Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Notabug]

21 minutes ago, Spazamanaz said:

I have only posted twice before in this thread but I do come by here and read what you all talk about. I guess I am kind of shy and maybe nervous about posting. Although I don't know why because you girls (and guys) are very sweet and supportive.  Sorry for my first real post being heavy but here goes... I was diagnosed a few months ago with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and I will be going for a hysterectomy on September 2nd.  I'm kind of nervous, not so much about the actual surgery as I've had 2 c-sections, I think I'm more nervous or anxious about if I made the right decision. My gyno gave me two other options- one being progesterone pills and the I.U.D being the other option. But if I did the pills or I.U.D I would have to get biopsies done every few months for life, the doc said. This way with the hysterectomy it will all be done and over with. And uterine cancer runs in my family. When I think of all of that I feel I have made the right choice. I'm sorry for getting too personal?  And has anyone here gone through a hysterectomy? Thanks for listening! 

I'm a board certified OB/GYN.  You've been given good advice and having a hysterectomy is the right choice as far as I am concerned.  The hysterectomy can be done either vaginally or laparoscopically and solves the problem once and forever.  Your doctor seems to have done a thorough evaluation and the options you were presented are exactly the ones that the top experts recommend.  Unless your health is such that major surgery is not a good idea or you want kids; a hysterectomy is the best choice, IMO.

[Liddy52]

@Spazamanaz, I personally have no experience with a hysterectomy,  however all the people I know who have had them felt much better after recovering from the surgery.  None of them regret the decision.  Wishing you a speedy recovery and keep us posted when you feel up to it!

[Nysha]

1 hour ago, Spazamanaz said:

I have only posted twice before in this thread but I do come by here and read what you all talk about. I guess I am kind of shy and maybe nervous about posting. Although I don't know why because you girls (and guys) are very sweet and supportive.  Sorry for my first real post being heavy but here goes... I was diagnosed a few months ago with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and I will be going for a hysterectomy on September 2nd.  I'm kind of nervous, not so much about the actual surgery as I've had 2 c-sections, I think I'm more nervous or anxious about if I made the right decision. My gyno gave me two other options- one being progesterone pills and the I.U.D being the other option. But if I did the pills or I.U.D I would have to get biopsies done every few months for life, the doc said. This way with the hysterectomy it will all be done and over with. And uterine cancer runs in my family. When I think of all of that I feel I have made the right choice. I'm sorry for getting too personal?  And has anyone here gone through a hysterectomy? Thanks for listening! 

@Spazamanaz, I'm glad you're here. 🤗 

I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago because I had cervical cancer and have never regretted the decision. I hope yours is the same.

[Cinnabon]

1 hour ago, Spazamanaz said:

I have only posted twice before in this thread but I do come by here and read what you all talk about. I guess I am kind of shy and maybe nervous about posting. Although I don't know why because you girls (and guys) are very sweet and supportive.  Sorry for my first real post being heavy but here goes... I was diagnosed a few months ago with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and I will be going for a hysterectomy on September 2nd.  I'm kind of nervous, not so much about the actual surgery as I've had 2 c-sections, I think I'm more nervous or anxious about if I made the right decision. My gyno gave me two other options- one being progesterone pills and the I.U.D being the other option. But if I did the pills or I.U.D I would have to get biopsies done every few months for life, the doc said. This way with the hysterectomy it will all be done and over with. And uterine cancer runs in my family. When I think of all of that I feel I have made the right choice. I'm sorry for getting too personal?  And has anyone here gone through a hysterectomy? Thanks for listening! 

I had a hysterectomy almost exactly 7 years ago, and I don’t regret it at all. I don’t miss all of that monthly bleeding, lol. I have a huge scar because I had a huge tumor, but my recovery was quite easy nonetheless. You’ve got this!

