Navigating senior years.

KARNUT · September 29

3 hours ago, customboss said:

It’s taking all my energy left in my cranium to check @Grumpy Bear n his earnest try’s at being an internet tribologist.

You know I’m just pondering out loud generally. And I can appreciate people’s occupation with oil types and chemistry and so on. As I stated never had an oil related problem even stretching the limits of oil and engines. With all the research some people do I assume these same people do the same researching their choices with vehicles. Sometimes even good vehicles can have a bad run. The good vehicle manufacturers do anything to retain their reputation. Then there’s vehicles that are known to be less reliable boring to drive and are just plain cheap. You truly get what you pay for. For a few dollars more you can upgrade to something better. Much better going with CPO. That’s fine it’s their money and potential frustration. But the problem is they want to be taken seriously when it comes to research and knowledge. Why in the hell would someone pick a vehicle that’s obviously a turd. So with a chuckle I’ll follow along.

Donstar · October 2

On 9/29/2024 at 7:12 AM, KARNUT said:

Generally aside from the easiest of tasks most remodeling is left to the pros. That is the results of working all the time. I never heard of a 8 hour work day or a 5 day work week until I was in my 50s. I enjoyed what I did so there’s that at least. After retirement I did some fixing type repairs. Tearing apart and changing type tasks was never learned. Usually when any type of remodeling was done it turned into much more and expense. I was as guilty as my wife. We now in repair as needed phase more than remodeling.

I also like saving major work for the professionals. I was raised in the trades and am familiar with most aspects of residential construction. I typically will do my own work to save money and to justify owning a whole bunch of tools! I left the trades early in my work life and spent 30+ years working in the public school system. I enjoyed getting my hands dirty on weekends and holidays! The bathroom renovation I'm currently doing was sparked from getting an estimate to have a plug outlet installed next to my toilet to accommodate a bidet. This was in preparation for my upcoming shoulder surgery on my dominant side. The electrical work is well within my skill set but the physical part is now a challenge. However the estimated cost far exceeded my highest expectations and decided it was worth the couple of times I may need help getting up off the floor! (Yes, I even pulled a permit) Unfortunately, the money saved somehow justified turning this project into a bit of a remodel!

KARNUT · October 2

18 minutes ago, Donstar said:

I also like saving major work for the professionals. I was raised in the trades and am familiar with most aspects of residential construction. I typically will do my own work to save money and to justify owning a whole bunch of tools! I left the trades early in my work life and spent 30+ years working in the public school system. I enjoyed getting my hands dirty on weekends and holidays! The bathroom renovation I'm currently doing was sparked from getting an estimate to have a plug outlet installed next to my toilet to accommodate a bidet. This was in preparation for my upcoming shoulder surgery on my dominant side. The electrical work is well within my skill set but the physical part is now a challenge. However the estimated cost far exceeded my highest expectations and decided it was worth the couple of times I may need help getting up off the floor! (Yes, I even pulled a permit) Unfortunately, the money saved somehow justified turning this project into a bit of a remodel!

I come from more of the mechanical side. Being in a business that involved heavy equipment it couldn’t be avoided. That led me towards my life long hobby of having many classic vehicles. A hobby I ended in favor of playing cards in casinos with my wife. Taking care of my yard and traveling there just wasn’t time with the physical limitations of aging. We kept my wife’s toy that was enough. The heat in Texas doesn’t help. One of the secrets of longevity is recognizing your limits. Shortly after retiring at 58 with a long list of chores I finally wanted to tackle my body gave me a warning. While recovering from overdoing it. My priorities were realigned. When you spend your life saving and preparing for retirement. Spending time recovering from stupidity shouldn’t be on the list. Enjoyment should be the priority, that’s my motto going forward.

Donstar · October 2

I was watching a show on TV recently where at one point a manager was conducting a performance review on an employee. The employee was elderly and well past retirement age. The job was a cashier in a small grocery store. The manager was asking a prescribed set of questions and the employee stopped the process when asked, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" The answer to such a question is much harder to give when your a senior but we all think about it a lot! Knowing that you're within range of North American life expectancy puts a totally different perspective on your needs and wants!

diyer2 · October 2

I have spent the last 16 months trying to recover from stupidity. I had to shovel the wet, heavy snow off of our deck in June of 23. Then my back pain was so bad I had to crawl to the bathroom, sciatica meant a trip to E.R. I was in bed for 2 months, standing, walking was almost unbearable.

