Dumb Accident, . . . aren't they all!

Yep, that's me in the ER, about 2 1/2 weeks ago!

I tripped over a crack in the garage and fell directly onto my right knee on the cement.

@$*^#^% OUCH!! %$#%#(*&@

I couldn't move.  

Went to the hospital in an ambulance.  

I was positive, POSITIVE it was displaced or broken.

But thanks be to God, there are no fractures in the knee or tibia.

It was the most painful injury I've ever had!

I really thought my summer had been destroyed in a matter of a split second!

I was taken home by a transfer van where I could lay on a cart and be brought into the house on a cart.  They wheeled me to the couch and there I was!

Now what!!!???

I had a knee immobilizer on and a walker!

On my own!

Me and my dog!

Well, my wonderful neighbor, across the street called immediately and came over.

She put my chickens away for the night and fed the barn cats.

She also came everyday for 3 days to feed the cats and tend the chickens, morning and night.

She told me that 2 years ago she had a similar fall hurting her knee so she knew about the pain the feeling of helplessness!

Those next 3 days, I figured out how to maneuver between the couch and the kitchen with the cumbersome walker.  

Oh yes, and the bathroom which was up two steps into the main part of the house!

I have to confess that during those first few days, I swore with the most and the worse swear words I've ever used !! 

When Monday came (the 3rd day) and my baby chicks were due to be delivered to the post office, my pet-care/dog walker girl came and drove me there to get them.

Thank goodness I had set up everything days before "the accident".

I discarded the walker after that and used what ever was available to limp around with the immobilizer on.

I figured out ways to get upstairs and to the basement and out to the chickens.

(I decided I have a lot of my Grandma Wickersham in me!)

It took me about 2 weeks to be able to bend my knee enough to get into the car.

(Driving was no big deal as I break with my left foot.)

I missed a whole week at the chiropractor and my back was now killing me also.

BUT,

My knee was slowly feeling less painful and I was able to do more and more.

I was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel!

It's been nearly 3 weeks now.  

I am truly amazed that I am able to walk around and move without much pain already 

and look almost normal!

I've been to the grocery store and to Walmart!!

The body certainly does heal itself when given a chance.

So, my summer isn't ruined after-all.

I've even planted half of my vegetable garden.

Shirley

(P.S.  "Guard you knees, they're very important!")

Aging . . . Sometimes seems like a cruel joke!!

When I was in my 60's I was in complete denial of my aging progress!

That's easy to do when you are feeling great and don't really have any health issues that make you feel sick.

However, all it took was a few bouts of problems that put me into the hospital at least 4 times and a couple surgeries that made me have to admit that maybe this aging thing was for real!!

I mean, problems and surgeries can happen at any age but I think it was the time it took to recover and gain some of my strength back that made me accept that possibly I was a senior, an elder,

 an old person??

Yikes!!

I began to notice other things too.

I'm not able to lift 40 lbs. any longer.

I'll confess now, I can't even lift my western saddle up onto my horse!

I have aches and pains all over, not only my back and shoulder!

New age spots seem to be appearing daily.

And what is happening to my face!

Food that I used to eat with no problem, seems to have turned against me!

Lack of contact with people bothers me more.

Social media has become more important to me.

(Especially Periscope and Facebook live!)

I am talking to my dog and other animals much more!

Maybe to even myself!

Hmmmmm . . . . .

Then there's the memory thing.

Losing things that you had in your hand 10 minutes ago!

So far, in this house, I have lost:  

A brand new full croquet set, 

My Spiralizer for making zucchini noodles, 

My blood pressure cuff,

And, I swear to God, I forgot the 4th thing just now!

 

To continue with the no memory thing . . . 

Going upstairs or downstairs only have to do it again because you forgot what you went there for.

Forgetting words when you're trying to hold a half-way intelligent conversation.

That one really bothers me and makes me feel like a nit-wit!!

They call these the "golden years"??!!!

That can't be right!

Well . . . there's funny things too.

Hunting for my cell phone while I'm actually talking on it.

Getting into the shower with my glasses on.

The other night I was getting undressed, trying to take off a snug sweater and long under-ware top at the same time and I got it stuck over my head.  I couldn't pull it off because of my bad shoulder and it all of a sudden struck me as so funny.

I was laughing hysterically all my myself in the bathroom!

Yes, I finally got it off!

I walk slower, I fumble with my hands more and worry is sometimes out of control.

When one thing seems to be getting better, here comes another problem.

My best hope is that I've had my 2 years of health issues and now things will be getting better.

I am regaining some strength back and I think if I get back to the Silver Sneakers exercise classes at the Rec. Center, it will help.

I've actually gotten back to riding my horses a few times and hope that I can do that a lot more since the weather is getting warmer.

Or is this more like it??

Something to ponder . . .

Shirley

Wow, Long Time No See!!

True I haven't written on either one of my blogs for a long time, till today.

I'm sure I lost all my followers but, you know, things happen.

"It's Always Something"!!!

Today it's like zero degrees out and will be for the next couple days so I'm holding up in the house.

Of course I have to do my cat and chicken care out in the "barn", but no going off the acre!!

I've had a year (or more) of belly and digestive issues.  

Numerous stints in the hospital and every test in the book.

Have they solved my problem?

NO!

I did find out my gallbladder is only functioning at 27%.

But my symptoms were never really typical GB symptoms.

So NO surgeon, you can't yank out my GB!!

So, enough of that!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I found a new social media platform that I really like.  

It's Periscope!!

And I'm fairly active on there.

I try to "scope" a few times a week.  I don't have many followers but it's fun and my sister always watches the replays if she doesn't catch it "live"

Yes, "Live broadcasting"!!

Periscope is owned by Twitter, so if you have Twitter, download the Periscope app.  It's free.

Of course, like them all, it's very addicting!

My name on there is the same as on Twitter,

"Hoofprints"

Searching For Words

I know I wrote about this before but it is really bothering me lately.

One of the top three really bothersome things about aging is the problem thinking of words when you are trying to talk.

Those of you that have reached this age of perceived dumbness know exactly what I'm talking about.

If your younger and don't have any idea what this is like, count your blessings and keep using your words as much as you can.

It's hard to explain to someone that doesn't know . . . the words are there, but just a little out of your mind's reach.  The harder you try to think of the right word, the further it goes away.

Then when you're least expecting it, the word that you trying to think of an hour ago just pops into your mind!!

Where was it when you needed it??

I have become very aware of this problem the past couple weeks as I try the new app online called Periscope.

It's live video broadcasting.  

People all over the world are involved.

It's fun and very addicting.

I have tried it a few times.  There is no editing yourself.  Your broadcast goes out on the air as you are talking and videoing with your phone.

If you don't know about what it is all about, just download the free app and watch.  

You don't have to broadcast, you can just watch.

The broadcast only stays on for 24 hours in the replay section, then it's gone.

Anyway, doing the few I have done, I see that I have better days than others.

Or maybe better times of day than others.

On the replay I can just see and feel myself searching for the right word I want to use.

It's painful!!
(I feel like shouting, "I used to be smart and articulate!")

Periscope is fascinating to me though and I'm stubborn enough to keep trying.

I'm thinking that maybe if I get more comfortable doing it, that it will be easier.

We'll see.

I really think not being with people and having to talk makes this word problem worse.

My mind can be constantly thinking, going a mile a minute but if you don't actually have to verbalize in sentences, you slowly lose that ability.

And the words go further away.

It's a frightening thought.

I'm not sure if word puzzles or those mind exercises that you can get online help with the actual speaking or not.

Can't hurt I guess.

I think maybe increasing my talking to myself and my dogs may help just as much!

It is just so frustrating.

I know other people have the same problem.

I've heard it when they're talking.

Is there any magic answer?

Shirley

I wander when I walk!!

I weave when I walk!!

I can't walk in a straight line unless I have a cart!

I remember my mother telling us that.

Now it's me.

If you walk with me on my blind side, I'll most likely run you down!!

It's more noticeable when I walk slow.  When I walk fast, like on the track at the rec. center, I walk pretty straight.

I wonder why you wander when you get older??

I'm not wandering more right than left or I'm not weaker on one side.

Just wondering if anyone else has this problem?

I've tried to look it up on good old Google but can't really find any answers.

Wandering my way through life!!

Shirley

My Shoulder, My Shoulder

Well, this morning my right shoulder when out or whatever it does. 

I've never really had a Dr. see it because it usually gets back into place on it's own if I just let it hang down.

But let me tell you when you move it wrong it's a horrible pain!!

It took me a half hour to get dressed this morning.

I know to "dress the affected arm first".

But it still took forever.

It isn't right yet and it's almost noon.

It's hard getting anything done here because it's my right arm and I'm not good at all with my left!

Of course you can hurt your shoulder at any age so I guess this isn't just about getting old.

It's making me appreciate the rehab that stroke patients have to go through!

Yep, It's Always Something!!!

Shirley

It's That Upper Respiratory Thing

Yes, I got it almost two weeks ago!
(Not the flu thank goodness)
Just the "common cold and cough"

All is finally getting better except the cough which I think will hang on for awhile.

I'm tired of being sick and tired!!

I was just about to do the pool thing at the rec. center when I got sick, so no fitness classes no nothin'!

Yes, I got a bathing suit!!

That's a whole other story : ))

I'm going to go out to the store for a few things today as I don't think I'm contagious as much anymore.

However the sound of my cough could probably clear an aisle at Walmart!

(I'll try my best not to cough when I'm there!)

Anyway, that is why it's been so long between posts.

I wasn't feeling like doing anything!!

I hadn't had a cold/cough for about 15 years before this one!!

Maybe I was just due.

Hope you guys stay well.

Shirley

These Bedtime Snacks Help You Sleep!

There was an article in my hometown newspaper today that just goes perfectly with my previous blog about sleep!

And right up my alley too!

Bedtime snacks!

I always have to have one before bed!

I'm not makin' this stuff up!

This is according to the National Sleep Foundation:

Changes in sleep patterns are a part of the aging process.

Many people experience difficulty falling asleep and then staying asleep as we get older.

Here's the good news.

There are certain snack foods that may help to improve quality of sleep!

AARP notes that the following are a handful of snack foods that promote better sleep.

•  Almonds:

Magnesium is a mineral with muscle relaxing properties, and almonds contain enough magnesium to help you get a better night's sleep.

A small amount of almonds before bedtimes may be enough to make falling and staying asleep easier.

•  Bananas

Much like almonds, bananas provide a substantial amount of magnesium.  

Bananas also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which many people relate to that sleepy feeling after that Thanksgiving turkey dinner!

A banana shortly before bed might be just what you need to fall and stay asleep.

 •  Cheese and crackers

Cheese and crackers contain tryptophan and some carbohydrates which can induce a better night's sleep and help you fall asleep sooner.

•  Cherries

Cherries contain the sleep hormone melatonin.

AARP notes that people who drank tart cherry juice on a regular basis fell asleep more quickly and slept longer and better than participants who did not.

•  Walnuts

Walnuts, like cherries contain melatonin which contributes to better sleep.

•  Peanut butter

Another snacking item loaded with tryptophan.

Spread some on a some carbohydrate like a piece of toast and sleep better!!

•  Hummus

The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas, which are loaded with tryptophan, folate and vitamin B6.  Folate has proven especially helpful to older men and women who need help regulating sleep patterns while B6 helps the body regulate it's clock!

So there you have it!

Many men and women experience difficulty sleeping as they age.  But the right foods may just help combat such problems and help men and women get a more adequate night's sleep.

I'm all for that.

What about you!!

Shirley

The Healing Power of Sleep

There has been more and more studies on the importance of good quality sleep lately.

They are finding out just how very important it is!

About 3 months ago I got an app for my iPhone called Sleep Cycle alarm clock.

It is quite fascinating what goes on when you're sleeping.

Your mind is quite active and the right quality of sleep is doing really good things for your body.

Here is the link and believe me it's worth the 99 cents!!!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sleep-cycle-alarm-clock/id320606217?mt=8

and

http://www.sleepcycle.com/howitworks.html

I also found an excellent book about sleep by Mary O'Brien, MD

You can get it on Amazon.

As I get older, I seem to be having more trouble sleeping or staying asleep.

So I've done quite a bit of reading about the importance of sleep.

They have discovered that you definitely need at least 7-8 hours of sleep.

There are plenty of people that don't get that and say they are just fine on 5 hours.

Not enough sleep has long term effects.

There are some bad effects of sleep deprivation.  Even just not getting the correct amount of sleep over a period of time.

These are some of the negative effects that can happen:

Heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, headaches, depression, memory problems, cognitive disfunction, moodiness, weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and of course cold and flu.

Amazing right!!

When you are sleeping, the brain is actually quite active.

It is healing itself!   

Detoxifying.  

The human growth hormone and melatonin which play a big role in tissue recovery and immunity are produced during sleep.

By the way, light from your TV or phone etc, used at bedtime can stop that production of melatonin and give you a restless night's sleep.

Every living thing sleeps in some way.  (Even earthworms!!!!!)

Sleep is necessary for life.

Developing a sleep routine is very important for a good quality night's sleep.

There is a whole lot of information online about sleep.

Also information about dreaming.

Here are just a couple.

http://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/what-happens-when-you-sleep

http://www.upmc.com/services/pulmonology/sleep-medicine/resources/pages/during-sleep.aspx

http://time.com/3326565/the-power-of-sleep/

Information about dreaming:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sleeping-angels/200905/why-we-dream-and-what-happens-when-we-do

http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/a1884/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-dreams-110657/

http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-importance-of-rem-sleep-dreaming/00019773

TV, computers, iPhones etc. emit blue light which tricks the brain into thinking it's daytime.

http://chriskresser.com/how-artificial-light-is-wrecking-your-sleep-and-what-to-do-about-it

So . . . . shut off your TV and other electronic devices and go to sleep in a darkened room!

Good night!!

Shirley

Most Recent Weird Medical Thing

Symptoms:

Numbness and tingling in my face. Both sides.

Slight tingling in finger tips.

Mild intermittent sinus headache.

I had this for about a week off and on.

I finally thought, "Gosh I hope I'm not having a TIA!"  That thought made my BP shoot up and I because super anxious which didn't help at all!!!  I called my Dr.

He saw me the next morning.

In the meantime I realized that this first started after my last dental appointment.

The tooth she drilled was upper back and nerve roots near my sinus cavity.  Also, of course. I had lots of Lidocaine.

Well, the Dr. said no TIA (thank goodness!)

He thought it had to do with the dental work.

Of course, since then I've had no further symptoms.

I see my dentist again in 3 weeks.

I drive myself nuts!

Has anyone else out there had anything similar to this??

Shirley

I Lived Through Another Dental appointment!

I had a follow up appoint this afternoon and another cavity DRILLED √√√√  !!!!!!!!!!

Wasn't tooooo bad although she had to give me some extra Novacaine!

I was an anxious wreck but lived through it.

Next appoint in 5 weeks!

Thanks Dr. Kerata!!

Shirley

I Have Dentophobia!

It's true.

I've had it all my life.

Probably stems from terrible, non-kind dentists when I was little.

The kind of dentists that should have never had children as patients.

In fact, my sister bit one of them and wasn't allowed to return!!

Anyway, I have found a woman dentist in the past 10 years that is really nice and I must say she has never hurt me.

HOWEVER, 

I still have a fear of dentistry!

Usually, a trip to the dentist, involves a bad toothache!!

Yes, I wait that long!

I'm Bad!

Well yesterday sometime, I lost a filling and got a toothache up into my sinuses.

Ouch!

So I made the call and went to the dentist's office this morning.

She fixed the tooth but I have to go back in a week and have the permanent filling put in and have another cavity fixed.

And she hasn't really examined and x-rayed my whole mouth yet.

This could go on and on till I go crazy or run out of money!!

Yikes!

Shirley

Do Your Routines Rule You?

I think, as we age, our routines become ingrained in us.

I think they make us feel more secure, more comfortable with daily living.

Maybe we do it as to not forget things.

I know that if my morning routine is interrupted, I often forget important things, like forgetting to take my morning medications!

