WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2024

cityjaneLondon · February 19

Machka - No, I've never smoked. I suspect I have some artery narrowing in the pelvic area. This causes the thigh ache and the intermittent claudication. I have been watching lectures by vascular surgeons. The prognosis is OK provided I do the walking to claudication exercises. That is the treatment at the vascular clinics. And many personal testimonies. To see what is really going on I would need an arterial ultrasound and a CT scan.
The waiting list over here for any treatment is completely ridiculous, but I will battle on. People are waiting years.
That October 22 consultation was entirely by phone and resulted in a blood test and then nothing. No follow up. I have emailed the doctor I saw last week, but have heard nothing back yet. She did not do a physical exam. I will ring again on Wednesday if I don't hear. The system is broken and in a mess. I will persist.
I have normal sugar and chloresterol levels, but i do have high blood pressure. The main factor is genetic. My father had a similar thing, and my brother, although he is diabetic.

Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Anniesquats100 · February 19

I did my first routine of habits! Yay!

Yogurt then dress then bike 10 mins then walk 6 mins.

I'm on my way!

Annie in Delaware

1948CWB · February 19

Pip: Love the rearranged living room.

Tracy: I think Miki has inherited your creativity.

Heather: My husband has peripheral artery disease plus a bone on bone knee. This happened to him after he had a heart attack and four stints placed in his heart followed by blood clots in his legs. After the heart surgery, he had to quit smoking and gained over 50 lbs. This has been hard because he was always the skinniest man around and now he is having to carry around all those extra pounds and cannot/will not exercise.

Carol in Ga

barbiecat · February 19

Lisa, appointments are a problem for me, too, even the most simple ones close to home. On Wednesday I have a bone density scan and a blood test. They are a 15 minute drive away and both in the same building but they require that I wear clothing that is different from normal and that I leave the house.

Annie, bravo on beginning a new habit routine. I learned a lot from Gretchen Rubin. She helped me find out why some plans work for other people and not for me.

Tracey, I have weighed myself morning and night for many years. Sometimes it makes me happy because I see that I've lost weight, but it always reminds me that I am a person who must be vigilant about eating and exercise because my weight won't take care of itself without help.

My mother used to say about my father that he didn't read or watch or listen to anything unless is was "good for him" (documentaries rather than action movies, for example) and I share some of that. A great deal of what I read or listen to has been valuable to my life. A lot of what passes for "wisdom" is just something I learned from reading a book or listening to a podcast. I enjoy mysteries both in books and on TV so I'm a bit more balanced.

Barbie in NW WA

margaretturk · February 19

Reading Grain Brain now. It is re-enforcing what I am learning about wheat (especially wheat grown in the US) and the effects on the body. I know I still have exposure occasionally but it is far less than I have eaten before. Weight still down 10. Now at 173 from 183. Reduces and or eliminating sugar is my next goal.

I had an interesting chat with the man who organizes the food give away at the church down the street from son's house. He at one point was involved with the use of magnet therapy. His wife has kidney disease due to her body's processing protein. He made a belt for her that she wears around her kidneys where the poles are pointing north in the front of her body and south in the rear. This follows the natural magnetic course of our bodies. He used magnets that have the centers drilled out. It was a fascinating discussion. It is a reminder we are tied to the earth and the earth has a natural magnetic field and by taping into this field in the right way it can be healing. His wife's numbers dramatically improved with the use of this belt. I asked him how do you find this kind of help when you don't have someone like you in their life (he was also an acupuncturist). He said you find a chiropractor who does biogenic therapy. You will not find this kind of help with conventional medicine.

Learning more and more. What you eat is as important if not more important as to the calories the food contains. It is how our bodies process what we eat especially how it affects insulin and inflammation (cortisol) in our bodies that determines how lean and or fat our bodies become.

MYou ate all those nuts because your body is craving the right kind of fat. From what I have learned better nuts than potato chips!

SophieRosieMom · February 19

Ginny - good job on the fitness test. It's reassuring to know that despite some of the physical problems we've encountered, the exercise we've done along the way is paying off.

April - you asked several days ago how quickly small changes make a difference if I'm remembering right. You may have already answered that question yourself.

I was going to say when I cut out sugar and refined carbs, seems like my bloating diminished in just a few days. I was able to wear my favorite jeans without them being painfully tight in the waist. Hope the reaction to yogurt isn't a permanent thing.

