Hello everyone
Proprioception is a word that I have rapidly become acquainted with since I became a tad unsteady on my pins. What exactly do I mean when I write this word? Apparently, proprioception is the body’s ability to sense your movement in your environment. In effect it is the ability to be spatially aware and have good balance, which I patently don’t – at the moment.
I have learnt that we all have proprioceptor type sensors on our nerve endings in our muscles, tendons, joints, skins and inner ear and these deliver information about our movement and position to our brain, which then gives feedback to our legs, feet and ankles as we walk.
As you can imagine, proprioception plays a crucial role in our ability to balance ourselves and know where we are in any particular space. In fact, our ability to balance comes from three critically important sensory inputs: the vestibular system (your ears); vision (your eyesight) and proprioception (touch).
And what do you know, this ability to balance can reduce – you’ve guessed it – as we age. This reduction can also happen after injury or illness. Hmm. I wonder if Covid plays a role in this unsteadiness I have? Because I’ve had Covid twice now, and after each bout of Covid I’ve become unsteady.
So, what to do? Personally, I think my unsteadiness is due to multiple factors and I am being really proactive in how I approach this unwanted and unexpected appearance of a stage in life that I find annoying rather than anything else.
But I say unexpected as I rather think this balance issue has been brewing for some time. Two winters ago, I became a bit unsteady after having ‘flu, then Covid. But I got over it. This winter past, I got the 100-day cough and again I was unsteady, but got over it, and in neither instance did I need a stick.
And then I got another cough in July, and I think now this was Covid as once more I had that extreme fatigue after it was over, plus I had an altered sense of smell for a couple of weeks. The unsteadiness came back but this time I have not regained my balance. Significantly, it became far worse on the cruise whilst going off the ship. Was this my inner ear that had adjusted to the swell of the sea, reacting to walking on dry land?
So that’s my vestibular system. Then my eyes are cooking my cataracts nicely with everything in the distance seeming slightly off. And that’s my vision. I am on the waiting list btw.
In addition, I am ageing so that’s my sensors down a bit. If I’m crossing a road sometimes not even clinging onto his arm but just touching Mr F’s jacket, that is sufficient to steady me. Also, I have tendonitis in my Right glute area which doesn’t help.
And there you have it, dear readers, several factors: eyes, ears and touch, which are contributing to my unsteadiness.
Again, I say to myself what to do. And I am likening this to a feat of detection and elimination of various ailments and problems. For me, information is power, as is doing something, anything, to mitigate this unwanted situation of not feeling safe when walking out and about.
So, first of all, I have made an appointment with a consultant, a move that has been supported by my General Practitioner. After all what can a GP do in 10 minutes. I’ve seen the GP twice now, the first time I was not happy that he put it all down to my age. But the second time he listened to my views. Not that he was able to offer me much in the way of advice.
Secondly, I am seriously considering having my cataracts sorted privately. It’s a big step to take financially and I haven’t initiated it yet. I want to see if I can get the consultant I’m seeing, and my optician to move my place up the waiting list. As a strong supporter of the NHS I’m not keen on doing that, but I will take advice from the experts.
The third thing is that I have upped my 1-2-1s with my Personal Trainer to twice a week for 5 weeks. I have been working with Sarah since 2018 and with her very skilled help I have become so much stronger – and more upright as I have scoliosis, which was much worse before 2018. We are actively working on my balance.
And lastly, in between my 1-2-1s I am doing several exercises (see below) and walking +++ Btw the walking is done on the flat and is mostly me walking into the centre of Lewes. I am not doing any country walks as even when steady I don’t particularly like uneven ground.
I’ve also considered CBT and counselling – because is this all in my head??? Am I just being fearful??? I did indeed have 5 sessions with a counsellor but apart from finding out that I have a negative view of ageing (you know at this particular point of time, I think it’s logical to feel a bit negative) counselling is not particularly practical.
So, what am I saying to you all, do not accept any suggestion that your conditions are just about old age, instead seek out advice and get all the practical help you can – in my case getting a stick and booking appointments with and using experts. Look for information, because knowledge gives you power.
