and they found him on a living room chair. He had a heart attack. Horrible! On a lighter note, I was curious, did you drive straight through to NY? My days of doing that are long gone! We used to drive from the far east side of PA to NE to see our DS and his family. We took two days, then changed it to driving three shorter days, now will only fly out!
Karen, hope you are doing okay! I think of you a lot!
Petite, continued thoughts of you too!
0 -
A sunny day outside in contrast to yesterday's rain and gloom. I will go for a walk for exercise this am and maybe will do yesterday's job of cleaning the bathroom.
Cindy, how sad for your friend.
0 -
Jackie, as someone who sews, I think $6 is a reasonable price for the cozeys. I have some that my sister-in-law gave us as a Christmas gift one year. They're very useful for the microwave. I stopped offering handmade items for sale at the Farmers Market in MN because people are so used to Made in China prices that they don't want to pay for old-fashioned handwork like crochet and embroidery. Fortunately, they do pay for dh's beautiful bowls and other items made of wood.
0 -
Cindy, so sad to see your neighborhood news.
MM, we have first communions four children at a time. Friends and families were filling the church, and it was especially problematic during epidemic years. They are continuing to do it that way, and it is really nice, with the kids getting individual attention.
I went to the technology dinner for our school last night. Tickets are $$$, but a friend and I got gifted. I spent $20 on raffle tickets, was a nice donation, especially given the free meal. My knee has been bothering me bad the past few days. I am using a walker now.
0 -
MM our drive is broken down to 4 hour plus drives. We always stop for gas and bathrooms so any 4 hour drive gets me where I’m going in 5-6 hours. It also allows side trips/visits to places we just stumble upon. We’ve hit a Jim Beam distillery, Johnny Cash’s boyhood home, Laurel, Mississippi for HGTV Ben & Erin, some down under caves, the Pioneer Woman Merchantile, and many other places. Some places I pick ahead and ask are we going past here, others we stumble upon.
This trip is Lake City, FL; Atlanta, GA out by Atlanta Braves stadium; Knoxville, TN; Pigeon Forge, TN for 3 nights at a Margaritaville resort (time share 1.5 hour sell we have to sit through) where we may take in Dollywood; then Roanoke, VA where we’ve stayed before and took in Black Dog Salvage (tv show & cool place);; Harrisburg, PA; then home to our own bed.
Can we do it in a 24 hour speed demon fashion? Yes. But we don’t have to so we don’t. If we go straight up we take 3-4 days. But step son now lives in Raleigh and we’d detour to him. For the drive down we take a big detour thru Texas to see grandkids, and stay 5-7 days. That trip takes 2 weeks living out of a suitcase, and puts over 3,000 miles on the car.Enjoy your Sunday! I’m on the road again… I promise not to sing it.
0 -
I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and
express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of
coincidences that have no meaning or connection.
As for me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the
views of eternity and hope my choices will create a positive ripple
effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.
Mike Ericksen0