[zoomama]

2 hours ago, Spazamanaz said:

I have only posted twice before in this thread but I do come by here and read what you all talk about. I guess I am kind of shy and maybe nervous about posting. Although I don't know why because you girls (and guys) are very sweet and supportive.  Sorry for my first real post being heavy but here goes... I was diagnosed a few months ago with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and I will be going for a hysterectomy on September 2nd.  I'm kind of nervous, not so much about the actual surgery as I've had 2 c-sections, I think I'm more nervous or anxious about if I made the right decision. My gyno gave me two other options- one being progesterone pills and the I.U.D being the other option. But if I did the pills or I.U.D I would have to get biopsies done every few months for life, the doc said. This way with the hysterectomy it will all be done and over with. And uterine cancer runs in my family. When I think of all of that I feel I have made the right choice. I'm sorry for getting too personal?  And has anyone here gone through a hysterectomy? Thanks for listening! 

i agree with 'get the hysterectomy' and find out what life without all the hassle is like. i did it at age 29 (i think) and will honestly say hormonally the first year was a bit rough adjusting at such a young age but i have been fine since then. no regrets. i had the abdominal surgery, had 4 little kids at home including a literal 1 year old and i did pretty well recovering. just rest when you need and do what you are told about not pushing the vacuum etc and you will do fine!

[Scarlett45]

3 hours ago, Spazamanaz said:

I have only posted twice before in this thread but I do come by here and read what you all talk about. I guess I am kind of shy and maybe nervous about posting. Although I don't know why because you girls (and guys) are very sweet and supportive.  Sorry for my first real post being heavy but here goes... I was diagnosed a few months ago with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and I will be going for a hysterectomy on September 2nd.  I'm kind of nervous, not so much about the actual surgery as I've had 2 c-sections, I think I'm more nervous or anxious about if I made the right decision. My gyno gave me two other options- one being progesterone pills and the I.U.D being the other option. But if I did the pills or I.U.D I would have to get biopsies done every few months for life, the doc said. This way with the hysterectomy it will all be done and over with. And uterine cancer runs in my family. When I think of all of that I feel I have made the right choice. I'm sorry for getting too personal?  And has anyone here gone through a hysterectomy? Thanks for listening! 

Sending you hugs and support. No you’re not too personal- we talk about anything and everything here. 
 

May your recovery go smoothly and you have the support you need with domestic responsibilities and your own healing. 

[Love2dance]

If I were faced with the choices you described, @Spazamanaz, I would definitely choose the hysterectomy.

Wishing you a successful and relatively easy surgery and recovery.

Hope to see you more on this thread. Please let us know how you are doing.

[Spazamanaz]

Oh my gosh, all of you girls have been so kind and sweet with your replies! Seriously,  my eyes are watery! Thank you so very much! My surgery will be abdominal, he mentioned the reason why but I can't remember for sure. I think it had to do with scar tissue from my 2 c-sections, and scar tissue from my 2 laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis. I've been inmenopause for about three years now. And I've started bleeding from this Atypical endometrial hyperplasia.  With all of the information my gyno gave me, I felt this was the best option. I don't want to take (yet another) damn pill a day. And I definitely do not want to go through biopsies every few months. Screw that! Lol. 

Thank all of you for your kind and very supportive words and encouragement! And for telling me your stories. Hugs to each and every one of you! 

[Scarlett45]

Updated on the Weekend Caregiver Front- this weekend full of in person meetings and trainings was a LOT, but in happy news, one woman my sister liked SO MUCH she tried to throw ME out. "Bye Bye", she was jealous and wanted to take off her shoes and socks (this is a sign of true devotion, but I told her "boundaries, no you cannot have her feet"). We definitely want to put her in the rotation and give her hours, but unfortunately she will be pursuing her masters degree soon and will not be with us long term. But YAY.

A few other people looked like they may be able to do a job but there are logistic considerations- will they want to come consistently given how far way they live, if they find another caregiver job will they stay, do they actually have a bad attitude or is this just a personality difference. 

I have a few more full trainings to schedule (her weekday caregiver requested a day off this week, so that would be a good opportunity to see how they do with her, I can pop in and out and get a feel for their vibe), but for September I should have some people scheduled. I received a lot more interest when the pay rate was $25/hr so that's positive. 

Thanks for the support everyone.

[Cinnabon]

8 hours ago, Spazamanaz said:

Oh my gosh, all of you girls have been so kind and sweet with your replies! Seriously,  my eyes are watery! Thank you so very much! My surgery will be abdominal, he mentioned the reason why but I can't remember for sure. I think it had to do with scar tissue from my 2 c-sections, and scar tissue from my 2 laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis. I've been inmenopause for about three years now. And I've started bleeding from this Atypical endometrial hyperplasia.  With all of the information my gyno gave me, I felt this was the best option. I don't want to take (yet another) damn pill a day. And I definitely do not want to go through biopsies every few months. Screw that! Lol. 

Thank all of you for your kind and very supportive words and encouragement! And for telling me your stories. Hugs to each and every one of you! 

