WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2023

Snowflake1968 · December 2023

Barbara - I can’t offer any actual medical advice to the prescription change, but to me it sounds like a huge risk if you were to take it given your family history.

Annie - I am glad you had some support going through things and deciding on the restaurant. I remember when my FIL passed how difficult it was coming up with a reception plan. Finally, I called one of DH’s cousins who was president of the local Legion. She took care of everything.

Margaret- Hugs to you, it is a lot on you taking care of ill DH.

Lisa - I believe that children’s feelings matter, but I also believe those feelings can be disappointment, anger, and a feeling of “the world doesn’t revolve around me.” Without learning those emotions at home how do they ever survive in the world.
I would get that light changed sooner rather than later, my Dad was an electrician and would tell you it was a fire hazard.

We had a fire in 2005. We lived in a townhouse that had a dusk to Dawn light outside our bedroom window. That thing buzzed and acted funny all the time. Turns out that was the cause of the fire. When we got moved back in the new light was silent and worked the way it should.

Vicki - lovely photo.

Michele - I used to do the needs, I really know my family well and they know me very well. It’s unusual that I would give or receive something unappreciated. In saying that, my girls are both trying to pare down so last year I gave one Tupperware to help organize and the other one some treat yourself items.

I went for my mammogram today, before that I picked up our eldest and the grands. We went to exchange the book they bought me for Christmas, and to the Dollar Tree. The Grands and I bought some champagne glasses, tiaras, sparklers, noise makers and some tinsel garland and beads for our New Year’s Eve party. We are going to dress up, play music and probably watch the ball drop in New York at 9pm our time. I don’t like keeping them up too late when I have to return them to their parents the next day.
Our daughter and Grandson both have ADHD and their quirks annoy one another quite frequently. Today seemed to be a particularly rough day so I brought him home with me so they could have a break from one another. There is a lot of likeness between those two too and sometimes that makes it more difficult.
It’s been a full, busy week for these two introverts.

We stopped on our way home so he could spend some Christmas money. He bought some games, mittens and a touque.

I cut my grandmother’s wedding dress tonight. I took a picture first. I am going to use the buttons on the back on our jewelry portrait too. I have been debating what to do with this since 2009 and I think this is the perfect thing to do. My daughters and I are the only descendants that would remember her. My Mom of course does, but she is in the nursing home and I wouldn’t trust it wouldn’t be misplaced.

This is their only wedding picture taken and her dress can’t be seen.

Machka9 · December 2023

Snowflake1968 wrote: »

I would get that light changed sooner rather than later, my Dad was an electrician and would tell you it was a fire hazard.

We had a fire in 2005. We lived in a townhouse that had a dusk to Dawn light outside our bedroom window. That thing buzzed and acted funny all the time. Turns out that was the cause of the fire. When we got moved back in the new light was silent and worked the way it should.

I cut my grandmother’s wedding dress tonight. I took a picture first. I am going to use the buttons on the back on our jewelry portrait too. I have been debating what to do with this since 2009 and I think this is the perfect thing to do. My daughters and I are the only descendants that would remember her. My Mom of course does, but she is in the nursing home and I wouldn’t trust it wouldn’t be misplaced.

This is their only wedding picture taken and her dress can’t be seen.

A green velvet wedding dress?

Can you or your daughters wear it?

It's gorgeous!!! I think I'd be wearing it to a Christmas event each year!

Not long after my husband's accident, I had electricians come to check several switches in our house. He hadn't been concerned about it prior to his accident, but I went all safety conscious after.

They would crackle when I flipped them to turn the lights on and the lights would kind of flicker when they went on.

I had seen an ad on TV about how if you're getting shocks or a tingly feeling when you touch metal taps in your house, you might have an electrical fault and wondered if the same thing might apply when you're turning the lights on.

Turns out, I did the right thing!! We did have an electrical fault which could have caused a fire. But all fixed now!

And I want to teach my granddaughter the word "touque"

Just to have a bit of fun with her parents.

It's "beanie" here.