You mentioned you have stage 3 liver disease. I'm not familiar with it. Crossing fingers that changing your diet helps heal that condition.

Heather - your son Tom has a wonderful on-camera presence. Enjoyed the video. I too wonder if your medical friend had other ideas as to the cause of your leg pain and swelling. I hope you can get in soon to a doc's office and get further tests done. I'm not sure there are any countries in the world with an ideal health care system anymore. If there are, it probably takes a LOT of tax revenue to keep them afloat. Very complicated problem, seems worse in some states and regions. Doctor shortages don't help. I get top notch health care because I pay out of pocket every month into a Direct Care clinic that doesn't take insurance and I'm lucky to be able to afford it, at least right now. My circumstances could change.

Lisa - good luck today.

Tracey - Michaela is a gem, good job on the phone case. Reading about her helping you in the kitchen brings back pleasant memories hanging around with my grandma in her kitchen when I was Micki's age. I wish I'd have paid better attention - she made the best potato soup with rivels, and my siblings and I have not been able to duplicate it.

Yesterday my friend T and her husband stopped by after church for their weekly visit. His dad, 89, really needs to stop driving. Memory loss, congestive heart failure, many dents in the car he doesn't recall happening. He was once a sharp and respected business leader and is adamant that his keys will not be taken away even though he has many people ready to drive him anywhere he wants to go. He has 2 doctor appointments this week - cardiologist and his GP. Hoping they will lay down the law and he'll take heed since he won't listen to his sons. In the meantime, the sons are scheming on ways to disable his car or restrict his access to it.

By the way, when the old feller was in the hospital last week for a few days, T's husband discovered most of the nurses there were traveling nurses who were making a stunning hourly wage PLUS $2000 per month housing allowance! His main nurse was from Texas.

Sending good thoughts to all who are navigating weight loss and exercise journeys today. As many on this thread have already advised, start small and build on those successes.

Lanette

SW WA State

kevrit · February 19

ATnowornever wrote: »

Found out last night I can't eat yogurt. I've been eating very clean the last 3 weeks. Low carb, (whole carbs only, no refined) no sugar, (except small amounts of honey), and no processed food, whole foods only.

I went grocery shopping yesterday and picked up some plain yogurt to enjoy for dessert with a little honey, and within 5 minutes of eating it, I developed a stomach ache. 10 minutes later that ache turned into some serious stomach pains. So bad that I had to lay down. Within 30 minutes I had to rush to the bathroom. Without sharing TMI, my stomach and intestines finally settled down after 2 trips, and I was able to finally fall asleep.

Now, I can eat small amounts of cheddar cheese, and a small splash of heavy cream in my coffee. Why not yogurt? Still figuring this health and diet thing out, but I guess my body is letting me know what is, and isn't, good for me.

I have a runny nose today. I don't feel like I'm getting sick, so I wonder if it's a reaction to that yogurt last night?

RVRita - I'm following the same type of diet, low carb and no sugar. Right now I'm not dealing with any cravings. I think that has to do with the scare my doctor gave me though, when she told me I had stage 3 liver disease. That was an eye opener and really got my butt in gear, to make some serious health changes.

Annie - I think sugar was doing the same thing to me. So glad I'm following a no sugar diet plan now.

Barbie - I'm following the same eating guidelines as you and loving it. It seems like every week I'm feeling a tiny bit better. I'm one of those people who has to be very strict with logging what I eat, even if it's just a spoonful. Those spoonful calories add up quick!

Tracy - LOVE that stand, and you decorated it nicely.

Heather - I feel your pain. I think doctors are in such a rush, trying to squeeze as many patients as possible in each day, that they fail to take the time to get to the true health issues we have. Symptoms are not, "One size fits all."

Pip - Your new blinds look great.

Tracey - Love your décor. I don't know why, but decorating escapes me. I can never get my house to look as nice as others do.

~April in Indiana

@April — Eating the way I do helps me identify which foods I react to. A couple years ago I did a blood test to see what foods I react to. The result surprised me. The #1 thing was egg whites, second was egg yolks. Ginger surprised me, as did winter squash. The last of the top 5 was shellfish, which I already knew. I stopped eggs right away and my Colitis symptoms went away immediately. But from what I read, if your body adjusts to not processing a problem food, you may discover others, which I did. I have eliminated yogurt, which I was eating every day when diagnosed with the CKD stage 3. And my tummy reacted to straight up oatmeal which I was eating before the yogurt. Eliminated the oatmeal first and saw an immediate improvement. Eliminated yogurt because of the CKD and found that was bothering me too. So unsweetened vanilla Almond milk and original, Cheerios, Corn Flakes, and Rice Krispies with Almond mild and fruit has been my go to. I don’t mind this. I’d rather make the food changes than deal with the medical things! I can control what food I eat. If you would like to know what blood test I did, PM me. They have made a changes to their results and I really don’t like the change. Harder to isolate the food problems.

