Donstar

Does the squeaky wheel get the grease? Yesterday my regular Doctor suggested that I may want to consider getting my knee replaced before my shoulder. My surgeon strongly advises to do the shoulder first. This morning I am wondering how bad it would be to get them both done at the same time. I wouldn't do both at once in consideration to my wife However, I wonder if anyone here has done two joint replacements at the same time?

What do you call a magician with no magic? Ian

Another idea. While I was waiting on the technician to change my headlight bulbs, I remember resetting my oil change screen back to 100%. I did this even though I wasn't getting an oil change. I go for longer intervals with full synthetic oil changes. Would this trigger a temporary engine light warning?

On my way to get this checked out, my engine light went out and hasn't reappeared except at startup! I don't know if it simply needed time to reset itself or if a problem still exists.

I stopped by a local quick lube place yesterday afternoon and had new headlight bulbs installed on my '15 Sierra. The technician was obviously familiar with these trucks and explained that he will need to remove the airbox to install the passenger side bulb. He had both bulbs replaced and me on my way in about 15 minutes. Driving home, I noticed the check engine light was on. I didn't have time to circle back but plan to return today. My assumption is this will be a simple error and easily remedied. The tech was very good to me and waved me out saying no charge. I don't want to create problems for the employee. This morning I was thinking that maybe the engine light staying on may not be related to my service yesterday. I am pretty alert to such things and I'm certain the engine light wasn't on prior to this light bulb replacement. Is it reasonable for me to suspect that the re and re of the airbox triggered my engine light?

"RTA" furniture has improved over the years. This particular item is solid when assembled and I didn't need glue. I do like using glue with my woodworking projects but believed it would be unnecessary and add timing pressure to the assembly of this particular project. One reviewer of this table said it took him 45 min to assemble. I was at the 45 min mark after unpacking the box and on Step 1 of a 32 step instruction book! The finished product looks like a decent piece of furniture. However, Mr. Woodend, my high school woodwork teacher, would be rolling over in his grave at how the joints are made!

Last night a coffee table we ordered from amazon arrived. It is one with an expandible lift up top with a shelf and two drawers underneath. Of course, the size of the box it arrived in tells me my day is planned! We have purchased furniture from this manufacturer before and the assembled products are solid. Following assembly directions, in order, is the most expedient way to assemble such items. Ignoring a step or doing it your own way inevitably leads to regrets. I will not need any of the knowledge retained from my three years of high school woodwork classes. Any praise I receive for completing this task successfully will simply be in recognition of my ability to read and follow directions in the order they appear. I won't even need to use any tools from my cherished collection as disposable tools are included in the package! However, I love a challenge and this project is going to deliver! It will require physical agility that my body is currently being very stingy in providing. This became abundantly clear when my wife and I had to move this huge, heavy "brick" from our front porch to just inside the door.... On second thought... I think my "brain over brawn" mantra may have to go to the next level and use my brain to find some one else's brawn!

I try to understand why people keep working into their senior years unless they need the money. I hear the love of their jobs and sense of purpose and social arguments but being retired can fulfill these desires and so much more. However, I respect their chosen paths and know they wouldn't want to trade with me! I've enjoyed 14 years of being in charge of my entire day and continue to be excited to get each day started! Yesterday my wife and I were both suffering from side affects of our influenza vaccines of the previous day. We both gave ourselves a day off and spent the day convalescing together. The last thing we said to each other last night was something like, "That was a great day" and we both meant it. We focused on caring for each other with no worries about what we missed at work or finding ways to make up for a lost day!

I had a flu and a covid shot yesterday and this morning my body is reacting in an unhospitable manner! Nothing outrageous but I'm sure glad we're prepared for days when we need to rest. The meme on the joke thread about retirement planning allowing for 11 minutes at the age of 97 is funny because it hits home to many. Planning for retirement is more than saving money so that you can travel and pursue hobbies. Retirement typically comes at a time when our bodies have reached their best before date and muscling through a workday when you're not feeling well becomes impossible. If you choose, or need to, you can work in your retirement years but make it so your work is helpful but doesn't leave you feeling indispensable. Years ago my father passed on his business that he started and ran for decades. He loved the work and had several people supporting their families relying on him. He didn't need the income and wasn't dependent on the equity in his business. He simply loved his job. The day he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he gave ownership of the company to my brother, but continued showing up for work when he could to help where needed. His services were volunteer and had 13 years of picking and choosing the tasks he wanted to do, or not!