Machka in Oz

Snowflake1968 · December 2023

Machka - unfortunately my Grandmother was a very small woman. About 5” and if she went over 110lbs she minded her food consumption for a week or two. She weighed religiously every Sunday.
I am 5’4” and outgrew her clothes in grade 6
My eldest is 5’6”and my youngest is 5’9”.

I have given this so much thought and it’s the best I can come up with where we can enjoy it and see it and not have it hidden away. I’m going to use the rest of it after the jewelry picture to make is some Christmas ornaments for our tree.

I think Grammie would approve of this decision.

Tracey

skuehn48 · December 2023

auntiebk · December 2023

Today’s gratitude:
12/28 woke up, legs and upper back felt great, thanks to yesterday’s massage. T asked for my take on recent county commissioners/animal rescue building issue, and listened with apparent interest as I gave her the entire Funk & Wagnall’s.
Joe, like Heather and Kylia, has been sorting with an eye to donating the clothes he no longer wears. Huge amount, jackets, warm hats, scarves, socks, T-shirts. The folk at St. Timothy’s will be delighted. This is such a change and I am so very very proud of him.

Annie think a cute cartoon reminder on the door is not ridiculous but compassionate. ((hugs))
Margaret “…a refresher course in your patient is more important than your check list!” It makes me crazy when they proceed to the next item on their checklist without “hearing” what I’ve said or incorporating it into their recommendations. Good on you, galfriend for telling her how you were going to proceed and then terminating the conversation with “Happy New Year!” Relieved your DH’s cataract surgery has been postponed, sad to hear the cancer drugs stopped working but hoping taking him off them will help his gut recover. ((hugs held extra long))
Lisa thanks for the “. . . We have to do our own research, and we HAVE to fight for what's necessary . . .” validation.
Kylia yes Fosamax is for bone building, slowing the march of osteoporosis. “Menopause predisposes women to osteoporosis due to declining estrogen levels.” thus the estrogen/progesterone replacement therapy. Not sure what alternatives there are if any. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29520604/
Vicki great family pic. You two are

:laugh: Can your MD help with the new
“prescreening” of the med you’ve been on?
Lanette many thanks for the Dr. Matt links will watch tomorrow morning. Thanks also for the D3/K2 magnesium/absorbable calcium reminders. Been taking those, need to doublecheck what makes calcium absorbable, also what my most recent Dexa Scan numbers were. Sometimes I feel like I talk but he doesn’t hear. ;{ Many MANY thanks for the Heathy BMI range for seniors, makes me feel SO much better as BMI wobbles down to 25ish then settles back at 26ish :laugh: and WOW, sometimes when I get to 129, I’m even in the ideal weight range? Who’d’ve thunk it? Going to enjoy this moment and NOT read the waist ratio article until tomorrow… at Tara :laugh:
Rita warm hugs and hops your heater repair/replacement is quick and effective.
Debbie I feel the same way as you about the amazing ladies on this thread. ((hugs))
Michele thanks for the prolia suggestion but one of its risks is “osteonecrosis of the jaw” which is one of the scary things the oral surgeon’s office warned as a possibility. Yuck!
Trying to get Tumble her dental within 30 days of her most recent blood work so they don’t require it again (to save $100+). National tooth month? In our house 2024 will be the tooth YEAR! :laugh:
Heather Sorry G has to wait til next Thursday for her appointment. Hope it gives her complete relief.
Welcome @hmjack1561 ! On the 31st, Barbie will post a link to the new months thread, be sure to join us there.
Machka I absolutely

the 10 things when you don’t know what to say to a friend who’s struggling. Saved it to my desktop. Thank you.“..And I always have to remind them of my allergy to antibiotics and about my genetic pre-disposition to clotting.”” Good attitude. Instead of resenting the doctor for not being intimately familiar with (or even consulting) my medical history, I should cultivate an attitude of patient, gentle reminding. Aaugh.
Tracey “… I believe that children’s feelings matter, but I also believe those feelings can be disappointment, anger, and a feeling of “the world doesn’t revolve around me.” Without learning those emotions at home how do they ever survive in the world.” Well said!!!

