LIFE'S ACTIVITIES POTPOURRI -- AGING DENTITION

Another exciting week in this strange viral infused earthly dimension in which we live.  My gradual but limited re-entry into the outside world where that infamous Covid-19 virus awaits to sneakily invade our bodies continues, though caution remains wise.  The latest word is the treacherous germs are proliferating, infecting increasing numbers of us, so increased care may be the order of the day.

--My long postponed dental checkup and cleaning that I finally rescheduled went well.  Then,  a few days later a long-ago broken tooth suddenly became released from its adhesive as it has a couple times in the past.  Fortunately, I did not swallow the tooth section.  There was no pain.  Later my dentist stated consideration of a possible root canal with an Endodontist was in order. Multiple x-rays revealed said canal could not be seen.  Seems as we age those canals can narrow and might not easily be found -- who knew, I didn't.    

Pondering the issues I imagined what complications an Endodontist might encounter trying to find the canal as the victim patient reclines with their oral cavity exposed -- mouth open -- for the unknown period of search time.  Fortunately for me, with my questioning and hesitation, my dentist concluded another, hopefully, long term adhesive applied to the broken tooth was a viable option in preference to a root canal. 

I hope this tooth portion will continue to adhere for a lengthy time, allowing me to avoid any other intrusive dental procedures.  The last time of gluing lasting only a little over a year, so I would like to set an endurance record this time as it has lasted much longer in the past.  How about a super glue that lasts forever?  Or, one of those adhesives resisting thousands of pounds of pressure and stress?  

Digressing in a different direction.....

--Health care workers who observe and treat the whole person within appropriate professional limitations as opposed to more narrow interventions are the kind I like and was the type service I provided.  So, I was delighted to be the recipient of such service at my dentist's office when a piece of equipment I was using, unrelated to dentition, received much needed adjustment I had thought wasn't possible.  Considering during previous weeks/months several other medical offices directly associated with that item had been completely oblivious to the issue, much less adjusting it, I was impressed with such observing caring sensitivity.

Moving on to a variety of other topics.....

--I received in the postal service mail a sample newspaper specifically addressed to me that I'd never heard of previously.  Very impressive in size, sections, topics covered.  The editor's letter explained how objective the content was and yet even a superficial skimming through quickly revealed the newspaper was very biased.  

I think this is an example of the forces that will be at work in the coming years to weaken and undermine our democratic government, to continue promoting views the majority of our voters just rejected.  The paper will remain unnamed since I have no desire to provide publicity or promotion of any kind including that which is negative.

--Don't you love it when you receive conflicting recommendations from two different medical doctors for just relatively common ordinary matters where you wouldn't usually seek a third opinion?  Take that med -- don't take that med -- huh?

--Our lame duck President still has not admitted defeat -- still keeps spreading his fantasy falsehoods that massive election fraud has occurred accounting for his lower popular vote in his effort to buy time.  The U.S. Government Election Officials report "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history."

The current President's actions continue to be a threat to national security, damaging to democracy, weakening our system of government, betraying his oath of office to safeguard American citizens.  Incredibly his political party leaders say and do little to rein in this dangerous loose cannon.  

He fails to provide transitional cooperation with our newly elected President which is damaging to our nation's security.  One might wonder how any patriotic citizen who supports our constitution, believes in our democratic form of government and freedoms could continue to support our prevaricating current President over our newly elected one.  

--My furnace stopped working -- the penalty of having a long-lasting piece of equipment is manufacturers stop making parts so that if you need one, it's not readily available, but if you do get one it's very expensive.  Is that what is meant when they say, you can't win for losing?  Fortunately, that part of my furnace, though determined to be at risk for malfunction, is still operating but who knows what the future may bring.

--Our local commercial television stations interrupt all sorts of programming to cover vehicle chases as news -- local community police departments, county sheriff departments, California highway patrol following behind cars, vans, even trucks with police helicopters overhead and TV news stations 'copters flying along, too.  They televise this action because it attracts increased viewership.  I wonder if such news coverage is popular in other metropolitan areas?  

--The joys of living have been interspersed with various interruptions such as I experienced this past week as noted above.  They do serve to be an interesting contrast with the routine ordinariness of life as we live in this current pandemic environment.  Each of you have your own unique experiences infusing your lives.  

