Thrive Without Janelle: The Accountability Group

[Absolom]

My PCP left and was replaced by what so far seems a very knowledgable and competent woman.  

[lookeyloo]

My experience is mixed with women doctors and men doctors. I've had great ones and yuck ones in each category. 

[Absolom]

I just saw this article in the news feed about another study on how many steps are needed for longevity purposes. 

https://fortune.com/well/2023/03/28/how-many-steps-per-day-longevity/

[Yeah No]

1 hour ago, Teafortwo said:

For me, the answer has been women doctors. Hands down I've had better experiences with them, with the exception of my wonderful male rheumatologist,  and my former eye doctor of over two decades (sadly, he retired in 2021). My dentists are both men also, and they're great. But the rest? Meh. 

Me too, although I have had great male doctors too, like my PCP of 20 years who retired in 2021, I think because of Covid.  He was a germaphobe like me and about 66 years old so I think he just decided it was time to go.  I miss him but I lucked out into an excellent female PCP.  I was able to see a short video of her online before I made an appointment with her and I think that made all the difference. 

I had a great male eye doctor from the time I was a little kid (he was my mom's contact lens doctor) until the 1990s.  He was a wonderful person and a genius doctor.  I'll never replace him.  His office was down on E. 33rd St. in Manhattan, although he also had an office in New Rochelle, where he lived.  He's the main reason I've been wearing contacts since 1977!

I've had my current dentist for 20 years and love him too.  He's one of those doctors that tells it to you straight.  No BS, and he will not try to sell you procedures you don't need.  If he can find a way to save you money without compromising your teeth or gums, he'll do it.  My dentist before him I had for decades too.  He was based in Port Chester, NY.  A brilliant genius but a little nutty.  His fillings were intended to last a lifetime.  I still have 30+ year old fillings he gave me that other dentists marvel over because they are so amazing.

P.S.  I contacted my diet doctor and she prescribed the Metformin for me.  I pick it up tomorrow.  Yay!!!

[Gramto6]

6,094 steps yesterday.

Lots of pacing, when would neighbor come over, would car start (it did!), would car restart 2nd time? (It did!) This morning worried will car start today??? Almost there....

As soon as I eat something and it warms up a bit (28° outside now), providing car starts again, I am going right to Les Schwab and getting a new battery.  Current one was installed 9/2017 so it probably is due to be replaced anyway. 

Excess worry is beginning to finally dissipate! 

[Absolom]

The pouring rain arrived an hour earlier than predicted.  

[Gramto6]

7,149 steps yesterday. That was a surprise, especially after sitting waiting for new car battery over an hour. Car is fixed, I am finally free and on my own again!

Did grocery shopping at the larger store in town, lots of walking to find things (haven't been there since Dec 15) so really got a lot of steps there and then unloading car and putting most things away. No wonder I was exhausted yesterday!!

Today is going to be a day of rest...

Weighed myself this morning first thing, down another 2.2# since 3/25.  I'm trying to eat as much as I can...getting worrisome.

[ginger90]

1 hour ago, Gramto6 said:

Weighed myself this morning first thing, down another 2.2# since 3/25.  I'm trying to eat as much as I can...getting worrisome.

Have you had your thyroid checked recently?

[Gramto6]

46 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

Have you had your thyroid checked recently?

Not that I know of...they did so many tests when I was in hospital and at the care facility, I'll have to look at my Portal and see if anything shows there. Thanks!

[Yeah No]

I've been getting about 6,000-8,000 steps per day for the past several days.  I've been going to the mall with one excuse or another and turning it into a mall walk, which accounts for most of it.  Also, my foot is feeling a little better bunion-wise.  I went for a custom orthotics fitting last week so I should be getting that soon too, which is good.