Then also, do eliminate anything that might be serious. I am totally up to be looked at closely, after all, my grandmother had Parkinson’s, but the GP said no, it’s nothing like that. OK. Fine.
And back to the exercises. Do Google and look for the classic exercises that are helpful for older people and their balance. Also note that I am not a qualified anything now, so do not begin exercising or over-exerting yourself if you are frail or unsteady. Always ask your medical practitioner for advice first. However here is a link to an exercise guide from the UK – there will be many other sites too, I’m sure. Exercises for balance will probably include:
- Standing on one leg. But be careful and hold on to something when you start this. Aim to hold the leg off the ground for 60 seconds. I can barely do 10 seconds – but that’s normal for me. My balance has never been good. However, that’s no excuse for not aiming to improve.
- Sit to stand with your arms crossed. Make sure the chair is firmly against a wall or something solid. Do ten of these and increase as and when.
- Tight-rope walk. This is walking heel to toe in a straight line. Ha, ha, lol, etc. as I absolutely cannot do that at all. I always walk with a space as I would fall over if I tried heel to toe. Again, know your limitations but work to improve.
- Gentle wall slide. Stand upright with your back to the wall and feet slightly apart a bit away from the wall. Make sure your knees are kept to the middle and in line with your feet. Bend those knees to a squat. Repeat 10 times.
- Marching – march on the spot with opposite arm going up. Repeat 10 times each side.
I also walk around on tip toes, which is good for the calf muscles, and in the bathroom when I am cleaning my teeth I stand on one leg.
Both my PT and the physio would say that it is consistency that matters more than anything else. So, if you are starting exercises from scratch do a little set of exercises every day. The physio (I saw her for my tendonitis) also believed that consistency of effort was important Do not overdo it. Increase both your walking and exercises slowly.
Have I stuck to that? No, and I’ve learnt my lesson as I overdid it one weekend through doing a lot of housework and walking, and then went to London the next day, and my tendonitis kicked off, and painfully so, for over a week. I won’t do that again! Just a little something every single day is the way forward.
That’s all for now, but before I go I just want to say that I often wonder if I am oversharing my issues and let’s be blunt, problems, but what I am advocating is rather than accepting anything that begins, ‘well when you age….. or ‘at your age…..’. Isn’t that infuriating! Instead, I say, be proactive and take the attitude that, I will ask for help, I will look for advice, I absolutely will accept all the practical help I can get. And I want to know what’s going on as knowledge, dear reader, is power – and that’s what we want when we age!
With love Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
P.S. My daughter, her partner and his sister and his mother (younger than me) have all had balance issues after Covid and that is why I am not just accepting that this is all about my age.
P.P.S Normal service will be resumed next week with some more fashion 😊
I wish more people were as honest and open as you.
Oh Jen – thank you so much 😊
Re cataracts, I don’t know if this will apply to your area Penny but just in case it helps. I was having real trouble with my eyesight but the private optician I was seeing told me there was no chance of NHS treatment until both eyes were below the driving standard (only one was apparently). On friends’ advice I went to Specsavers and they referred me immediately to a private clinic for NHS treatment (this is Essex). Now had both eyes done – brilliant service and wonderful result. Can now see better than my children! Now if only they could do something similar for ears …
I can vouch for Specsavers too. My husband has twice been referred by them for his cataracts and both times he was seen in a matter of weeks, both times in private specialist centres. His eyes are better now than they have ever been.
Thanks so much Pamela – reading your comment and others on this I shall get on with either moving myself up the list or having it done privately. I haven’t totally decided on that issue.
Thanks again for the advice 😊
Reading your comment, and others, on the benefits of having a cataract op I am really keen now to have mine done. Thanks so much Sue for the good advice 😊
Dear Penny
I have followed you for years and so agree with your latest blog
I will be 80 in December …..I and those around me feel amazed by this.
I have been lucky in life with my health…never been in hospital never broken any thing.
7 years ago after particularly stressful time, I found myself stiff in arms and pelvic region ,painful turning over in bed.I decided it was age catching up with me and soldiered on.