I had to have an abdominal surgery, too, because my tumor was too large for any other kind. I asked my doctor to please cut below my navel, if possible. Unfortunately, he still had to cut into it a bit, so my scar goes from there right down to my pubic area. But the recovery still wasn’t bad at all. Not a lot of pain and I was right back to normal within a couple weeks. So don’t be afraid of the abdominal surgery. 🙂

[zoomama]

had a dugger moment this weekend. we were in church and our pastor was doing a bit of fun including the kiddos. he had us singing a version of the 'J-O-Y' song.   i immediately heard michele's little girl voice saying ' now children, remember --Jesus first , then others aaaand then.... yourself! 

[Spazamanaz]

5 hours ago, Cinnabon said:

I had to have an abdominal surgery, too, because my tumor was too large for any other kind. I asked my doctor to please cut below my navel, if possible. Unfortunately, he still had to cut into it a bit, so my scar goes from there right down to my pubic area. But the recovery still wasn’t bad at all. Not a lot of pain and I was right back to normal within a couple weeks. So don’t be afraid of the abdominal surgery. 🙂

My doc said the incision will be right across my scar from my c-sections. And I'm assuming the pain will be similar to that of a c-section. I could be wrong. Your tumor must have been really big, are you okay now? Thank you for your words of encouragement! 

[jcbrown]

21 hours ago, Spazamanaz said:

 I'm sorry for getting too personal?  And has anyone here gone through a hysterectomy? Thanks for listening! 

It's understandable that you are nervous but I want to echo those who said it sounds like the right choice. I have two close friends who have had hysterectomies and neither has regretted it for a second. Welcome to posting here--it's a good group.

@Scarlett45 I'm glad to hear some good news on the caregiver front, finally. I hope it continues to work out for you.

[Cinnabon]

1 hour ago, Spazamanaz said:

My doc said the incision will be right across my scar from my c-sections. And I'm assuming the pain will be similar to that of a c-section. I could be wrong. Your tumor must have been really big, are you okay now? Thank you for your words of encouragement! 

It was big! But my recovery was fairly easy and I had no complications. I took meds for the first week, but wasn’t in much pain at all. 

[Notabug]

18 hours ago, Spazamanaz said:

My doc said the incision will be right across my scar from my c-sections. And I'm assuming the pain will be similar to that of a c-section. I could be wrong. Your tumor must have been really big, are you okay now? Thank you for your words of encouragement! 

It will probably be somewhat similar, but you won't have to get up at night to feed your uterus; so there's that😉

If your uterus isn't markedly enlarged, like big enough that you can feel it in your lower abdomen, it should be able to be removed through a Pfannenstiel skin incision, AKA bikini cut.  A non-pregnant, non-fibroid uterus is about the size of your clenched fist and should easily fit.

[Spazamanaz]

4 hours ago, Notabug said:

It will probably be somewhat similar, but you won't have to get up at night to feed your uterus; so there's that😉

If your uterus isn't markedly enlarged, like big enough that you can feel it in your lower abdomen, it should be able to be removed through a Pfannenstiel skin incision, AKA bikini cut.  A non-pregnant, non-fibroid uterus is about the size of your clenched fist and should easily fit.

Thank you for the information NOTABUG, I appreciate it! I've read about problems regarding the bladder after surgery. I had a friend who had a hysterectomy a long time ago and eventually had to get a mesh thing put in to support her bladder. Can I ask you how often that happens? I think the problems that can arise after the hysterectomy is what is making me anxious. Thank you so much for your help. 

[Cinnabon]

24 minutes ago, Spazamanaz said:

Thank you for the information NOTABUG, I appreciate it! I've read about problems regarding the bladder after surgery. I had a friend who had a hysterectomy a long time ago and eventually had to get a mesh thing put in to support her bladder. Can I ask you how often that happens? I think the problems that can arise after the hysterectomy is what is making me anxious. Thank you so much for your help. 

This site helped me so much before my hysterectomy. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend it. So much useful information and interaction between members.

https://www.hystersisters.com

Hysterectomy support from HysterSisters - diagnosis to surgery through recovery - from the combined wisdom of thousands of women around the world who have faced hysterectomy firsthand. Covering: pre-op, post-op, treatment options, surgical procedures, fibroids, endometriosis, menopause, hormonal issues, pelvic floor, GYN cancer, oophorectomy, sexual dysfunction, and a step-by-step guide through the weeks before and after hysterectomy - the surgical removal of the uterus.

