I find that ideas flow during my now essential daily workouts.
Exercise has never been a priority for me. Now it is and, man, does it ever get the creative juices flowing, I must say. 😁
Also, remember that when labels have "spices" as an ingredient, it's best to check if they've used the word "spices" to cover the fact that sugar is the spice they've used.
I trust no processed foods anymore. Can't. It's not safe.
My idea of exercise was to walk miles every day when I lived in New York. I also took ballet and other dance classes while there. That was interesting to my body.
Going to gyms never appealed. Jogging was out of the question: whenever I start running, my body reacts like it's being chased by a predator: sweaty palms, rapid, shallow breathing, etc.
Also, Because I avoided running, I don't need hip or knee replacements like other people my age. 😁
They're tricky that way. I discovered this when I was on the keto diet.
Another item to be wary of is how "vegetable oil" is a euphemism for canola oil which is quite possibly carcinogenic.*
Canola oil is made from rapeseed.
*"Animal Studies: Some animal studies suggest that linoleic acid, found in canola oil, may promote the growth of certain tumors,
such as aggressive forms of breast cancer. "
"The study suggests that when consumed in excess, these omega-6 rich (seed) oils may cause an imbalance in the body, leading to an environment that fosters the growth and spread of cancer cells, particularly in the colon."
I too struggle with a chronic illness that has hit me hard over the last two years. I share your respect for good doctors. I’m not the person I used to be but, as my son says, people change. Keep up the good work. We need you!
I’ve been on regular Medicare with supplemental insurance since I retired in 2017 at age 73. I’ve had a series of 4 TIAs and 1 silent TIA within a short 3-4 month period. Each of the first four took a little bit more vision from my left eye. Vertically a bit more than half of my vision is dark to black peripherally. I run into things and people in hallways. My depth perception is diminishing. I never knew vision was one of the signs to look for regarding strokes. It took me a week or so to realize at first a sliver of vision was missing by noticing I couldn’t see the first one or two words of a sentence on a news chyron. The next three occurred during my sleep. Upon awakening I would discover there was less vision. It took me too long to go to my opthamologist. Sadly two months before my first TIA occurred two months after cataract surgery when my vision was optimum. The first TIA was occurred with a headache and then I saw fat numbers and music notes in pastel colors floating in front of me. I assumed it was a migraine (according to what I’ve heard about migraines). Silly me waited too long to seek help. When the opthamologist said he thought I had had a stroke I was stunned. I immediately gave up driving which is a huge inconvenience and loss. If I had known strokes could affect vision I might have been suspicious but I did know to check for a droopy face, paralysis and speech. A vision check needs to be added to the list of things to check first. High BP was the cause of my TIAs. I was put on one new additional script BP med which affected me and the doctor kept on increasing to the maximal dose. It gave me drug induced lupus and an 8 day stay in the hospital along with another 2 weeks in rehab. (No costs) The BO med caused me to lose 40 lbs, mostly muscle. In addition to these strokes I’ve battled several chronic illnesses for decades. We get A+ for even getting out of bed! My best wishes for your recovery. Your weight lifting is remarkable and impressive. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I've often wondered how you're doing. It sounds like you're doing everything right. And you've done a helluva lot of work.
As I have gotten older, I find myself wanting a short nap. Even if I dont actually sleep, some quiet rest is invigorating. And you have said what I truly believe ... EXERCISE! It is key to living well and longer. When in Spain, I walked and walked and walked some more. My watch was noticing and informed me of the positive effects! Here at the farm, I'm considering a treadmill for the little gym I have in the basement....for times it's too icy or snowy to get out. And I love to lift weights ... always have. I feel like a bad ass. HAHA! This was when I had bumps and veins and a trainer...of course, those days are LOOOONG over. What's important in my older age is to just show up. And man, do I feel better when I do!
Eating clean is also smart. We never eat processed anything. However, I still enjoy a glass or two of wine. And I love to bake, so no cookies for you! 😂
I’m reasonably healthy for my age (85), and I have gout which I control through diet. My main issue is my spine, all of it has been damaged by working in a glass factory. I have a bone spur in my neck that presses on my spinal cord if I move wrong. The only exercise I can do safely is peddling, so I have a small pedal device I use when I can.
I used to be a hiker, and I really miss it, because of my spine I have difficulty walking. My family gave me a mobility scooter for my birthday, and I love it! There is a ramp on the porch of my building, so I can ride along the river in nice weather. It has really broadened my horizons, I can see things I can’t if I’m driving.
I am so glad to read that you continue to get better. Stroke is a scary word.
I had a mild one in my late 30s--or I think that's what it was, given the symptoms, but I didn't have medical insurance, so who knows? Since then, I've avoided all the traditional illnesses, thank goodness, and at 82 years old suffer only from morning headaches. Painful but not dangerous.
In 10 years, just before I make my exit from this existence, I hope to still be reading your work.
