WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2021

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  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,895 Member
    Pleased to see so many faces we love, as well as new faces to get to know!

    My story regarding weight:
    Quick story of my weight gain/loss roller coaster - I lost 60 pounds in 60 days to go into the Air Force when I was 18, turned 19 in basic training. Struggled to keep it off throughout my four-year enlistment. Started gaining weight as soon as I got out of the military, many reasons... lost and gained literally hundreds of pounds over the next 20 years, and finally had a gastric bypass at 45. I was 303 pounds, and literally bigger around than I was tall, at 5'2" tall. The weight loss and subsequent gain in confidence and ability to believe that I was worth loving imploded my neglectful marriage, and sent me home to Texas--where I met and married the love of my life 12 years ago, and gained a daughter and a son in the bargain - and I now have three grandchildren. Gastric bypass is not a magic bullet, but I'm still 120 pounds lighter than I was at 45, and pleased with that. I continue to try to get my weight down to the 150s. Various health issues have complicated my life this year, but am in good shape right now.

    This is a 10-year timespan - Left to right: just before my surgery, two years later (just before I left my first husband and desperately unhappy), my engagement picture to my current and final husband, and one taken just a few years back:
    4cvkwwi68c49.jpg

    Made a half hour for the second day in a row on the elliptical. Actually broke a sweat this time. Also pleased that I've got my resting heart rate from around 100 before the medication brought the AFib under control to 81 as of this morning.

    Later y'all,
    Love,
    Lisa in Arkansas
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    edited January 2021
    This is Synapse, an Australian Brain Injury Association ...

    Memory Problems and Tips
    https://synapse.org.au/fact-sheet/memory-problems-and-tips/

    "As with any cognitive issue, memory works better when people:
    • avoid fatigue from pushing themselves too hard
    • sleep well
    • manage stress and anxiety
    • avoid alcohol, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly."


    "One of the simplest ways to help people with memory problems is to adapt their environment so they rely less on memory. Some ideas for doing so which have helped others are:
    • keep a notepad by the phone to make a note of phone calls and messages
    • put essential information on a noticeboard
    • decide on a special place to keep important objects like keys, wallets or glasses and always put them back in the same place
    • attach important items to yourself so they can’t be mislaid e.g. using a neck cord for reading glasses
    • label cupboards and storage vessels as a reminder of where things are kept
    • label perishable food with the date it was opened
    • paint the toilet door as a distinctive colour so it is easier to find
    • label doors as a reminder of which room is which."


    This is Headway, a UK Brain Injury Association ...

    Memory problems
    https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/effects-of-brain-injury/memory-problems/

    "Rehearsing information or practising routines can help with remembering information."

    "Many people with memory problems use external memory aids (such as diaries, calendars, to-do lists etc), to help with remembering information. Research suggests that using technology such as pagers, portable electronic devices, alarms and voice recorders can also be helpful."


    5 top tips for managing memory problems after brain injury
    https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/brain-injury-and-me/5-top-tips-for-managing-memory-problems-after-brain-injury/
    • Adapt the Environment (same info as above)
    • Use External Memory Aids
    • Follow a Set Routine
    • Combine several strategies to make a substitute memory system
    • Improve general well-being


    The article goes into more detail about each of those 5 tips.

    I know these things are about memory loss after brain injury but that memory loss is similar to any other memory loss and similar techniques are used. However, one key element is the willingness of the person to use the tips. It's all very well and good to to say "keep a notepad by the phone to make a note of phone calls and messages" but the person may forget to use the notepad, or forget that there is a notepad, or think that he/she will remember the message.

    Regarding "Follow a Set Routine" ... I find that does help my husband. He remembers to do things better when he follows the same routine every day. And he gets upset and confused if I spring things on him.

    These articles indicate that the person may remember things better if they are well rested and not stressed etc. and I have definitely found that to be true. If I want my husband to have a better chance of remembering to do something tomorrow, I need to pick a time when he is at his best, when there are few distractions, when he can look at me and focus, and then I can tell him what I need him to remember. Still no guarantees, but the odds are better.