I already had a bad back from 45 years of construction, the snow shoveling put my back over the edge. I'm unable to stand or walk without pain. I have tried months of PT and chiropractic care, exercising and stretching. It is better but still quite painful. I haven't tried shots yet.

Surgery maybe my only option.

My shoulder is getting better but still hurts.

Donstar · October 3

11 hours ago, diyer2 said:

I have spent the last 16 months trying to recover from stupidity. I had to shovel the wet, heavy snow off of our deck in June of 23. Then my back pain was so bad I had to crawl to the bathroom, sciatica meant a trip to E.R. I was in bed for 2 months, standing, walking was almost unbearable.

I already had a bad back from 45 years of construction, the snow shoveling put my back over the edge. I'm unable to stand or walk without pain. I have tried months of PT and chiropractic care, exercising and stretching. It is better but still quite painful. I haven't tried shots yet.

Surgery maybe my only option.

My shoulder is getting better but still hurts.

You said this very well. Our senior bodies can protest with incredible pain! I don't know if you've ever been referred to a pain clinic, but I know a couple of people who have been helped by their services. Several years ago, I went to the ER twice in a couple of months for waking up, unable sit up and get out of bed. Simply put, my body was refusing to function under severe pain from years of hard use, bad back and severe osteoarthritis. Both times I went to the ER, they gave me a pill and soon sent me on my way. I spoke to my Doctor about this which led to a big conversation about pain relief drugs etc. I am against any dependency on drugs but there are times that medicine can allow you to maintain an acceptable quality of life. Unfortunately, the potential problems/stigma associated with drug use makes us scorn the idea of using them in a helpful way. With respect to shots, I had a cortisone shot in my shoulder that had no impact. However, the cortisone shot I had in my knee a couple of weeks ago made a huge difference and served to improve my overall well-being!

KARNUT · October 3

So far bio freeze and over the counter medication handles my miss deeds. It’s amazing being I was pretty abusive to my body. A word of caution with pain medication. My sister in law injured her shoulder needlessly trying to break her husband’s jumping down from a table. She thought he was falling. The injury seemed minor and later the increasing pain was masked. She was going through dental surgery and the pain medication from that masked the shoulder injury. Then she had hand surgery. After all those meds were through and while packing for their next move. Her shoulder pain began unbearable. Now she’s getting shoulder surgery. I only use pain medication when I’m done my work, not so I can work. That’s probably why I’m no worse for wear. I spent my first 30 years slinging sledgehammers, chainsaws, weed eaters helping my ground men at fence lines and road crossings. Then jumping back in my tractor clearing pipelines. There’s no shock absorbing with those. My joints remind me now with a loud voice. That’s where bio freeze comes in. The pain medication comes in when I’m finished my chores if needed.

Donstar · October 4

Thanks for mentioning Biofreeze. I looked it up and sounds good. I keep Diclofenac on hand but Biofreeze may give faster relief. I had a 80 yr old neighbor tell me how miserable she was because of her pain and resulting lack of sleep. She said her Doctor gave her a prescription but she won't take the pills unless her pain becomes unbearable. She also said that the pills don't help anyway. I suggested that if she took her medication the way her Doctor prescribed, she may find she'll start feeling better and not need pills. (Keep ahead of the pain - not chase it) I respect her reluctance to take oral medication but I don't condone taking medication in a manner not recommended by her Doctor. I told her to tell her Doctor that she doesn't want to take the pills. There are alternative treatments to pain management but your health care provider has to know your wants/needs. However, sometimes it comes down to the lesser of two evils!