Thank you for sharing your story, Charles. I can understand that your stroke affected much more than your eyesight. Your journey sounds as debilitating as some who have suffered different type strokes. It’s a traumatic brain injury that affects so much of your body. Your commitment to your health prior to will definitely have a positive influence in your rehabilitation. I admire how you are dealing with this. Especially being a writer, I can’t even imagine. Such a loss, and not knowing what the future holds. I wish only the best for you, for a successful rehabilitation.
I have had a complex medical condition for 34 years and it worsened 11 years ago affecting the rest of my body with severe bouts of pain in different parts of my body. I also had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It affected everything in my life.
I travelled to Vancouver from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, to a pain clinic for injections on a regular basis and it helped. Although the effects of the treatments were not always painless. That’s when Fibromyalgia raised its ugly head. Yes, life just kept giving and giving.
I had started experiencing severe pain for many years. My legs didn’t work well a lot of the time. I used to be an avid walker and hiker with my dog, this is what I grieve the most. And the loss of my dog, my beloved companion.
But I also had an excellent group of doctors and specialists who gave me relief. I had periods when I could walk 1.8 km and periods when I couldn’t walk a block. I am currently hardly able to make it to my car, but I was finally started on a med a couple weeks ago that should curb the leg pain. After 10 months of this particular pain, I’m hopeful that these help.
Living in Canada, we have universal health care, paid for by our taxes. I also have extra insurance through one of my retirement plans that helps with the cost of meds, massage, dental, physio and much more. I’m also on Fair Pharmacare which decreases the amount I pay after I have reached a certain cap. Then they’re free. The cost of my medical expenses in the past 3 years have been great. I can’t imagine I would have any quality of life (such as it is) living in the US.
I don’t feel grateful for these experiences, I won’t have come out of this a stronger person, I already was.
I get so tired of the “reactive reframes.” I think they cause more harm than good, especially when one is fighting just to make it through another day. One doesn’t have to be “grateful” for the dark and difficult experiences which supposedly make you a stronger person, and you don’t have to feel guilty or less than, if you don’t. Just my opinion.
I appreciate everyone sharing their stories. It reflects what a safe place you have made this for us. 💕💕
About writing when enjoying a long term illness:
I find that ideas flow during my now essential daily workouts.
Exercise has never been a priority for me. Now it is and, man, does it ever get the creative juices flowing, I must say. 😁
Also, remember that when labels have "spices" as an ingredient, it's best to check if they've used the word "spices" to cover the fact that sugar is the spice they've used.
I trust no processed foods anymore. Can't. It's not safe.
I'm lucky there. I've been exercising most of my adult life. So I've learned a lot of tricks along the way.
My idea of exercise was to walk miles every day when I lived in New York. I also took ballet and other dance classes while there. That was interesting to my body.
Going to gyms never appealed. Jogging was out of the question: whenever I start running, my body reacts like it's being chased by a predator: sweaty palms, rapid, shallow breathing, etc.
Also, Because I avoided running, I don't need hip or knee replacements like other people my age. 😁
Ah, thanks for alerting me to the problem with "spices." I had no idea that could classify sugar as a spice.
They're tricky that way. I discovered this when I was on the keto diet.
Another item to be wary of is how "vegetable oil" is a euphemism for canola oil which is quite possibly carcinogenic.*
Canola oil is made from rapeseed.
*"Animal Studies: Some animal studies suggest that linoleic acid, found in canola oil, may promote the growth of certain tumors,
such as aggressive forms of breast cancer. "
"The study suggests that when consumed in excess, these omega-6 rich (seed) oils may cause an imbalance in the body, leading to an environment that fosters the growth and spread of cancer cells, particularly in the colon."
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2025/jan/latest-study-links-seed-oils-to-colon-cancer-risk.html
I too struggle with a chronic illness that has hit me hard over the last two years. I share your respect for good doctors. I’m not the person I used to be but, as my son says, people change. Keep up the good work. We need you!
I’ve been on regular Medicare with supplemental insurance since I retired in 2017 at age 73. I’ve had a series of 4 TIAs and 1 silent TIA within a short 3-4 month period. Each of the first four took a little bit more vision from my left eye. Vertically a bit more than half of my vision is dark to black peripherally. I run into things and people in hallways. My depth perception is diminishing. I never knew vision was one of the signs to look for regarding strokes. It took me a week or so to realize at first a sliver of vision was missing by noticing I couldn’t see the first one or two words of a sentence on a news chyron. The next three occurred during my sleep. Upon awakening I would discover there was less vision. It took me too long to go to my opthamologist. Sadly two months before my first TIA occurred two months after cataract surgery when my vision was optimum. The first TIA was occurred with a headache and then I saw fat numbers and music notes in pastel colors floating in front of me. I assumed it was a migraine (according to what I’ve heard about migraines). Silly me waited too long to seek help. When the opthamologist said he thought I had had a stroke I was stunned. I immediately gave up driving which is a huge inconvenience and loss. If I had known strokes could affect vision I might have been suspicious but I did know to check for a droopy face, paralysis and speech. A vision check needs to be added to the list of things to check first. High BP was the cause of my TIAs. I was put on one new additional script BP med which affected me and the doctor kept on increasing to the maximal dose. It gave me drug induced lupus and an 8 day stay in the hospital along with another 2 weeks in rehab. (No costs) The BO med caused me to lose 40 lbs, mostly muscle. In addition to these strokes I’ve battled several chronic illnesses for decades. We get A+ for even getting out of bed! My best wishes for your recovery. Your weight lifting is remarkable and impressive. Thanks for sharing your story.