Long story short after a good deal of googling I decided I had PMR.(Polymyalgia Rheumatica)I spoke to my GP who was marvellous. Said it is a condition under diagnosed. Only treatment is steroids. I have been on reducing number of steroids ever since and that gave me my life back..plus my stick…which gives me confidence.Just agreeing not everything is ‘old age’
I love my charity shops…have far too many clothes but emotionally attached to many.
All best wishes entering this stage of life.I feel it is a privilege to have reached this far so will be celebrating with a big party.
All best wishes
Annie
Thank you for this very interesting and honest article. You’ve prompted me to do something that I’ve been going to do for a long time – get a programme at the gym for strength training, it’s so important as we age. I practice yoga which is good for flexibility but not so much for improving strength, we do some balance as you’ve described. Sending warm wishes. Cathy
Hi Cathy, yes strength training is incredibly important to keep our muscles going and I work on this with my PT with a band and weights too. However, just a cautionary tale. In September I decided that the unsteadiness really ought to be tackled by going to the gym for some lower leg machines. I had a very gentle introductory session with a really nice person but despite the entire half hour being gentle, the machines were digital and somehow they really, really didn’t suit me. Long story short I had DOMS for days and it kicked off my tendonitis big time.
Now for you, going to a gym may be absolutely right for your body. But actually being with someone who can see your body and work with you week after week like a Personal Trainer might be just as good. And a PT should get to know your body and what it needs and adjust your weekly sessions to your needs without machines. Funnily enough working with bands and hand weights can work as well as any machine.
So OK I have upped my sessions with my PT and it’s working for me. You have to work out what suits you best – and honestly don’t take any notice of what I say (!) follow your instincts – I’m sure they will be right 😊.
Hi Annie and it’s so interesting to read about your situation. I totally know that the situation I am in is partly due to my age, but not all of it. Especially as my daughter and son-in-law have suffered from balance issues too.
Yes, a stick does give one confidence and I was so happy to find one in animal print 🤣 I too think it is good to be this age. And you are 80 in December! Happy Birthday for then, and I am so pleased you are having a big party.
Very best wishes to you too Annie 😊
So veryuseful.
I am so glad to hear the blog post has been useful. I am actually surprised as I didn’t think all that many people would read it, what with no photos or fashion, but seems it has struck a chord. And I am glad to share the knowledge I’ve picked up. Thanks Rosemary 😊
I have had both eyes treated for cataracts Penny and it has made an enormous difference to my confidence. My vision now with glasses is better than it has been for years. I have a pair of glasses for long distance and a pair for reading and at the moment this works well for me. I have had vari focal glasses in the past but I always felt a little unbalanced whilst wearing them.
I hope you have your op soon and that you regain your confidence
X
So interesting Charmaine, I have quite bad eyesight anyway, and I have wondered about my varifocals and think they may be part of the unsteadiness. I have two pairs of varifocals, and reading glasses and glasses for my laptop!!! And now everything is slightly fuzzy in the distance. Hmm. I am so interested that everyone is saying how much their eyesight improved after the cataract op. I shall definitely get them done and as quickly as possible.
Thanks so much 😊
I find that if I overthink about a physical issue it completely takes over and becomes out of proportion. You seem to be overthinking this change in your balance so are coming up with different causes and routes to get “back to normal”
Good for you in trying to defy ageing and having the determination to fight it physically…..but….. relax and go with it. Gentle exercise, nutritious diet, relaxation and change of lifestyle will all make you feel well. Confidence is important too especially when you are putting yourself in situations that you know can be challenging.
We all are shocked to find the we suddenly seem to be an old lady and clinging on to your ankle boots and taffeta skirts is another indication that you are not going gently into the sweet night.
Disconcerting though it may be to have this balance issue if you calm down about it then it may become less intrusive.
I agree, always go with it, and indeed, yes, I am in the baby boomer generation and so, I totally admit I’m in the, ‘what, moi’ mode of thinking!!! There is indeed some sense of outrage here, which is quite funny 🤣
I think the thing is I’ve shared with you (in a 5-minute read) all the knowledge I’ve gained over two months – the thinking has actually been gradual. So I’ve not been rushing around at all or overthinking. Although actually thinking is my MO – that’s what I do, think! And I wouldn’t want to change that.
