Not a lot to report today ... still working on improving my eating. My challenge is keeping easy to prepare meals for my work days with unpredictable schedules... and the days when I am just lazy and burned out. Temps have dropped here and so today I am making rosemary-shallot beef stew (for nephew & his wife .. but will pull out a few portions for me). Will also make a soup tbd tomorrow. Soups REALLY help me stay on track.

I have my appt at Wills Eye this week. I appreciate all the enthusiasm and well wishes you all have shared over the last week. I am anxious (normal for all things related to my eyes) ... but looking forward to hearing what they can do for me.

What do you have going on this week? Let's make it a good one!

Fingers crossed for you, Funky! I hope you’ll let us know.

I am looking forward to getting stitches out on Tues…I think!? I am scared to see what my nose looks like. I have had to change the bandages on my ear and since that is worse than I expected….I am scared. This is an approximation of the line of stitches where they took cartiliage. Honestly, I don’t care what my ear looks like (although I might need long hair forever) but my nose is another story.

Anyway, that is all gross, sorry. Just be glad I’m not posting actual pics!

After a couple days of feeling sorry for myself while eating ice cream and apple crisp, I decided the healing process isn’t going to be helped that way, so I have been trying to focus on eating as well as possible. Sometimes chewing makes my nose feel…weird…so I haven’t been overeating, at least. One of my wonderful friends dropped off a bunch of food (including pumpkin cookies, which I have been doling out one/day!) so I had yummy chicken noodle soup for dinner last night. I am also being sure to have a multi vitamin, and a biotin supplement and collagen, FWIW. Who knows if it helps but I figure it can’t hurt. Lots of water, too.

Sue, I would be nervous too but they always look gruesome when the stitches are in .. and surely you still have some swelling. Hoping youre back to normal soon!

I think my dumb food choices are from feeling sorry for myself too. I don't like to admit that -- especially because I don't have super good reasons to feel sorry for myself ... but I suspect it is the reality. You are so right: bad eating isnt going to fix anything so I need to get a grip. I also need to stop avoiding the scale. 😢

I guess everyone has something to feel crummy about sometimes! I am trying to keep this in perspective, I am not dying or truly even suffering, but the accumulation of medical stuff this year — all relatively minor — is making me feel annoyed, not to mention OLD. And I still am figuring out the reflux thing, blah blah, whine whine. Thank you for coming to my pity party.

My nose is completely covered so I have no idea what it looks like. The area is covered by something that the dr compared to ”a wad of bubblegum”, then bandages, so it looks like a big clown nose.

Lack of exercise hasn’t helped my mood but I am diving deep into junk tv which is keeping me entertained (looking at you, Married At First Sight!). And trying to do a little something creative each day.

I am thankful for a farm/market in the next town that has pretty good premade meals. For lunch today, I have lemon chicken, roasted carrots, and mashed potatoes. For dinner, chicken parm from my friend and roasted green beans. We picked some huge cortland apples recently and I have been slicing one a day and having it alone or with almond butter. I do love apple season!

Yes, you have sure been through it, Sue.. hopefully things settle down after this! Your meals sound great and how wonderful that your friend cooked for you!

LOL she got the food she delivered from the same market…great friend, but not a cook.

Sue! I had no idea you'd had surgery on your nose. Was there a thread. Was it elective/cosmetic or something else? Noses are so right there in the middle of our faces, arriving before the rest of us does. I trust all will be well.

I am away with friends, and have to resist the cravings for the less than ideal foods that I associate with these trips. We’ve been vacationing together for 30+ years, so there are some entrenched habits. Even with restaurant meals every day, I’m doing my best to make sensible choices.

I join a local gym while we’re here and continue my morning exercise routine. Any other physical activity with them is a bonus.

The mental boost I get from this shared time offsets any caving to a craving.

I wish it were elective, Bunny! I had a small patch on the side of my nose that kept peeling and scabbing…long story short, basal cell cancer removed with MOHS surgery last week, involving removing cartilage and a skin graft from two places on my ear. It was way more involved than I expected, and I wish someone had told me to take a valium or something first! Meanwhile because of the location — nose has a lot of blood vessels etc — no exercise at all for two weeks, other than normal walking around the house. And for obvious reasons, I am not really going out anywhere.

My fear is that the scar on my nose is a hideous thing that is 4x the size of the original spot. Yes, I am catastrophizing. Stitches come out tomorrow so at least I get rid of the clown nose.

In brighter news, in a week I am going to Kripalu with two friends for 2 nights. I still will have some limitations but at least it will be a change of scenery and some good girlfriend time.

I shouldnt laugh, Sue, but that pictire is a riot. You are ready for Halloween. Sometimes the worst thing about medical procedures is the time spent recovering. Hopefully, youll return to normal soon.

