[BeyondtheRainbow]

Originally Posted by Scooter9

I had the procedure to remove the blockage today. They did it using an endoscope. I don't remember anything from it: one moment I was on my stomach on the table, the next I was in recovery. This was done at another hospital.

The surgery for removing my gallbladder is tomorrow. It'll be in the same hospital where I am now.

They do the procedures 24h apart to ensure things are stable.

I'm glad part one went well. I hope part 2 does as well.

When I had my gallbladder removed I woke up feeling better than I had in months. It was amazing how fast the pain and sick feeling left. I was up and walking nearly immediately. I hope it is easy for you too.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I’m trying not to get upset but when I saw that news footage of the father handing over his baby over the fence to the American solider I lost it. And now I’m thinking of it again and I’m losing it again. And people are around this time and I don’t want them to see me cry.

...

It was a heartbreaking thing to see.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Scooter9

I had the procedure to remove the blockage today. They did it using an endoscope. I don't remember anything from it: one moment I was on my stomach on the table, the next I was in recovery. This was done at another hospital.

The surgery for removing my gallbladder is tomorrow. It'll be in the same hospital where I am now.

They do the procedures 24h apart to ensure things are stable.

Great! I believe tomorrow will go as smoothly

[Nammu]

Scooter, I too woke up from gallbladder surgery feeling so much better than I had felt in a long long time. Take it easy.

[Brentus]

Hi All,
I can't bring myself to express my feelings here -- but I am struggling these days. Please keep me in your thoughts. That's the most I can see to do at this time.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Scooter9

I had the procedure to remove the blockage today. They did it using an endoscope. I don't remember anything from it: one moment I was on my stomach on the table, the next I was in recovery. This was done at another hospital.

The surgery for removing my gallbladder is tomorrow. It'll be in the same hospital where I am now.

They do the procedures 24h apart to ensure things are stable.

I hope everything goes well. Thinking of you.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by WindsThatBlow

Hi All,
I can't bring myself to express my feelings here -- but I am struggling these days. Please keep me in your thoughts. That's the most I can see to do at this time.

I’m sorry you are struggling. I’m thinking of you and sending supportive vibes.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Nammu

Well I’m up early. Beat the clock. Aqua fitness isn’t until 9 but I like to get up early to sit a Bit and drink my tea. I always have a glass of chia and play with my iPad. Sadly no memories of my dreams.

I’m so pleased for you that you’re going to Aqua fitness. Getting up early and drinking your tea sounds lovely. I’ve had to suspend my quest to start water aerobics for now. One of our YMCA branches here had a Covid-19 outbreak so I’ve been put on notice to wait a bit.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Things are going downhill. Had a big cry last night. Have been on the verge of tears a lot. Usually when depressed I just go numb and can't seem to cry, even when it feels like I should. It's getting particularly hard not to take things personally, like the universe is against me (even more than usual). I've been stable for so long (like a couple years). On top of that, I was told something at work that let me know I (and my frustrations) contributed to coworkers quitting. So yeah, that I suck is confirmed.

I have put a rubber band around my wrist to snap every time I express frustration. I mean... I hate myself for it too. I just can't believe how many stupid things go wrong for me. It just never stops. It's exhausting.

But I've been informed that I 100% can't do it, so I don't know what else to do. It will be especially hard while depressed. The fact I talk to myself all the time very much does not help.

I just need to be someone else. If only...

I’m sorry you are having a tough time. I think you are very hard on yourself and lose sight of how special you are. I’m sending hugs and healing vibes.

[Sunflower123]

Yesterday was busy. I was supposed to pick up my brother at 9:00 and I woke up at 9:25! I remained calm and arrived when I could. It was a chore getting him in the house and situated. He’s already fallen twice and is as helpless as a baby. He is bone thin, unstable on his feet and disoriented. I can’t help but wonder if he’s nearing the end of his life. Mom had so much anxiety around him coming home that she stayed in bed with an eye mask on and listening to nature sounds. I had to take care of her as well. I got to bed late.

Today is a new day. I’m going to float today hopefully, read a good book and cook a healthy meal. This time around I’m protecting myself heavily.

I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend.

[Moose72]

Just back from taking N3 and got a coffee on the way home. Get this: I thought something was terribly wrong with my door when I got home! I tried unlocking it and when I turned the door knob, it was as if it were still locked! "S*!t!" I said to myself. "They changed the locks on me. Or somebody got in and has locked the door!" I tried the lock again. Well it opened this time! I was turning it to lock it, not to UNlock it! D'oh!!