In my continuing Metformin odyssey (and in keeping with my "quirky body" that defies all expectations), the time-release Metformin that my doctor prescribed me gave me wicked stomach cramps and diarrhea - the very things the time-release version is supposed to PREVENT!  Before that I was taking the same dose (500 mg.) per day by cutting up a regular Metformin pill in 4 quarters and taking them staggered throughout the day with no symptoms prior to this.  So go figure.  I spoke to my pharmacy and a pharmacist told me what I suspected, that it might be that the time release version is a different brand and formulated differently than the regular version I was taking and somehow the second one bothers me.  It wouldn't surprise me if that were the case because the regular Metformin came from a different pharmacy (the one my husband goes to at Walmart).  The time release version I got came from CVS.  So she told me that I should probably stick with whatever works and reconfirmed for me that cutting up an extended release pill is not recommended.  So now I have a message into my doctor about this.  Now she's going to have to call in yet another prescription, this time to the Walmart pharmacy.  It's usually the other way around for me - that prescriptions I get from Walmart give me side effects and those from CVS don't.  But what a PITA!  Unfortunately nothing is ever that easy for me.....

[Gramto6]

6,241 steps yesterday. And I felt I was taking it easy!

@Yeah No sorry this is such a problem for you! We must be related somehow because I have the same problem with meds. I end up going through several different ones before they find one I can take without bad side effects!

May I ask you, what is the problem for you to stick with the regular Metformin and complete the splitting regimen until you get to the full dose at one time? It seems you tolerated it well and something in the time release did not agree with you. Just a question. With our sensitivities to meds once something works, I personally don't mess with it... yes it can take a bit to get to full dose, it did for me, but then it (Regular Metformin) worked well with no side problems.

Again just my experience, talk to your dr and go with what feels right for you. Good luck, I'll be thinking of you.

[Yeah No]

18 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

6,241 steps yesterday. And I felt I was taking it easy!

@Yeah No sorry this is such a problem for you! We must be related somehow because I have the same problem with meds. I end up going through several different ones before they find one I can take without bad side effects!

May I ask you, what is the problem for you to stick with the regular Metformin and complete the splitting regimen until you get to the full dose at one time? It seems you tolerated it well and something in the time release did not agree with you. Just a question. With our sensitivities to meds once something works, I personally don't mess with it... yes it can take a bit to get to full dose, it did for me, but then it (Regular Metformin) worked well with no side problems.

Again just my experience, talk to your dr and go with what feels right for you. Good luck, I'll be thinking of you.

I think a lot of people, especially older women have more sensitivities to meds. than others.  I have read that plus it seems like every woman I know personally has their sensitivities, some as bad as mine or even worse.

It wasn't my idea to prescribe the time release version.  It was the doctor's based on hearing that I was doing well cutting the regular pill down into 4 daily doses.  She was well intended but I didn't have a chance to tell her I had my reservations about that before she did it, because like you I have learned to stick with what works.  I at least wanted to discuss it with her first and tell her about my reservations about the time release version.  The pills won't go to waste, though.  I am swapping them with my husband for his regular Metformin pills for now.  He is one of those people that can take anything with no side effects.  He's like that with everything.  He calls me "The Princess and the Pea" because I'm sensitive to EVERYTHING.  I think I'm one of those "highly sensitive people" like the book from at least a decade ago.  Sometimes it's hard for him to relate to it and he thinks I'm just being fussy.  Over the years, though, I think he's learned that it's not fussiness, especially when he saw me running to the bathroom every half hour and heard my stomach growling from across the room when I took that time release Metformin!

BTW I checked with the pharmacy and they told me for a 1000 mg. daily dose (which is what my husband is taking) he can take two time release pills 12 hours apart every day and that is fine.  So far so good....

I see the doctor next Friday so when I sit down with her I will work this out with her.  Regular Metformin from Walmart pharmacy for me for now!

Edited March 31, 2023 by Yeah No

[Gramto6]

5,522 steps yesterday. 

Was doing some housework and noticed back was beginning to ache so stopped and just sat down for a while. I really don't want to work until I hurt, still trying to learn my limits for now.

[Gramto6]

6,483 steps yesterday.

Lots of pacing waiting for FedEx shipment, that never came... I was expecting a shipment from Chewy that was supposed to come Friday, then Saturday now Monday. Driver apparently decided not to drive down my road (yes muddy but I drove it) and marked Weather Delay on tracking 2X...no bad weather here. Very frustrating, this is the last Chewy order, don't need the stress now that I can drive again!