Join to ask your questions in our Hysterectomy Support Forums and browse the Articles and Resources. Members receive access to customized, step-by-step Hysterectomy Checkpoints.

You are not alone! Your HysterSisters are here for you.

Edited August 23, 2022 by Cinnabon

[Notabug]

47 minutes ago, Spazamanaz said:

Thank you for the information NOTABUG, I appreciate it! I've read about problems regarding the bladder after surgery. I had a friend who had a hysterectomy a long time ago and eventually had to get a mesh thing put in to support her bladder. Can I ask you how often that happens? I think the problems that can arise after the hysterectomy is what is making me anxious. Thank you so much for your help. 

The mesh to support the bladder/urethra was probably due to urinary incontinence and didn't really have anything to do with the hysterectomy.  If she had a vaginal repair at the time of the original hysterectomy, it can relax over time and further surgery might be warranted, but it wasn't due to the hyst itself.

[Spazamanaz]

4 hours ago, Cinnabon said:

This site helped me so much before my hysterectomy. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend it. So much useful information and interaction between members.

https://www.hystersisters.com

Hysterectomy support from HysterSisters - diagnosis to surgery through recovery - from the combined wisdom of thousands of women around the world who have faced hysterectomy firsthand. Covering: pre-op, post-op, treatment options, surgical procedures, fibroids, endometriosis, menopause, hormonal issues, pelvic floor, GYN cancer, oophorectomy, sexual dysfunction, and a step-by-step guide through the weeks before and after hysterectomy - the surgical removal of the uterus.

Join to ask your questions in our Hysterectomy Support Forums and browse the Articles and Resources. Members receive access to customized, step-by-step Hysterectomy Checkpoints.

You are not alone! Your HysterSisters are here for you.

Oh my gosh that is so sweet of you cinnabon thank you for the info!

[Spazamanaz]

3 hours ago, Notabug said:

The mesh to support the bladder/urethra was probably due to urinary incontinence and didn't really have anything to do with the hysterectomy.  If she had a vaginal repair at the time of the original hysterectomy, it can relax over time and further surgery might be warranted, but it wasn't due to the hyst itself.

Oh thank you for your help, info and explanations! You've eased my anxieties so much! Hugs to you!❤️

[Shakyamuni]

Hi,

I'm from Germany and loved to watch the Brown-family-drama.

I could watch it via a Streaming Service (joyn) that includes TLC.

Unfortunatley I cannot watch the Duggars that way.

Any ideas how to watch from Europe?

In which ways y'all watch it?

Thanks a lot from Germany

Lilly

[Minivanessa]

6 hours ago, Shakyamuni said:

Hi,

I'm from Germany and loved to watch the Brown-family-drama.

I could watch it via a Streaming Service (joyn) that includes TLC.

Unfortunatley I cannot watch the Duggars that way.

Any ideas how to watch from Europe?

In which ways y'all watch it?

Thanks a lot from Germany

Lilly

Taking my response to the Media and TLC topic.

[Scarlett45]

Guess what?? There is a work networking event I signed up for, and its a black tie optional gala at the end of October. 

Guess who just spent 30min hearting things on Rent the Runway (because I have no formal wear that fits me right now). 

But I am so excited to GO SOMEWHERE and get DRESSED UP. This has been running through my head. 

Quote

Town Crier:
His Royal Highness
Christopher Rupert
Windemere Vladimir
Karl Alexander
François Reginald
Launcelot Herman—

Small Boy:
Herman?

Town Crier:
—Herman Gregory James
Is giving a ball!

Sextet:
The Prince is giving a ball!

All:
The Prince is giving a ball!

[Love2dance]

Can’t wait until you show us what you choose to wear at the event @Scarlett45! How fun!

[Jynnan tonnix]

My hysterectomy (about 14 years ago) turned into a nightmare, but that was due to my also having a massive, chronic abdominal infection which flared up right before I was scheduled to go in. Apparently it had been in there for some time silently wreaking havoc, but they could not get it under control, and ended up having to operate around it. Turned into a nine hour surgery and two weeks in the hospital with a further six weeks on a wound-vac to close everything up.  But I'm still very glad to have had it done! I'm sure you will have a much, much easier time!