I hear you about the accumulation of medical stuff. As a friend said a number if years back, welcome to the world of medicine.

Good luck tomorrow, Sue! I trust that it will not be anywhere near as bad as you fear.

I have my yearly mammogram this week. Also, another dexa scan. Hoping I can stop taking the osteoporosis drug after that scan. Fingers crossed.

I'm down another pound on the scale. I think that's 3.5 lbs now. About 12 more to go.

I've been good with consistency and getting on my tread 5x week. Trying to do it when I first get up before anything else. If I don't do that, then I really have to force myself to do it later in the day and I'm very good at rationalizing not to do it.

I also have my covid and flu shots scheduled for Thursday. Ugh, I'm always down for the count the day after that so I expect Friday to be a sleep all day kind of day. Therefore, have to make sure I get on the tread every day before that.

Sue, get some Mederma scar stuff and ask the doc when can you start using it. Supposed to work great if you start it soon after the surgery.

Strait, yes, that question is top of my list tomorrow!

Sueb, I had no idea you just had a MOHS procedure either! I’m joining your pity party and sending good wishes for everything to look better when the stitches are out.

Not surgery but I had the initial work for a new crown on a tooth today. I hate all the high pitched drill noise! This is the second one in the past couple of months. Gah! Both teeth seemed fine, nothing hurt, but they discovered I had a dead nerve and the tooth had minor cracks running all around it. Dentist recommended the crown instead of having a major break one day. Then during a cleaning a week ago another tooth was discovered with cracks. The price of getting old. So here we go again.

In other news, I’m pretty much status quo with where I am with weight. I really don’t want to lose any more pounds, just maintain. Like many of you, I struggle with finding my cooking mojo some days. I also am having a hard time getting enough protein I think. Working on that and considering another weight training class session (just 2 of us), and may start that on Friday.

Outside, I am petrified of the dentist so I feel your pain! (Well, no I don’t, because I’d be pumped full of novocaine and maybe some other drugs.) I had a root canal that had to be re-done (jeez, another crummy thing that happened this year) and my dentist said if this one fails, I’ll need an implant. If that happens, I will need general anesthesia, I think. I have had ”conscious sedation” for most of the crowns I’ve had. DH and I both have lousy teeth; fortunately our kids didn’t inherit them.

I need to get covid and flu shots but I can’t bring myself to get more shots this week! Maybe next week.

I need to get co and flu shots too. It is just hard to plan a "down" day right now.

Oh Outside, I hate everything about the dentist so I feel for you!

Thinking of you Sue ... hope all goes smoothly at your appt today!

Glad to hear so many are doing well with either maintaining their weight or trending downward! I avoided the scale this morning (only because it was 4:30am) but will get on tomorrow. I mentioned previously that i have been actively avoiding the scale the last 3 wks and it is time to face reality... I expect a minor gain but I am prepared for it. I am already doing better so hope to be back on the downward trend in a few weeks.

i’m in the process of an implant. i was really nervous but my wonderful dentist promised me I would feel no pain, and he was right. The only thing I felt was the injections and some pressure. I’ve had the hard part done, it’s all downhill now. I don’t like the way sedation makes me feel aftetwards, so didn’t do it. I’m a little proud of myself as I am one who used to hsve a real fear of needles. On top of that, Im hard to stick. But in the last couple of weeks Ive had an IV and blood drawn and got through it fine. Next up is colonoscopy and the derm, where Im sure to have a biopsy. Thankfully Ive had no issues with covid/flu vaccines. Gotta do what we gotta do for our health! (TM)

Count me in on the dentist issue. I have a great dentist and have been lucky the last couple years, but some childhood trauma there that makes it worse.

I got on the scales today and was up. Not surprising but more than expected. Knew it was bad when I tried on my jeans for my trip and they were all uncomfortably tight.

So, I'm motivated to do better. My diet has been especially poor, so it won't be too hard to improve. I was avoiding the scale, so the first plan is to step on it every day and record it in my app so I face what is happening.

I've got 4 more weeks on my stepbet so that will keep me moving. I don't usually play pickeball in the evenings because it messes with my sleep, but I need more exercise, so I might try that a few nights to see.

And I'm cutting out sugar. I got way too lax on that. I don't even really care for sugar or sweets - I've always been a salt girl. But not lately. Like I said, plenty of room for improvement.

I only made it about 60 hours on my no social media. I liked it though, so I am going to try again. Maybe just 48 hours a week or so instead of a whole week.

Stitches are out but i still have a big ”pressure bandage” (i think that’s what she called it) on my nose and have to continue NO activity for another week so I have cancelled my little yoga trip as well as plans for dinner with friends we had for this Sat night.

Blah. This is the best plan for the skin graft to be successful, but it just stinks. It is pretty clear to me that even my fairly modest exercise routine was keeping me sane, LOL.

