WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2022

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Replies

  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,272 Member
    6666
  • sh0tzz99
    sh0tzz99 Posts: 971 Member
    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    Ah, Heather, my dear, I could use a little of your aplomb myself right now. I am proudest of the fact that I held it all together until I got back here to home... only to find out that the prescription for Humira that is supposed to solve all my problems was supposedly sent last Wednesday to the pharmacy at the facility an hour away that I drove to today.

    No one told me this, so I didn't stop at the pharmacy, even though I walked by it during my rat maze journey to and from my appointment. I walked by it because they have shut down the main entry to the hospital and the primary care entry to the hospital, and there is no sign ANYWHERE on that *kitten* campus that says that, so you just keep traipsing around until you finally find a door that will open. Which is the emergency entrance. There was a sign there saying: No emergencies accepted, please go to: and an address.

    I find myself continually amazed by bureaucratic decisions that make no sense whatsoever. Not sure why, I've dealt with them throughout my entire adult life. Still find the incredible stupidity just staggering. Had three people tell me, "Nope, I'm lost too."

    So... I called the pharmacy from home, once I figured all this out... and come to find out they never got a prescription through for me at all anyway, so it would have done me no good to stop. So I've spent the last hour on hold for the doctor's office that supposedly sent the prescription that the VA never got. Finally got through to someone, and I have ZERO faith that she will actually get that prescription to the person who can fill it, so I also sent an email through their message system in hopes that at least one of them will get through.

    Sorted a few other bits out with the doc while I was there in Fayetteville, so yay me. Now I'm going to go sit down and watch something soothing on the telly and cry in my iced tea and try to get rid of this headache from not saying what I want to say pretty much all dang day. It does no good to yell at underlings, they aren't the problem. It does no good to yell at underlings, they aren't the problem. It does no good to yell at underlings, they aren't the problem. It does no good to yell at underlings, they aren't the problem. It does no good to yell at underlings, they aren't the problem.

    As Snoopy would say,
    om4d3mgfuxlf.png

    Later,
    Love,
    Lisa in AR

    I'm exhausted just reading this. As many headaches as I get dealing with my healthcare "system," stories like this make me thankful I am not having to deal with the VA. Though, one has to ask if having the no-cost healthcare is worth it (notice I'm not saying free, because time is money, even if one is retired)?

    Tina in CA
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    Lisa,

    I am glad that experience is behind you.

    Good Grief, indeed.

    Confession: I cried out of frustration and relief when I arrived home after navigating my brother through that first orthopedic visit at the university hospital in January. It helped to cry. I understand why some people do dry runs. I wonder how less capable people fare. (((Hugs for you)))

  • 1948CWB
    1948CWB Posts: 1,607 Member
    LISA ~ This is a probably stupid thing to ask, but, is there any way you could have them send the drugs to your local Walmart. That is where we get all of our. Every time we have a dr visit they ask us if this is where to send the drugs because this is where we have them on file. Of course, I have no idea how the VA works.


    Carol in GA
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,098 Member
    Evening ladies
    Even after 2 short naps still tired .. have my Cpap on and going to sleep.. will check in ,in the A.M.
  • GodMomKim
    GodMomKim Posts: 3,703 Member
    Lisa - I am so sorry for you and every other Vet out there. This crazy messed up system is not an appropriate way to treat people who worked for all the rest of us that did not join the military. I feel bad for you, but also pissed that this crappy system is paid for by my taxes.

    Kim in N. California
  • sh0tzz99
    sh0tzz99 Posts: 971 Member
    GodMomKim wrote: »
    Lisa - I am so sorry for you and every other Vet out there. This crazy messed up system is not an appropriate way to treat people who worked for all the rest of us that did not join the military. I feel bad for you, but also pissed that this crappy system is paid for by my taxes.

    Kim in N. California

    Agreed. It should not be so complicated for vets to get care, no matter if they live in a city or the middle of the most rural area of the country.

    Tina in CA
  • Anniesquats100
    Anniesquats100 Posts: 3,291 Member
    Did my dumbbells! Yay!