A cortisone shot in my left knee gave me about three weeks of reprieve from pain when standing, using stairs and walking. I am now back to hurting with every step. Yesterday my Dr. said I can't get another shot for two more months and the waitlist for surgery is about a year. In the meantime, I'm anticipating to be called in for shoulder replacement by Christmas! My surgeon believes my shoulder to be a higher priority than my knee. Nonetheless, this morning, I was excited to get my day started. These current challenges are nothing in comparison to what others face. I know that these joint replacements will soon be a memory and I'll be wrestling with physical issues that preceded these surgeries and those yet to come. Roosevelt said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are". It can be frustrating maintaining this vessel carrying my brain around but I find things to do within its limitations!

When I started renovating my bathroom, I went a couple of days without shaving. I decided to extend this hiatus and see what happens. My beard is coming in white and my neighbour has already recommended I serve as a Santa this Christmas! I am noticing how common it is for senior males to be sporting facial hair. They can't all be renovating bathrooms! One of the characteristics of senior living is we are of equal rank and we usually wear the same uniform. When my wife and I go shopping in places like Costco we typically split up when we enter. I usually spend five minutes looking at the stuff I want to see and the next 45 minutes looking her! It always amazes me how many senior women with grey shoulder length hair, wearing glasses and a light blue jacket, there are in Costco at any given time!

Thank you, Customboss, for your service and sharing your story. The support you provide to me and other forum members comes from a place of profound wisdom. Your perspective on this stage of life motivates us to appreciate the good that we face.

Over the past couple of years, I have also been looking for a parachute. Sometimes just talking with others normalizes my fears and makes the freefall more acceptable! We looked after a 4 yr old grand nephew yesterday. He is a big city child c/w condo living and daily daycare. We took him to a local ranch that was having a pumpkin festival. His eyes were like saucers the whole time and we likely made for lifelong memories for this young boy. Last night my wife and I mused about our respective paths from 4 - 70. Every stage has good and bad memories and thankfully the good ones stick! We won't have the advantage of time to look back on our senior years so we have to enjoy the good in real-time!

^^ You two have a love/hate relationship! I bet you'd get along well in real life! I think I'd fit in the mix. Next time I'm in Texas we should arrange to have coffee and test my theory!

Phonebooks worked better than doors 1 & 2! I am also glad door 4 works for me as the thought of someone else doing the job, or going without cleanup, was a concern. I think bidets look weird and might be off-putting to visitors. However, they do a quicker cleaner job than TP with none of the after effects of using a corn cob!

I took the plunge and tried using my bidet in preparation for post surgery recovery. I've recently had both a prostate biopsy and a colonoscopy so it was stupid to be intimidated by a gentle stream of water! Bidets are certainly a different way of taking care of business but after a couple of uses, the old way seems archaic and inefficient. The stigma surrounding the use of these things is apparently more North American than universal. I installed a toilet seat style bidet to maintain independence/dignity following upcoming shoulder surgery with the plan to switch back to a traditional seat when I am able. I doubt I'm going back. Giving up the effectiveness, comfort and efficiency of this device would be a step backward, imo!

I believe that you never drove a dog but I thought you have/had a hog! I am curious what model of Mitsubishi you chose to buy and if Pepper has gone. My wife wants us to share a vehicle as she seldom drives. However, a pickup is not on her radar so I am in no hurry to give up this truck! "We" don't want a car payment and are hesitant to spend a substantial amount of savings on a vehicle. I am safe as long as our senior vehicles behave! If, I was in the market, the '25 Hyundai Santa Fe would get a serious look!

I have two people close to me with covid and are experiencing rougher than the typical symptoms. I am glad we can live as normal with Covid in our midst but I make an effort to reduce my risk of becoming infected. I won't be admitted for upcoming shoulder replacement if I'm testing positive for Covid. Currently the most routine activities take up my "spare time" and I'd be very upset if covid delayed my opportunity to get this fixed. When you are in need of a joint replacement, you aren't able to do half of your usual activities. However no spare time is generated because it takes you twice as long to do what's left!