Yours is, too, thanks. I don't currently weight lift except for some dumbbell work. Mostly body weight exercises and some yoga.
I hope you have a healthy 2026. Thanks for sharing! :-)
Yoga is excellent for you.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I've often wondered how you're doing. It sounds like you're doing everything right. And you've done a helluva lot of work.
As I have gotten older, I find myself wanting a short nap. Even if I dont actually sleep, some quiet rest is invigorating. And you have said what I truly believe ... EXERCISE! It is key to living well and longer. When in Spain, I walked and walked and walked some more. My watch was noticing and informed me of the positive effects! Here at the farm, I'm considering a treadmill for the little gym I have in the basement....for times it's too icy or snowy to get out. And I love to lift weights ... always have. I feel like a bad ass. HAHA! This was when I had bumps and veins and a trainer...of course, those days are LOOOONG over. What's important in my older age is to just show up. And man, do I feel better when I do!
Eating clean is also smart. We never eat processed anything. However, I still enjoy a glass or two of wine. And I love to bake, so no cookies for you! 😂
Be well. Keep writing. Take care of you!!!!!
Thanks, Susan:-)
I'm a gonna eat all your cookies. You're a farm girl. That means they'll have lots of butter! They'll kill me, but I'll die with a big, crumbly smile.
Oh yes....and sugar. 😜 Baking is a bad habit from my grandmother!!
I’m reasonably healthy for my age (85), and I have gout which I control through diet. My main issue is my spine, all of it has been damaged by working in a glass factory. I have a bone spur in my neck that presses on my spinal cord if I move wrong. The only exercise I can do safely is peddling, so I have a small pedal device I use when I can.
I used to be a hiker, and I really miss it, because of my spine I have difficulty walking. My family gave me a mobility scooter for my birthday, and I love it! There is a ramp on the porch of my building, so I can ride along the river in nice weather. It has really broadened my horizons, I can see things I can’t if I’m driving.
Wow. You're doing well I think, even through the discomfort. Thanks for sharing this. It's rather inspiring.
I am so glad to read that you continue to get better. Stroke is a scary word.
I had a mild one in my late 30s--or I think that's what it was, given the symptoms, but I didn't have medical insurance, so who knows? Since then, I've avoided all the traditional illnesses, thank goodness, and at 82 years old suffer only from morning headaches. Painful but not dangerous.
In 10 years, just before I make my exit from this existence, I hope to still be reading your work.
Thank you for sharing your story, Charles. I can understand that your stroke affected much more than your eyesight. Your journey sounds as debilitating as some who have suffered different type strokes. It’s a traumatic brain injury that affects so much of your body. Your commitment to your health prior to will definitely have a positive influence in your rehabilitation. I admire how you are dealing with this. Especially being a writer, I can’t even imagine. Such a loss, and not knowing what the future holds. I wish only the best for you, for a successful rehabilitation.
I have had a complex medical condition for 34 years and it worsened 11 years ago affecting the rest of my body with severe bouts of pain in different parts of my body. I also had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It affected everything in my life.
I travelled to Vancouver from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, to a pain clinic for injections on a regular basis and it helped. Although the effects of the treatments were not always painless. That’s when Fibromyalgia raised its ugly head. Yes, life just kept giving and giving.
I had started experiencing severe pain for many years. My legs didn’t work well a lot of the time. I used to be an avid walker and hiker with my dog, this is what I grieve the most. And the loss of my dog, my beloved companion.
But I also had an excellent group of doctors and specialists who gave me relief. I had periods when I could walk 1.8 km and periods when I couldn’t walk a block. I am currently hardly able to make it to my car, but I was finally started on a med a couple weeks ago that should curb the leg pain. After 10 months of this particular pain, I’m hopeful that these help.
Living in Canada, we have universal health care, paid for by our taxes. I also have extra insurance through one of my retirement plans that helps with the cost of meds, massage, dental, physio and much more. I’m also on Fair Pharmacare which decreases the amount I pay after I have reached a certain cap. Then they’re free. The cost of my medical expenses in the past 3 years have been great. I can’t imagine I would have any quality of life (such as it is) living in the US.
I don’t feel grateful for these experiences, I won’t have come out of this a stronger person, I already was.
I get so tired of the “reactive reframes.” I think they cause more harm than good, especially when one is fighting just to make it through another day. One doesn’t have to be “grateful” for the dark and difficult experiences which supposedly make you a stronger person, and you don’t have to feel guilty or less than, if you don’t. Just my opinion.
I appreciate everyone sharing their stories. It reflects what a safe place you have made this for us. 💕💕