Navigating senior years.

diyer2 · May 12

My brother died.

KARNUT · May 12

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

My brother died.

Sorry for your loss.

txab · May 12

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

My brother died.

RIP

diyer2 · May 12

Thank you

Donstar · May 13

23 hours ago, diyer2 said:

My brother died.

Sorry for your loss.

diyer2 · May 13

MDS took him and bone marrow transplants didn't take. 69 years old.

Donstar · May 13

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!

KARNUT · May 13

I have very little pain in my muscles and joints unless I push it. The right shoulder and muscle gets angry if I over do it. My hips and knees get upset if I walk more than 7K steps. Heat and regular pain medicine makes it all but absent if needed. I’m able to function as a normal 70 year old. If I had chronic every day pain I would probably do replacement surgery. There are risks with surgery. I’m going to stay away from the knife unless I have no choice. As long as regular pain medicine and heat therapy works I’m good.

Donstar · May 17

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.

KARNUT · May 20

Funny observation from an old guy. My wife’s hearing is waning a bit. I have an advantage because I lost half my hearing due to a high temperature situation at seven years old. Higher sounds mostly. The advantage is I can read lips and I don’t get stuck on not hearing one or two words. I wait until the sentence is fully spoken, I usually can figure it out. My wife gets stuck on a word. She misses a word, stop the truck she’s saying what? I say let the sentence finish. She’s learning conversations can be challenging. Close caption is always on now. That leaves me to a pet peeve. Why can’t the networks get the timing down? I understand a little delay for live shows. Sometimes it off by several seconds. We usually watch recorded shows it’s usually no problem there and you can skip the commercials.

Donstar · May 22

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

diyer2 · May 22

We both recently got hearing aids, to expensive.

KARNUT · May 22

I got them at 27. Use them for awhile, put them in a drawer.

garagerog · May 22

2 hours ago, Donstar said:

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

A common affliction among husbands everywhere Donstar, here's my theory and breakdown: 50% of the time wifes expect their husbands to hear what they say when they're in the kitchen or laundry room when you're actually in the garage or can on the other side of the house, 30% of the time they're actually talking to a pet, 15% they're mumbling under their breath about some nonsense (don't mention cognitive testing unless you want Lorena Bobbitt nightmares) and 5% of the time they might have something actually worthwhile to say facing you and within normal hearing distance.

Donstar · May 22

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.