[Moose72]

20 old photos that prove that people used to age faster.

It's my birthday today! I have finally made it to 55 and am eligible to attend an active senior's center. I am hoping i will enjoy this place as much as i did my mental health drop-in in my 30s and 40s. Hopefully it will give some structure to my days. Also, i now get The Senior's Discount! Ca-ching!

I bought myself an achingly beautiful African dress for my birthday present. It's main color is turquoise which is mine and Louise's favorite color. It has sparkles at the neckline. It's loose and light, perfect for the hot hot hot weather we are having.

@Scooter9:

So happy that you are getting some good medical attention and can look forward to an end to your awful stomach pain. Good luck on your gallbladder removal today. It's routine surgery so it should go well. But surgery is surgery and no denying it's a serious matter.

@Soupe du jour:

Yes, people who know us well are comforting. I know i missed that when my ex-husband and i split up, as toxic as the relationship was. He missed me too, told me so, even tho it was for the best that we went our separate ways. No need to keep up a brave front here tho. Feel free to let loose!

@Innerzone:

I know how you feel. I was told i was "creating a climate of fear" at work at the end when we were under a reorg and buy-outs were being offered and i repeated what Human Resources had told me about the buy-out pot dwindling and to take it pronto. But that was just the info i was given! Anyways my director gave me two weeks of "Crisis Leave" which isn't even a thing. She had compassion for me. My ex-husband had asked for a divorce at the same time. I'd highly recommend taking some form of leave. I hope you are not just being too hard on yourself. Were you directly told that you're making trouble at work or are you just inferring it?

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

It's my birthday today! I have finally made it to 55 and am eligible to attend an active senior's center. I am hoping i will enjoy this place as much as i did my mental health drop-in in my 30s and 40s. Hopefully it will give some structure to my days. Also, i now get The Senior's Discount! Ca-ching!

I bought myself an achingly beautiful African dress for my birthday present. It's main color is turquoise which is mine and Louise's favorite color. It has sparkles at the neckline. It's loose and light, perfect for the hot hot hot weather we are having.

@Soupe du jour:

Yes, people who know us well are comforting. I know i missed that when my ex-husband and i split up, as toxic as the relationship was. He missed me too, told me so, even tho it was for the best that we went our separate ways. No need to keep up a brave front here tho. Feel free to let loose!

Many happy birthdays to you, whatever2013! This time on your birthday.

Your dress sounds absolutely lovely! Do you have an idea where you will wear it for the first time?

That's great that you will now have an additional place to socialize. There is apparently a seniors gathering in the town I live in, but only Hubby qualifies as a senior at this point. I'm not sure if I would be welcome yet. Plus, for some reason Hubby is reluctant to go, though I encouraged him to. I even told him to go to the local hospoda (pub) where he's meet locals, mostly men. Pub visitation is part of the daily life for many Czechs.

[Moose72]

@whatever2013 Happy Birthday! That dress sounds lovely! I wish I were brave enough to wear a dress. Every time I try one on, I immediately take it back off again. I have a big stomach area and big breasts that don't usually fit in a dress anyway. The only way I would wear one would be if there were no chance of my seeing my reflection- including store windows. I admire you that that doesn't seem to be a problem!

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Moose72

20 old photos that prove that people used to age faster.

I'm using a PC, so I can't swipe, but it's true! People used to age faster. I think part of it has to do with clothing. People in their 60's nowadays usually wear pretty much the same clothes people in their 30's do. I remember a time when ladies who were married and had children wore the "uniform" polyester pants and blouses. That old-fashioned, thick polyester. Such an aging type of fabric. And they also cut their hair into the "mid-life" type of hair cut and lacquered it with hairspray. The entire effect was aging.

[*Beth*]

~*~Happy Birthday Jane!~*~

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I'm using a PC, so I can't swipe, but it's true! People used to age faster. I think part of it has to do with clothing. People in their 60's nowadays usually wear pretty much the same clothes people in their 30's do. I remember a time when ladies who were married and had children wore the "uniform" polyester pants and blouses. That old-fashioned, thick polyester. Such an aging type of fabric. And they also cut their hair into the "mid-life" type of hair cut and lacquered it with hairspray. The entire effect was aging.

I was looking through old photos my grandmother took of the family that my aunt scanned onto a thumb drive. There are pictures of my great grandmother at MY current age and she still looked old! It wasn't just me that thought that because I was a young kid when I knew her. (She died when I was 11.) I think you're right that they cut their hair into that dated style. I'm almost 50 and I wear the same type of clothes I have my whole life. I'd think that anybody would do that, not just me. I'm not a grandmother yet but I won't start putting my hair in a bun with dippety do like I'm an aged ballet dancer.