Basically I am not accepting either that it’s down to my age, mainly because I know several people much younger than me in the same predicament who were taken seriously, and investigated, indeed two of them had MRI scans.
As for the taffeta skirts – I am wearing one tomorrow! 😁
Share on, Penny. Your observances are most welcome and enlightening. You’ll probably never know how helpful they for some dealing with the same issues.
Fifteen years ago I needed cataract surgery. The doctor was the top-rated ophthalmologist in my city for several years. He was a quiet, self-effacing man who was shy when I congratulated him.
I had worn contacts for decades due to nearsightedness. He explained that I had two options. One was implants covered by insurance that would mean needing reading glasses. The other, which was not covered by insurance, was multi-focal implants, which would give me 20/20 for both near and far vision. I sat in his office and weighed the choices by reading the literature he gave me. No pressure to decide immediately. But, I did.
My world is reading. I chose the multi-focal implants even though I had to pay for them. The morning of the surgery as he did the procedure for each eye, I heard him say, “right on” meaning he was able to center each implant exactly, like hitting the bullseye.
Now, as I will reach 90 in just a few days, I am so grateful to not need glasses because of the skill of that fine doctor. One of the best decisions I ever made.
Oh Elaine, Happy Birthday and congratulations at reaching 90!
I love your comments and yours today is particularly relevant as I’ve been weighing up waiting for over a year and having the NHS implants which will need reading glasses or going privately. And having the cataracts done pretty soon. I too live for reading – everything I like best is about ‘looking’ so eyesight is pretty precious.
All the comments relating to cataracts and particularly yours is making me rethink my reluctance to pay for the 20/20 vision implants. Mind you, I’ve had bad eyesight since I was 7 (measles) and I shall ask if I would get 20/20 vision paying the private surgeon, who btw, I have already met (for blepharitis) and like. He seems well-respected and I shall make an appointment with my optician first (who is also very good) to have a quick chat before I initiate the process. It will make quite an impact in my savings but I really don’t like the way the distance vision is so ‘off’. This has to be a factor impacting my balance and I really dont’ want to wait for 15 months which is the current waiting list time.
Many thanks Elaine – you’ve helped my thinking a lot 😊
My decision in 2008 to get the multi-focal lenses was one of the top ones of my life. Worth every cent. I disliked wearing glasses and contacts were a bother in dusty outdoor settings. No way to fix a problem so I suffered with mascara drooling down my face until I could get to water to clean them.
I moved to Ecuador almost 10 years ago so I have seen eye specialists regularly. All has been well.
The skill of the surgeon is the main thing because those implants have to be put in place exactly. If you consider that option ask the doctor to explain how they are constructed and you will understand why that is so. The patient has to be a suitable candidate. I ask a lot of questions and I won’t be hurried. 🙂
Just before I moved from the U.S. I took a friend to a doctor’s office adjacent to my eye doctor’s office in the hospital. While I waited for her, I took a sheet of paper out of a notebook I carry and wrote a long heartfelt note to him. I told him how much I appreciated his diligence to hone his skill because he changed my life. He was a highly honored doctor and a humble introvert.
I left it with his receptionist. She called me later to tell me he was moved to tears.
I completely agree with the post of Lyndsay Aston. I would also like to put something else into the mix. I think your life is in danger of becoming one of continuous appointments and regimen of exercises which take up an enormous amount of your time. Why not adopt a more holistic approach? I have been involved with creative movement for a long time and it has given me so much. This is something that nurtures body awareness in spades. It allows for individual creativity and the opportunity to interact creatively with others. If you google dance/movement psychotherapy you will get a good idea of what it involves.
I will have a look at that Helen, thanks. But don’t forget my balance issue has really only come to the fore very recently. So actually I haven’t been in a rush at all. And so far I have only made one appointment! Plus I think it is quite good to wonder what to do about my eyesight which is deteriorating because of the cataracts.