[Spazamanaz]

3 hours ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

My hysterectomy (about 14 years ago) turned into a nightmare, but that was due to my also having a massive, chronic abdominal infection which flared up right before I was scheduled to go in. Apparently it had been in there for some time silently wreaking havoc, but they could not get it under control, and ended up having to operate around it. Turned into a nine hour surgery and two weeks in the hospital with a further six weeks on a wound-vac to close everything up.  But I'm still very glad to have had it done! I'm sure you will have a much, much easier time!

Oh my gosh that is awful! Hopefully you don't get stomach infections anymore. Nine hours is a long time to be under the knife. I'm sure I will have a much easier time. Thank you!

[Scarlett45]

Those of you that have been in the thread a long time, may remember that my Great Aunt E died last fall, and I had fallen out with her daughter (my cousin L, who was also her caregiver) due to the unsafe hoarding conditions she and my cousin were living in. One family member decided to channel their inner tall toddler and scream at me and got blocked Spring 2021.

Well a few weeks ago I had a chance to spend sometime with our other mutual cousin T, who was recovering from a surgery of her own and was glad to be back out and about again. Seems T had spent months trying to help our cousin after our Aunt died. She offered her to come live with her, in her three bedroom house (of course bring her pets) to get her out of the hoard and get her some mental health help. (she also offered her money for a cleaning crew etc like other cousins have) L had a hissy fit that I was on the family group text when T had her surgery at the beginning of this summer and didn't speak to T for 3 months. I could tell T was deeply hurt by this behavior, especially after all  she had done for L and how supportive she had been after our Great Aunt died. 

I told T I would never tell her how to love her cousin, and I do hope someone can get through to her and get her some help, but I am done. The only person's bad behavior I have to tolerate was born the 11th of January 1988. Everyone else (adult) has a standard to meet, and if they don't meet it, bye bye.

T said she understood and respected my boundaries.

It also seems our Cousin L (like I predicted) has more animals. Another intact male pitbull she bred from her currently owned pitbull (for the record I am fine with pitbulls, they can be sweet gentle babies, but they are powerful dogs, and neither are neutered, and the house is hoarded).

Like I predicted L is running through cousins who care enough about her to try to get her some help. And now that Great Aunt E is dead, (whom everyone loved) patience is wearing thin. 

Ah families.

T and I had a nice outing together. 

[Spazamanaz]

Oh I forgot... our hospital here launched a patient program called SeamlessMD. ,  a digital patient engagement platform for patients undergoing surgery for hospitals to quickly implement pre and post-op monitoring technology for safer surgical transitions from hospital to home during the COVID-19 pandemic. SeamlessMD enables the hospital to safely discharge patients earlier and minimize in-person home care services by guiding patients from pre-op preparation through post-surgery recovery with personalized education, progress-tracking and remote monitoring. Upon discharge from the hospital, patients are able to report their pain scores, symptoms, and share wound photos from their own devices, enabling them to be monitored by the care team. The hospital called me a few days ago and asked if I was interested,  I said yes and I signed up. I get an email everyday from it, i have access to a virtual library, step by step directions of what I can look forward to during my surgery and hospital stay.  It is awesome! 

[BetyBee]

18 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

Those of you that have been in the thread a long time, may remember that my Great Aunt E died last fall, and I had fallen out with her daughter (my cousin L, who was also her caregiver) due to the unsafe hoarding conditions she and my cousin were living in. One family member decided to channel their inner tall toddler and scream at me and got blocked Spring 2021.

Well a few weeks ago I had a chance to spend sometime with our other mutual cousin T, who was recovering from a surgery of her own and was glad to be back out and about again. Seems T had spent months trying to help our cousin after our Aunt died. She offered her to come live with her, in her three bedroom house (of course bring her pets) to get her out of the hoard and get her some mental health help. (she also offered her money for a cleaning crew etc like other cousins have) L had a hissy fit that I was on the family group text when T had her surgery at the beginning of this summer and didn't speak to T for 3 months. I could tell T was deeply hurt by this behavior, especially after all  she had done for L and how supportive she had been after our Great Aunt died. 

I told T I would never tell her how to love her cousin, and I do hope someone can get through to her and get her some help, but I am done. The only person's bad behavior I have to tolerate was born the 11th of January 1988. Everyone else (adult) has a standard to meet, and if they don't meet it, bye bye.

T said she understood and respected my boundaries.

It also seems our Cousin L (like I predicted) has more animals. Another intact male pitbull she bred from her currently owned pitbull (for the record I am fine with pitbulls, they can be sweet gentle babies, but they are powerful dogs, and neither are neutered, and the house is hoarded).