12/28: Move: [ b] ZERO sets PT [/b], Jeopardy walking. Steps:8512
Fuel: sugar in vs mfp=21 CI<CO net=633 vits=0.5
Live: Joe, readings, BP, ptT, ptS, cancelled vans’ insurance, Freddie’s. Wt:132.5

Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD

December: Move more: chair yoga, line dance, dailyish PT, play with dogs.
Fuel better: less sugar, CI<CO, dailyish vitamins.
Live NOW: dailyish time with Joe, readings, meditate 3 minutes/day. Open heart and mind before mouth.
2023: Be of good cheer.

OregonMother · December 2023

Michele-- are you on prolia? Look up osteonecrosis of the jaw. I am on xgeva, an injection every 3 months. It is the same thing as prolia, I believe. And I do have to be very careful with dental procedures. Basic check ups, cleanings, fillings, and crowns are fine. But extractions and invasive oral surgery are not recommended. My dentist is an important member of my care team for that reason.

Flea
Willamette Valley OR

cityjaneLondon · December 2023

Tracey - I am currently reading a book called 'Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff' by Matt Paxton. Much as I love the dress, (it's very similar to the one I bought for my niece's wedding), your project sounds perfect. You could display the photo of the couple, and one of the dress and hat, next to the design.
Is that the grandmother who gave you refuge when you were a teenager?

Lanette - Thank you for the info on weight for older women. Terri has been saying the same thing for a while. It certainly helps me feel better! My friend L has been lamenting her moderate weight gain recently, but she is prone to bone breakage, so I'm quite pleased about it.

I hope to see G this afternoon on her way through. I will hoover the rug again! It shows every speck!

I'm very near finishing the book editing. Perhaps today. Then blurb etc. Should be out early January.

Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Machka9 · December 2023

auntiebk wrote: »

Kylia yes Fosamax is for bone building, slowing the march of osteoporosis. “Menopause predisposes women to osteoporosis due to declining estrogen levels.” thus the estrogen/progesterone replacement therapy. Not sure what alternatives there are if any. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29520604/

Machka I absolutely the 10 things when you don’t know what to say to a friend who’s struggling. Saved it to my desktop. Thank you.“..And I always have to remind them of my allergy to antibiotics and about my genetic pre-disposition to clotting.”” Good attitude. Instead of resenting the doctor for not being intimately familiar with (or even consulting) my medical history, I should cultivate an attitude of patient, gentle reminding. Aaugh.

Barbara

Because of my genetic pre-disposition to clotting, I can't use Hormone Replacement Therapy ... not for hot flashes, not for osteoporosis.

Fortunately, I am just in the normal to osteopenia stage.

Down here, there's a shortage of GPs and so most are full to capacity, and unless you book a double appointment (which I do sometimes), at most they can give you 15 minutes. Our GP spends about 2 minutes in her office by herself between appointments. I presume she's wrapping up any paperwork from the previous appointment and opening my info on her computer. I've got a lot of info in there, so I know she hasn't had time to read it all by the time I sit down.

She usually just has a glance to see if there are any test results that have come in since my last appointment with her.

But she's good. My previous doctor was in such a hurry to pack up and leave the country, she missed my chronic kidney disease diagnosis until I made an appointment specifically to ask her about it. There it was in big bold letters at the bottom of my most recent test results.

M in Oz

ginnytez · December 2023

Regarding fosomax-

I was on it for a bit for osteoporosis and the listed side effects of the drug are interesting to say the least. One of them is spontaneous fracture of femur (I am possessive of those with my hip replacements! For dental procedures the warnings I was given was if there was an extraction or other process (implant) that directly involves jaw bone (so cleaning and basic filling would not be an issue). Linked to bone death. That's why dentist will want you off for a period of time before doing such a procedure. I am currently off in anticipation of an implant and most likely will not go back on it. I am on Estradiol for my UTI stuff-only hormone (other than thyroid) I take. it also has potential side effects but doesn't seem to impact bones as much. I think we each need to balance our own risks.