    Annie in Delaware
  • GodMomKim
    GodMomKim Posts: 3,703 Member
    B)
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,818 Member
    pipcd34 wrote: »
    Whidislander wrote: »
    Hey ladies!
    Well son sent me this. So she's feeling better. I was proud of son and daughter inlaw, weathering their first illness hiccup, its always kind of scary.
    v2cmubvrem6g.jpeg

    Regarding my middle sister she has a neuropathy issue regarding the sheaths that cover her nerves. She said with assistance, she was able to walk up the stairs to her doctors appointment. She hadn't been out of her basement in over 3 months. Being that there is only a 1/2 bath down there, it pains me to know she has no access to bathing facilities. Personally I think my niece and husband are keeping information on the low down, because if agencies are called, they will see that her care is not adequate. Then my sister will go to a facility where she can be cared for, the house repo'ed by the bank, and my niece, husband and 3 kids would be out on the street. My sister is being used, but I know she is stubborn and would not leave her house to go to a facility. Its a toxic situation all round.😢

    Well my pickle juice fest put me in a bad way, go figure. But it tasted so good! So today keeping eating simple. I made some chicken broth, will have that and some chicken and rice in it.
    Hugs to each and every one of yas!
    Pip what's with the numbers?? You ok girlie??
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa

    Don’t mean anything, just marking my spot

    Gotcha, mark away friend.💖👍
    Rebecca
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,952 Member
    Whidislander wrote: »
    The John Deere combine was a toy given to my boys when they were small, by my eldest sister, who worked at a John Deere dealership.👍😁

    My girls had John Deere sets because my Dad did maintenance and helped build a John Deere shop. Sweet memories

    Travey
  • skuehn48
    skuehn48 Posts: 3,047 Member
    <3
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    <3
  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,614 Member
    Accountability:
    Chose well: Joe, readings, BP, legs up the wall, CI<CO,
    Bonus: Walk with Joe and the pack at HBC, 28 mins grooming, one load laundry, post office,
    Just one thing: back to bupkes
    Workin’ on it: 143.6, H20x5, active 4:29
    5: Turn a regular activity into a playful game today.
    6: Do a body scan meditation and notice how your body actually feels.

    Prayers, please, for our nephew Troy, in hospital with a brain aneurism awaiting surgery.

    Joe invited me to join him and the pack on a walk at the Harris Beach campground Monday morning. Misty, windy but good to get out. Kept to pavement so knee held up. Tumble is grumbling less at Gino and even joining in when he and Shadow chase around the yard. Gino still slips occasionally, when food is around, and has to be reminded that he is bottom dog. He went after Joe while Joe was transferring kibble from bag to storage bin. That was a NO. Joe hollered and put Gino outside to cool off and think about it. This is huge for Joe, usually he lets things go until they’re too far gone.

    Lisa an entire bottle of pepto? :sick: WAY out there. Safe travels!
    Carla, we think Gino is “resource guarding”, could Harley be guarding his resource, you?
    Vicki ((hugs)) :cry: ((hugs))
    Julie we now have 3 dogs. Tumble is a 7 year old female Skye terrier, white with black points, we’ve had since she was 4 months old. Shadow is a 2.5 yr old black, female German Shepherd/Flatcoat/Border Collie/?? cross we’ve had since she was 8 weeks old. Gino is a 2.5 yr old black, male, standard Schnauzer/? cross we’ve had for 5 days. They’re all puppies to me ;)
    Michele
    Tracey thankful for your cousin’s good news.
    Heather “opportunity for spiritual growth” now that’s a positive spin worthy of KJ!
    Betsy keep us in your pocket as you go through these sad tasks.

    Only thru pg 11 but my get up and move timer just went off so…

    Later, Lighter, lovelies!
    Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
    2022: Be still and listen.
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,714 Member
    Yup, Lisa, give 'em HELL!!! :p

    Social media feeds can go viral, if you take the right approach. Start a petition. Join with others for change. Get on the radio, TV. Shake that tree!
    Love you. <3

    Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,614 Member
    Accountability:
    Chose well: Joe, readings, BP, steps >7400, CI<CO, CI<250<CO.
    Bonus: DDS, Freddie’s, post office, Azalea Park walk. Just one thing: back to bupkes
    Workin’ on it: 144.0, H20x5, active 3:07
    Active April
    6: Do a body scan meditation and notice how your body actually feels.

