Is Sciatica the Curse of Getting Older?

 I don't know if it is a curse, but it is no fun.  My sciatica flared up in about October of last year.  It really had me tied down and is a big pain in the butt literally.  It is a pain starting in the butt area and then going down the back of the leg.  It was mostly in my right side but now effects both sides.  It was so bad I just wanted to lie around all day.  Even sitting made it hurt.  I had difficulty with small tasks like loading or unloading the dish washer.

Urgent care took x-rays and diagnosed the problem.  Initially I took some pills for pain--some for the day and some at night, but the majority of the treatment was physical therapy.  The doctor suggested no longer have my wallet in my back pocket, so I don't.  It is always in front now.  I guess sitting on a wallet can flare things up.  

Physical therapy focused on stretches, and strengthening the core.  I am very good at using the stretches for any little tightness, or sometimes just to prevent the tightness.  Squats are the most important core strengthening exercise.  i could do better with this.  I have changed from bending to do the dish washer to using squats.  It helps.  Also for the core is the gorilla walk, and what I call they round dance.  This is a side to side step, while gorilla walk is a frontward step while squatting a bit.  Both steps can be done with bands.  

Just tightening or engaging the core is helpful.  The stretches I do I stand against something firm, and then lean back.  This really helps.  Also while sitting or lying down, putting the foot on the knee, and then pulling the knee towards the other side for about 20 seconds, and then pushing it down for ten seconds.  This also really helps.  I also like to walk and this helps, but I must be careful not to overdo.

The Covid Epidemic and Opioid Addiction.

 This site is a synopsis of articles from all 50 states with relation to the opioid epidemic an increase in overdoses due to heroin, opioids and fentanyl.  This epidemic, in parts of the country, including San Francisco, has taken more lives than COVID.  There have been more OD's in 2020 than any other year.  However this health issue seems to have been forgotten.  The news talks of COVID and very little is heard about the drug epidemic.  Making matters worse is a shorter of injectable medication to counteract an OD.  

Positive Thinking Book: The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters by Andy Andrews, Simple Truths LLC, Naperville, Illinois, 2009.   

This book presents the idea that everything we do has an effect on others.  Mr. Andrews presents a compelling story about the influence of the butterfly effect, and how it bounces from one person to the next--the effect you have on one, will effect the effect that person has on the next and so on and so on.  This book inspires all of us to be better, more gracious to others.  I recommend anything of Andy Andrews.               

Insurance: It Shouldn't Be So Hard

Having retired, and the moving out of state to Arizona, I could no longer continue with the insurance I had before.  I though since I was a vested employee the insurance would continue.  Instead I will be reimbursed $750 a month, but have to find my own insurance.  I signed up for an insurance, some kind of a strange plan,  At first payment wouldn't go through but we finally were able to put it on Sheri's card.  However the next month again the payment wouldn't go through.  The bank said it was a fraudulent company.  The company said no, but anyway I decided to change.  Sheri and Tony signed up for a similar plan but through Prudential Insurance.  I went directly to Blue Cross for insurance.  Sort of steep based on my income and preexisting conditions.  But I have insurance and will be reimbursed for most of it.  I think the old insurance covered the bills I had and I will update the medical office of the new insurance when I go to my next appointment.  I thought they had dental. as well but I am being told no.  I need to get dental and vision benefits now.  

Weight Wars #3

 I have posted twice before, but not for the past two years.  I saw my weight go from 298 in 2003 to 248 in 2019 and 245 in 2019.  My weight has not dropped much more.  Now I weigh about 240.  I am no longer grossly obese but just obese.  However I have been stagnant in any further weight loss.  I was able to take pills to help with weight loss, and then Victoza shot.  Victoza helped me lose about ten pounds but then no more.  However it is going to take something more to get me below the 240 line and continue my trek to 190 which is my ultimate goal.   I was doing better before Covid made everything be work from home.  Then I did not walk near as much as I no longer took the train to work.  I have not gotten into a pattern of exercise since having retired.  I keep thinking something will change.  I guess that something will need to be myself.  I need to lose that last 50 lbs to be as healthy as I can be.  

So I commit to a half hour walk or activity everyday.  I commit to doing exercises to help my frozen shoulder.  I commit to watch my food intake.  I commit to no food after 8 p.m.  

Dealing With Stress? Don't Turn to Drugs and Alcohol

Shelter in place is stressful; and going to work when there is risk of Covid is also stressful.  There is no way around it right now, our lives are stressful.  A little stress can be good.  Most of us perform better with some stress; but not too much. 
Too much stress can lead to anxiety issues, depression, fatigue, headaches and muscle tension, insomnia, stomach problems and weakened immune system.  People who experience too much stress for too long become prone to illnesses, mental and physical.
Too often the response is, I'll use alcohol, or I'll get stoned and just forget my problems.  These responses do not get rid of the problem, although admittedly you care about your problems less when you are stoned or high or drunk.  When you sober up, the problems are still there, and in addition you have the consequences of the substance.  These consequences can include substance use disorder, health conditions, O.D., family issues and trouble at school or work.
May I suggest some alternatives to substances for dealing with stress.  Regular exercise is the most important.  Exercise releases endorphins which produce a natural high without the negative consequences.  Other activities to deal with stress are playing video games, meditate, walking, talking with a friend, doing something creative, play music, relax, take a hot bath, favorite TV program or movie.
These items are taken from a pamphlet  provided by the Stay Safe Series, Primo Prevention. 2014.

Suicidal Thoughts? Let's talk about it.

This is a small document from Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services.  It promotes calling the suicide and crisis line to deal with trouble coping with change, chronic back pain, thinking live is not worth it, feeling isolated, feeling you are a burden to others, feeling abandoned or betrayed, feeling ashamed, having no purpose, having sudden mood changes, giving away possessions, doing careless things, increase in alco or drug usage, withdrawing, financial stress, chronic illness, death or suicide of a loved one, conflict with family, other don't understand you,
Please, if you need to talk, they are there 24 hours.

National suicide prevention line serving the Kingman area.  (800) 273-8255

Crisis Intervention Service, Suicide Prevention Service