    The article above lists these as a few examples of External Memory Aids:
    • Smartphones with diary or calendar applications
    • Diaries, filofaxes or datebooks
    • Notebooks
    • Lists
    • Alarm clocks
    • Watches
    • Calendars
    • Wall charts
    • Tape recorders and dictaphones
    • Electronic organisers
    • Pagers
    • Pill reminder boxes for medication
    • Sticky-backed notes
    • Photo albums
    • Cameras


    I use my husband's Google calendar which sends him Gmail reminders of things.
    We also have a whiteboard month calendar in the kitchen for more significant things.
    We had a weekly calendar on the fridge, but he has gotten onto the Google calendar so we don't need that anymore however, if there is something really important coming up, I've got a little whiteboard on the fridge I'll write it on.
    He writes lists of things he wants to do.
    My phone is set up so that the alarm rings in the evening when he needs to take his medication.
    He is pretty good at the morning medication as long as we're following a normal routine.
    He uses a weekly pill container to help him remember what to take and when.
    I send emails with my plans for the evening or weekend.
    I send emails with lists of things we need to pack or do if we're going away or doing something different.
    I print some of those lists so he can check them off.


    This is another resource which might be useful:
    https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0036/671877/memory_strategies_fsw.pdf


    Our whiteboard calendar is similar to this one and I update it each month:
    yy1cf21p1fd6.png

    You can also get whiteboard weeks:
    wbd9d1mf8hmf.png

    There are all kinds of supplies like that available at your local office supply stores. :)


    Machka in Oz
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,267 Member
    Uuu
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    Katla49 wrote: »
    Jude: Welcome! :star:

    Heather: My regular doctor’s office has referred me to a hand specialist. I wanted to hear that it was a little sprain and no worries. :ohwell: I also have damaged glasses and need to get a replacement for the lens that was ruined. Both places are in Portland and not too far apart. I’m hoping we can do it all in one trip. :ohwell:

    Tina: In our little town there are few options. I will need to go to Portland for two appointments, one is to get my glasses lenses and the other is hand surgery. I have evidently damaged my wrist badly enough in the fall that it needs surgical repair. YIKES! :noway: I’m a mess—black eye and sore wrists all at once after years of good health. I guess I’ll have to be cooperative with the doctors if I want more years of good health.

    Barbie & Pip: Thanks for your sympathy. :heart:


    Katla with one black eye, one scraped eye brow and an appointment with a hand surgeon in Portland, plus a visit to the eye doctor. My mom would say, “When it rains, it pours."

    Wow, I'm so sorry.
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,815 Member
    Hugs Katla, be nice to yourself, just check in whenever. 💖
    Rebecca
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    @Lisa thanks for telling us your story, and showing pictures (WL + marriage)
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    TIME OF DAY - EXERCISE - SLEEP

    I did an hour on recumbent bike from about 8pm to 9pm at a good rate. Not sleepy at all at 1:30 am after feeling a bit dozy earlier.

    Do you have experience with time of day, exercise and sleep?

    I used to go to intensive dance classes from 8pm to 10pm and had trouble sleeping after.

    And long ago an acupuncturist advised getting exercise early in the day, not late. not sure why, I don't recall any issues at all with sleep back then...I think it might have been more energy-related...

    I checked online and the verdict seems to be that exercise at any time tends to improve sleep.

    It's so dark and cold out at present that early rising is not SO easy...
    and with Curfew we all HAVE to be in at 8pm... which makes it quite a decent time to be on recumbent...



  • ajr050969
    ajr050969 Posts: 20 Member
    janetr7476 wrote: »
    Thank you Barbie for leading us year after year with common sense, wisdom and the example you set. We appreciate you.

    I haven't given much thought to my word for the year nor my goals. It seem as if I've just been "hanging on" for the last many months. I'm ready to take charge and move forward even if I am stuck here at home.

    Have a wonderful New Year m y friends.