On the bright side, my ear is healed and the dr said I’m a ”good healer.” And I can finally wash my hair! woohoo!

Glad things went mostly positive, SueB, and you are healing.

I am finishing fall break. Did I do as much as I would've liked? No. But I did get to the Y for two of my favorite classes: TRX and then Zumba with my favorite instructor. I have Pilates scheduled for tomorrow. I will see about getting another class. I did do some organization in my leggings drawer, so that was good.

Got my bloodwork back, and my A1c is still right at the bottom of prediabetes. I've lost a lot of weight, and the medication is supposed to help with stimulating insulin production in the pancreas. Last time the weight management doctor said it just might be aging and genetics (siblings with prediabetes or T2D). Trying to send the report to primary care and weight management doctor, but the system is not processing attachments at this time. Also, my thyroid T4 is a little high, so I may need adjustment to my Synthroid. I have not needed to have it adjusted with weight loss. All other blood work is great.

Going to have steak tonight with green beans. DH and I split a baked potato.

I'm sorry you had to cancel your plans, Sue--that sounded like a fun trip. Glad the ear is doing well, and I'm sure that's a good sign for your nose, too.

Good luck with the dental procedures, Outside and Tina!

I hope everyone is having a great week.

Sorry you had to cancel your trip and weekend plans, Sue! You will be back to normal soon so hopefully you can reschedule soon! Hang in there!

I stayed home from the Y all last week because of my black eyes. It’s faded but now the huge knot on my forehead has turned dark. Anyway I went back Monday to the Y with DH and will be there regularly again. Amazing how one week away throws everything off!

@Sueb20 I am sorry your plans changed but you are healing so that is good . 🙏

Trail, that is so true. After being a sloth for a week, when I went to the dr yesterday I walked a short distance from my car to the door, down a short flight of stairs, up a regular flight of stairs, and my heart was racing when I got to the waiting room. (No doubt some anxiety contributed to that!) Even worse, I almost fainted in the middle of the stitches removal. I was so wound up — just anxious about the whole thing — and then the bandages the dr removed were sitting in plain sight and I am so squeamish… the good news is I got a cookie and a bottle of water, LOL.

Anyway, I am very restless but now wondering how pathetic I’ll be after two weeks of no movement!

PS my hip fully recovered, Trail. Thank you again. ❤️

I am out of my routine and didnt weigh myself this morning until I had hard water and coffee, was already dressed AND wearing heavy jewelry. I was up 2 lb from my lowest weight.. but I am going to call it mostly maintaining since i am sure my jeans, jewelry and 20 oz coffee account for at least 1lb LOL. I had expected to have gained 3-5 lb as I have not been eating well or consistently this last month.

This is has my attention-- if I can more or less maintain while making some poor choices, I can actually lose when I eat well and mindfully. I am doing well this week and feeling extra committed so hoping to be back to making actual downward progress in the next month.

Meanwhile, SO is down 40lb since the beginning of the year-- the lowest he's been in 40 yr. I am so proud of him and it surely nudges me to keep working at it.. As do all of you!

That is outstanding news! I am so glad there are lenses that can help several issues. I hope you can get in sooner to have the surgery.

My cataract surgery went extremely well and improved my vision even more than the surgeon expected. We were both so pleased and it has maintained for years .

I will send my best wishes for success your way. 🙏 c

Oh wow, Funky, this is marvelous news! Eye am so happy for you (see what I did there?)

As part of your jewelry, did you wear your eye brooch yesterday?

Funky, life changing indeed! There are so many things that have improved in the medical world in the last 10-20 years and this is another example. I am so happy for you. Somehow seems worth the wait even though i know you wish it could be done now. I hope you can get it scheduled soon. Sometimes people manage to get on ’wait lists’ and then are bumped up earlier than expected due to unforeseen cancellations and schedule changes. Worth asking about anyway.

Great news, Funky! Thanks for the update. I’m excited for you! 2026 is not that far away, suddenly.

That is wonderful news! So happy for you, that really will be life changing. 🎉

Hurrah Funky! That is such good news!

LOL Hhireno.. I didnt wear my eye brooch! I should have!

Outside & Feathers, yes .. 2026 IS right around the corner! And yes, I have asked about wait lists.

Really, it doesnt matter when it happens but now I know it CAN happen! That is what matters!

Thank you all for sharing my excitement! ❤️

What wonderful news Funky! i am so happy to read this update. 😊

(Tina Marie)

That is great news, funky! I can certainly understand how life changing improved vision will be.

Off to get my Cvd/Flu shot. Ugh, dreading the achiness and fever that is sure to come tomorrow.

What fantastic news, @Funkyart!