Lanette-good reminders as we start the New Year regarding weight as we age.

Annie-I agree restaurant is good choice. Not everyone who attends service will travel to it so it may not be as overwhelming.

Heather-I hope the treatment for G provides relief. We really must advocate for ourselves.

Margret-keeping you in thoughts as you walk through everything with DH. You are to be commended for being as thorough and active in his treatment.

Hopeful antibiotics kicking in. PT yesterday Wednesday he used electrical stimulation. That night I had terrible cramps in both legs. Don't think I like that treatment. He is working on flexibility and balance-our basics as we age! I just need to be diligent in my practice. Walking is better-I am not doing more that 2 miles a day and that seems ok.

Working from home today. May take some time off. Due to staffing issues I will be handling some other responsibilities soon. Will spend part of long weekend working ahead on some things. Will fit in self care during the next few busy months. Scheduled massage for later in month-want to make that a monthly event I think.

Off to the morning stretches before logging. Going to flex off some time and get a morning walk in. Covid is running around my workplace-hoping it doesn't catch me this round-I had it late Sept/early Oct. Have had vaccine since then. Nothing else I can do!

Take care all,

Ginny in Ohio

teklawa1 · December 2023

Betsy in NW WA

Anniesquats100 · December 2023

Good morning ladies!

Lisa I love your sunroom!

Today is kind of open for me until three, so time to recharge my introvert side. Or just make a list for next week. There's still plenty to do, just not meetings with people.

The minister is going to come by some time next week and get the service outlined. I don't much care what they pick as I'm not religious. But I don't want my Dad to get stuck alone in the meeting because we know last time the minister rolled right over him.

There is a question of who will do the eulogy. I really don't want to, but I imagine nobody does. Or rather there are a dozen people who would do two minutes worth. It's just impossible to cover a life in a speech. I drafted an obit, but my sister has it now. It needs to go out soon. Another example where the perfect is the enemy of the good.

But I'm pleased to have a relaxing day ahead. Hope you all have a great day,

Annie in Delaware

Machka9 · December 2023

Regarding COVID and sore feet.

All this time, I had been under the impression that when a person got COVID, they would suddenly develop the worst sore throat they had ever had (or one that was pretty bad) ... and that would trigger them to get tested to discover they had COVID. I've heard a lot about the sore throat as being the key ... the main thing.

It didn't happen like that for me at all. And in thinking about it, I think I was gradually coming down with COVID last week.

I worked the first 4 days of the week, and although I forced myself to climb stairs, my legs were dead. I wondered several times what on earth was the matter with them.

Another thing I noticed was that my feet were killing me. I have quite advanced arthritis in both feet where the big toe attaches to the foot. That joint is enlarged, swollen and red all the time, and my feet have changed shape with the severity of the arthritis. Plus that joint in both feet always hurts. It doesn't matter what shoes I am wearing (no shoes or socks is best), or whether I'm sitting, standing, lying down. There's always pain.

But last week the pain level shot way up. It was like I had kicked a wall with my arthritic joints or someone had dropped a brick on my feet. I couldn't figure it out. I was wearing my most comfortable shoes but my feet were so painful.

By Thursday, not only were my feet sore, but I had quite a headache.

On Friday last week, my glands in my neck and under my jaw swelled up like I had swallowed bags of marbles. I felt like a chipmunk, and I guessed then I was fighting something. But I guess "common cold/respiratory illness".

Then Saturday COVID hit with full fury ... fever and agonising pain from head to foot, especially my head and my feet. Just exactly like my reaction to my second vaccination. That was a very long day.

But when I got up on Sunday, one of the things I noticed was that my feet were no longer screaming in pain ... the pain was back to the usual level. Neither was the rest of me, and I knew then that I'd come through the worst of it. The symptoms have been more cold-like with a bit of gastro thrown in since. And so much fatigue.

