What are you doing to take care of yourself?

ElizabethB

ElizabethB

Legendary Member
Joined
14 Aug 2017
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Lafayette, LA. US
When it comes to doctor appointments I am guilty of negligence. I changed my Medicare supplemental policy. I just made an appointment with an ophthalmologist. I have cataracts. It is time to have them removed. Next will be an appointment with a family practitioner for an over all physical and blood work. I am sure that I will be referred to a cardiologist and I will request a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist to help me with my persistent depressive disorder. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.
After many decades of heavy smoking I quit April 7th. I know my lungs are trashed. I am 20 lbs over weight. I have 3 pairs of jeans that I can wear and only a few tops. My first thought was I need to shop for clothes that fit and hide my fat. DUUUH! I need to lose weight. That means I have to get off of my a$$ and walk.
I really want to be healthier and feel better.
I think I have hit my bottom. I can not continue to live like this. It is all in my hands. Pray for me. I hate exercise of any kind. A stroll through the neighborhood is not much but it is a start.
What about you?
What will you do to take care of yourself in the new year?
 
Hey sister, I'm with you. I'm not overweight and my heart is surprisingly strong. But, my liver is trashed, and there is no way to bring it back short of a transplant. I take meds for anxiety and OCD, but somehow I've not had to deal with depression, other than the normal depression that hits when you suffer a loss.

I hate exercise, too. In good economic times, my job provides me with ample physical activity. But, I really need to get off my a$$ and do something during these Covid times. Going for a walk every day is a good way to start. Workouts feel like work for me, and I'm thinking for you, too. If it feels like work, and you are not getting paid for it, you are not likely to keep doing it for very long.

Your lungs can get better over time. I assume you are past the cravings for a smoke. Don't fall into the "just one" trap.

Also, nothing wrong with seeing a psychiatrist -- it's the 21st century. I say psychiatrist instead of psychologist because the former is an MD, who can prescribe medication, if needed. Start there. If you need counseling, you can get that after an MD diagnoses the problem.

CD
 
caseydog said:
Hey sister, I'm with you. I'm not overweight and my heart is surprisingly strong. But, my liver is trashed, and there is no way to bring it back short of a transplant. I take meds for anxiety and OCD, but somehow I've not had to deal with depression, other than the normal depression that hits when you suffer a loss.

I hate exercise, too. In good economic times, my job provides me with ample physical activity. But, I really need to get off my a$$ and do something during these Covid times. Going for a walk every day is a good way to start. Workouts feel like work for me, and I'm thinking for you, too. If it feels like work, and you are not getting paid for it, you are not likely to keep doing it for very long.

Your lungs can get better over time. I assume you are past the cravings for a smoke. Don't fall into the "just one" trap.

Also, nothing wrong with seeing a psychiatrist -- it's the 21st century. I say psychiatrist instead of psychologist because the former is an MD, who can prescribe medication, if needed. Start there. If you need counseling, you can get that after an MD diagnoses the problem.

CD
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CD :thankyou:
 
I had and still have PPO Medicare supplement and received much better care, newer, less brutal treatments than those I met with the same cancer that had the HMO.
 
It is very important to understand when considering your health care that all physicians and specialists are not equal. Further you need to know that it is you, not your physician or specialists, who has the last word on your healthcare. You can refuse a treatment, if you perceive that it does not apply or has aspects that you do not want to be subjected to. I explicitly refuse in writing in my medical records and state not to be treated with Narcotic medications, Narcotic Pain Killers, etc. I have in the past requested an alternate Physician when the one I was assigned did not live up to my standards or wanted to force treatments on me, without allowing me choice. Further, Physicians who do not accept feedback from me and just go by the book, are definitely canned by me. I look for Physicians and Specialists who are beyond med-school and have learned by experience best practices as they evolve, years after they graduated. As a result, I have some very good Physicians and Specialists and am happy with my healthcare. A Physician or Specialist who goes by the book and has been graduated 5 to 10 years ago is a stone age relic that can do you great harm.

I had once been sent to see a Podiatrist who was infamous for hacking off pieces of patients feet, toes and heals, etc. And when I first had this guy cut in to me, I immediately stopped him, told him that was all and that I would be seeking an alternate Podiatrist - and I did. He bemoaned that I should follow his advice and that he had spent years in school learning whereas I had not. People I knew called this guy "The Butcher."