    Janetr OKC

    Hanging on was still an accomplishment in 2020!
  • ajr050969
    ajr050969 Posts: 20 Member
    2021 is off to a great start! I'm going to end it mentally and physically lighter!
  • ginnytez
    ginnytez Posts: 1,403 Member
    Pip-I bet that was a very sad day. I’m sure he would be so glad that you are happy now and still remember him.

    Katla-I always keep my last pair of glasses when I get a new set-that always gives me a backup even if it isn’t perfect. Hope wrist is ok. Oops just caught up that you need to see specialist. Perhaps the specialist will have a solution separate from surgery.

    Lisa-great idea for puzzles! And I have some of them around.

    Heather-that is interesting about wood burners. I have never used one, but friends and family have.

    Julie-I believe there are a number of people on MFP who recommend not just looking at the day but the whole week for net. Just as several low days could make up for one over day, one really high day could negate several days of minimally under net for the week. I don’t sleep as well if I exercise late.

    Annie-hard to know what to do with parents sometimes. I always tried with my mom to listen hard for her wishes and not force her into my wishes.

    Sue-sorry to hear about your brother. I hope their treatment is effective.

    Well drove to dentist this morning, called to let them know I was there—appointment is tomorrow! I have had it in my head for a week that it was for the 5th! Oh well, stopped in office afterwards for a bit. Good to see my office (it’s a really nice office, much nicer than my spare bedroom!)

    Got an hour in on treadmill and did all my stretches this morning. In between those two, I got a pretty full day of work in. Time for bed!

    Take care all,

    Ginny in Ohio
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,267 Member
    ginnytez wrote: »
    Pip-I bet that was a very sad day. I’m sure he would be so glad that you are happy now and still remember him.

    Katla-I always keep my last pair of glasses when I get a new set-that always gives me a backup even if it isn’t perfect. Hope wrist is ok. Oops just caught up that you need to see specialist. Perhaps the specialist will have a solution separate from surgery.

    Lisa-great idea for puzzles! And I have some of them around.

    Heather-that is interesting about wood burners. I have never used one, but friends and family have.

    Julie-I believe there are a number of people on MFP who recommend not just looking at the day but the whole week for net. Just as several low days could make up for one over day, one really high day could negate several days of minimally under net for the week. I don’t sleep as well if I exercise late.

    Annie-hard to know what to do with parents sometimes. I always tried with my mom to listen hard for her wishes and not force her into my wishes.

    Sue-sorry to hear about your brother. I hope their treatment is effective.

    Well drove to dentist this morning, called to let them know I was there—appointment is tomorrow! I have had it in my head for a week that it was for the 5th! Oh well, stopped in office afterwards for a bit. Good to see my office (it’s a really nice office, much nicer than my spare bedroom!)

    Got an hour in on treadmill and did all my stretches this morning. In between those two, I got a pretty full day of work in. Time for bed!

    Take care all,

    Ginny in Ohio

    Very true, I’m sure he would be very happy for me now
  • csofled
    csofled Posts: 3,022 Member
    🟪🔵💚🟨🟠
  • exermom
    exermom Posts: 6,529 Member
    Worked today and work tomorrow. Eye MD appointment (for routine checkup) later today

    Pip – (((HUG)))

    Katla – oh no! I sure hope things aren’t broken. Do you have a spare pair of glasses? I always keep my old prescription in case something happens to my glasses. Even tho it isn’t perfect, it’s certainly better than nothing. I’m so sorry to hear that you’ll need surgery

    Barbara – how wonderful that Joe invited you!

    Jude – we’re happy that you joined us.

    Bananas – wowoooo what a calorie burn!

    Tina – happy to hear your procedure went well.

    Annie – (((HUG))) What you are going thru is so hard

    Sue in WA – good thoughts being sent for your brother

    Michele NC
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    Snowflake1968 wrote: »
    I found it helped me a lot last year when I followed Penny’s lead and put some of my fairy lights in vases. I didn’t do it this year as I received some candles but wish that I had.

    Because our winter is June - August, and it's not Christmas then, I find those months very dark and depressing. At least with Christmas in the middle of winter, you've got something to look forward to, and there are lights of all sorts around. Here, everything just goes dark.