But sore throat? Nope. Scratchy. Dry. But not sore. Maybe that's yet to come. I hope not.

Just some observations of how different this has been from what I expected.

Machka in Oz

kymarai · December 2023

Good Friday!
Feeling a little off this morning....could be precursor to migraine....but not sure. Was asleep by 930 last night. I did work on a little cross-stitch last night which was relaxing. I probably should have worked on another cleaning project, but this called my name. Cleaning will wait.

Work today. Half day tomorrow. Off Monday. Yay! The next day we are closed is Memorial day. I have enjoyed the extra time off.

Time to get at work things.

Much love,
Continued hugs,
Healing thoughts,

,
Kylia in grey Ohio

margaretturk · December 2023

Lanette My waist to hip at .89 want it at at least .85. Triglycerides to HDL 4.2 want at 2 or lower. These measurements confirm metabolic syndrome to me. Because of my better food choices weight is now down to 176 from 184 so I am going in the right direction now.

I slept better last night too! No bathroom run or leg cramps. I feel in a better place to do what needs to be done to help DH too! I am trying to follow my own advice when I learn someone is trying to help someone with health issues I ask them what are you doing for yourself and not about the one they are caring for issues. It is even more important now that I take good care of myself and only do what improves my health. No to the many things that only tax my energy and yes to those that help me feel stronger... the right healthy foods, good sleep, things that make me laugh and sing, sharing and spending time with friends with fun activities like movies going to the park, spending quality time with DrewB etc...

Barbara You really do follow the open heart first then open your mouth mantra. Thank you for being a role model.

Annie I wrote my mother's eulogy. What helped me was starting with the repeating phrase did someone say...going out to eat (one of her favorite things to do, travel (another favorite activity), Colin Firth (favorite actor), Lolly ( my dad's nickname for her she was named Leslie Francis which she never liked because at that time Leslie was a boy's name she felt she was named for the son who died in childbirth (she was the youngest of four girls). My goal was to paint a picture so those who didn't know her would come away with the person she was. I know you will come up with a good one of your own that will speak from the heart...

LisaInArkansas · December 2023

Morning, my chickens, from my chilly Arkansas River Valley,

Lanette - I weigh 151 pounds at the moment, and my waist/hip ratio came in at .78, which is great, according to that article. However, please note that when I weighed 303 pounds, my ratio was still only .82, which is well within their version of healthy. I was not healthy in any way... I'm just built like an hourglass, with more sand in the bottom. Always have been.

The weather could be worse, it's just skimming the edge of freezing, and January is just around the corner. This weekend, in fact, shows the two warmest days in the two-week outlook, both getting up to mid-50s (13C). I'll enjoy them while I can.

Just threw the bathroom and kitchen rugs in the washer, and as soon as I've finished with y'all, I'll get everything else that's movable out of both areas and vacuum and mop the floors. This is my only day without a husband in the house, as he was at home for the last six and will be home for the next three. Much easier to do the floors when he's not either sleeping or traipsing around shedding sawdust and wood schmutz from cutting firewood! I really have enjoyed having him home, though, and plan to enjoy the next few days, as well.

Sunroom nattering:

First - thank you all so much for the comments on the sunroom! Corey's got amazing skills. Only one more few hours with the miter saw and he'll be done with the wallboard edges and a few more bits of trim in the sunroom. After that, the saw can go outside, and we can put the flooring in... which we still haven't settled on.

We know a lot of what we don't want, which does help. No carpet, no tile. Vinyl for waterproof, easy installation and easy cleaning, but we're wavering between vinyl plank (which he and I have installed a lot of) and what they used to call linoleum, now vinyl sheet flooring.

We'll also lay down a thin layer of radiant insulation (think thin bubble wrap, with mylar on both sides) between the wood underlay and the vinyl flooring. It's much cheaper than in-floor heating, but it keeps the room warmer, keeps the floor from being cold to bare feet and adds a little bit of give as you walk on it. Corey's idea. We did that in the bathroom and the hallway in the house, and have been very pleased with it.