Basically, in a 5-minute read you’ve heard about the knowledge i’ve accumulated over two months as it was early September when I realised I had to cling on to Mr F’s arm. That’s all. And I am a cerebral person and I wouldn’t want to change that. I think therefore I am 😁
Thanks though Helen as I always like to hear what other people think. It’s stimulating and refreshing to get people’s opinions – long may that continue on this blog 😊
I hope the consultant you plan to see is a neurologist who is an expert in the varieties of peripheral neuropathy. Mine was diagnosed 20 years ago, and your gradually increasing symptoms, especially following viral infections, is a typical presentation. Your symptoms track exactly with the definition of peripheral neuropathy. One form, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, is treated with immunoglobulin infusions and steroids which are usually very effective in preventing further deterioration and even restoring normal function. If you do have peripheral neuropathy, the fact that you can still stand and walk on your toes indicates that it is not far advanced and would respond well to treatment.
The consultant is an eminent gerontologist so I am expecting that he will know all about peripheral neuropathy. And I shall judge him if he asks to see my feet – my GP didn’t on the first appointment. But my feet are small for my height, thin, high arched and the toes curl now with the big toe very much up when I walk. Actually I work on that all the time but I have to think to get my big toe down. So there isn’t much of my foot on the ground – but when I roll a prickle ball around and under my feet they wake up.
Yes, interesting you’re thinking that peripheral neuropathy might be the case – I have thought that too. I can walk on tip toe but wobble a bit – that’s been going on for years.
Thanks so much Sharon 😊 This is useful information.
Do what is right for you and ignore advice which isn’t. It’s up to you, Penny. I find you an inspiration and always will do.
Old age is a pain but we are the generation of women who came to adulthood learning to be strong, independent and forthright – and these virtues are what we need to exercise now!
Exactly Rose I am not satisfied with the advice (practically non-existent) from the GP, especially when my daughter and son-in-law and other members of his family have had the same symptoms after Covid and especially when my son-in-law and his sister were investigated for ages and even had MRI scans. Of course, age does come into it, I accept that, but I think it’s rational do a little digging and thinking about what to do.
And thank you so much for those kind words 😊
Penny, this is a very informative post. First, I would like to add, Lindsay and Helen need to stay in their own lane. Your health and well being are are a personal thing and I have been told, here in Canada, that you have to advocate for yourself as we are so painfully short of doctors and healthcare. A short 10 minute appointment that takes weeks to get and you are allowed only 2 questions. I do not look up every symptom and go down the rabbit hole, however do use the trusted sites. To go to a naturopath is way out of our budget and have to save up for long term physio after surgery. To be told that I should just go with ageing and be thankful to be alive is not what I will agree to. I have to be a caretaker for as long as I can.
I have had a misguided spatial awareness for many years now, and was tested for MS but inconclusive and sometimes do feel like throwing up my arms, but NO.
The falling down is getting worse however and a ‘stick’ is only partially helpful, and have a walker too.
On another note, your posts are so enjoyed on all topics, even polotics, and I love your fashion quirks even if not to everyone’s taste. Keep up the great work my dear
with much love
Hi Diane and yes here in the UK we have a shortage of GPs and it is incredibly difficult to get a same day appointment – which you used to. I had to wait for over 3 weeks for my last appointment with my GP. The NHS is good a lot of the time and is brilliant in emergencies and if you have cancer (although waiting times have increased since Covid) and all the medical and nursing staff are incredibly under pressure and I do understand why the waiting lists for things like hips, knees and cataracts are long. But I think we do have to be our own advocates and a little digging our selves.
Sorry to hear about your situation – it is galling when this happens. But so glad I keep you amused with the blogs – it’s lovely to get that feedback. Thanks so much Diane and love to you too 😊
I’ve had a few silly fluke accidents that have affected my body, and shaken my confidence and these were before my mid 60s. I’m so grateful for this information I too like to about possible causes, having awareness then leads me to then act instinctively. What I certainly advocate is using health care professionals whose practice is regulated, (pI’m a former careers advisor so am aware of professional bodies, skills and regulations. A physio for me has to be state registered not someone who has done a few courses. A registered personal trainer who understands how the body works and how my body works.
I had an email from Everyone Active via my local this week and first thoughts were I can move around and I’m too young. But a sixth sense led me to keeping the email, and coupled with your experiences, my previous mini accidents and clumsiness at times, (although I am quite agile) it’s time to get serious. Thank you so much Penny.