It is important to know however, that if you elect to make decisions regarding your Healthcare, know what you are dealing with and what you understand as possible via alternate treatments. Do your homework, but do not be mislead. Take council in second opinions and use what ever research vehicles you have available, the library and the web, as well as specialist contacts. Don't just think you know what you are doing; know what you are doing. Most people are not able to and therefore submit to whatever a Physician or Specialists orders.

You will find that if you treat your Healthcare workers like human beings and engage them with serious intent to understand their purpose and the procedures they want to apply, they will treat you better. And they will be more willing to engage in discussions with you, when you really do demonstrate that you grasp what they are imparting and have done your homework.
 
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ElizabethB - well, like they say, you have to want to make a change in order to make a change, no one else can force you, and it sounds like you're there. That's great! :)

Exercise...I'm one of those goofballs who actually prefers "boring" indoor exercise over getting outdoors - three miles in my living room on a treadmill versus three miles walking through the woods on a summer's day...give me the treadmill every single time. Outside, I'd be bored stiff in 10 minutes, but inside, I can pop on a trashy horror movie and walk nearly four miles before I know it.

Maybe you just haven't found your "thing" yet - MrsT, like you, absolutely abhors exercise, and no amount of cajoling can get her to do it. No walking, bike-riding, swimming...it's either too physical, too hard, or too much trouble.

Cataracts...if you're worried about the surgery, don't be. MrsT had both eyes done in 2019 - sounds like a horrible surgery (lasers and eyes...no thanks!), but it was a breeze. The worst part is the recovery afterwards, and by that, I just mean that you'll have a strict regimen of antibiotic eye drops, and it's like so many eye drops this week, this a few less the next week, and a few less the week after, and then you get your second eye done, and it starts all over again, and you're having to remember, "Oh, it's four drops of the blue bottle four times a day in my left eye, and four drops three times a day of the tan bottle in my right eye...or is it four drops three times a day...?" It's annoying.

I don't know if you wear glasses, but if you do, the surgery will make that all but unnecessary - MrsT went from pop bottle glasses to OTC reading glasses. If that is an option for you, they'll likely offer you two different lenses - the cheaper one that insurance covers, or the more expansive one that you have to pay out of pocket for. If you can, get the more expensive ones. You'll get far better vision results.

What am I doing for myself? Not much besides exercising and watching what I eat. I had to go to the doctor this year, but anything that isn't mandated (they wouldn't renew my prescriptions without a visit), I'm holding off until all this crap is over. They can say they're clean and safe and all that, but all it takes is one slack doc to pass it along.

Best of luck with the medical stuff coming up! :)
 
ElizabethB Her Madge, as I have said before I gained 50+ kgs when I was treated for cancer. When nurse Honeybun (her real name) said the good news is you are clear of cancer, the bad news is you have developed type 2 diabetes I was pleased. All I had to do was remove the excess weight. Exercise was impossible till I got 40 kgs off because my wrecked knee and leg.
I went on a low carb diet, which I adapted to a no carb diet. I lost 40kgs in 7 month and the diabetes vanished. I lost another 12 kgs in 2/3 months. I was lucky as 20 years previously I had stopped drinking. The only booze I had over Christmas was cooking related. I weighed myself this morning and I have put on 1.5 kgs, my target for Jan 1st is an increase of 2 kgs. I will remove a total of 10 kgs by May so I am confident getting my kit off on the beach. Exercise is not the only key to weight loss. For me Ketosis is.
 
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Self care means something different to everyone, and depends on the situation you're in. I think you've done well for yourself by quitting smoking! Take it step by step and don't push yourself too much is my advice, if you go to fast you might crash and burn later. Building positive habits is often more substainable in the long run.
I walk every day no matter the weather, usually to do my shopping but if not for that just for the excercise. It's hard on me through my asthma but I know it's worse if I don't excercise so I still go and I like walking.
Aside from that I've had a referall from my lung specialist to see a physio therapist, I'm on the waiting list currently and looking forward to building some strength. I really hope it gets me in better shape than I am now.
Food wise, dieting is not a good idea for my eating disorder but I am trying to build good habits by following nutrition guidelines and trying to eat as much fruit and vegetables as I can. I also take supplements and try to get enough rest through meditation and sleeping enough.
 