[Gramto6]

6,325 steps yesterday.

Feeling stressed over the cat food order, lately when I am stressed, I pace.

 

ETA: Kitty food arrived mid morning. Different driver, said he saw how long I had been waiting and came out with both boxes even though it was lightly snowing. He said original driver was kind of lazy and always tried to get people to come closer to him to deliver...

On more stressor gone!! Maybe I will sleep better tonight.

Edited April 3, 2023 by Gramto6

[Gramto6]

5,779 steps yesterday.

Today should be a quiet relaxed day. Doing laundry, maybe a tiny bit of Spring cleaning. Planning to go out tomorrow or maybe Thursday to get a small area heater for bathroom with tile floor that is alway cold, and a bit of grocery shopping.

The weather looks pretty clear most of the week, after today, until next Monday, so good time to do my errands in the next couple of days. Hopefully the mud will be somewhat dried out...

[Gramto6]

5,676 steps yesterday.

Woke to a dusting of new snow, and flurries in forecast that weren't there yesterday...will have to play it by ear if I can get out today.  The last thing I want is to get stuck in the muddy road!!

 

 

Edited April 5, 2023 by Gramto6

[Gramto6]

Add to last post: Took the chance and left really early while road still frozen. Ran my errands and by the time I got back road was getting bad but I managed to get in w/out getting stuck. Yay! Now can stay put for several days if not close to a week!!

[Gramto6]

6,662 steps yesterday.

I get a lot more steps in at the larger grocery store in town. Plus I am kind of surprised at some of the new things they are stocking. Several organic things I have had to order online...

I can't believe how good it feels to be back to doing things for myself, when I want, where I want!! This feels like the real start of being normal again!  Add to that the sun is shining, the high is supposed to be 54° and yesterday afternoon saw the first robin of the season!!

Yay, maybe Spring is finally here!!

[Gramto6]

5,936 steps yesterday.

Looks like the weather is going to be nice the next few days. It will really be nice to finally open the house up and get some fresh air in here!

[Gramto6]

6,663 steps yesterday.

Did some housecleaning and even went outside and did some light yard work. It was nice to get out in the sun, but it didn't play well with my back so had to come in and sit for a while.

[Gramto6]

6,398 steps yesterday.

Today is going to be a take it easy day as much as possible. Looks like it is going to be a lovely day, may putter a bit in the yard.

Happy Easter to those that celebrate it!! Happy Spring to all!

[Gramto6]

6,700 steps yesterday. Don't often see a round number like that!

Most of the day I was just puttering around. Going through the back of my closet, I found several pairs of comfy exercise/sweat style pants that now fit again ! Score!! I know they probably won't fit for long but boy, will I enjoy them again!!

[xwordfanatik]

3 hours ago, Gramto6 said:

6,700 steps yesterday. Don't often see a round number like that!

Most of the day I was just puttering around. Going through the back of my closet, I found several pairs of comfy exercise/sweat style pants that now fit again ! Score!! I know they probably won't fit for long but boy, will I enjoy them again!!

Comfort is everything!  

I always think I should buy a Lotto ticket when I get a round number at the grocery store.  I never do, though.  😊

[Gramto6]

5,908 steps yesterday.

Ran a few errands (so nice to be able to go out on the spur of the moment!) it was a really quick run, so didn't add too much to step count. Stopped by beauty shop to make appointment for haircut and she had a cancellation so took me right then. Wow, how good it feels! I like the style and it is one more step towards feeling "human" again!

 

Somehow I missed posting yesterday, (probably didn't hit Submit). 7,539 steps for 4/10.

[Gramto6]

6,079 steps yesterday.

Knees were kind of stiff for some reason, maybe I sat a bit too much. It took me a bit each time I got up to get moving smoothly again.  Maybe the change from nice weather to cold & rain again since I haven't had any real issues with the knees lately?

