Donstar

I agree there is plenty of easily available information on recovery. I found personal accounts, such as yours, most helpful. It was actually reading yours on this forum that prompted me to dig deeper Up until I read about your challenges, I was comfortable with the information provided in my pre-op meetings. I think most people care to be informed but they don't know what they don't know.

Yesterday I came across a lady wearing a sling. She had a shoulder replacement about a week ago and was happy to share her experience with me. I know sharing my five weeks of post surgery experience provided comfort to her and her partner. The upsetting part of this encounter for me was how poorly informed this lady seemed to be on what to expect post surgery. I attribute this ignorance to the popularity of joint replacement surgery. We have a tendency to think that it's no big deal because it is so common. I encourage doing research and practicing recovery before surgery. Talk to someone who has recently been through a similar surgery or, at least, watch several YouTubes in advance of surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will not be telling you how to put on your socks or how to deal with bathroom hygiene or the myriad of other unexpected surprises!

It actually make sense and worth a try. Our body seems to have a built in timer and sometimes we can change the settings. I've used this strategy effectively for changing established habits and routines. For several years I was on pain meds at 4 hour intervals. I was at a point that I didn't need to check the clock as my body would announce it was ready within minutes of the 4 hour mark. I started recording the times and added a few minutes each day to the interval. Within a few months, my body alarm was quiet for 6 hrs. Now I'm morning and evening. I used this strategy years ago to reduce the urge to smoke. I didn't stress myself with quitting but simply made my body wait a little longer between cigarettes. I don't claim now to be a non-smoker but I go days without. I will smoke if I want, not because of any physical cues. The other night my wife and I were joking that we could set the clock by our midnight wake-up routine. (The dog included) This occurs consistently and I bet we can change the schedule with a little re-training.

I had to look up, "retain your bladder". Good info!

I drink a lot of water as hydration is very important for overall health and function. Years ago my doctor suggested to stop drinking after supper to reduce my need to get up during the night. It made sense but my water intake hadn't changed. My need (frequency) to go to the bathroom had changed. Stopping fluid intake may reduce the symptom of increased urgency/need for output but the problem isn't necessarily fixed. I talked about this with my urologist at a routine prostate exam a few months ago. He explained the causes of this common issue as we age and prescribed me a pill to take in the evening. It works for me and now I keep hydrated until bedtime and may require (or not) one trip to the outhouse . I'm saying this because I used to think this was what happens with old plumbing and we have to accept interrupted sleep. It is often a treatable issue and comes with all the benefits of proper hydration and a good night's sleep!

Yes, I have a few of these ^^^ strategically located!

Your need to play pinball may be effectively ended with a prescription from a Urologist. Six months ago I was getting up to pee a couple of times a night without a second to spare. Now, I may get up once but never need to rush. If it is close to my usual wakeup time, I'll simply go back to sleep.

I never go on the floor without this in reach. It's a garden seat/kneeler. Cheap and effective.

Getting older is challenging. Aches and pains occur with greater frequency and are typically no cause for alarm. However, "old age" doesn't generate the pain. If you are experiencing undiagnosed discomfort or pain, visit your Doctor. I've told mine that I never want him to say, "I wish you had reported this sooner." He concurs!

This reminds me of a past search for a replacement bulb for my flashlight. I encountered more than one adult store clerk who didn't believe this to be a replaceable part. All lights in my house are led. If I was currently raising kids, they would have no memory of me changing a light bulb. I bet there are many young, intelligent adults that would be scratching their heads when confronted with a light bulb replacement.

My high school math teacher had "sayings" posted around his classroom that have stuck with me. If you were not displaying appropriate behavior, you could find yourself writing out a relevant quotation 100's of times. One of them was: "Empty vessels make the most noise."

Yesterday I assembled a new desk chair I purchased online. I was aware that assembly would be a challenge due to my recent surgery. I checked the reviews on the product before buying and they were split on the ease of assembly. With the help of some muscle from Mrs. Donstar, it went together without a hiccup. It left me wondering why anyone would write a bad review? The instructions were clearly written and well illustrated. The assembly tool was provided and all parts were clearly labeled. I don't question the intelligence of those who struggled assembling this product but find it fascinating how two people given the same directions come up with such different results!

