WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2024

barbiecat
barbiecat Posts: 17,200 Member
in Motivation and Support
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:) I am ready for a new page on the calendar and a new adventure on my journey to health and wellness. I welcome all of you to join me and share your challenges and your successes.

:) The name of the thread is "Women Ages 50+" but all women are welcome. So far our friendly community includes women almost 50 to women past 80.

:) Be sure to bookmark the thread so you can find it again.

:) Please sign your post with a name or nickname and a location general or specific so our communication is more personal.

:) I read this thread every morning to inspire me to success and effort for the day.

<3 Barbie in NW WA

My word for 2024 is "enough". I have done more and more all my life and now is the time to express my gratitude for having and doing enough.
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Replies

  • okiewoman510
    okiewoman510 Posts: 1,316 Member
    Thank you Barbie!. We appreciate you!

    Okie in the TX Hill Country
  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,189 Member
    THANK YOU Barbie!!
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,609 Member
    Thanks Barbie
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,709 Member
    edited March 1
    Thank you , Barbie! :)

    Barbara - Please put me on the list for Katla. I always felt especially close to her. <3 Yes picture. Anything.

    Wind and rain. :#

    I'm taking my blood pressure every morning and some evenings. The surgery are badgering me to send in the results, so will do that this morning. It was OK this morning, thankfully, and good last night. The Ramipril seems to be working. I'm also on Amlodipine.
    Working on circulation exercises as well as my normal ones.
    Some pain in the night, but not too bad. I slept in short patches with reading in between. Best sleep was 5.30 - 7.00. :D

    Seeing the NP for the Doppler test on Tuesday.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,709 Member
    Barbara - I meant a Doppler test. It's to see if your BP is the same on your arm and your ankle. Brachial pressure. Ankle Brachial Index Test. They had a bit of delay finding a nurse who could do it.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,609 Member
    edited March 1
    auntiebk wrote: »
    Heather admire your “going with the flow” and really like the results. What’s the Doppler test?

    Barbara

    I'm thinking it might be the same sort of thing we had when we were tested for blood clots in our legs. A Doppler ultrasound to measure the blood flow through the blood vessels.

    I had one which identified that my left leg was full of clots from above the knee all the way down. It identified that my main vein(s) was completely clogged but new capillaries were finding their way around to some extent.

    4 or 5 months later I had a follow up one which identified that there were still a few clots lingering around but most had gone.


    M in Oz
  • Anniesquats100
    Anniesquats100 Posts: 3,290 Member
    Welcome Carla from Ohio! We are a friendly group with a lot of simultaneous discussions, so jump in whenever you feel like it. The only rules are no religion or politics, just to keep it friendly and supportive.

    Annie in Delaware
  • teklawa1
    teklawa1 Posts: 678 Member
    Barbara, please add me to the Katla communication with picture or however. So nice you will connect with her. I sent you a pm but not sure it went your way.

    Betsy in NW WA
  • evie1958
    evie1958 Posts: 864 Member
    Barbie, thank you for another month!
    Lisa, congrats on paying off the house! I also chuckled while reading your spoiler stuff, you’re absolutely right, gotta laugh about it, the crying just takes too much out of a body!
    Barbara, please add me to the well wishers list for Katla, using my photo or whatever you need is fine with me.
    There was more, but I have to get to an extremely early morning appointment. I will fill you all in eventually! It’s not serious, so no need to worry!
    Evelyn, Vancouver Island where I don’t know what the weather is as it’s still dark!
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,891 Member
    Good morning, my dear hearts, from the slightly less chilly dawn of a new month in the Arkansas River Valley, and thank you, Barbie, for ushering us into March and another clean start,

    Barbara - Thank you for organizing and following through with the Katla communication. I hope it finds her well.

    A correction for a mistake I didn't notice in time enough to fix the error - we paid the house off last July, not "yesterday." Was going to say "It feels like yesterday," and somehow left off the rest of that context! It does feel that way, and was a mental and emotional triumph and a huge milestone for me and Corey, but it was not actually yesterday. 😊

    Heather - I hope your tests show something easily fixable. Pain gets exhausting very quickly, especially when it is unrelenting.

    The organ recital:
    One more medical thing today and then done until next week Weds. and Thurs. It's been interesting because I've had two doctors tell me lately that there is no "magic band-aid," for something. It used to be a "magic bullet," so one assumes they were looking for something less... violent. 👀😀🙃 As I think I've said before, it puts me in mind of my childhood and my belief that Band-aids WERE magic. If there was a box of them in the bathroom, I would walk out covered with them. My mother had to hide them.

    The X-ray this afternoon is, I think, the last of the hoops to jump through to start the Stelara. The estradiol cream came in and I began using it on Tuesday. These feel as if some of the barriers in the obstacle course are being conquered. One heart stress test next week, then the heart ultrasound the first week of April, and the last obstacle surmounted to either move forward with the stroke preventer or take another path. I will see the orthopod again in two weeks to see what, if anything, can be done for the pain in my knees.