Oh I absolutely agree that one has to use the well trained and regulated health care professionals. My PT is very aware and has taken many courses. She specialises in older people too. Have a look at her website. http://www.wellbeingexercise.co.uk/about_us.html And yes, I think it’s good to think through and find out what options there are. I enjoy being pro-active.
And excellent that you are aware of your limitations – good luck with the exercise path you choose and thanks 😊
Hi Penny: I am a retired physician in California. I agree with working on each issue of aging proactively
and subsequently to getting symptoms is an excellent approach. Sometimes the clock cannot be turned back, but all of the issues you describe should be addressed with diagnosis and therapies. (I do think getting cataract surgery sooner rather than later as described by Elaine is an excellent approach.) I think one
issue with viruses that has been brought forward by Covid is the inflammatory reaction after the viral illness that many people have is now being investigated more thoroughly. I don’t think you are oversharing. One of the great benefits of reading your blog (and some others) is the information that we gain and the various approaches/responses many take to these issues of aging and illnesses. Proprioception is an amazing part of how the neurological system works in our bodies (we can tell where our finger is in relation to our body
with our eyes closed!). Much of our lives we spend not thinking about how our bodies work and suddenly with age we must. Thanks for a well written and great blog and fun to read about clothes, art, movies as well!
Thanks so much Mary and what you say about inflammation must be so. There’s my daughter and her extended family having very similar symptoms to mine, and all of us getting these symptoms after Covid – two of them were investigated for months and indeed had MRI scans – they are better now and I rather wonder if it just need time. And then I am being told it is just my age. Well, age definitely has to come into it but I really think it is worth looking at various options – like getting my cataracts sorted – and being investigated just a bit more.
And I agree we have to think about our bodies as we age – and do the exercises. I will let everyone know how the appointment with the consultant goes. I just want half an hour of undivided attention from an expert. Again thanks so much 😊
Rock on Penny and keep it coming. We’ve never been a quiet generation and be blowed if I’m going to start now (78 since you ask). It would save the NHS tuppence halfpenny to write boomers plus off to sit quietly in a corner until it’s all over compared to what it is spending on heaven knows what, it certainly isn’t satisfied customers. We have paid in advance – by and large – for this service, if we’ve been lucky healthwise and worked paying NICs for donkeys years. If we haven’t I doubt it was by choice. I resent the time and energy (fast draing away!) that has to be spent getting diagnosis and treatment – not always successfully – but that won’t stop me trying. Our current healthcare professionals will be grateful one day, if we get it right, when they retire and never, or rarely, hear themselves written off with ‘sorry it’s just your age’. Hope they have a twinge of conscience remembering how often it is used nowadays as a cop out. Probably won’t, please insert suitable expletive/s of your choice as my sign off.
You write exactly as I see it! I don’t actually blame the NHS – it has been so underfunded and everyone is under such pressure. But I do think there is a teensy bit of ageism here. Absolutely ageing does come into it, but the service we get when we are older is very predictable and not quite right – definitely not right for us baby boomers. We have different expectations. I am grateful up to a point and then …. no. And I am jolly well going to keep digging until I get some answers.
Thanks so much Pauline 😊 we think alike!
I have known about proprioception for years. I had to teach my students about it, but I didn’t use that word. We talked about spatial intelligence. It’s funny because I used to have to ask my daughter if she knew where her body was in space. She often would be out of whack somehow or other.
I have a baby cataract in one eye, but it’s not bad enough for surgery. I think that’s one thing we have going for us in the US is that we can usually see a specialist and have a surgery much more quickly than you in the UK or even Canada can. I have a couple of friends who needed knee replacements and had to wait years. But, that could also be a bad thing here because hospitals are for-profit so, of course, they want to churn out those surgeries. I do hope you are able to have the procedure done sooner rather than later. My husband had both eyes done and needs to have them looked at again. I gather sometimes they need to go in and zap the new lens to clean it off.
