Donstar

I mentioned to a couple 70+ year old couple we were visiting yesterday that my wife just bought me a travel CPAP machine for an early birthday present. This prompted the wife of this couple we were visiting to tell her husband that he should have his snoring checked out. He snapped back that he will get it checked if a professional tells him to get it checked! Obviously the CPAP topic struck a nerve and I did my best to ease the tension. I told him you don't need a professional to tell you that you snore or have breathing issues while sleeping. Be glad that someone cares enough to tell you!

"Why would I want a smartphone?", is a question that does prompt a chuckle. It is unimaginable why anyone would choose to be without one. The cartoon in the post above depicts many of the basic tasks a modern "phone" does cheaper and more conveniently than previous technology. The part I find funny is why we call it a phone. I seldom use it to speak to anyone but I use this device frequently. I still own a landline, a dedicated digital camera, a laptop, a desk calendar. a portable radio a library card and look forward to our weekly newspaper! Oh, and I lick my finger to check wind direction. (Some may need to use their phone to find out why! )

One of my phone apps quit working and I was told my old Android phone would need replacing if I wanted to continue using this particular app. I was quite happy with my old Motorola from Costco so yesterday I drove to Costco and bought a new Motorola! I didn't buy the cheapest phone Costco offers, but close!

"Use it or lose it". I also strive for 10k steps per day. I periodically clip a pedometer to my belt and verify. I'm not fanatical about the 10k number but strive to average close to this number. Currently, I'm waiting for a knee replacement and I know I'm walking well below this number of steps. It can be painful to stand and start walking. I'm ok once I start walking but I lose a lot of the incidental steps we typically do in a day when it hurts to initiate movement.

I also go to watch and will be at the mall in about an hour. Funny to see families still visiting Santa!

About thirty years ago, I found myself Christmas shopping for my wife on the morning of Dec. 24. Walmart was open 24hrs so I went there first. It looked like a men's only club. I commented to a sales clerk about this observation and she said it happens every year. Men have a greater tendency to leave their Christmas shopping to the last minute. Since then, I've learned my lesson. I had my Christmas shopping completed by 5 pm Dec.23 this year!

Everyone celebrating Christmas and reading this thread have many, many memories of this special day. Some recollections are so outstanding we may shed a tear or two at the dinner table tomorrow! In an instant we've graduated from the kid's table to special accommodations at the grownups' table! I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas full of laughter and happy tears!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

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.