Navigating senior years.

[KARNUT]

It amusing that there’s a few people that warning labels are written for. Even laws are written for. The only reason I can see a person not being able to drive with one arm in a sling is medication. I blew out my knee in my mid 20s. After my doctor visit and a soft cast. I used my crutches got in my 1 ton Ford drove to my job. Pulled myself in my tractor and got to work. My grandfather had polio. Couldn’t walk. Had a dump truck business. He drove one. Made his own controls. That was in the early sixties. He died of from high blood pressure before there was medication. My grandmother traded for busses she drove one. I can’t wasn’t a phrase we used. You had to eat. One time I took a day off that I was supposed to work. Only because we were already rained out. Normal work ethics until the recent past. Now men get maternity leave. My first born was delivered at 4 in the morning I was at work at 7. It’s nice that people get little perks. Like everything in life it doesn’t stop and men get maternity leave. It isn’t just a few days. It’s months. Oops rambling again.

[Donstar]

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  We both agreed that this may be  an outdated piece of advice.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!  

[Donstar]

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.)

[garagerog]

On 7/4/2025 at 7:59 AM, KARNUT said:

Like everything in life it doesn’t stop and men get maternity leave. It isn’t just a few days. It’s months.

Only if you're pothole Pete.  I think the typical paternity leave in the private sector is a max of 6 weeks, unpaid after that.

[KARNUT]

15 minutes ago, garagerog said:

Only if you're pothole Pete.  I think the typical paternity leave in the private sector is a max of 6 weeks, unpaid after that.

I worked for myself mostly. The few times I worked for someone else. I figured if they could do without me more than a week. My job would be in jeopardy. Working for myself it affected the bottom line if I took off. The 20 years it was weather related, rain outs was a good time for maintenance. As far as helping out after a birth. Most anything I could do to help I could do after work. 

Edited July 8, 2025 by KARNUT

[Donstar]

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!  

[KARNUT]

My wife fell about two months ago. Since then has had neck pain. Had all the tests everything is fine they say. Chronic, periodic muscle and joint pain is a normal thing when you get older. We’ve used all the normal rubs to help with the aches and pains. She recently stumbled on a local company that uses natural ingredients in their rubs. Vancoction is the company. She’s about pain free. I’ve been using it. It seems to work as advertised. My little aches and pains move around. Sometimes non at all. I like its natural ingredients. There’s a spray that comes in the kit. My arms are usually scaly, flaky. The spray eliminates it. You’d be surprised if you look it up. I’m using they’re products, so far I’m a believer.

[diyer2]

It's been over a year since the wife broke her leg, fell while shoveling snow. Still has occasional shooting pain/pain. 

[KARNUT]

50 minutes ago, diyer2 said:

It's been over a year since the wife broke her leg, fell while shoveling snow. Still has occasional shooting pain/pain. 

We don’t know peoples pain threshold. I don’t mention mine because it becomes the topic of the day. Like it’s a competition. I usually can manage it with the rub ons. Worst case Tylenol takes care of it. I don’t mind working pain. I don’t want to make it worse by masking it. It’s part of aging. I try not to dwell. There’s always whiskey. The liquor stores are closed when I’m out and about. I drank the Christmas supply. If it’s there I’ll partake. Not much but I like the stuff. Flavored whisky. I guess it’s good I stay off for a while. The experts can’t seem to make up their mind like usual. Three drinks a day no problem. Then they change it. Well maybe one. I’m still pissed all those years I ate margarine instead of butter, no salt and fake sugar. They no nothing.

[customboss]

1 hour ago, KARNUT said:

We don’t know peoples pain threshold. I don’t mention mine because it becomes the topic of the day. Like it’s a competition. I usually can manage it with the rub ons. Worst case Tylenol takes care of it. I don’t mind working pain. I don’t want to make it worse by masking it. It’s part of aging. I try not to dwell. There’s always whiskey. The liquor stores are closed when I’m out and about. I drank the Christmas supply. If it’s there I’ll partake. Not much but I like the stuff. Flavored whisky. I guess it’s good I stay off for a while. The experts can’t seem to make up their mind like usual. Three drinks a day no problem. Then they change it. Well maybe one. I’m still pissed all those years I ate margarine instead of butter, no salt and fake sugar. They no nothing.

If I am not in pain in the AM then I probably didn't wake up...... That day will be wonderful since no one here ( one in particular will be praising his Jesus) will have to deal with me regressing to the 15 YO boy that lives in my body..  LOL  

[Donstar]

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!  

[Donstar]

16 hours ago, customboss said:

If I am not in pain in the AM then I probably didn't wake up...... That day will be wonderful since no one here ( one in particular will be praising his Jesus) will have to deal with me regressing to the 15 YO boy that lives in my body..  LOL  

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!

[KARNUT]

My wife and I have found a way to better sleep in our older age. My wife has always had a difficult time going to sleep. I have no problem. I’m an early bird. She’s the opposite. I go up at 8:00. My wife joins me at 8:30. She goes back downstairs at about 10-10:30. I go to my man cave. She usually goes back up 12-12:30. I get up from 5:30-6:00. I wake her at 8:00. I go do my walk or errands she usually comes down at 9:30-10:00. My mom was horrified when I told her. I asked her how many times did you wake each other at night? Every time your father had to use the restroom or I did. I rest my case. I didn’t usually have a problem sleeping but my wife does. I would usually wake in the morning my wife would be in a different room anyway. Worried she’s keeping me awake. Now she sleeps better. I get up not worried about disturbing her. And the master bedroom light is on so she’s not worried about falling when she goes to bed. It’s all about following your own rules to a happy life or marriage. A good night sleep is one of the keys. Your welcome.

[KARNUT]

3 hours ago, Donstar said:

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!  

Yikes!

[Donstar]

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!