[xwordfanatik]

The weather rilly makes a difference, now that I'm getting up there.  Those gray, damp, dank days give me headaches, and make me cranky.  😡

The sun is out today, so it's walking outside for me.  Sunny days make me so much happier!  😊

[lookeyloo]

8 minutes ago, xwordfanatik said:

The weather rilly makes a difference, now that I'm getting up there.  Those gray, damp, dank days give me headaches, and make me cranky.  😡

The sun is out today, so it's walking outside for me.  Sunny days make me so much happier!  😊

Oh gosh, me too!  My mood is highly affected by warm sunshine (good) or cold rain or clouds (not good)

[Gramto6]

Glad to see I am not the only one the weather affects. For me it is the knees mostly, but I am "happier" when the sun is out...

Edited April 13, 2023 by Gramto6
typo

[Pickleinthemiddle]

On 4/12/2023 at 11:39 AM, Gramto6 said:

5,908 steps yesterday.

Ran a few errands (so nice to be able to go out on the spur of the moment!) it was a really quick run, so didn't add too much to step count. Stopped by beauty shop to make appointment for haircut and she had a cancellation so took me right then. Wow, how good it feels! I like the style and it is one more step towards feeling "human" again!

 

Somehow I missed posting yesterday, (probably didn't hit Submit). 7,539 steps for 4/10.

I haven't had a chance to get my hair cut and colored for over a year.  But you are right it makes you feel like a new person.  Kinda like taking a shower at the end of a hard day of work, it makes you feel good.

[Gramto6]

5,794 steps yesterday. Took it easy but still did pretty good. Anything over 5,000 and I am happy for now!

 

 

[Gramto6]

6,915 steps yesterday.

For some reason, my back is kind of achey this morning. I'm going to take it easy and see if it settles down.

[Gramto6]

6,655 steps yesterday. My goal was to take it easy, but it was so nice out, I did some yard clean up and now back is really achey. Guess I over did... Really need to take it easy today. One quick trip to grocery store is all I have planned.

[Gramto6]

7,935 steps yesterday. A monthly high but not on purpose!

I was taking it easy most of the day when a big wind started early evening. Racing around trying to get things secured outside. Mostly cat beds in boxes and the feeding dishes. Anything not weighted down basically, then some of the latticework on the back porch started coming loose. Searched for things to tie it down...lots of running around at the end of the day!

Only thing I'm doing today is take up the garbage to the road and possibly cover up the cat beds if the rain does show up.

[xwordfanatik]

I had to shorten my walk a bit today.  As our moms/grandmas may have said, I had a hitch in my get along (back acting up.)  Luckily, I did a lot of my housework yesterday, so it's take it easy time now.  

[Gramto6]

5,264 steps yesterday.

I tried really hard to take it easy, will do so again today. I don't have to go anywhere or do anything in particular so will try to give my back a good chance to rest and stop aching.

[Gramto6]

4,778 steps yesterday.

Took it really easy and my back is feeling better today. Tomorrow I have to drive up to town for Gastro appointment so will try to take it easy today to in preparation for a very busy day tomorrow.

[Gramto6]

5,477 steps yesterday. Back better for the rest, knees kind of achy, if not one thing it is another!

Today will involve a lot of driving and sitting, but since I am going up to town to see the Gastro, I will hit a couple grocery stores I don't often get to shop at. So I will probably get plenty of steps in to make up for all the sitting.

[Gramto6]

A surprising 6,038 steps yesterday.

Lots of sitting but made up some steps with a quick shop (not where I originally planned) on way home. Totally exhausted when I finally got home. (70 mile round trip driving to Gastro wore me out.)

One good thing was the Gastro said not to even worry about the colonoscopy now, we could do that much later when I was feeling even beter.

Edited April 21, 2023 by Gramto6
added on to post

[Gramto6]

6,399 steps yesterday. Still tired from the Gastro trip, but also I am still in "take it easy" mode and will just do what I can w/out forcing anything.

[Gramto6]

5,773 steps yesterday. Well, at least I hit over 5,000 and I did walk each hour, not going to push my luck. At this point, listening to my body is more important than a high step count.

[Gramto6]

Surprised myself with 7,463 steps yesterday. 

Got busy switching Winter and Summer clothes, which ended up trying on a bunch of stuff and back and forth to the mirror. Then with rain in the forecast for overnight, had to get kitty beds covered to hopefully keep them dry.