I am sorry to hear about your difficulties sleeping post shoulder surgery. I consider myself to be a poor sleeper when anything out of the ordinary happens in my life so thank you for telling us about obstacles you are facing. I typically sleep on my side (opposite to my upcoming surgery) and often have afternoon naps in a recliner. We are able to have a recliner in our bedroom as well as the living room so sleeping alone won't be a variable hurting my potential to seep. Another thought I've had in this regard is speaking to people at our local sleep clinic if I can't sleep. Several months ago I went kicking and screaming for an overnight sleep study. I went with over 70yrs of sleep experience expecting a sleepless night and a young technician had me asleep 13 minutes after hitting the pillow!

How is the sleeping? I've been told to plan to sleep in a recliner after my surgery. I know this was also suggested here and wondering if you tried it and if it improved your sleep?

Getting old typically comes with side effects and many seniors spend a lot of time talking about them! You don't usually have to venture far to find someone you can commiserate with you about age related aches and pains. This can be a good thing and networking can provide fresh ideas. However, keep active with age and physically appropriate tasks and don't waste time bemoaning the loss of your younger body. I really struggled this year when I was told to start using a sleep apnea machine. Talking about my concerns with wo close friends (and my always supportive wife) made this a much easier transition for me and turned it into a positive experience. This year I also will see a temporary loss of my ability to meet personal hygiene needs due to shoulder surgery. A previous stroke affecting the other arm compounds my concerns. Thanks to others with comparable experiences, a simple solution to my concern was found. I've installed, but yet to try, a bidet c/w with heated water and seat! I haven't found an experienced user to discuss the finer details but know a few people who are waiting to hear about my first experience!

Thanks for mentioning Biofreeze. I looked it up and sounds good. I keep Diclofenac on hand but Biofreeze may give faster relief. I had a 80 yr old neighbor tell me how miserable she was because of her pain and resulting lack of sleep. She said her Doctor gave her a prescription but she won't take the pills unless her pain becomes unbearable. She also said that the pills don't help anyway. I suggested that if she took her medication the way her Doctor prescribed, she may find she'll start feeling better and not need pills. (Keep ahead of the pain - not chase it) I respect her reluctance to take oral medication but I don't condone taking medication in a manner not recommended by her Doctor. I told her to tell her Doctor that she doesn't want to take the pills. There are alternative treatments to pain management but your health care provider has to know your wants/needs. However, sometimes it comes down to the lesser of two evils!

You said this very well. Our senior bodies can protest with incredible pain! I don't know if you've ever been referred to a pain clinic, but I know a couple of people who have been helped by their services. Several years ago, I went to the ER twice in a couple of months for waking up, unable sit up and get out of bed. Simply put, my body was refusing to function under severe pain from years of hard use, bad back and severe osteoarthritis. Both times I went to the ER, they gave me a pill and soon sent me on my way. I spoke to my Doctor about this which led to a big conversation about pain relief drugs etc. I am against any dependency on drugs but there are times that medicine can allow you to maintain an acceptable quality of life. Unfortunately, the potential problems/stigma associated with drug use makes us scorn the idea of using them in a helpful way. With respect to shots, I had a cortisone shot in my shoulder that had no impact. However, the cortisone shot I had in my knee a couple of weeks ago made a huge difference and served to improve my overall well-being!

I was watching a show on TV recently where at one point a manager was conducting a performance review on an employee. The employee was elderly and well past retirement age. The job was a cashier in a small grocery store. The manager was asking a prescribed set of questions and the employee stopped the process when asked, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" The answer to such a question is much harder to give when your a senior but we all think about it a lot! Knowing that you're within range of North American life expectancy puts a totally different perspective on your needs and wants!

I also like saving major work for the professionals. I was raised in the trades and am familiar with most aspects of residential construction. I typically will do my own work to save money and to justify owning a whole bunch of tools! I left the trades early in my work life and spent 30+ years working in the public school system. I enjoyed getting my hands dirty on weekends and holidays! The bathroom renovation I'm currently doing was sparked from getting an estimate to have a plug outlet installed next to my toilet to accommodate a bidet. This was in preparation for my upcoming shoulder surgery on my dominant side. The electrical work is well within my skill set but the physical part is now a challenge. However the estimated cost far exceeded my highest expectations and decided it was worth the couple of times I may need help getting up off the floor! (Yes, I even pulled a permit) Unfortunately, the money saved somehow justified turning this project into a bit of a remodel!