    Lisa, what Kim said, in spades. And Tina. Hope Karen’s rX eases the headache. Too late for this but in future, would a hardcopy rX be possible? Then you could walk it to the pharmacy and stand there while they fill it? Walking my Xray orders to the imaging facility saved days of frustration.
    Michele that alligator is entirely too realistic! :astonished:
    Heather you may have started something with Lisa. All to the good.


    Later, Lighter, lovelies!
    Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
    2022: Be still and listen.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    MACHKA I agree it's good to like one's body. I'm fine with mine overall.
    Now losing is more about health. When I was younger it was more about appearance and also balanced well-being I thing.

    So I have been very tired of late. I have gained about 17 pounds in 5 years. That's about + 15% that I'm carrying around every day. I think that is what is tiring me. it's more tiring to walk around. I'm not really much more muscular... So presumably if I lose at least some of this I will be less tired. Generalists have tended to say I was not overweight since I was just at the top of average BMI, and it could be worse. no point having a complex for no reason. Now I'm at 25.5 BMI. Not easy though, as some of us have seen.

    Height
    I lost an inch more or less over the years. As a young teen I was 5 2 then went up to about 5 3 and am now back down to 5 2.
    "on average, women lose two inches of height between ages 30 and 70. By age 80, that number is three inches"

    Two inches ! by 70! that's a lot!

    I'm not crazy about that! I liked the extra inch. it brought me closer to average!
    But it's hardly the worst thing in the world. In France and also in the USA average female height is 5'4" so I was quite close to average here and I guess in the USA too, all told.

    It must be good for women who feel they are too tall. I don't think it's SO common but I had an acquaintance that was about 6 feet back in the day and was uncomfortable with that at the time.

    So losing an inch means my BMI goes up at same weight. But also I gained weight.

    On height ...

    How You Can Avoid Losing Height as You Get Older
    It's never too early to prevent bone loss with diet, physical activity
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-avoid-losing-height-get-older/

    "Losing a little height as you get older is normal. Over the years, the discs between your spine’s vertebrae flatten, your muscles start to lose mass and the spaces between your joints narrow.

    However, a significant loss in height can signal osteoporosis, says rheumatologist Abby G. Abelson, MD, FACR."

    "Your diet and lifestyle are two important risk factors that you can control to prevent osteoporosis. That means eating a diet rich in calcium throughout your life and regular physical activity can help a lot. Dr. Abelson adds that it’s also important to stop smoking if you do and to avoid excessive alcohol intake.

    You should aim to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day to help prevent bone loss, Dr. Abelson says. Exercises that make your muscles work against gravity, such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."

    Aging changes in body shape
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003998.htm

    "The tendency to become shorter occurs among all races and both sexes. Height loss is related to aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints. People typically lose almost one-half inch (about 1 centimeter) every 10 years after age 40. Height loss is even more rapid after age 70. You may lose a total of 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) in height as you age. You can help prevent height loss by following a healthy diet, staying physically active, and preventing and treating bone loss."



    I've lost about one-half inch (about 1 centimeter). Used to be 5'6" and now I'm 5'5.5".

    But since being told I slouch when I stand and walk, and since really noticing what I looked like in a mirror when I did that back in 2015, I started making an effort to stand tall and walk tall.

    I could be wrong, but I think standing tall and walking tall make me look slightly more slender.
    Doing those things also makes me feel slightly more confident.
    So it's possible, perhaps, that I still look 5'6" when I try to make myself tall. :smiley:

    I also tend to wear shoes with just a slight heel.

    I'm about 2 kg heavier in this photo than I am now, but I'm standing tall and I think I look slimmer than I've been feeling the last couple days!! :smiley:

    ds0t7tc4o6dv.png


    Then there's the exercise factor. As stated above, "walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."

    Cycling doesn't do much, and knowing that years ago, I started walking and walking and walking. More recently I've added occasional jogging and stairclimbing. Plus I do some weightlifting.


    I do need to find a GP ... and talk to her about getting a bone density test.

    Last time I talked to a GP about that, it was a University GP in Alberta. I would have been in my early 40s but she informed me I was way too young to start thinking about bone density tests ... she said they wouldn't do a test on me for another 10-15 years.

    Given that the tests can start in our mid to late-40s ladies, I don't think she realised I was 41 or 42 years old!!