My left eye was ruined by my constant use of mobile phone and computer.
But I exercise everyday 1 - 2 hours. Mostly running for 30 mins and then body-weight exercises I have lined up myself. Every year I stop all exercising for a few months and then start again.
I have a back pain I got about 15 years ago but it gets under control with my workouts.
I'm not tall, or a muscle man, just the small - made man of 5' 6" but healthy for my age as I evaluate myself :)
From my experience I can tell you that weight can be controlled. You will need may be 6 months but believe me you haven't hit rock bottom, nor are you even close to it.
When you start excercising it's totally strange(is that the word?) and you keep looking at the clock to finish it. But after a week you will be looking at the clock to start your workout, not to end it. After a month you will be adding more time without even noticing it.
When you get your cardiac status evaluated, the doctor will advise you what kind of exercises are good for you. Start from there :)
 
ElizabethB said:
I am 20 lbs over weight. I have 3 pairs of jeans that I can wear and only a few tops. My first thought was I need to shop for clothes that fit and hide my fat. DUUUH! I need to lose weight. That means I have to get off of my a$$ and walk.
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Last time I saw a photo of you (holding up a fish, I think) you looked skinny!
 
One thing that many people fail to grasp is that supplemental insurance only covers what Medicare covers. Medicare recipients must be informed, do research, ask questions. Physicians respect informed patients. If a physician explains something to me I have no problem looking her/him in the eye and requesting a layman's translation. I am well read and above average intelligent. I do not have medical training. I expect to have my questions answered with respect and detail.
Exercise: I despise exercise. A walk around the neighborhood is OK. I wave at neighbors, get nosey and look at houses that are for sale, listen to music on my phone, sing off key. I started today with a 15 minute walk, stroll. I will continue to walk 15 minutes 4 times a week, everyday if the weather cooperates. I know that the distance I cover will increase = increased speed = increased cardiovascular work out.
I am not setting big goals for myself. I want to walk 15 minutes at least 4 times per week. I want to lose 5 lbs. to start. Then increase to 20 minute walks and another 5 lbs. Morning Glory my normal weight is 135 lbs. At 150+ I am in the range of obesity. My weight is all in my mid section. I look like I am 7/8 months pregnant. I hate going out in public. I hate looking in a mirror.
Smoking: After smoking from the age of 16 (I am 67) and quitting numerous times, I think this time is for keeps. I did buy a pack about 3 months ago. I smoked a couple of cigs and was disgusted. Tore up and tossed the rest of the pack. About a month after that we had dinner with friends. She still smokes. I realized how much I liked not smelling like cigarettes. I do chew nicotine gum - 4 mg. I am running low. My next purchase will be 2 mg.
Cataracts - I would love to have the more expensive lenses. It depends on how expensive they are. I have heard $3,000 per eye. I have worn glasses my entire life. I am OK with glasses or contacts. I am excited to have cataract surgery. I do not drive at night and stick to my usual stops during the day. I can not read street signs. Yes, I use my phone for directions. I am uncomfortable. I need to SEE where I am going.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) - I am OK with a Psychologist. Prescriptions can be called in by a Family Practitioner. It is more about a connection. Someone I am comfortable with.
It has been - 3 or more years since I have seen a physician other than a walk in clinic setting. I had begun to establish a relationship with a Nurse Practitioner for overall health care and a very caring Cardiologist. Monday I will make an appointment with NP Blanchard for a physical and blood work.
I am setting small goals. Little things that I can do one day at a time. If I think of big things I get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing.
I love my family. Mother and my sibs are always supportive and loving. Some times too much. If I state a goal and fail I feel as if I am failing my loved ones. Sharing with all of you is different. You do not know me. You all have your own issues. You cheer me on but my failures are not personal. Thank you all. This community is amazing. You are all amazing. My wish is to someday meet you. CD you are first on my list. When all of this Covid cr@p is over I will visit my Niece in Plano. I will get in touch with you and, if you are willing, meet for a cocktail or a meal.
Enough of my cr@p.
It is a New Year. I wish you all the best - happiness, health, friendship and most of all - good food!
:woot::woot::woot:
 
ElizabethB said:
Cataracts - I would love to have the more expensive lenses. It depends on how expensive they are. I have heard $3,000 per eye.
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For my wife, last year's price...$1,800 an eye. That's just for the upgraded lens, not the procedure itself, which was covered by insurance.
 
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