Donstar

June 19th I will receive my third joint replacement in 54 weeks! A well meaning friend said, "In a year you'll feel like a new man!" I'm sure I will feel much better a year from now than if I didn't have the surgeries, but I'm not expecting a reversal on the impact of aging. I try not to waste time "waiting" to feel better. I won't be able to drive for at least six weeks following my upcoming right knee replacement. I've started looking for a used mobility scooter or electric trike or mini golf cart to rent/buy that can take me to the local malls and shops. I know my wife will drive me wherever I need, but if there are tools to help me maintain independence, I will take advantage of such devices! I am sure there are members who have experience shopping for a vehicle that doesn't require a licence or peddling! Any recommendations?

I would not want to live with my kids unless there was not another option. There may come a time I am on my own and can't physically care for myself. This is when I will need to be in a seniors' care facility. We've cared for a parent in our home and another in their home. Both situations can be very hard on the caregiver and the person needing care. My mother spent her final six years in a care home. She had an active social life and her personal physical needs were met by trained professionals. Her family spent a lot of quality time with her at the facility without the stress associated with needing or provision "personal" care from immediate family.

My 102 year old aunt called me yesterday. Her vision is failing but otherwise she is doing remarkably well. Her daughter has moved in with her to assist. The daughter, my cousin, is the same age as me. The two go out for a drive, a meal or shopping daily and attend their local church on a regular basis. Trying to imagine living with my daughter or son in 2056 is playing havoc on my brain today!

My brother-in-law uses a hearing aid and upgrades on a regular basis. The technology and comfort continuously improves. He is fortunate to have some insurance coverage and is able to afford keeping updated. I am impressed with how discrete hearing aids are now. In the early 60's the public school I attended doubled as the districts' school for the deaf/hard of hearing elementary students. These were the very, very early days of integration for students with special needs. Everyone was together on the playground but not in the classroom. The hard of hearing were instantly recognized by the cumbersome hearing equipment of the day.

Hearing remains okay for me although my wife may disagree! I sometimes get caught not listening...

Thanks for the correction. Our gas prices are advertised in cents per litre. When we quote the price in dollars we tend to ignore the point 9 at the end of every price change. Verbally, I would tell you our current local price is $2.07 per litre. We should round up to $2.08 but ...

Joint replacement surgery is a good option for me. I didn't request surgery but have a huge amount of respect for the knowledgeable surgeon who recommended my operation(s). My decision was made easier by two friends in their 80's who regret not having surgery when it was offered. They didn't take into account that waiting may allow other age related issues render them too high risk for elective surgery.

Imagine my excitement when gas price locally went down from $210.9 per litre to $207.9 per litre this weekend!

I talked to my physiotherapist about the pros and cons of following my recent left knee replacement so closely with a right knee replacement. The osteoarthritis in my right knee is severe but the joint is relatively pain free at this time. It possibly could remain functional for a long time. However, if my overall health changes, I may not qualify for surgery at a later date. I know of two cases where the individual delayed joint replacement surgery and lost the opportunity. Not only are these two fighting health issues that prevent them from having the surgery, they now have debilitating joints that could have been replaced years ago. I am planning to go ahead with a second knee replacement at this time because I'm sure I'll have other things to worry about later!

Sorry for your loss.

I wish! I wonder what The Six Million Dollar Man would cost in today's dollars?

Friday I received a call from the hospital with a date in May for my pre-op appointment for my right knee replacement. I haven't completed my physio yet for my left knee! I guess there is some advantage in getting it all over with but this means I could potentially have gone through three total joint replacements in one year! I'm turning into a resto mod!

Good it's getting better. I'd have a conversation with my dentist if this happened to me. I currently have a dentist that examines and reports all things related to oral health. For example, he recently told me I have a small mouth. Others who know me have been known to report the opposite!

Oh, and many of us in our thirties talking to our Doctor about hair loss... If you have a full head of hair in your seventies, you're wearing a rug

Sometimes a malady you worry about in your middle years is more acceptable in your golden years. I remember a specialist telling me I had considerable osteoarthritis in an area that was causing me discomfort. I knew osteoarthritis is common and asked if what I was experiencing was normal for my age. He grinned and said, "Maybe if you were in your seventies!" Lucky for me, I'm now normal!

What's next?? It's a special surprise! I had a similar experience last week. My right shoulder started to click every time I lifted a light weight as part of my rehab for my my left shoulder! It doesn't hurt but the feel and sound are very unsettling!

Great picture! We have a weekly local TV segment which advertises pets available for adoption through the local shelters. Occasionally, senior dogs are featured. It is a very special person to adopt the older dogs and your wife is truly special. I showed your post to Mrs. D and hopefully we'll both pay close attention when senior dogs are featured!

Six months ago, our dog Star was very ill and tests revealed she had very little time left. A week was the projection! She defied the experts for as long as she could and she succumbed to her illness this past Thursday. She was the Star in Donstar! We adopted Star a few months following the death of a dog we had for about 18 years. At the time we hesitated getting another pet because of the pain we were going through. However, adopting Star brought us 15 additional years of beautiful K-9 companionship. Now we are at the stage in our lives when a new puppy will most likely out live us! This wouldn't be fair to the animal. However, it is possible to consider adopting an older dog who has outlived his/her humans!

Well done to Mrs. Grumpy!

We always had alcohol around for guests and personal use. It was an unnecessary expense and has a tendency to make social events worse. As a young adult I enjoyed the feeling after a couple of beers and now I can't stand anything that clouds my head! I haven't had alcohol for at least twenty years and don't miss it. My recent knee surgery continues to cause me a lot of discomfort largely due to avoiding drugs that make me feel less alert. I don't doubt that a few drinks would also temporarily take the pain away! Hmmmmm.....maybe.....Nah... Adding a hangover to throbbing knee would be awful!!

Definitely get your paperwork in order and make sure your power of attorney and executor know you wishes. If you're navigating your senior years and have not already done this, make arrangements to get this done immediately. SiriusXM (Dr. Laura) often advertises NOK (next of kin) boxes that may help in the process. But don't say you'll look into it at a future time. Minimize this window now and Google a local lawyer and start the process!

I assumed that hospitals asked for a next of kin contact upon admission. If your brother doesn't have a spouse then a sibling would be a likely choice.