Waking up with aches and pains is an accepted part of the aging process. We recently had coffee with a couple in their early 80's who told us of a cute story. They both had a rough past year health-wise and recently treated themselves to a vacation. They noticed that they were waking up with significantly reduced discomfort while staying at the hotel. When they returned home they replaced their 12 yr old mattress. It didn't eliminate their morning pain but they wake up, "feeling" better!

Several years ago, I was taken to the ER because I woke up unable to get up out of bed. This happened to me twice over a few month period. Both times, I was given a strong muscle relaxant at the hospital and sent home. Apparently, my inability to move was my body's response to severe pain. It was strange because I went to the hospital because I couldn't feel anything from my waist - down! Pain behaves in mysterious ways!

Four weeks today with my new shoulder but who's counting? Many of my usual tasks have been taken care of by others while I mend but some I have to do myself. Today, I go for my "every 4 month" checkup wit Dr. Jellyfinger. My PSA test result last week was excellent so I think all will be well. I also have a dental appointment coming soon and I have a tooth that is anxiously awaiting! I am not complaining but appreciating my good fortune. As we age, we often have multiple maladies vying to slow us down. Proper maintenance will keep our mid-century bodies on the road. We are so lucky to have these services available and affordable!

"Oh, she lights up a room."

Not all NB shoes are equal. Try the New Balance Store in The Woodlands Crossing when you're in the neighborhood and have them fit you in one of their mid priced walkers or runners. You don't have to buy anything but you'll leave with good information and appreciation for higher end comfort.

I also have flat feet and Sketchers. For walking comfort and distance, I buy New Balance in the $200 range. ($150 US) If you're ever by one of their stores, get fitted and try on a pair of good quality walking/running shoes. Your Sketchers and SAS shoes are fine for general use but you will be very surprised and happy with your improved performance at the track by treating your feet to this experience.

Three weeks ago today I received my new left shoulder. I have three more weeks before I can start physio. I have to keep my arm in a sling in such a manner as to prevent me from moving my shoulder for a minimum of six weeks. This experience pales in comparison to the recovery process of others but has significantly increased my empathy for anyone sporting a sling! That person can be carrying a lot of pain in that sling! Oh, and if you come across someone with their arm in a sling, a loving pat on the shoulder does not help the recovery process ! (Twice this has happened to me.)

I agree everyone should move on and see no need for anyone to apologize. This is an internet forum based on a common interest in GM Trucks. We all come to share experiences but aren't out to forge relationships. I suspect it may happen but not here.

Encouraging one and making disparaging comments about the other may not be effective in bringing an end to this conflict....

Both parties in this peeing for distance competition are good contributors to this forum and usually I enjoy reading their contributions. They are both well aware how to end their spat but choose to keep it going. You have noticed that so far one of the participants enjoyed your response even though you weren't really expressing favor over either contestant. Time (or an empty bladder ) will soon bring fresh discussion to this thread.

Medication is definitely a deciding factor in whether you are legal to drive. I stopped taking additional pain meds shortly after returning home from the hospital. I made sure to add heavy doses of sleep and ice to deal with the increased pain. My Doctor made the funny comment that an automatic is what I should be driving for now. We both agreed that this may be an outdated piece of advice. This exchange brought up a distant memory of my uncle who would roll cigarettes while driving his '60 Falcon wagon, 3 on the tree, while negotiating city traffic. He would do so without spilling the mug of coffee perched between his knees!

Yesterday I had my surgical staples removed followed by appointments with my surgeon and a physiotherapist. All is progressing well and I was given permission to drive if needed. It has been enlightening to experience life without driving this past couple of weeks. I have no immediate need or desire to go driving and my current arrangements will continue while I recover. I was initially annoyed when told I can't drive rather than the hospital trusting my common sense. However, many of us know that common sense is not distributed evenly. Several years ago I had a senior friend who drove home from the hospital with her right foot in a cast. She told me that she used a cane for the gas and her left foot for the brake. I didn't praise her for her ingenuity and immediately shared this story with her adult children. It was a wake-up call for the family and fortunately nobody was hurt. It was sad that the family wasn't organized to be there for her discharge from the hospital, but they more than made up for it in her final years.

We all enjoy banter. I enjoy hearing from you and all of the regular contributors to this thread but I've yet to see a moderator caution over "banter". When anyone casts aspersions towards you or a friend, the least effective retort is to return the same. Sometimes a sharp personal return punch can be cathartic but short lived. An informed, positive response will be far more successful in supporting your point of view. Txab's cautions don't follow posts infused with banter