    That is, as of this writing, the last of the big obstacles. Trying to juggle Crohn's disease, 24-7 A-fib, post-menopausal atrophy, and knee issues all at once is no fun--but I have for the time being at least, conquered anemia that was complicating everything, and gotten my overall health in much better shape. I've felt an awful lot worse than I do right now. I'm grateful to feel better, and the rest will be what it is.
    Goals were a mixed bag for February:

    ❌ Stay in maintenance range - 150 - 155 - Nope - Started out at 156.1, and ended up at 156.5. Not happy that it's above my maintenance range, but am happy that it's not as far above that range as it got mid-month.
    ✅ Stay on budget - Doing much better in February. Helped that we got our federal income tax refund in. :smiley:
    ✅ Get healthier - I think so. I ended up doing yoga three times so far this week (about to do my fourth this morning). Got on the elliptical twice this week, 2.5 minutes the first time, five minutes the second time. Started hand stretches on Wednesday, plan to continue those daily, and was able to write the alphabet with my toes this morning to help stretch my ankles and start getting them back to flexible. The Crohn's symptoms have conditioned me to run for the bathroom the moment I move, and it's finally slowed down enough that I have time to stretch. Hopefully, it will not just continue, but get even better.

    And my goals for March remain the same:

    ✅ Stay in maintenance range - 150 - 155
    ✅ Stay on budget
    ✅ Get healthier

    Time to get moving - Corey will be calling soon for my "good morning" call...

    Love y'all!
    Lisa in AR
  • bwcetc
    bwcetc Posts: 2,826 Member
    Barbie ... thank you for leading us into March!

    Carla from Ohio ... Welcome!

    Heather ... like Machka, I wondered if the Doppler test is also looking for clots. I hope the test gives you some answers.

    Machka ... Other than white and black, the company that will provide my processor only has hair colors. So I have chosen a color that matches my hair ... GRAY!! But when I'm ready to bedazzle the thing, they showed me companies on Etsy and other on-line shops have unlimited "skins" to cover the device with.

    Rosemarie ... After your comments about enjoying your son's dog, I too wondered if you might enjoy one of your own. My implant takes place at the end of April.

    Annie ... I believe CICO has its benefits too. Even though I fast and "listen" to my appetite, when things are going off plan, I head right back to CICO to remind myself what portions look like.

    I did end February lighter than when I began the month, but the number on the scale is still one I bounce around. So the intention in March is to bounce away from that number in a downward fashion! Lighter at the end of March than where I am today.

    This has been a long month and I am glad to see March. It's supposed to get warmer and that's always a good thing.

    Beth near Buffalo



  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,258 Member
    Thank you Barbie...

    I am doing better when I eat out with Family and friends...When I went out to Chinese Buffet with son I chose the dishes that were mostly veggies and no breaded or fried foods..,

    I tried the yogurt but did not cover it well enough overnight and our house I think is too cold to make this work. I found another way where in the last step you put the jars into a bath of warm water and then cover with a thick blanket. I will also have the starter yogurt at room temperature before adding. I used the failed attempt like buttermilk in gluten free pancakes and I did make some chocolate pudding with it adding less sugar than the recipe called for.

    Today I will go out with friends for lunch and will get soup and salad.

    I miss Katla too!

    Beth Sending good thoughts for your upcoming surgery.

    AprilContinued prayers!

    (((Allie)))
  • Anniesquats100
    Anniesquats100 Posts: 3,290 Member
    KJ congratulations on your weight loss! Good job!

    Annie in Delaware
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,317 Member
    auntiebk wrote: »
    Today’s gratitude: all you wonderful, wise, funny, compassionate women. Thank you!
    Thanks Barbie for the fresh start. :love: “…now is the time to express my gratitude for having and doing enough.”
    Machka 1500 lightning strikes? WOW.
    Beth from 70F to 23F in a matter of hours? Yikes!
    Lisa “paying off our house yesterday” VERY well done! What you said about mental satisfaction more than financial reward, but still huge. Big high five. Admire your attitude about all the tests, does Corey say you glow in the dark?
    Heather admire your “going with the flow” and really like the results. What’s the Doppler test?
    Margaret what you said about the fight or flight hormones/chemicals, and calming meditation.
    April no need for sorry, what Lisa said. Anything you can do to support your own energy (pray, cry, hug a tree, meditate, sing) will spill over onto your son. ((hugs)) and prayers.
    Kim, yours to Allie, well said.
    Vicki I am so glad I’ve retired and no longer have to cope with the mandatory computer updates. :rage: Happy birthday to your DH and to you tomorrow. Hope it’s a fun and restorative weekend, and favorable results from the dermatologist and heart doctor.
    Tina “…There is always something that needs to be fixed, replaced, or changed and most of the time, those things are not cheap.” Truth!
    Rosemarie do you think you want a big cuddly dog of your own?
    Ginny “neighbors taking care of neighbors” is the silver lining to all those natural disasters.
    Debbie sorry didn’t realize internet was so expensive there. Yow! Wish I could wave a magic want and instill some gratitude and consideration into your MIL.
    Kay would you remind me of your general locale?
    Tracey I look forward to your insights from the research project.