    But now I'm a lot older than that, so I should get on it. I wonder if I look 40 now. :wink:


    Machka in Oz
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    edited April 2022
    Lisa,

    A thought about your Humira.

    Can you ask your doctor to send the rx to CMOP, the mail order prescription service for the VA? Cost- and convenience-wise might be better/easier in the long run...just a thought.

    Of course, just getting through to ask for the prescription is an ordeal, I realize... <3

    Karen in Virginia
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    No one told me this, so I didn't stop at the pharmacy, even though I walked by it during my rat maze journey to and from my appointment. I walked by it because they have shut down the main entry to the hospital and the primary care entry to the hospital, and there is no sign ANYWHERE on that *kitten* campus that says that, so you just keep traipsing around until you finally find a door that will open. Which is the emergency entrance. There was a sign there saying: No emergencies accepted, please go to: and an address.

    I find myself continually amazed by bureaucratic decisions that make no sense whatsoever. Not sure why, I've dealt with them throughout my entire adult life. Still find the incredible stupidity just staggering. Had three people tell me, "Nope, I'm lost too."

    Later,
    Love,
    Lisa in AR

    That reminded me of 4 years ago when I was instructed to get my flu shot.

    4 years ago, I spent 3 months in the hospital sitting by my husband's bed and then, as he became more mobile, walking the halls. I got to know a portion of the hospital quite well.

    One day, the nursing staff (knowing I work for the same overall department as they did) strongly advised that I get the flu shot if I were going to be in every day, and reminded me I could go to a certain lecture theatre in another part of the hospital to get it done.

    Off I went ... and promptly got lost. I found a reception counter down a corridor and they gave me new instructions of how to get there. And I promptly got lost. I asked someone waiting for an elevator who gave me a few instructions which were not at all helpful. Finally, I thought I had it figured out, opened a door (as instructed) and walked to the reception desk to walk through that department (as instructed) but I was stopped by the receptionist.

    She told me that yes, I could get to the lecture theatre that way, but I'd have to put on surgical scrubs because that way went right past the operating theatres. And she handed me the scrubs!! :open_mouth:



    I asked if there were another route and she directed me that way ... some time later, eventually I found it ... and then had to find my way back!!

    But it did amuse me that I could have opted for the surgical route. Maybe I could have dropped in on someone's surgery on the way. :grin:


    Machka in Oz

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    Today's walk ...

    espvuh4gojlc.png
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,952 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    MACHKA I agree it's good to like one's body. I'm fine with mine overall.
    Now losing is more about health. When I was younger it was more about appearance and also balanced well-being I thing.

    So I have been very tired of late. I have gained about 17 pounds in 5 years. That's about + 15% that I'm carrying around every day. I think that is what is tiring me. it's more tiring to walk around. I'm not really much more muscular... So presumably if I lose at least some of this I will be less tired. Generalists have tended to say I was not overweight since I was just at the top of average BMI, and it could be worse. no point having a complex for no reason. Now I'm at 25.5 BMI. Not easy though, as some of us have seen.

    Height
    I lost an inch more or less over the years. As a young teen I was 5 2 then went up to about 5 3 and am now back down to 5 2.
    "on average, women lose two inches of height between ages 30 and 70. By age 80, that number is three inches"

    Two inches ! by 70! that's a lot!

    I'm not crazy about that! I liked the extra inch. it brought me closer to average!
    But it's hardly the worst thing in the world. In France and also in the USA average female height is 5'4" so I was quite close to average here and I guess in the USA too, all told.

    It must be good for women who feel they are too tall. I don't think it's SO common but I had an acquaintance that was about 6 feet back in the day and was uncomfortable with that at the time.

    So losing an inch means my BMI goes up at same weight. But also I gained weight.

    On height ...

    How You Can Avoid Losing Height as You Get Older
    It's never too early to prevent bone loss with diet, physical activity
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-avoid-losing-height-get-older/

    "Losing a little height as you get older is normal. Over the years, the discs between your spine’s vertebrae flatten, your muscles start to lose mass and the spaces between your joints narrow.

    However, a significant loss in height can signal osteoporosis, says rheumatologist Abby G. Abelson, MD, FACR."