RVRita

Snowflake1968 · February 19

Ginny - the biggest thing with Jonah is his age, he is 12, still interested in being here and visiting but prefers to play his games. I have to say though that most of his games uses creativity. His favourites are ones where he directs the outcome. His most favourite is one that he creates stick figure animations. He gets Google play cards from me a lot because when I buy Michaela something I buy him something. He uses these to buy more functions in the game. He has music, special effects, cartoon sounds, etc. it’s just not very interactive with us. Although he does show us a lot of what he’s doing.
When do your kids come for a visit?

Annie - my comfort food is chips. I could eat them all day. I have to not buy them or I will eat them, maybe that’s what you need to do with your chocolate.
I am going back to no Coke starting tomorrow, I have one can left in the fridge I’m drinking today. There are a few chips here that I’ll make for nachos for supper. That will take care of those.
Tomorrow is payday so I can go buy some healthier groceries.

Lisa - hope you have a successful trip.

Heather - I hope you can get to see the doctor again. I think your healthcare system is as bad as Canada’s. It’s an awful mess.

Carol - yes she has been crafting with me for a long time, she has a creative mind and good sense of colour.
I love seeing her try to figure things out.
I hope your husband decides to exercise soon on his own. We can’t force them.

Barbie - I have never weighed at night, only in the morning. I really think I need a new scale. I can’t trust the one I have. One day I’m 199 and the next 193 some days it throws out a 197, which I feel is the closest to true based on my pants.

I love the different ways and things we all learn on here, then do with it what we will. You ladies inspire me.

Lanette - I am a very simple cook. I do not like cooking at all really. I can clean and organize all day though.
I have my grandmother’s old old cookbooks. I looked for a potato soup recipe with rivels for you. There is not a soup recipe in any of them! I guess in those days people knew how to cook so didn’t need a recipe for soup. I cannot make soup, I’ve tried several times and I fail! What are rivels?
My brother unhooked a wire to the carburetor on our moms car when it became dangerous for her to drive. It’s a shame when people keep driving long past the time they should, it puts so many at risk. I hope his doctors revoke his licence, they probably will if the sons tells them the concerns.
My friend Linda that I talk about on here a lot was killed when an elderly man ran a stop sign, he thought he knew where the signs were on the road from memory.
We could very well all be there at some point in life and I’m sure it will be awful to give it up, but we could be saving lives, even our own.

DH is asleep on the couch, this is our routine in the mornings when he comes home from work. At some point while I’m in class he moves to the bedroom. He hasn’t moved yet today and it’s annoying because I’m having to be quiet.

I think I’ll go back to the craft room and putter in there. I am going to put the things I have on Marketplace in a tote so it’s out of my way.

I may just have a coffee first.

Tracey in Edmonton

cityjaneLondon · February 19

Lanette - I don't have swelling as such, although my ankles swell occasionally. The claudication is in my left thigh, on the inner thigh. Otherwise, I am just in uncomfortable pain on walking. And moderate pain at night, but some nights are worse than others.
I have always had 'thigh aches', even as a teenager, cold feet, hate standing, and been a terrible walker. I just thought it was 'me'. I would still think that, if the claudication hadn't come back. I first had it 20 years ago.
I have a non aligned patella, which meant my left leg became very weak. I went to a private sports physio and she helped me hugely. I still do those exercises every day. I used to dance, because I loved it, but latterly in pain.
Probably, quite a lot of me is furred up! I walked in the house this afternoon, because I was waiting for the cleaner, for 15 mins, including some backwards.

Not enough to bring on claudication, but tomorrow is Bea pick up. I always get it then. It truly is agony and brings tears to my eyes. No one can understand another's pain. My husband doesn't understand, despite wanting to be sympathetic.
The instruction is to walk to the pain, rest, and continue. Pain, rest, continue. I will take my little chair with me.
Over time I should be able to walk further without claudication.
Thanks for watching Tom 's video. I loved it. The format with the three of them worked well. Lots of chuckles.
And thank you for your lovely review.