I am so glad you share what you’re feeling and doing. I learn so much from you, and I hope you will keep telling us about different things. You also have your nurse’s knowledge to back you up as well as your keen researching abilities. I’m going to start doing those exercises a bit, myself. I can balance on my right foot with no problems, but my left Frankenfoot is much more iffy!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Yes, in some of my googling I got proprioception exercises for young people rather than the old. And I read up some of the writing about proprioception and autism – very interesting.
Ah yes, our wonderful NHS. Well it’s creaking because of years of underfunding, and people do complain about the waiting lists to see a consultant and to have an op particularly for hips and knees and cataracts. BUT, if it is an emergency, or an accident or something serious like cancer (although waiting for cancer treatment has unfortunately lengthened since Covid) the NHS is there for you, and of course there is never, ever, any thought about paying for our treatment. It just doesn’t come into it. It is free at the point of need for everything. Btw today I was sent a piece of writing by a British friend who lives permanently in the States – see link below. The author writes about his wife needing chemo quickly and to not treat people until the insurance comes through seems shocking to us Brits, but he moves on to reproductive rights, and it is even more shocking to us over the pond hearing of the interference of government/State/religion with women and their bodies. Just appalling but I’m going off piste here – many, many apologies if this is not the right thing to say to you.
Anyway, our health system works very well in parts but I might just speed up the process of having my cataracts done by paying – decisions, decisions!
Thanks so much for the feedback about writing this blog. I have been surprised at the effect it has had as I thought it might be boring. But I do feel bloggers should be real and say how things are, which now I will continue to do 😀
Thanks so much Marsha – it’s always lovely to communicate with you 😊
https://www.russellwrankle.com/post/modern-masculinity-why-this-dad-fights-for-reproductive-rights
Penny, thanks for sharing that link. I do wish more men in this country realized just what that orange monstrosity and his ilk are proposing for our country. I once told my nephew when he grew a uterus, he could make decisions for my body. Unfortunately, said nephew is now probably going to be elected a US Senator…and he’s as vile now as he was then. It’s amazing to me how absolutely brainwashed people in this country are. I think, deep down, he has made being racist, sexist, and just hateful all the way round OK, and these people are embracing that. You, in no way offended me as I feel exactly the way you do. Women’s reproductive rights are in danger in this country. Unfortunately, I live in an extremely red state. I’m just a little blue dot, but this blue dot is doing all she can to try for lavender this election cycle.
It’s good to be open. It’s not over sharing. I’m 69, fit and healthy and aiming to stay that way as long as possible. But….. the optician says I have a cataract developing. Also I did fall down a steep and very muddy rocky path recently. An accident that could happen to anyone, but leaving a lingering feeling that it was the beginning of balance issues. It’s comforting to read about what help there is available should (when) I need it and what you can do to help yourself. So keep on being open, Penny!
Ooops, sorry to hear you falling down the path. Actually take comfort in the fact that everyone falls over, it’s just the old who, ‘have a fall’! Funny how the language changes as we age!
I will keep on sharing – thanks so much for that feedback which In really appreciate 😊
Thank you for sharing Penny. As I wrote in my last response I have been experience unsteadiness myself. It seemed so much better at the beginning of the week. It was a busy week and though I often felt unusually tired I pushed on. But then yesterday I could not face a long drive out to the county to see the pony. I was all ready, made my lunch and all then just kind of got back into bed and read all morning. Tomorrow I will have bloodwork in preparation for my annual physical exam nest week. there will certainly be more tests. Or may it is just something I have to accept at my age, which is 83. I have to be thankful that I have had such good health for most of my life.
I had my cataracts removed three years ago. at the same time a stent was placed in each eye to deal with my glaucoma, which I have had for several years and which my mother also had. I need to take drops for it daily. My vision is so much better now that I have had the surgery. I really appreciate your openness about the physical side of getting older, as well as those of your readers. And thank you for the exercise suggestions. I try to do yoga balancing postures even if we do not do them in class as it is so important. Again thank you for this discussion, love, Darby
Hi Darby, sorry to hear about the continuing tiredness. There could be all sorts of reasons for this and it is so good that you are having your annual health check very soon where you can explain what’s happening and hopefully get some resolution.