@Sueb20 I hope you are feeling 100% very soon. @jsk Good luck! They made me pretty sick, but I kept telling myself that meant I had a strong immune response. @Still trailing Glad your bruises are healing.

No real news here. I have been eating mostly vegetarian, and I always feel better physically when I do that. I finally feel like I am making some progress on regaining my strength and fitness level too. It’s incredible how quickly it can be lost and how hard it is to regain it. I am now almost 8 months post-surgery.

Sue, i meant to ask about you yesterday. I’m glad the ear is healing well. Sorry you still can’t do much yet. I know it is frustrating.

Texanjana said, ’It’s incredible how quickly it can be lost and how hard it is to regain it.’ That is so true, and i believe it gets worse as we get older. So many of us here have had surgeries and other events that slowed us down in the past year. That pity party is getting big! We may have to get a larger venue, lol! Seriously, my view though is that we likely would not have recovered as quickly if we had not been in such great shape to begin with.

Thanks for the kind words! I have to keep reminding myself, too, that healing will be helped by the rest and also by healthy eating. I am having one ”treat” per day — earlier it was a cookie, now it’s a mini pumpkin muffin — but otherwise making a concerted effort, even more than usual, to eat a lot of fruits and veggies and also, FWIW, a scoop of collagen powder and a biotin supplement in addition to a multivitamin. And a lot of water. I had put my big Stanley mug away but it is back in use again!

I have a therapeutic dog, too.

Great way to look at it, Sue!

Also, Outside-- you are right that good health helps us get past the hurdles more easily and more quickly!

I find the many great things about this weekly thread is that it helps me keep a good attitude! You all are great for keeping expectations realistic and attitudes positive! ❤️

Also wanted to add .. Sue, as you are eating more fruits and vegetables to aid in your healing.. this is a great time to splurge on pink pinepple! OK, it isnt a huge splurge but it is a little pricier than regular pineapple so I personally dont pick it up each week. It is so very tender and a touch sweeter than yellow pineapple.. and it is pretty and pink :) (I get it at Wegmans but also Giant which is a sister company to Stop & Shop)

From AI: Pineapple can aid in injury healing due to its enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling, pain, and bruising

A friend stopped by today to visit and we were talking about healthy aging, etc…one thing that always sticks with me is that my dad had maybe 3 or 4 falls between the ages of 82 and 86. Not really because he was unsteady on his feet — once because he tripped over something at work (the janitor’s mop/bucket), once because of ice in the driveway, and then a couple times when he was weak because he was waiting for heart surgery. Anyway, in every case, all he got was a bruise. I credit his dedication to exercise: he went to the gym 7 days a week. AND he didn’t get that dedicated to exercise until after my mom died, when he was 59. So the motto of the story is, it really does help and it’s never too late to start! (I have to remind myself of this often, because I did not inherit his love of exercise.)

He continued his daily exercise until about two weeks before he died. He also had untreated diabetes and kidney disease, which never slowed him down until the very end (age 89).

I just started reading this book. It is very interesting so far.

Scrolling up, I saw the photo of the pink cubes before I read that is was pineapple. I thought it was ham 🤢 (which I don’t eat and intensely dislike the smell). IDK if I could even try the pineapple now that I will incorrectly associate it with ham.

Funky, I actually have a regular pineapple waiting to be eaten…now that I see the health benefits, I’d better start eating it ASAP!

I tired the pink pineapple last yer. Didn't care for it. I love regular yellow pineapple though!

Interesting-- what didnt you care for? It is always my preference because it is so much less acidic and "woody"

It might be you don’t like it, but it might be you didn’t have a good one. I know I certainly sometimes get pineapples, or any fruit, that isn’t the best of the kind, but if I’ve never had that fruit before I don’t it should be better. It would be a shame to eliminate eating it again based on one bad representative. OTOH it might be a waste of money to try another. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Look at me encouraging you to try something whose appearance puts me off. 😆

I recall when a friend had surgery several years ago, my acupuncturist recommended bromelain supplements for healing. I would prefer just eating pineapple, too. But, yes, fruit can be deceiving... last month raspberries were on sale, and I bought 3-4 containers. Turns out, they were so bland! I just ate them for the fiber at that point, but I didn't enjoy them.

Going to look into Super Agers, along with this book that was mentioned during a podcast I finished this week:

I follow Dr. Greger on IG (his nutrition_facts_org account), and he's evidence-based.

I bought the already cut up pack because the whole uncut one was so expensive. It was kinda mushy and too sweet, no tartness at all like there is in a regular pineapple. Kinda like a Pink Lady apple (tart & sweet and crisp) vs a Red Delicious (sickly sweet & mushy). Might have been better if it was fresh cut (I don;t care for the texture of canned pineapple pieces anymore either), but I didn't want to pay $6+ for a baby size pineapple where about half the weight is inedible rind and greenery.