    "Your diet and lifestyle are two important risk factors that you can control to prevent osteoporosis. That means eating a diet rich in calcium throughout your life and regular physical activity can help a lot. Dr. Abelson adds that it’s also important to stop smoking if you do and to avoid excessive alcohol intake.

    You should aim to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day to help prevent bone loss, Dr. Abelson says. Exercises that make your muscles work against gravity, such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."

    Aging changes in body shape
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003998.htm

    "The tendency to become shorter occurs among all races and both sexes. Height loss is related to aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints. People typically lose almost one-half inch (about 1 centimeter) every 10 years after age 40. Height loss is even more rapid after age 70. You may lose a total of 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) in height as you age. You can help prevent height loss by following a healthy diet, staying physically active, and preventing and treating bone loss."



    I've lost about one-half inch (about 1 centimeter). Used to be 5'6" and now I'm 5'5.5".

    But since being told I slouch when I stand and walk, and since really noticing what I looked like in a mirror when I did that back in 2015, I started making an effort to stand tall and walk tall.

    I could be wrong, but I think standing tall and walking tall make me look slightly more slender.
    Doing those things also makes me feel slightly more confident.
    So it's possible, perhaps, that I still look 5'6" when I try to make myself tall. :smiley:

    I also tend to wear shoes with just a slight heel.

    I'm about 2 kg heavier in this photo than I am now, but I'm standing tall and I think I look slimmer than I've been feeling the last couple days!! :smiley:

    ds0t7tc4o6dv.png


    Then there's the exercise factor. As stated above, "walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."

    Cycling doesn't do much, and knowing that years ago, I started walking and walking and walking. More recently I've added occasional jogging and stairclimbing. Plus I do some weightlifting.


    I do need to find a GP ... and talk to her about getting a bone density test.

    Last time I talked to a GP about that, it was a University GP in Alberta. I would have been in my early 40s but she informed me I was way too young to start thinking about bone density tests ... she said they wouldn't do a test on me for another 10-15 years.

    Given that the tests can start in our mid to late-40s ladies, I don't think she realised I was 41 or 42 years old!!

    But now I'm a lot older than that, so I should get on it. I wonder if I look 40 now. :wink:


    Machka in Oz

    My hip and back issues that started out as an injury progressed downhill as a result of my poor posture. My exercise therapist and a physiotherapist both told me the best way to keep proper posture is to “suck it in”. You hold your belly in like you would for a tighter pair of paints, but don’t hold your breath. It strengthens your core, and forces you to have proper posture.

    When I turned 50 my doctor sent me for a bone density test. It was also my mammogram year. I called to make the appointments and they scheduled my mammogram for Sept 12, day before my birthday. When they went to schedule my bone density for the same day, they couldn’t as I wasn’t 50 and AB Health wouldn’t cover it. We changed it to the 14th and it worked.

    Even that close it wasn’t accepted.

    Tracey in Edmonton
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,952 Member
    Ginny - “
    Julie-I don’t believe it is a new intolerance, but I will keep an eye on that This is my first spring season not smoking for many years-don’t know if that impacts or not.”

    When I quit smoking I felt sick for a year with congestion, sinus issues, cold like symptoms. My doctor told me it was my body getting rid of all the gunk. Don’t know how true her reasoning was, but it was a unhealthy feeling for a run of time.

    Tracey
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    edited April 2022
    ginnytez wrote: »
    Machka-I am just shaking my head at your chance to walk past the operating rooms . . .


    Take care all,

    Ginny in Ohio

    Well, I was wearing my Health ID tags. :smile:

    I'm hoping they wouldn't have made that offer to someone without the IDs!! :open_mouth:


    ginnytez wrote: »
    Received new orthotics Monday. Am breaking them in this week. Was to wear them 2 hours yesterday. Wore them on my walk (took me about an hour for my 3 miles) and then around the house a bit. Was very pleased to notice none of my usual foot pain. Even this am-woke up-no pain across top of feet. Hoping these do make a difference. I definitely walked faster yesterday.

    Ginny in Ohio


    I need to find mine!! :open_mouth:


    M in Oz

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    This was in the monthly carer's magazine I get.

    fj9uwy0bon0j.png

    I'll list the 14 "answers" tomorrow. :)


    Machka in Oz

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