Navigating senior years.

[KARNUT]

48 minutes ago, customboss said:

@KARNUT I appreciate your posts. We disagree but you are still my big brother. 

My stepmother in law was not conservative but my father in law was. The visits were entertaining. Of course my wife and I are conservative. She say things much like you and atlas. She watch CNN, he watch Fox. I never had a good memory but my wife does. She’d be convinced that the world was going to end as far back as Reagan. Of course many years later most people have a different view of the guy. I would point that out when she’d get on her horse. She always called me her favorite person. In person is always better when communicating. It’s okay to disagree respectfully. It’s seems to get out of hand with the name calling these days. 

[customboss]

51 minutes ago, Atlas said:

 

 

Welcome back!

 

I don't have a sign but will be at one of the local rallies to show support for our great country.

Sending my better half with yellow on with a friend of ours to protect her if the thugs start anything. 

[diyer2]

I'm having a tough time lately. My right hand from the carpal tunnel, elbow surgery is useless and still painful, post surgery 16 days. My left hand/arm from shoulder surgery has improved a little. More time for both. 

 

My brother was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome this past week, age 68.

[KARNUT]

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

I'm having a tough time lately. My right hand from the carpal tunnel, elbow surgery is useless and still painful, post surgery 16 days. My left hand/arm from shoulder surgery has improved a little. More time for both. 

 

My brother was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome this past week, age 68.

I will pray for you.

[customboss]

2 hours ago, diyer2 said:

My right hand from the carpal tunnel, elbow surgery is useless and still painful, post surgery 16 days.

It’s taken a couple of months for wrists and elbow to get better. 
Hang in there. 
Hope the brother is getting good care. 

[garagerog]

10 hours ago, diyer2 said:

I'm having a tough time lately. My right hand from the carpal tunnel, elbow surgery is useless and still painful, post surgery 16 days. My left hand/arm from shoulder surgery has improved a little. More time for both. 

 

My brother was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome this past week, age 68.

My Dad contracted myelodyplastic syndrome about 10 years after his prostate was blasted with radiation, unfortunately about a year before the cyber knife came out. My uncle and a cousin did well with the cyber knive treatment, needless to say with the family history I keep an eagle eye on my PSA. My thoughts and prayers to you both.

[Donstar]

18 hours ago, diyer2 said:

I'm having a tough time lately. My right hand from the carpal tunnel, elbow surgery is useless and still painful, post surgery 16 days. My left hand/arm from shoulder surgery has improved a little. More time for both. 

 

My brother was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome this past week, age 68.

I'm also very sorry to hear about your brother.  I was unfamiliar with MDS but a cursory read is upsetting.  I hope he discovered it early and receives excellent treatment.  

[diyer2]

thanks everyone, senior years can be a challenge as I type with one hand.

[Donstar]

Recovery of your left hand may speed up now that it has to do all of the work!  My right hand had reduced abilities from a stroke but was all I had for awhile following my left shoulder replacement.  A neurologist had told me following my stroke that my right hand may over time develop new pathways for increased functionality.  I don't know if it was a coincidence but my right hand returned to full use during my shoulder replacement recovery.  It lacks some sensitivity but is now fully functional.  I assigned it increased responsibility and it rose to the occasion!  

[Donstar]

A few days ago I noticed my ankle and foot swelling.  A bright red patch was growing on the skin.  It kept getting worse and thoughts of blood clots started going through my head.  I lost a brother and an in-law from pulmonary embolisms resulting from clots.  I  went to the clinic and the Doctor quickly concluded my issue was a result of an insect bite.  He put me on antibiotics and the ankle is now close to normal.  It was  refreshing to have an isolated malady that is immediately identified and completely curable!  

[customboss]

On 10/3/2025 at 2:06 AM, diyer2 said:

Forgot to mention doing elbow surgery at the same time, pinched nerve. 

thanks txab!

Quit copying me! Get well soon. 

[Donstar]

I loaned my 80 yr old neighbour one of my many canes a couple of weeks ago.  Her Doctor had advised her to walk with a cane due to her arthritic legs.  Yesterday she returned it and I asked her what has changed?  She says she's fine and no longer needs to use a cane.    The truth is that nothing has changed but she doesn't like the look.  Her family says she won't use a cane or a walker in public.  My mother tried this on us many years ago but we were successful in convincing her how confident and safe she looked using a cane.  If fear of looking old prevents you from using walking aides when needed, chances are you aren't fooling anyone about your age!

[txab]

Your neighbor is going to end up on the ground with something broken. Hip, arm, leg, skull or the worst suffer a brain bleed. She's going to have to get over the optics

[Donstar]

^^^I agree.  It is disrespectful to her family to risk a fall.  I have a decent relationship with her son who often comes by to work around her home.  I can share with him two personal examples where seniors related to me suffered permanent harm from a fall while walking.  Hopefully he will take charge.  I remember vividly when I had this talk with my mom.  I told her (nicely) that she has to have support when moving around her house and especially when she heads outside.  I avoided any opportunity for her to think using a walking aide was optional.  I had a cane and a rented walker for her to use so there would be no delay.  A week or so later, as requested by her, I took her shopping for a walker of her choosing! 

Edited October 26, 2025 by Donstar

[KARNUT]

When I retired I spent every minute we could traveling to visit my father in law. Usually every other month. He was 82 and a bull. At 58 I couldn’t keep up. At 92 he began to drag one foot and started tripping. He went to a walker in his house and cane outside. I finally had to tell him that it was very uncomfortable to be around him outside of the house. I explained that he’s not only risking injury to himself. But to us tying to catch him or break his fall. So it’s walker or we don’t go out. So the last few years of his life we couldn’t keep up to him and his walker. He thanked me later. Saying it was stressful for him too.