Like I predicted L is running through cousins who care enough about her to try to get her some help. And now that Great Aunt E is dead, (whom everyone loved) patience is wearing thin. 

Ah families.

T and I had a nice outing together. 

@Scarlett45 - I'm so glad you spent quality time with Cousin T. IMO, you are handling everything just right. Poor L will keep chasing away people who genuinely want to help until there are none left...or hopefully she will someday find self awareness enough to ask for help and appreciate the help she gets. Families can be messy and you are wise to set boundaries!

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, BetyBee said:

@Scarlett45 - I'm so glad you spent quality time with Cousin T. IMO, you are handling everything just right. Poor L will keep chasing away people who genuinely want to help until there are none left...or hopefully she will someday find self awareness enough to ask for help and appreciate the help she gets. Families can be messy and you are wise to set boundaries!

You are very kind thank you.

I did cry a little bit during my conversation with T. I told her "when I was growing up, I wanted to be just like L in every way. This situation has caused me so much pain. Of course I still love her, or it wouldn't hurt so badly. But she isn't allowed to mistreat me."

I do want L to get better. Only time will tell.

[Scarlett45]

Back on the subject of cars- does anyone drive a hybrid? Do you like it? Pros and Cons?

I don't expect my car to last until the end of 2023 and I want to save up. AH adulting is so expensive. 

I know I do want another SUV, being able to conquer the snow is my biggest thing. I love my Subaru because it drives like an SUV and parks like a sedan (excellent for city life and lots of parallel parking)- also its smaller so there is always a lot of room in the garage for my Mom who is not the best at parking. So I back in and leave her a lot of room.

[ginger90]

7 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Back on the subject of cars- does anyone drive a hybrid? Do you like it? Pros and Cons?

I don't expect my car to last until the end of 2023 and I want to save up. AH adulting is so expensive. 

I know I do want another SUV, being able to conquer the snow is my biggest thing. I love my Subaru because it drives like an SUV and parks like a sedan (excellent for city life and lots of parallel parking)- also its smaller so there is always a lot of room in the garage for my Mom who is not the best at parking. So I back in and leave her a lot of room.

When I had a vehicle in for service, I had a hybrid loaner. I don’t know if they’re all like this, (the one I had  was a Ford Fusion)but there was no spare tire, just a pump. That did me no good when I got a flat, not just low tire pressure. I like to hear what my engine is doing in bad weather, rain, snow, and ice. The silence when stopping was not for me.

The plus, great gas mileage.

Edited August 26, 2022 by ginger90

[Scarlett45]

Just now, ginger90 said:

When I had a vehicle in for service, I had a hybrid loaner. I don’t know if they’re all like this, (the one I had  was a Ford Fusion)but there was no spare tire, just a pump. That did me no good when I got a flat, not just low tire pressure. I like to hear what my engine is doing in bad weather, rain, snow, and ice. The silence was not for me.

The plus, great gas mileage.

You bring up a good point- my Mom and I have a graduation planned in St Louis in the Spring. We may fly (driving or flying depends on how I feel, because I will be the one driving and I prefer to fly, but my Mom would want to rent a car rather than uber......) and then an electric/hybrid car so I can see how I like it before I make a purchase. That's a great idea!

[Turquoise]

Mr. Turquoise has a hybrid-we've been together 4 years, he's had it longer than that, As far as I know all he has done is routine maintenance and a couple of recall items. He does have a spare tire (he has a Hyundai). The gas mileage is nice-my MIL still lives in Nashville, so he runs down for the weekend every 6 weeks or so. The first time I drove it I found the quiet a little jarring-it doesn't make the "start" noises I'm used to, and sounds like it dies at stoplights. You do get used to it.

We're going to have to go car shopping soon too. I rarely drive since I'm remote, and I love my single-girl Mazda (it has seriously been the best car I have owned), but it's not practical with 3 grandchildren. We can't get all three carseats in either car, so every time we have them and want to do anything, we have to take both cars and divvy up who gets who. 

[Scarlett45]

38 minutes ago, Turquoise said:

We're going to have to go car shopping soon too. I rarely drive since I'm remote, and I love my single-girl Mazda (it has seriously been the best car I have owned), but it's not practical with 3 grandchildren. We can't get all three carseats in either car, so every time we have them and want to do anything, we have to take both cars and divvy up who gets who. 