Carol - I am so sorry your husband won't exercise. Unfortunately, you can't make people do what's good for them.

HUGS for you.

On a good note, I have got the questions from the Hovarian for the article they are running on me and NOW I AM in April. I just have to answer them.

Now to go down for aperitif and connecting time. My life is good.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

kevrit · February 19

Watch I’ve stopped looking. I figure I’ll find it when I’m not looking. I have 1 more area to clean out and look. I may do it today, but DH wants me to go to town so may not have time. Minimum 2 hours gone there. 10:10 am here now and still have to do squats. Missed yesterday, but feel much better today.

Thanks for asking! I’m beggining to think my local aliens took it! (Or made it invisible!) LOL

RVRita

Transporters are REAL!! (According to NPR!)

kevrit · February 19

Today is: Chocolate mints? I love those but can’t eat them (sugar free ones trigger my Colitis. Real sugar ones trigger my sugar addiction! ) 🤷‍♀️

SophieRosieMom · February 19

cityjaneLondon wrote: »

Lanette - I don't have swelling as such, although my ankles swell occasionally. The claudication is in my left thigh, on the inner thigh. Otherwise, I am just in uncomfortable pain on walking. And moderate pain at night, but some nights are worse than others.
I have always had 'thigh aches', even as a teenager, cold feet, hate standing, and been a terrible walker. I just thought it was 'me'. I would still think that, if the claudication hadn't come back. I first had it 20 years ago.
I have a non aligned patella, which meant my left leg became very weak. I went to a private sports physio and she helped me hugely. I still do those exercises every day. I used to dance, because I loved it, but latterly in pain.
Probably, quite a lot of me is furred up! I walked in the house this afternoon, because I was waiting for the cleaner, for 15 mins, including some backwards. Not enough to bring on claudication, but tomorrow is Bea pick up. I always get it then. It truly is agony and brings tears to my eyes. No one can understand another's pain. My husband doesn't understand, despite wanting to be sympathetic.
The instruction is to walk to the pain, rest, and continue. Pain, rest, continue. I will take my little chair with me.
Over time I should be able to walk further without claudication.

And thank you for your lovely review.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Heather - do you have chiropractors in the UK? A doc that does spinal adjustment? Just wondering if a major nerve is pinched or irritated in your leg/legs and the problem is up in your spinal column? Sometimes they can remedy pain problems.

Maybe a physical therapist - I think you call them physiotherapists - could help too. You probably need a referral from an GP. I think you were looking into that (maybe you did already?)

Just a thought.

Lanette

auntiebk · February 19

Today’s gratitude: Roomba

Bob & Brad’s rotator cuff explanation, stretches and strengthening exercises.
Deb__23 Well done! Is there a reason for no dark leafy greens in the food example? Otherwise what Barbie said about not eating because you think MFP wants you to. What Ginny said about weighing food vs measuring. It’s a real eye-opener.
Lisa heart and thoughts with you at the medicals today. How soon can the gastro get you back in?
Tracey funny how your decorating and orderliness are the opposite of your mom’s keeping everything despite no storage. Mama was a great thrower-outer and tidier so you can guess how I am. . .

One time I even used my allowance to buy back a puzzle Mama had donated to the school rummage sale.

Michaela’s apple didn’t fall far from your tree. Amen about the teleporter.
Machka “…my name is Inigo Montoya…” one of my favorite Mandy Patinkin roles. Maybe this is why.

especially the last 4 paragraphs here: https://collider.com/inigo-montoya-princess-bride/

Ginny would you share your crockpot balsamic chicken recipe?
Annie nuts don’t whet but satiate my appetite. Carbs now . . . :devil: Would you share your strategy for when your Dad frustrates you? First routine of habits? Yay you!!!
Heather you inspire me to keep up with my rotator cuff stretches in hopes of a cure before the MRI/PT, and to walk more briskly farther to make more vessels hopefully improving the chronic venous insufficiency. Thanks!
Carol my heart goes out to you. So hard to watch a husband who will not even try. What Tracey said about we cannot force them…((hugs))
Margaret “…better nuts than potato chips” Amen, sister amen. Not sure who (Lanette?) recommended this podcast but I am persuaded that “eat real food” is the answer to (many/most) of our health/obesity issues. The Stanford professor presents molecular biology in an understandable way.
Lanette haven’t mustered the guts yet to take the tests. Had to google “rivels” and right there in Wikipedia is a picture of cream of potato soup with rivels… :laugh: Sure hope Sue’s traveling nurse tenant makes that kind of $$ so can afford to move out soonest. SMH
Rita, this one’s for you:

https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/homemade-dark-chocolate-honey-mints/

