Donstar

We had two dear old friends visit us for a Christmas season brunch yesterday. At one point during our visit, we updated each other on our shared and individual medical issues. All of us had many visits and medical treatments this past year and appreciate how our current health would be much different if we had unavailable / unaffordable health care. I sincerely hope there is no one participating int this thread who can't access affordable medical help.

Gluten free!

This is the crappiest segue ever! (I did say please.....)

Nothing lights up a crowded room than an unexpected fart especially during a quiet, solemn occasion! Butt stuff is very personal yet we all poop. Those of us who have cared for people who are unable to toilet themselves appreciate just how personal and private bowel movements can be for a patient. It is an unpleasant task to assist a but it can be devastating for the patient.

I recommend to anyone approaching, or in their senior years, to ask their Doctors about having a colonoscopy if s/he never had the pleasure! I have two members of my immediate family who live without a colon and a close uncle who died of colon cancer. A colonoscopy can be a life saver or possibly save you from dealing with a whole new way of dealing with body waste. With respect to knee surgery, I am still waiting for mine. There is a long waitlist and I know my turn is soon. I was expecting to have it done in time for Christmas but no such luck!

Please don't go on. I appreciate that the politics of healthcare is a topic for discussion and/or debate but not here...please. Yesterday I was on the phone with my 102 year old Aunt for an hour. She is remarkably aware and informed. There is no extraordinary things she has done to live so long. There is no obvious reason why I couldn't live another 30 years! I doubt that I will but it is possible. My Aunt knows she doesn't have much longer to live but currently has no critical health threat except the number of candles on her birthday cake.

I don't see how the "Head in sand" comment applies here. A discussion on the benefits of a second opinion on a medical issue can be had without sharing our political views.

Navigating through our senior years is a journey many Canadiens and Americans face. Healthcare is often a political topic but please not here. "Second opinions" prompted some discussion and I appreciate this could be a cost consideration. This is worth noting and may impact whether getting a second opinion is practical. This is not the venue to debate the how and why of who pays what and when.

Fortunately, I have a Doctor (GP) who gives me good advice. Anything potentially serious, he refers me to a specialist. (I have made follow-up appointments with my Doctor to get his opinion/interpretation of what a specialist has told me.) There is a second opinion inherent in being referred to a specialist.

It is interesting how people form differing opinions. Two people can read or hear the same content and interpret differently. This is common and serves as a basis of conflict or conversation. Sometimes we just accept that we exist together while having different opinions on some topics/issues.

Sorry for your loss, Grumpy.

^^^^ I don't want to be the person who hears, "If we caught this earlier..." However, I think since approaching my '70's, my check engine light is always flickering. It can be difficult to know when to say, "Nah, it'll be fine!" or this may be an early sign. We are very fortunate that visiting a Doctor isn't a financial concern because my engine light and commitment to be proactive finds me a frequent visitor!

Definitely check your six! Crohns, colitis, colorectal cancer have all impacted close family members. I have a FIT test every two years. If you are unfamiliar with the term, then you should ask your Doctor for one. Many people have too high of a level of acceptance for irregular or unusual bowel movements. Some find discussion too personal yet its something familiar to all! Early detection can save you from major life altering surgery or worse.

I have found that my Doctors only offer surgery after I've exhausted other options. I spent a lot of time in my 50's & 60's targeting the most arthritic joints with exercises and non-surgical treatments. My 70's began with having my name put on waitlists for shoulder and knee replacements. On Friday my Doctor suggested we X-ray my right hip as it is calling for attention. My knee surgery is imminent so we we decided to wait until that is done before we move ahead on exploring the hip. I am not excited about having artificial joints but they're better than non-functioning oem joints! I know two seniors in their 80's who refused joint replacement when it was recommended in their 70's and both now vehemently regret their choices. Now, their Doctor's are discouraging them due to their age and overall health.

The option of having a joint replaced isn't always an easy one. The pros and cons list can be pretty close. I find that the decision depends on the day. (Some say the weather) My left knee is up for replacement. Some days, like today, it is pain free. Other days, it's like sticking my finger in a light socket every time I bend my knee. This unpredictability was my deciding factor in not taking a fulltime Santa job this Christmas! Karnut now has helped convince me not to sign up to be a substitute Santa! I forgot the risks of increased close proximity to others. Santa's personal bubble is not nearly large enough to protect him from coughing and sneezing excited kids!

To be or not to be Santa - that is the question! I was approached again in our local mall (by Santa himself) and asked to consider being a substitute in case any of our city's Mall Santa's are unable to work. I currently have a full white beard which does attract the occasional Santa reference. I have already turned down the opportunity to be full time for this Christmas season but maybe an occasional shift would be ok. However, Santa has pretty big boots to fill and I wouldn't want to sign up and then let him down! I don't know anyone who has actually done this specific job and the advice I get from the people in my life is not helpful. I don't need the work but looking at it as possibly being a fulfilling / fun Christmas experience. Anyone here have experience impersonating the jolly man in the red suit?

It can definitely be a challenge keeping these older models running smoothly! My shoulder surgery last June served well to distract me from all of the other attention seeking antics of my body! My shoulder still has some healing to do but I am back to being reminded that it is surrounded and supported by old parts! Recently, I was telling a friend about me having to use a cpap machine and a wrist brace when sleeping. She responded that she also uses a cpap machine but puts braces on both wrists! There is some comfort and appreciation found in sharing our challenges with others. Thank you for sharing your story.

Your house may not look like the Griswold's but still a tasteful salute to the season! How are your shoulder and hands?

There are also projectors you can put on your lawn that will brighten up the exterior of your house with colorful patterns or images. Over the years, we've tried many options but I always return to the traditional multi-cored lights attached to the eves of our house. On Monday, I did manage to get a string of lights along the front of the house without a problem. Our house is a single story so no major heights. The many trips up and down the ladder were not appreciated by the knees that are past their best before date! A few years ago I upgraded my outdoor lights to LED which almost eliminates any need to go back up on a ladder until its time to take the lights down.

I typically put up our outdoor Christmas lights this time of year. I was planning to start yesterday but my knees weren't in the mood! Maybe today! I know there are people we can hire but I enjoy this annual task! I am hoping that a new knee (or two) in the New Year will keep me doing this for several more years, however, joint replacement doesn't fix everything. Eighteen years ago, a fall from a ladder putting up Christmas decorations had me in the hospital for a week. A similar fall at my current age would likely have much more permanent consequences. My wife and kids are well aware of this and worry is starting to overshadow this event! Time to replace this part of our annual traditions! Rather than look at this as one more thing, I can't do, I focus on looking for alternatives that don't involve a ladder!

The attendance at our local cenotaph was outstanding! The huge numbers made the event especially powerful. All age groups were well represented. During the two minutes of silence, you could of heard a pin drop. The tears in peoples' eyes echoed "message received".

I found this emoji online: