Today's plans were a wash-out all the way around.
Plans changed and then changed again.
The most important thing is that the surgery was successful. The important body-parts that were shredded like old wicker-furniture were stitched back together and rehab starts next week.
The current plan is to deliver the lasagna (less a few pieces ;-) ) tomorrow.
My truck comes back, tomorrow.
The plumber who was scheduled to fix our (major) hot-water leak today is now rescheduled for...tomorrow.
As Scarlet O'Hara said "Tomorrow is another day."
A question for the medical people
I finally popped open one of "Nurse Jen's" videos that have been populating my Youtube feed.
She has a lot of content that addresses navigating aging, whether in your parents (should you still be blessed with them) or in yourself and/or your spouse.
She doesn't have a very big footprint on the internet. She isn't beautiful and her presentation isn't slick and polished. That is fine. I am more interested in content. IS IT ACCURATE?
As a layman, I was impressed by the balance of her content. She stresses that you cannot pay attention to just one thing if you want to age gracefully. The implied message is that we need to intentionally work on those aspects we like to do least. For example, I like exploring new ideas and new things and am "burnt-out on people". Ergo, I need to make a conscious effort to maintain and expand my circle of social contacts...because my old network is dying off.
My problem is that I am not "calibrated" in the field she claims to be an expert in. I will appreciate any feedback. Bullshit-or-mostly accurate?
Thanks for link to Jen - interesting. Nice summary of what we see and experience in the old fogeys in our community - obviously not us. Family nearby helps.
ReplyDelete(continued) I broke a femur at 66. Luckily well insured, still working at a job that was willing to work with me, and great medical infrastructure to deal with it within 10 miles. Rehab in-hospital was eye opening. Probably 25 people at the facility - mostly for falls or replacement parts installation. A very small fraction had a good attitude - whether willingness to do PT, or to eat in cafeteria once able, or just to smile and talk to staff, patients, etc. Attitude seemed to have the single largest impact on recovery. I later confirmed with staff during a 'reunion' they held. Just going in, interacting, doing the work made a huge difference. Nurse Jen is on the mark in this area - exactly what I saw. (Fully recovered, still working full time, still taking fun classes, still screwing with grandkids and their parents by proxy.)
DeleteJust watched her first video and I can say she's on target.
ReplyDeleteWill watch next one tomorrow.
As I had my wife's parents living in my walkout basement for over 20 years (they died at 95 within a few months of each other) Nurse Jen is excellent.
Just the Ask your Pharmacist about all the drug interactions was something I did early on when I saw the collection of pill boxes for them.
A lot of the dizziness and weakness was almost eliminated when about half their "Meds" were deleted. Drugs to deal with the side effects of other meds are very common and as Nurse Jen said cumulative.
Older folks are REALLY GOOD at hiding problems. Don't want to be a "Bother" or afraid they will lose freedoms like driving cars.
One thing I'd add is DO your seniors toenails. WHY?
Loss of sensation creates a huge issue of a minor injury turning into a NOT Hide able infected sore well past easy resolution.
Doing their toenails every couple of weeks prevents that crippling situation.
Jen didn't mention gradual loss of sight and the critical need to keep up on teeth care. Sore teeth is an easy to hide embarrassing old person problem.
Loss if interest in eating equals weaker Senior. Bad teeth create a novel way to generate Heart Infections.
Brighter LIGHTING, getting rid of throw rugs and other clutter that makes a fall almost inevitable helps a lot.
Her hospital information is excellent as I just got my beloved wife home from a 42 day trip from our excellent hospital. It's been almost 3 weeks and she's still low endurance and unsteady after a few hours walking with her walker first 2 weeks now cane. Our hospital was VERY Proactive about physical therapy and many daily walks so I am not blaming them.
Shrinking social circle and loneness. FIRST Class Information.
Proverbs 18:14 The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
The prototypical bright little bird old lady at church doing the coffee and cookies, visiting folks and all that is REAL. Her spirit is busy and she's happy.
I've seen more than a few such wither and die shortly after losing her "job" as greeting lady after a change in church politics.
Michael the anonymous
Gracias Michael!
DeleteGood practical wisdom.
Joe, I haven't spent the time to view her , but your word carries a LOT of weight.
Thank you for this great place you have built!
Mark
That is a really interesting video. Thanks for putting it out. ---ken
ReplyDelete