--Our existence does go on with both the serious and mundane challenges of daily living -- the same, but ever-changing from day to day, week to week, month to month.  What is keeping your life in motion? 

FANCY FOOTWORK

Unintentionally, I engaged in a bit of fancy footwork the other evening when my toe caught the packaged edge of flattened cardboard boxes awaiting my assembling that I had leaning vertically against a wall.   When I tripped my body launched forward and downward onto a hardwood floor that was covered by carpeting with thinned padding long overdue for replacement.  My knees and shoulder forcefully met this ungiving surface.  Eventually, after a rudimentary assessment of my condition I was able to arise from the floor without too much difficulty, contrary to my initial concern that my ability to do so might be in doubt.   

Pain with body movement during the rest of the evening followed by spasmodic restless sleeping that night had me thinking I should seek medical care first thing in the morning.   But I felt slightly better by mid-morning so deferred such consultation.  

By days end other symptoms that may have been wearing me down for several weeks became more prominent, as though my tumble had somehow jolted them loose.  I became convinced my weekend and the days ahead might be a bit too unpleasant without medical intervention.    Having established I could now reach with minimal pain to shift my cars gears I drove the five to ten minutes from my home to our local hospital’s Urgent Care.   

The Physicians Assistant decided antibiotics were the answer to the emerging throat/sinus/middle ear issues that may have been viral for some previous weeks, only now evolving into a probable bacterial infection.     The P.A. concluded a shoulder x-ray was also advisable given my earlier adventure and extremity functional limitations, pains and bruises. 

The good news is that the x-ray revealed no bones were fractured or broken with primarily only the upper body on my dominant side affected.   Fortunately, my range of motion, gripping, lifting, and other abilities are gradually increasing with a lessening of pain and discomfort. 

Also on a positive note, the manner in which I was able to fall prevented my having to clean up a potential mess.   I was carrying a styrofoam carryout container filled with my Chinese dinner in one hand, with the other holding several objects including a capped water-filled plastic bottle.   I recall as my body rapidly angled toward the floor extending my arms with my thoughts focusing on balancing the containers upright to avoid spilling any contents.   Amazingly to me I was successful in preventing that disaster. 

I eventually have realized I would be most comfortable physically in loose clothing that didn’t require a lot of arm movement, or hand gripping attire that needed to be pulled up or down.   I discovered my wardrobe’s blouse clothing consisted primarily of pull-over type tops.   No longer did I have available my now deceased husband’s front button shirts as I once would have had.    Though I knew I could drive, I didn’t welcome the prospect of navigating walking through any of the several nearby shopping malls, or some of the other large stores seeking front button shirts.  

I really miss all the small independent variety or specialty clothing stores, some used to carry seconds and discontinued items of then-name brands. These stores once were scattered about in nearby strip malls with parking close by allowing a quick store entry and exit.  We didn’t have to walk for miles up and down never-ending aisles to locate a desired item in those small compact store areas. 

I’ve not been one to experience shopping as a substitute for an entertaining recreational activity.   I find the current crass commercialization movement to brick and mortar stores being open 24/7 quite undesirable, especially if those businesses have an Internet presence. They want me to shop at midnight or 4 A.M. in order to purchase their special sale bargain???  Web competition is the reason given for justifying these increasing store hours openings.   I’ll rue the day when purchases must mainly be made on the Internet – a step backward similar to my grandmother’s days of paper catalog sales -- an interesting topic to consider.  

Given our Southern California climate many cold weather clothes often aren’t even readily available here, so I didn’t relish having to visit several gargantuan stores to try to find what I wanted.   It occurred to me that some sporting goods stores might stock the inexpensive casual shirt I sought.   Then I remembered just such a new store nearby that I lamented had remodeled space which once held some nice restaurants.   I had been disappointed these casual eating establishments were gone, though not the lower quality last one this store replaced.    

Off I went this morning hoping I might be in luck at this new sporting goods chain store only five minutes away, and was pleased to be able to purchase a blue plaid light flannel button-up-the-front shirt – only shirt left in a size that wouldn’t completely envelope me.    I’m glad for the store presence in this instance, but I can’t imagine ever needing to purchase anything there again.  Regrettably, I think it’s unlikely they’ll be replaced with that nice restaurant I'd prefer.  