Weighing vs measuring. According to the label a serving of Sabra Hummus is 2 TBS/30 g. But when I weighed a level TBS of humus it came out at 23g, 8 g over what half a serving should have weighed. Mayonnaise is another. I include these and nuts but only after scrupulously weighing out the portion

2/18: Move mins- wii:12 PT:0 d:0 x&a:0 dogs:19 Jeopardy walking:68 Steps:8342 yay!
Fuel: sugar in vs mfp=4 CI<CO net=294 vits=1
Live: Joe, readings, BP, AF, ptT, ptS, M, H, Wt:

Time’s up!
Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD

February: Move more than yesterday, fuel better than yesterday, live NOW.
Open heart and mind before mouth.
2024: Strengthen: body, mind, heart-connections.

cityjaneLondon · February 19

Lanette - Most of these things are private, so you have to pay. According to the vascular surgeon, if the pain is relieved when you bend over a shopping trolley, then it's spinal. That doesn't apply to me. I can't afford private treatment. I self referred myself to NHS physical therapy well before Christmas. Haven't heard anything. Waiting lists are endless. 7 million are on waiting lists to just see someone. Even when you get to see someone, you still wait for ever. That was on the news today as a scandal, because it is not counted in the waiting list figures. I will continue to advocate for myself, but I consider my research to be the best option. Believe me, I will make my feelings heard. It is the fault of the government, not the hard working folks in an underfunded system.
I will ring the doctor on Wednesday morning and be appropriately assertive. The young woman I saw has not replied to my email.
This is a political issue, so I am not able to go into detail here.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

PS - I have just sent another email. All you get is an automated reply, but I think they need to know their response is not good enough. I have just done a Google review.

auntiebk · February 19

Recently someone posted a list of all the weight loss approaches they've tried with their conclusion that they knew what to do, but struggled doing it. Whoever it was (Vicki? Rosemarie? or???) would you repost!
Giving me much food for thought.
Thanks!
Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD

Krisandthemum · February 19

Hi, I’m Kristen from Maine. I enjoy meeting people and reading your stories! I am 59 looking forward to 60 so I can remember how old I am. 😂 after 60 it just won’t be that important to me again. ❤️ I have better things to out my math skills and memory to! Spreadsheet queen 😀 AND organizing grandkids toys💕! Hugs and 🙌🏼 to you ALL

SophieRosieMom · February 19

MFP Weekly Check-in February 19, 2024

Debbie in Napa Valley, CA -up again since the last time I weighed in- 154.2 Need to start tracking my food again. Exercise is getting back on track with 5 days of exercise- 2 nights of Zumba and 3 days walking- Getting my 10,000 or more each of those days.

Sue from WA State- No water exercise this past week due to tendonitis. yoga 7/7, PT exercises for ankle 7/7. Not a lot of walking, supposed to keep off foot as much as possible so tried to do that. Celebration - current weight 223. Navigation - deal with stress of tenant from Hades without resorting to food.

Evie from BC - Had a rough couple of weeks, it was the anniversary of my mom's passing on the 15th, but I buckled down the last few days and managed to eke out a stay the same! Given that I was up about 3 lbs for a few days, I'll take it!

RVRita from Roswell NM - Weight up from last week. Letting myself stress eat. Celebrating the improvement on my abilities due to the squats I’ve been doing. Navigating The emotional eating. Starting right now to be aware when I’m doing that. DH likes his sweets and those are my downfall. If I don’t buy it, I don’t eat it.

Lanette SW WA State – Celebrating – weight staying in range and good results on the Fitness Test. Navigating – adding more protein to my diet and incorporating additional strength training several times per week.

grandmallie · February 19

Here is my little goober .. before I fed gim a PB and J,sheesh he was wound up tighter than a tick and flying all over the place..but he was happy to have me there.
And I have barky boy back too.
Margaret.. that belt sounds interesting ..might have to look into that..send me more info if you can on that.
I am beat.. keeping up with a 2 yr old is not for older people lol.

anmlmzdiet · February 19

@Snowflake1968
I'm with you. I'm ready to toss my scale.

1948CWB · February 19

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2024

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