Today my back is reminding me that I did to much... wish I could learn to pace myself better. So all I will do today is wait for a dry moment and take the garbage up to the road.

[Gramto6]

5,717 steps yesterday.

Took it easy and back is not bothering me so much today. Knee has been acting up too. I really have to get better at pacing myself because my back and knee really yell at me if I don't!

Today will be a quiet day, tomorrow I have a couple of errands to run. One errand will be to go by the local clinic to see if there is a pcp there accepting new patients. It is connected with the hospital/pcp I use so they will have access to all my records. A bonus, crossing my fingers...

[Gramto6]

5,809 steps yesterday. Quiet day, think I am going to have one more today before I go out to run errands.

Called the local clinic and was able to get a new pcp! Trying a female this time around, new patient appointment 7/11 then she will schedule Medicare wellness exam for August. Feels like a weight off my shoulders! (20 mile round trip to see her vs 70 mile round trip for current pcp. And from past experiences, she can only be better than the pcp I have now!) 

Edited April 26, 2023 by Gramto6

[Gramto6]

5,524 steps yesterday.

Quiet day, and I think I'll have some more. I think I'll wait on errands perhaps until Monday...LOL "hermit mode" is setting in again. Now that I can, and have, gone out when I want...I just want to stay home. Go figure...

[Gramto6]

6,807 steps yesterday.

I was feeling so good, in the early afternoon I decided to go to the grocery store then instead of waiting until Monday. Went to two stores and the PO so got more steps than I had thought the day would bring. Still exhausts me but worth the effort.

One of the things I went out for was of all things, a lint roller! Imagine my surprise when there were none to be found anywhere!  The clerks in both stores said they had been looking too and couldn't find any. One said she was using duct tape! I had to admit I have been using packing tape. What is up with this shortage???

[Sandy W]

3 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

6,807 steps yesterday.

I was feeling so good, in the early afternoon I decided to go to the grocery store then instead of waiting until Monday. Went to two stores and the PO so got more steps than I had thought the day would bring. Still exhausts me but worth the effort.

One of the things I went out for was of all things, a lint roller! Imagine my surprise when there were none to be found anywhere!  The clerks in both stores said they had been looking too and couldn't find any. One said she was using duct tape! I had to admit I have been using packing tape. What is up with this shortage???

I use duct tape anyhow,find it more effective than the lint rollers.

Maybe the demand is caused by people that bought companion dogs or cats during Covid and are faced with the animal hair situation.

[lookeyloo]

4 hours ago, Sandy W said:

I use duct tape anyhow,find it more effective than the lint rollers.

Maybe the demand is caused by people that bought companion dogs or cats during Covid and are faced with the animal hair situation.

It is so interesting what items are not available in certain areas of the country!  We have plenty of lint rollers including in the Dollar Twenty Five Cent Stores.  I am a quilter and on one of my forums numerous quilters were saying they couldn't find spray starch in any version anywhere in any of their stores.  Yet here they were all over, including the Dollar Twenty Five Cent Stores!  Odd for sure.

[Gramto6]

25 minutes ago, lookeyloo said:

It is so interesting what items are not available in certain areas of the country!  We have plenty of lint rollers including in the Dollar Twenty Five Cent Stores.  I am a quilter and on one of my forums numerous quilters were saying they couldn't find spray starch in any version anywhere in any of their stores.  Yet here they were all over, including the Dollar Twenty Five Cent Stores!  Odd for sure.

It really is! I guess it is the old "supply chain" excuse? It does get kind of tiresome sometimes though. There are absolutely no lint rollers to be had here in my area of MT. From grocery, to WalMart, to Dollar store (yes, it still is Dollar here!). Very odd the different things that are scarce.

[lookeyloo]

17 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

It really is! I guess it is the old "supply chain" excuse? It does get kind of tiresome sometimes though. There are absolutely no lint rollers to be had here in my area of MT. From grocery, to WalMart, to Dollar store (yes, it still is Dollar here!). Very odd the different things that are scarce.

I have no doubt you can't find them.  It's just interesting.  the Mr. Google doesn't give any good answers.