I know what you mean about the grand babies. A good friend of mine bought a minivan for her parents- she has 9yrs old twins, and her parents were complaining about having to always take two cars every time the six of them (my friend, her husband, twins and the parents) went somewhere. So she bought them a minivan (to live at their house) so they can all fit in one vehicle. 

My car is a 2006, so that was RIGHT before they started putting things like bluetooth in non luxury cars. So I feel like I am in the dark ages. Whenever I drive my sister around I always take my Mom's car so we can listen to the Disney station on Pandora.

[ozziemom]

We just bought a 2022 Pacifica and it’s not a Hybrid but it still sounds like it’s not running when you are stopped. Ozziedad asked me why I kept turning the car off so it’s noticeable. We’re old and bought our first mini van just cause we loved all the room in the back for hauling things around. We have both the second and third row of seats stowed in the floor of the Pacifica. Very handy.

[Minivanessa]

@Scarlett45, I know what you mean about the advances in tech in cars. I drove a 2000 Subaru Outback until 2012, when I bought a new one. What a leap in technology from the old car to the new! I didn't get the in-car GPS, but otherwise had pretty much all the toys in the new car, including Bluetooth phone integration. Then two years ago I slid backwards in car tech when I bought a 2008 Honda minivan. Which didn't have Bluetooth. After I decided to sell the Subaru and keep the Honda as my only vehicle, I had a new audio head unit (radio + options) installed, complete with Bluetooth. I had it done at a good shop here; they did a seamless job of installation including adding the necessary microphone. No way I could go backwards - especially about the Bluetooth hands-free phone function. 

I think more grandparents than we'd expect, are driving minivans. Because, grandchildren.  My cousins here got their first minivan when they had their third child. They still drive a minivan, thirty years later. As the kids grew up, they gave frequent assistance to their aging parents, and driving them in the van was more comfortable than a car.  Then the kids started having kids, and they're still in a minivan since they are hauling grandkids around a lot. 

And, as @ozziemom has said, people of all ages like the versatility and room. I have mine equipped for camping and sleeping in on road trips.  Now that gas prices are dropping I'm hoping to hit the road on some trips in it. Sweet! 

[sagittarius sue]

On 8/26/2022 at 10:49 AM, ozziemom said:

We just bought a 2022 Pacifica and it’s not a Hybrid but it still sounds like it’s not running when you are stopped. Ozziedad asked me why I kept turning the car off so it’s noticeable.

I bought a 2021 Subaru CrossTrek last October, and it has that function also.  It shuts down the engine when you hit the break, and then starts up again if you make any type of movement.  I guess it cuts down on emissions and gas.  I can easily switch it back to standard operation, and one has to remember to switch it to that before going through a car wash.

[EtheltoTillie]

On 8/26/2022 at 11:35 AM, Scarlett45 said:

I know what you mean about the grand babies. A good friend of mine bought a minivan for her parents- she has 9yrs old twins, and her parents were complaining about having to always take two cars every time the six of them (my friend, her husband, twins and the parents) went somewhere. So she bought them a minivan (to live at their house) so they can all fit in one vehicle. 

My car is a 2006, so that was RIGHT before they started putting things like bluetooth in non luxury cars. So I feel like I am in the dark ages. Whenever I drive my sister around I always take my Mom's car so we can listen to the Disney station on Pandora.

I have a 2006 Subaru, and I was in the same boat.  I got a Bluetooth device that plugs into the cigarette lighter and plays through the car radio.  only $25 or so. Now we can play things on our phone like everyone else!  

[Scarlett45]

4 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

I have a 2006 Subaru, and I was in the same boat.  I got a Bluetooth device that plugs into the cigarette lighter and plays through the car radio.  only $25 or so. Now we can play things on our phone like everyone else!  

I did not know these things existed!!!!!!

But my sister stuck a penny in my cigarette light a gazillion years ago, shorted it, and I never got it fixed. I debated fixing it so I could charge my phone while driving but at the time I was taking the train to work daily so it wasn’t that big of a deal. 

[EtheltoTillie]

1 hour ago, Scarlett45 said:

I did not know these things existed!!!!!!

But my sister stuck a penny in my cigarette light a gazillion years ago, shorted it, and I never got it fixed. I debated fixing it so I could charge my phone while driving but at the time I was taking the train to work daily so it wasn’t that big of a deal. 