When I think of the fancy footwork in which I engaged, this video of Fred Astaire’s famous “ceiling dance” comes to mind.   I wish I could have stayed on my feet and been so nimble.  Stanley Donen filmed this scene for the 1951 movie “Royal Wedding” using what was then a very innovative special effect.  Rotating visuals and photos is no longer novel unlike before our digital technology.

You can see in this side-by-side film footage how this visual effect was achieved which may be of interest, especially if you have been previously unfamiliar with this famous “dance around the room.”  

The moral to my tale is that it’s better to dance than engage in my fancy footwork.   Stay on your feet!

NOT SO TYPICAL DAY

(Blogger seems to be experiencing some technical glitches since I just posted this on Wednesday, April 6th after writing it Tues. night, but the gremlin affixed a different date, so I'll try re-posting to see if it corrects. Actually, my previous piece was posted April 1st, but the gremlin dated it March 31st.)


Yesterday was not a typical day. In fact, the day was quite unlike the
"Summerish Spring Day" described in my previous piece.

Let's go back a few days to when I started that dreaded process for a periodic medical procedure many of us undergo. I had more than slight trepidation since not only had my doctor specialist retired, to be replaced by one I did not know, but the procedure's preparation substances were different, too.

My memory of several previous such preparations requiring drinking of excessive fluids was pretty negative. I recalled the intensity of the liquid's repellent mouth puckering taste. Determined to make this experience as positive as possible, I forced myself to reject preconceived expectations. So, several nights ago I initiated the several day process with step one by swallowing the prescribed two pills before going to bed.

Coincidentally, at this time I was having rare slight headaches that developed into some other unique symptoms that had me thinking I might need to seek Urgent Care. This could complicate the whole process I'd already started and I didn't want to have to begin all over again at some future unknown date. Of course the time frame for these events was evolving into a weekend when my physician's office was closed. Fortunately, I was able to press ahead with my medical procedure preparation because I was really primed for completing this process, having already started, but I felt worse before I felt better. Diagnosis today, Tues., revealed Otitis Media -- middle ear infection -- and some concurrent swallowing and throat issues.

Returning to the saga's second step, the following afternoon was time to mix a large amount of this new liquid concoction for overnight refrigeration. I selected the lemon flavor over the orange, cherry and pineapple, hoping the taste would not be sickening or overpowering. Before refrigerating I was instructed to add lots and lots of water to the container's mysterious white powder and flavoring, then shake to mix. Another two pills would be taken before going to bed that night. Then, the next afternoon I would have to drink this flavored beverage within a specified short time period after first taking yet another larger pill. That entire day I could drink only specified liquids, eat no solid foods. After midnight I couldn't even drink liquids until after the next morning's medical procedure at the hospital.

I had prepared for the worst based on the last time I went through this process. So, I was choosing jello, chicken broth, gatorade, and ginger ale to provide some nourishment and keep me hydrated.

The drinking hour arrived and it was down the hatch with 8 ounces of the lemon flavor mix every ten minutes for the next two hours. I was surprisingly pleased that this new liquid was much more palatable than the product I'd always had to drink before. I gradually became liquid-sot and quickly realized I didn't want to sip ginger ale or any other beverage to pacify my palate. Forcing my mouth to accept the final three glasses of this lemon liquid drink took all my effort and will power.

About an hour later I began those most dreaded rapid trips to the throne in the room of contemplation. I had learned from past years what soothing remedies to have at the ready and was prepared, but I did not need them this time. A half-a-mega-tissue-roll later I could relax for longer time periods in the living room. I began to gather the few items I'd need to take with me the following morning to the hospital's outpatient radiology department clinic.

The procedure itself, like those before, was painless, uneventful and quite routine. As usual, I had no memory of the actual procedure, nor did I experience (or have I ever had) any brief memory lapses of events afterward during the Doctor's consultation. Some individuals do experience this later recall loss, so everyone has to be accompanied by family or a friend who is also responsible for transporting them home.

Now that I'm on my own I wasn't about to impose on someone to drive me to the hospital for this very early morning appointment. I couldn't use my car as I knew I wouldn't be allowed to drive myself home. I was able to use a special very inexpensive car service provided by our city for anyone needing such transportation. I was displeased with the hospital's requirement that prevented me from using that same service, or a commercial cab service for the return trip home. (I had been able to use a cab after this same procedure several years ago.)