[wildflowerchild25]

@whatever2013

Happy birthday!!!

Soupe du jour,

I totally get the opening up thing. I actually only have two friends and they are both my sisters in law. I do not have any other “deep” friendships. I don’t have anyone I talk to outside of my coworkers, and I only talk to them at work. Every once in awhile I look around and think myself abnormal. But honestly it doesn’t really bother me, I’ve always been this way. It used to upset me greatly that I didn’t “belong” anywhere, but I guess as I’ve gotten older it just doesn’t matter to me.

[Blue_Bird]

Happy birthday @whatever2013 !!! I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy that place you're eligible to start going to now

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Yesterday was busy. I was supposed to pick up my brother at 9:00 and I woke up at 9:25! I remained calm and arrived when I could. It was a chore getting him in the house and situated. He’s already fallen twice and is as helpless as a baby. He is bone thin, unstable on his feet and disoriented. I can’t help but wonder if he’s nearing the end of his life. Mom had so much anxiety around him coming home that she stayed in bed with an eye mask on and listening to nature sounds. I had to take care of her as well. I got to bed late.

Today is a new day. I’m going to float today hopefully, read a good book and cook a healthy meal. This time around I’m protecting myself heavily.

I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend.

Remember that you come first. You can’t care for them if your not take care of you. Can you get some kind of nursing aid help that could do things like help him in the bath and with exercise, feed him and other things for part of the day? I worry he will be totally dependent on you.

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

It's my birthday today! I have finally made it to 55 and am eligible to attend an active senior's center. I am hoping i will enjoy this place as much as i did my mental health drop-in in my 30s and 40s. Hopefully it will give some structure to my days. Also, i now get The Senior's Discount! Ca-ching!

I bought myself an achingly beautiful African dress for my birthday present. It's main color is turquoise which is mine and Louise's favorite color. It has sparkles at the neckline. It's loose and light, perfect for the hot hot hot weather we are having.

@Scooter9:

So happy that you are getting some good medical attention and can look forward to an end to your awful stomach pain. Good luck on your gallbladder removal today. It's routine surgery so it should go well. But surgery is surgery and no denying it's a serious matter.

@Soupe du jour:

Yes, people who know us well are comforting. I know i missed that when my ex-husband and i split up, as toxic as the relationship was. He missed me too, told me so, even tho it was for the best that we went our separate ways. No need to keep up a brave front here tho. Feel free to let loose!

@Innerzone:

I know how you feel. I was told i was "creating a climate of fear" at work at the end when we were under a reorg and buy-outs were being offered and i repeated what Human Resources had told me about the buy-out pot dwindling and to take it pronto. But that was just the info i was given! Anyways my director gave me two weeks of "Crisis Leave" which isn't even a thing. She had compassion for me. My ex-husband had asked for a divorce at the same time. I'd highly recommend taking some form of leave. I hope you are not just being too hard on yourself. Were you directly told that you're making trouble at work or are you just inferring it?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎁🎉🎂🎊

When I was in Texas there was a senior center I joined playing backgammon was so fun to learn. Have fun!

[Daonnachd]

Yesterday at work I introduced myself to someone who apparently already knew me. It was a bit uncomfortable for a moment as I realised ECT had wiped them from my memory but it doesn't seriously bother me. I guess I need to come up with a more vague salutary comment until statements like, "I haven't seen you in a while," are said.

[Polibeth]

Originally Posted by Daonnachd

Yesterday at work I introduced myself to someone who apparently already knew me. It was a bit uncomfortable for a moment as I realised ECT had wiped them from my memory but it doesn't seriously bother me. I guess I need to come up with a more vague salutary comment until statements like, "I haven't seen you in a while," are said.

I have the exact same problem due to ECT. I used to panic when someone started off a sentence with "Do you remember" but I'm getting better about creative solutions to the memory issue.

[Sunflower123]

A nurse came out and did an assessment and saw that I was totally overwhelmed. He is totally dependent on me. As a result, we have a social worker coming out to discuss options Monday as far as group homes and assisted living. I’ve cried buckets of tears. I feel like I’ve failed my brother in the most basic way. He has so many needs and I’m just not capable of caring for him as he needs. He’s hurt and angry and doesn’t understand which only makes it worse. It’s a sad day.