KARNUT · October 4

I wake some mornings with a headache sore joints some muscle pain. The first thing I have to do is go down stairs. That’s comical in itself. Some of the causes are allergies and side effects of blood pressure medication. Usually and especially after my morning walk and the joy I have driving my old truck to one of three walking trails. My issues resolve without any help from a Tylenol. Then I make my breakfast. Those positive things go a long way eliminating pain. Today I drive back home from Oklahoma to Texas taking the back roads crossing pipelines I used to clear for many years. Not much has changed as my brother and his son still manage those to this day. A fun day ahead.

diyer2 · October 4

Donstar · October 5

Getting old typically comes with side effects and many seniors spend a lot of time talking about them! You don't usually have to venture far to find someone you can commiserate with you about age related aches and pains. This can be a good thing and networking can provide fresh ideas. However, keep active with age and physically appropriate tasks and don't waste time bemoaning the loss of your younger body. I really struggled this year when I was told to start using a sleep apnea machine. Talking about my concerns with wo close friends (and my always supportive wife) made this a much easier transition for me and turned it into a positive experience. This year I also will see a temporary loss of my ability to meet personal hygiene needs due to shoulder surgery. A previous stroke affecting the other arm compounds my concerns. Thanks to others with comparable experiences, a simple solution to my concern was found. I've installed, but yet to try, a bidet c/w with heated water and seat! I haven't found an experienced user to discuss the finer details but know a few people who are waiting to hear about my first experience!

Donstar · October 10

I took the plunge and tried using my bidet in preparation for post surgery recovery. I've recently had both a prostate biopsy and a colonoscopy so it was stupid to be intimidated by a gentle stream of water! Bidets are certainly a different way of taking care of business but after a couple of uses, the old way seems archaic and inefficient. The stigma surrounding the use of these things is apparently more North American than universal. I installed a toilet seat style bidet to maintain independence/dignity following upcoming shoulder surgery with the plan to switch back to a traditional seat when I am able. I doubt I'm going back. Giving up the effectiveness, comfort and efficiency of this device would be a step backward, imo!

TrueBlue · October 10

Corn cob, Sears & Roebuck Catalogue, Charmin, water. I'll stick with door number three for the few years I have left. Barring any physical limitations brought on by injury or surgery. Glad you found a workable solution.

KARNUT · October 10

On 10/4/2024 at 8:07 AM, KARNUT said:

I wake some mornings with a headache sore joints some muscle pain. The first thing I have to do is go down stairs. That’s comical in itself. Some of the causes are allergies and side effects of blood pressure medication. Usually and especially after my morning walk and the joy I have driving my old truck to one of three walking trails. My issues resolve without any help from a Tylenol. Then I make my breakfast. Those positive things go a long way eliminating pain. Today I drive back home from Oklahoma to Texas taking the back roads crossing pipelines I used to clear for many years. Not much has changed as my brother and his son still manage those to this day. A fun day ahead.

The drive home was a blast even driving an odyssey. Never thought I would say that. Amazing vehicle. I get surprised every time I drive it. The eyes can’t believe what I’m experiencing. A minivan! Good Grief. Probably why it’s hard to find a used one. My sister in law had her shoulder repaired and can drive to their new home next week. We will meet them there for the first time. I probably know more about their house than they do. He’s driving a u-haul we’ll have some unloading to do. His engineering skills are very apparent with this move. All heavy stuff is on wheels and of course dolly’s. There’s youngsters available for the required lifting. Watching him in action is a marvel. I can see why he excelled in his working life. He just a little younger than me. The genes in his family are amazing as I witnessed with his dad. I told him I can’t wait until the Firebird restoration begins. The shop will have AC, a big screen and a nice chair for me. The way my back is when it gives me a warning in most cases I just change what I’m doing and it’s fine. Even just changing a chair, or sit down. There’s not a set thing. I can function normally if I heed the warnings. I love the drive there. I work all along the area on pipelines for years. Between loving the drive and my OCD of wanting to get there, sometimes I laugh at myself. My wife who has to ride in the back on a mattress so she can move around. Botched surgery, long story. Ask me what’s so funny. I’m laughing at myself. I understand is her answer. That’s what 50 plus years gets you. We both have the older age issues. We navigate them, heed the warnings and live a normal life.

Donstar · October 11

22 hours ago, TrueBlue said:

Corn cob, Sears & Roebuck Catalogue, Charmin, water. I'll stick with door number three for the few years I have left. Barring any physical limitations brought on by injury or surgery. Glad you found a workable solution.

Phonebooks worked better than doors 1 & 2! I am also glad door 4 works for me as the thought of someone else doing the job, or going without cleanup, was a concern. I think bidets look weird and might be off-putting to visitors. However, they do a quicker cleaner job than TP with none of the after effects of using a corn cob!