I was able to recover almost $200 in the costs by taking back the excess big pink insulation yesterday morning. Their online estimation calculators overestimated sharply, but that's OK, it all works out in the end. And speaking of costs, the roofing folks just came through with the final invoice, and the cost only went up about $30 from the estimate, so I was quite pleased.

Here's the latest in-progress photo, with the ceiling panels and trim in on the door end. This is why I want something quite neutral, and not wood-look, on the floor, because it will be overwhelmingly wood otherwise!

Our son called yesterday, and they've changed their minds once again, this time just with timing, though. They have found the apartment complex where they plan to move, just about an hour and a half north of us, but now they will be coming through in February, rather than March or April.

They have also decided to go to school to get their certificates in basic building trades, like plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, etc. (The VA will pay for them to get their certs.) This recent life decision has been inspired by seeing all the pics of John's dad building the sunroom for us.

I think it's a great idea, and can only be helpful knowledge, so I was enthusiastic about it and said so. I still don't hold my breath for anything they say they will do, as they are changeable little creatures, but I'm always fascinated by their thought processes.

Off to the races, kids. Want to get the floors done before I run out of energy... blood tests text week to see where my iron levels are. That should be interesting.

Love y'all!
Lisa in AR

Rosemarie2972 · December 2023

Beth: I hope your Mom is doing better.

Heather: I hope G continues to heal and that the dermatologist can be of some help! I admire your energy!

Kylia: Great work on getting some cleaning and decluttering done!

Annie: My thoughts are with you as you now care for your Dad.

Lannette: I didn't know about the save for Later feature on Amazon!

Lisa: I hope your iron levels are good. I love thinking about the sun pinkening the low-lying wisps of clouds on the horizen.

Margaret Turk: So sorry the cancer drugs are not working. Is this for your DH. I hope he is comfortable. I am suppose to be taking Vitamin D for a level of 24. But the doctor rather made light of it because she has seen levels as low as 8. I think by her saying it wasn't that bad it caused me not to take it so seriously...though I know better. All my weight is on my stomach. I look pregnant in everything I wear.

Kristen11Joy--Welcome back.

Joy: We never did have time to play games this Christmas. We will have to try Jenga.

Rebecca: I hope you enjoyed your tea. I am about to have a second cup of coffee.

Barbie: I got an extension on the taxes last year when my husband passed, so I didn't file until August. So now it seems so soon that it is time to think about taxes again!

Gina: Lovely family picture!

Kathryn: Welcome

Vicki: Nice family picture

Hmjack: Welcome

The plumber came early which is a good thing! I am on a sleeping jag. I slept about 12 hours and am about to lay down again. I have eye strain and am awaiting for new glasses to come in. I have been doing some de-cluttering and listening to the Take Back Your House decluttering course...Progress and Only Progress the course says. Toss trash first, then handle any object that has a home and put it away and then deal with items that don't have a home.

Hope everyone has a good day!
Best,
Rosemarie

pipcd34 · December 2023

261261

grandmallie · December 2023

Morning ladies
Got back about an hr ago from watching Miles,whoosh he is a whirlwind..
Daddy stayed home today as he wasn't feeling well
I saw something on the way home that blew my mind.
I saw a man jogging along the main highway well rt 66 with no shoes or shirt,I was flabbergasted to say the least.
I was in such shock that I wanted to stop and help,but I don't think he wanted any,maybe an escapee from the CVH which is the psychiatric hospital in the next town over.who knows..

Vickil57 · December 2023

Margaret--Sending hugs and prayers.
Rita--Hope your heather is fixed and do not break the bank.
Tracey--What a beautiful wedding dress. I think it is a great idea your plans for the dress.
Well only a couple days until the new year. I have the next 3 days off and plan to get the inside Christmas stuff put away. Also have a couple projects with pictures I want to work on. DH works Saturday and Monday, so plan to use my a lone time to get things done.
Happy New year to each of you and looking forward to what the new years brings us all.
Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND, NE

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2023

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