    Will hold the Katla project until Monday, to give everyone who wants to the chance to opt in. Will share whatever if/when I hear back. Scrolling through all your smiling faces I can feel the love and support you each pour out to this group. Thank you.
    So far:
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    2/29: Move mins- wii:12 PT:17 d:0 x&a:0 dogs:17 Jeopardy walking:17 Steps:5997
    Fuel: sugar in vs mfp=3 CI<CO net=39 vits=0.67
    Live: Joe, readings, BP, ptT, ptS, Wt:131.8
    Feb summary and March plan tomorrow.
    Later, lighter, lovelies!
    Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD x8zcp1ya37k1.gif
    February: Move more than yesterday, fuel better than yesterday, live NOW.
    Open heart and mind before mouth.
    2024: Strengthen: body, mind, heart-connections.

    Barbara, AHMOD. Please keep me on the list to your letter to Katla. I looked for your name in my friend’s list but didn’t find it!! I will send you a friend request so we can PM if we like.

    RVRita
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,317 Member
    edited March 1
    February wasn’t as good as I’d hope. Setting my sites on March to improve!! Losing my watch, and all the medical, which is not done yet! Has put me in a slump. All better now and weather improving so…. My turn!!
    RVRita

    Words of the year: simplify, empowered, and authentic.

    SIMPLIFY—make (something) simpler or easier to do or understand.
    EMPOWERED—give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
    AUTHENTIC—.
    of undisputed origin; genuine.

    I will be authentic and empowered while working to simplify my life.

    Walking goals off this month due to medical issues, switching between watch and Fitbit, and surgery.

    1. Do 12 different crafts this year: color, draw, sew, candles, crochet, knit, bead jewelry,, make cards, origami, scrapbook, macrame, loop looms 4/12 -100%
    2. Walk average of 7250 steps a month 1/12 100%, 61%,
    3. 30 minutes activity 23/23days a month 100%, 100%
    4. Journal 17/23 days a month 100, 74%
    5. Meditate 27/28 days a month 100%, 96%,
    6. Family phone calls 15/12 monthly. 100%,100%
    7. Save $1000 for emergencies by depositing $50 a month into savings and not touching it. 1/12 0, 100%
    8. Research and apply for senior independent living in Roswell, one a month. 2/12. 100%, 100% Spreadsheet started for comparison
    Peachtree village 866-882-3746 2. Sunny Acres Senior center 855-430-2394. 3. Sunset Villa 866-956-0235 3. Rio Vista senior housing 877-843-7557 4. Roswell summit apts. 877-853-5446. 5. Sunset 1600 apartments 877-867-8105 . 6. Cielo de Oro senior 877-874-4734 6. Wildwood apartments 877-876-4096. 7. Willow Trace 877-881-2933 Local senior housing advisor 877-304-7152 Rental houses $800-3,000 for 1-2 bedrooms
    9. Drink 8 days a month or less. 0/8 100%, 100% -7 months sober!
    10. Read 12/24 Books this year. 100%
    11. Weigh less at end of month than at beginning. 1/12 100%, 0,
    12. Complete at minimum to week 5, the 9 week squat challenge starting 1/23/24. weeks 6/27 weeks 3 sets a week for 9 weeks. 100%, 100%

    January Completed — 92%,
    February Completed —-58%
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,317 Member
    Today is: Lots to think about today! Smile while Yapping, and giving a random compliment to someone today. Have a beer for me!! 7 Months sober for me!!
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  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,709 Member
    KJ - Wow, that is a great weight loss! Congratulations. <3

    I'm following the same principle with the cuddle sessions as I am with my painting, and my writing. Just do what feels good. You don't have to have a destination, just a starting point and a method of exploration. The one step at a time principle. With all these things I don't always feel like it at the beginning, but the trick is to take the first step, put a mark on paper, write one sentence, take pleasure in one touch. Before you know it ........
    Focus on the process, not on a result.
    I almost never want to get started on the things that give me the most pleasure. It all seems overwhelming and too much trouble. Even going on a cruise, or holiday. Going out, almost anywhere. But I know it's always worth the trouble. However hard it seems.
    A blank sheet of paper is terrifying. Too dizzying in its possibilities. But making just one mark, one word, one touch, one item in a suitcase, dictates the next, and then you are on a roll. Action creates momentum.

    Salmon for dinner tonight, with fresh spinach in crême fraiche, and a few sautéed potatoes for John. Friday night is wine night, and we have a lovely bottle of something white in the fridge. Recorded Maigret to watch.

    My son should be nearly at his dad's by now.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

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