I sooner or later remember but sometimes it's after I have left the house.

Here's my morning routine.

Get up

Get totally dressed

Let the dogs out

Take fresh water to the barn cats and let the chickens out into their run.

Give the hens some scratch and meal worms.

Bring the dogs in and feed them.

Take cats wet food out to them and check for eggs from hens.

Come in and fix my breakfast.

Sit down, watch the news, check my emails.

Take my meds.

That's pretty much my standing routine.

It gets everything done that I need to do in the morning.

I mean, I'm not OCD about it but I feel better when I keep "the routine"!

I'm wondering if maybe as we age, it's better to switch up our routines.  I mean better for our minds.

What do you think?

It would make us use our brain a little more!

It seems my mind is being used plenty though, just trying it remember where things are and what I have scheduled for the day.  Of course I have a calendar and also everything is on my phone calendar so I get beeped an hour before any important appointments!

I really don't think I had real regimented routines when I was young.

Maybe that's why young people say that elders are "set in their ways". 

Is that the same as being in a rut?  I don't think so.

Daily routines certainly keep us from sitting in front of the TV all day and becoming increasingly depressed,

(That is if THAT isn't your routine!!)

I don't mind changes after I get those morning things done!

But I do better if I know about changes a couple days before hand and can put them in my schedule!

I've recently added more activity and exercising and have made a better sleep schedule.

It takes awhile to make new things a real habit but I'm working on it.

Sooooooo . . . .

Do you think routine is good or bad as you age?

Do you think it's helpful?

Shirley

Back in the Saddle Again!

Yes, I think the Silver Sneakers thing is paying off.  

I am stronger from the more exercising.

My back is doing "OK" so I signed up for my first lesson on Echo in over a year!

Boy, it felt good to be back on my horse.

The next couple days I sure had sore inner thigh muscles but I expected that!

I'm going to take a lesson every week unless the weather is too bad.  

Michele is getting back to the barn to and working with her favorite, Vinnie.

I just have to take it slow and remember not to bounce!!

No sitting trot anymore  : ((

Shirley

Coconut oil

All the wonderful benefits of coconut oil!

And my recipe for a fantastic cup of coffee!

Click on "My Main Blog" there to the right top, in the sidebar, to see the new post.

or here's the link:

http://shirleys-world.blogspot.com/2015/01/why-i-love-coconut-oil.html

Thanks!

Shirley

Silver Sneakers on You Tube!

I'm beginning to think that you can find everything on You Tube!!

If you have a question about how to do practically anything . . . there will probably be a tutorial on You Tube!

I couldn't get to the Fitness Classes today so that's when I wondered about Silver Sneakers on You Tube.

And "YEP" there it is.  Lots of videos.

So when you can't get to the gym, you can always do the class at home.

How convenient!

Of course, it's always better to go to the real live class with real people and the socialization plus then you can also use the track and the exercise machines if you're so inclined.

I will eventually try the pool classes; the exercising in water.

Everyone loves those.

But first there's the business of getting a bathing suit!!!!!!!

Oh My!

Shirley

Is Anybody Out There?

I have a question.

So I'm exercising a little more.  Being more active.

But I have to say, after my fitness class and maybe walking a half mile on the track, I'm pretty much done in.

Isn't exercising supposed to give you more energy???

The fitness class is for seniors.  It's a Silver Sneakers thing so we're not talking about real strenuous exercising!!!!

If I then go to the store and walk around a little, by the time I get home, I can barely drag myself into the house!

If I was one that could nap, you'd better believe that's what I'd be doing.

I don't get it.  Am I that out of shape or is it my age and I'm doomed!!???

Anybody out there??

Shirley

So Far---So Good

OK, so it's just a little past the first week in January,

but I'm keepin' up!

(And when it has been near zero degrees outside.)  

I usually don't even leave my house at those temps!

I've gone to the first two senior fitness classes this past week and have walked on the indoor track 

four times.  OK, just a half mile each time but I'm starting slow 

and I'll increase it hopefully every week.

Today there was a lecture put on by the historical society.

Very interesting.

Then there was a lunch. 

How nice is that!!!

Shirley