Oh, get it fixed. You will be so happy. I never knew about these devices till last year, when someone told me about them. I had told him I was considering buying a new car so we could have Bluetooth!  

[EtheltoTillie]

Bonus car talk:  I got a phone holder that mounts into the CD player slot.  Works great.  Especially now we no longer need the CD player to listen to audio books. 

Edited August 29, 2022 by EtheltoTillie

[Minivanessa]

33 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Bonus car talk:  I got a phone holder that mounts into the CD player slot.  Works great.  Especially now we no longer need the CD player to listen to audio books. 

I had one of those in a prior car. I loved it.

I hear you about the Bluetooth. I'm glad you solved it for $25. I spent more than that to replace the "head unit" (aka radio/CD player) in my old Honda with a new one that includes BT and other bells and whistles. But it was still cheaper than buying another car. 🙂

Edited August 29, 2022 by Jeeves

[EtheltoTillie]

24 minutes ago, Jeeves said:

I had one of those in a prior car. I loved it.

I hear you about the Bluetooth. I'm glad you solved it for $25. I spent more than that to replace the "head unit" (aka radio/CD player) in my old Honda with a new one that includes BT and other bells and whistles. But it was still cheaper than buying another car. 🙂

This is so interesting.  I tried buying an aftermarket radio for the Subaru years ago, but I couldn't.  Why not?  Subaru combines the air conditioning controls and the radio/audio units in one!  It's a gigantic repair if you wanted to substitute for a newer radio unit.  You could only buy it from Subaru, not at a Best Buy or other car stereo dealer.   In the thousands. 

So we just puttered along for years.  We don't even have a USB port in our car, or an AUX port.  We could have had the $25 device years earlier but no one told us about it.  Most of our friends have more up to date cars and didn't know about it.  We drive the same car forever.  Other friends are always trading in. 

Edited August 29, 2022 by EtheltoTillie

[Scarlett45]

So, although I know it rained last night, for some reason I sat on my backyard swing at the end of morning walk with Cosmo, AND I didn't realize the seat was wet until I stood up! I had to change pants and underwear at 7:30am. I do not sit on the swing on in office days for this very reason. But here is Cosmo! He is going to the groomer Saturday, and I'm glad, the fur is getting unruly and he is looking like a werewolf in the feet!

[EtheltoTillie]

21 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

So, although I know it rained last night, for some reason I sat on my backyard swing at the end of morning walk with Cosmo, AND I didn't realize the seat was wet until I stood up! I had to change pants and underwear at 7:30am. I do not sit on the swing on in office days for this very reason. But here is Cosmo! He is going to the groomer Saturday, and I'm glad, the fur is getting unruly and he is looking like a werewolf in the feet!

Aww he's so cute.  Worth getting wet pants, LOL.

[Zella]

I feel a little low tech since I've never used bluetooth (and to be honest am not much interested in doing so), but I usually just use an AUX cable to connect my phone to my 2010 Honda. This was complicated a couple of weeks ago when I finally upgraded my phone and realized that they apparently don't include ports for headphones anymore. (I was as dismayed by this update in phone design as I was when they stopped including disc drives in laptops. LOL) In any event, I was able to buy a cheapy converter that I can plug my cable into, and then I plug that into my phone's USB port. 

[wilsie]

3 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

So, although I know it rained last night, for some reason I sat on my backyard swing at the end of morning walk with Cosmo, AND I didn't realize the seat was wet until I stood up! I had to change pants and underwear at 7:30am. I do not sit on the swing on in office days for this very reason. But here is Cosmo! He is going to the groomer Saturday, and I'm glad, the fur is getting unruly and he is looking like a werewolf in the feet!

He has the sweetest dog smile! 

[Cinnabon]

5 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Bonus car talk:  I got a phone holder that mounts into the CD player slot.  Works great.  Especially now we no longer need the CD player to listen to audio books. 

That’s the kind I have too and I love it. I use it mostly so I can see/hear  the Apple Maps GPS directions. 

[peppergal]

In addition to the gadgets that pick up bluetooth and send it to your sound system in older cars, there are devices to get your audio through your car speakers that don't need cigarette lighters or AUX-in jacks as long as you still have a headphone jack on your phone.    They aren't as popular now that BT is ubiquitous, but there are still some available for around $20, both the type that use AAA batteries, and the type you recharge via USB.  I used to use one in my old 2000 Saturn before it (the car) gave up the ghost.