The responses to this blog have been so interesting and useful and I have a decision to make about my cataracts – I shall see my optician for a quick chat but I am nearer than I was before to getting them done privately. I really cannot wait over a year to rectify my eyesight.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this blog – it has been so good getting feedback on it. and Btw, my fingers are crossed………..!
With love to you too Darby 🙂
Bravo, bravo, Penny.
I hate it when everything is told to us because we are older. I do think there is something we can do for most issues, and it takes a village to get the answers.
Thank you for sharing…and please continue to do so.
XOXO
Jodie
I agree. Saying it is just about one’s age is such a cop out. Yes, I agree up to a point that it is about my age, but there are reasons behind this balance issue and what are these?
Thank you so much for the feedback – I really appreciate it 😊
Many thanks for this interesting and informative blog, Penny. Perhaps, being Brits, we are reluctant to share – stiff upper lip, etc.?
Information/knowledge on the health front is essential – especially now, given the state of the NHS after years of neglect/under-funding. Thankfully, people of our generation want to be more involved in our own health. Very different from our parents and grandparents generations.
I’ve always been interested in healthy eating but never been sporty, but Derek has always been. As a result, we’ve been gym members for over 30 years. I just plodded along on the bike and walker and splashed in the pool until 13 years ago. A recently qualified PT offered me a free training session. He asked me what my goal was. I said, “I’m 65 and I want to live ’til I’m 95.” He gulped and said, I can’t promise, but I’ll do my best!
😉
I’ve been seeing him once a week ever since. Turned out, I struck lucky. Apart from his sporty, super-fit clients, his special interest is remedial work. So he works with people who’ve had strokes, operations etc. He helped me prep for a knee replacement and then came to my home for post-operation exercises. Now, the focus is supporting my arthritic shoulder and all-around health. We’re both interested in food so often spend the session talking about that – which makes the sessions enjoyable (for me.) I’ll never get to love the gym, but I do feel better afterwards. (I go twice by myself and the session with him). Now, I can walk greater distances and even up hills, which I hadn’t done for years. (I don’t like hills!)
My health is very good, apart from the arthritis, but I have an appointment with the GP in two weeks to discuss my memory. My long-term memory is excellent, but I realise I’m forgetting what I want to say, particularly people’s names: I can see the person in my mind’s eye and can say where they live or what car they drive, but I can’t think of their names. Strangely, it doesn’t seem to occur when I’m writing. I told several people who have tried to dismiss it, “Oh, there’s nothing wrong…” I’m sure they meant well – but bloody infuriating. I’m getting it checked!
Go well, Penny! In friendship, Mary
PS – I wish I could receive notifications of your postings: I’m always late to the party.
Hi Mary and many apologies for not replying sooner – the blog platform is now not informing me of comments – grrr!
As for the email that goes out from WordPress not me and I can’t add you as subscribers have to add their own email. WordPress also occasionally cull emails and I don’t know why – another grr! . If we meet up I can show you how but there is a subscribe area on the blog – at the side if reading on a PC and at the bottom of reading on a phone.
This time I mean it but I will email you shortly!!!!!! Off now to my grandson’s birthday party 😀
Hello, Penny
I’m like Mary Evan’s Young, often a bit late to the party but as long as we’re still in the gang, we can always catch up.
I do wish you well with your current problems and I admire your decisiveness in getting them sorted. I, on the other hand am a fully paid-up head-in-the-sand ostrich: if I ignore it, it will go away. Naughty, I know, but there you go…so there’ll be wise words from me…
That said, I would add my agreement to Marsha’s comment about cataract procedures sometimes needing an add-on: a one-off zapping to clear the lens. Mine is due just in time for me to keep a beady eye on Father Christmas on the 24th!
Keep on keeping onwith your research and always asking questions, Penny. I do understand Lindsay’s and Helen’s alternative counselling, given from a caring perspective, I’m sure, but as you said, your issue with balance isn’t new, it’s only now that you’re sharing it with us.
Well, thank you for that! And Good Luck with getting it, and your cataracts, sorted.
You take care
Zepherine x
Apologies for this late reply – the IT always changes around this blog and now I’m not getting notifications for the comments – grrr! And long may you continue to stick your head in the sand because it means actually everything is OK. Thanks so much Zepherine 😊