    So I use the fairy lights in vases then. I saw it at a B&B we stayed in and loved the idea.


    Snowflake1968 wrote: »
    My back is absolutely killing me. I stopped and bought some pills for back pain. So far they aren’t doing anything to help.
    I think I need to go to physio again, I’ll have to contact my doctor. I also need to see if physiotherapists are open or not.

    I've got a right hip issue. My right hip was diagnosed with osteoarthritis about 18 months or so ago but everything eased up ... until the last couple months.


    M in Oz
  • kymarai
    kymarai Posts: 3,702 Member
    :)
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,815 Member
    edited January 2021
    Snowflake1968 wrote: »
    Rebecca - I love when the free things I post are taken quickly. I’ve had some things go fast and others take forever.

    Annie - I don’t know how it is there but here they couldn’t just decide to go, they would need an assessment beforehand. There isn’t much you can do to stop this awful disease once it starts. Maybe your Father is hoping to spare you some of what’s to come.

    Katla - I’m sorry that it wasn’t a simple sprain, hopefully you get it all repaired and in the mend soon.

    Machka - Great tips. Early in my Mom’s disease I delayed cancelling our house phone and using only my cell as I knew my Mom wouldn’t remember and wouldn’t call me anymore. My best friend had done it and my Mom who called her almost daily was so angry, hurt, confused and extremely worried because she couldn’t reach Cheryle and “if she had a new number she would have given it to her”. We had, it was programmed in her phone, written in her old address book she still used and written on her list by the phone. She relied on her memory to call Cheryle though because she had the same number for 20 years.

    Janet - I don’t like taking the Christmas decorations down either. I found it helped me a lot last year when I followed Penny’s lead and put some of my fairy lights in vases. I didn’t do it this year as I received some candles but wish that I had.

    My back is absolutely killing me. I stopped and bought some pills for back pain. So far they aren’t doing anything to help.
    I think I need to go to physio again, I’ll have to contact my doctor. I also need to see if physiotherapists are open or not.

    Our restrictions are probably going to be extended again. Not that a lot are following it anyway including our elected officials.

    I’m off for a long hot bath.
    Tracey in Edmonton

    Its crazy, literally 5 minutes after I posted! Then it was just a matter of telling everyone that posted after, that I had put "pending pickup" on the site, and I would contact the next in line if she was a no show. I didn't want to delete it because that's just messing with karma right there!
    Rebecca
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,950 Member
    I wouldn’t be able to see out of my old glasses. It took me two or three days to adjust to these ones because the difference was so huge this time.

    Machka - a few years ago I went to physio for my lower back and it was my hips causing the issue. They had basically frozen. I think it’s the same thing again but the sheet I had for exercises I can’t find. I’ve been doing the ones I remember but they aren’t helping so I’m not sure.

    Lisa - I love your dress.

    Rebecca - we had somehow ended up with three children’s bikes here last summer. I sat them out in the yard with a free sign on them. It took a week before the last one finally went.

    I had a bath and am sitting on a heating pad. That and the painkillers are making me feel fairly comfortable right now.

    Tracey in Edmonton
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    skuehn48 wrote: »
    My brother who caught Covid from his step-grandchildren was admitted to the hospital this morning. He has congestive heart failure which has complicated the Covid. His oxygen sats were down in the 70s this morning so DSIL called the doc and was told to take him in. Just found out he has Covid related pneumonia and they are going to keep him for a while on oxygen, fluids and antibiotics.
    Everyone take care, Sue in WA
    I'm so sorry. sending thoughts to you, him and all the family for a quick recovery.

  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    edited January 2021
    @ginnytez How annoying to arrive a day early for the appointment! Great job on all the exercise today.
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    yesterday
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Thanks for your support & encouragement. I have an appointment with my eye doctor tomorrow afternoon. It will be a thorough eye exam & my doctor will write new prescriptions. I look forward to it. DH will be my driver. I’m sure the exam will be thorough. I hope it will include prescriptions for new lenses. No idea how long it will be to get new glasses.

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