Not being permitted to use any sort of private car commercial transportation is primarily due to the hospital's liability concerns, though ostensibly for my own protection. Ultimately, I did have to impose on a colleague to drive me home, and, in fact, tell them herself she would do so, before they would prep me for the procedure. Additionally, she had to be present for the Doctor's discussion of my medical procedures results.

I couldn't help entertaining rebellious thoughts that maybe my privacy rights were violated by the requirement I had to have this person present for my verbal medical report. I had been given all the same information, pictures and more written out in a folder to bring home even before the doctor's appearance. I quelled my natural tendency to protest for individual rights by acquiescing to system rules that must apply to all and leave little room for special circumstances.

Let this be a testimony that undergoing a colonoscopy, especially the preparation, has become a much less unpleasant process in every aspect than that I experienced just a few years ago. Despite my attitude expressed above, I do agree having a trusted known person present after the procedure, who can also provide transportation home, is wise and a not unreasonable requirement.

I do know of one instance when my husband did experience a brief memory lapse following his procedure when later he told me he was unable to recall our short driving trip home together. Just because I've never had such a short memory lapse doesn't mean I might not the next time. Fortunately, that won't be for another five to seven years.

A colonoscopy is a recommended endoscopic colon examination which enables early detection of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. This visual procedure is administered in a hospital outpatient setting by a physician specializing in Gastroenterology.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report:

"Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women."

Veterans Deserve Quality Medical Care and for Citizens to Vote

Thank You, Veterans !


Veteran's Day is the annual occasion when we honor our U.S.A. armed forces for their dedication to preserving our freedoms, sometimes risking their lives. Some other countries recognize their veterans with the Nov. 11th date named Armistice Day, as originally designated at the conclusion of World War I. (See archives for the Nov. 11, 2006 post.)

Many Americans, including some of my family members, were veterans of WWI which was centered in Europe. The horrific consequences of the weapons used, including destructive bombs and effects of chemicals/gas led many people to believe war would never again occur.

Then years later, the unthinkable happened when the U.S.A.'s military troops were directly assaulted in Hawaii. World War II escalated until most people everywhere were eventually embroiled in some way. Many in our country had family members who volunteered to serve as did mine. Everyone was convinced at the climax of this nightmarish conflagration and holocaust, that this was the war that ended all wars, that genocide would never again happen. How mistaken we were.

I do believe that the sacrifices made by our armed forces during WWII are directly responsible for the fact our country continued to exist as the free democracy/republic our constitution's creators intended. For this reason I accord special tribute to those WWII surviving veterans whose numbers diminish daily, as well as to those who live only in spirit now.

The wars did not end, though we sometimes sidestep use of the word, "war." So it was that we engaged in a "Police Action" in Korea. Those who died, the maimed, the survivors might well attest that the actions during that confrontation seemed quite identical to those of war.

The next major bloody action in which lives were forever altered occurred in Viet Nam. So many lives were lost, others survived with many becoming "walking wounded." Our servicemen and women have been asked to serve in various locations around the world in peace-keeping efforts since then. They have exposed themselves to death's potential and some have made that final sacrifice representing our nation.

Even now, as I write this, our country has increased veterans numbers by embroiling them in war in Afghanistan and Iraq with all the tragedy that entails. Whatever is each individuals view of this latest war, I honor those who have had to fulfill their military commitment in the manner of veterans before them.

All veterans, in the U.S.A. and around the world, have made sacrifices in the name of their country. Some have given their lives, others have survived, some with remaining injuries of outward physical and/or mental change, some with inner wounds invisible to the eye.

I believe as a nation our people should be insistent that our veterans receive not only initial optimum timely medical care, but continued long term therapeutic interventions needed to maximize their quality of life. I am greatly distressed whenever I become aware veterans have not received the highest level of care as media and government reports have revealed this past year.

I fervently urge our legislators and government to ensure all our veterans receive the medical care promised them and of which they are so deserving. The very least each of us can do is to lobby our government on our veterans behalf, insisting on this medical care and the immediate correction of any problems associated with its provision.

We also honor our veterans when we acquaint ourselves with local, state, national and international issues that affect all our lives, then express our views by voting on election days. Our veterans have offered their lives so that we can enjoy freedom. In return, our responsibility is to vote in elections, a small act compared to the actions we've required of our veterans.

Thank you, again, veterans !