I already buggered up one hip when I had the motorcycle accident 38 years ago, along with my pelvis, lower back and neck.  So it's no wonder that I am having arthritic issues later in life, though it has been in the family on my mother's side for a few generations now.  What annoys me is that my mother and grandmother were both in their early 60's when they had orthopaedic surgery to correct the issues, my sister, who is three years younger than me has already had both hips and a knee replaced, yet at my last assessment I was more-or-less told that still I'm too young would be waiting until 70 - 75 before they'd even consider surgery for me.  That makes me mad because my niece, who just turned 41, is listed for a hip replacement in December.

Anyway, enough of that, it just infuriates me to think that my needs and pain are more acute than Renea's , yet I'm pushed to the back of the queue again and again.  At 58 I was told that it was necessary but that I was too young for hip replacement surgery, that I would have to wait until I was 65.  So now I'm 66.... and still too young?

So onto brighter and better things.  First thing, no falls today.  I ache like all buggery all over after packing 4 more boxes but I feel pleased with my effort.  I'll have a nice warm shower and some Deep Heat rubbed in and I'll be fine.

As for the manual aids to help me manage life better, a wheelchair is an important consideration, along with aids to help me in the bathroom and toilet.... getting in and out/up and down can sometimes be painful plus difficult.

I'm told take all the help you can get. Mark, trust me. Its done wonders for me and it will make a world of difference for you. You're still the cap'n. 

Yeah, I'll be seeing my doctor soon.  I'm sure she will implement the best plan for me to get all the help I need.  I do believe hydrotherapy would be of immense help, so that's one avenue we will discuss.

Anyhow, I'm aching like buggery all over today so I'll be taking it easy... like no packing or lifting/moving stuff around.  We still have a couple of months before we move back to Tassie, so it's not like I need to hurry.  I've already packed close to 40 boxes over the last few weeks, so most of it's already done.  All that's left are a few nick-nacks and stuff we're still using, but I'll whittle that down until there's nothing else to do by the time the removalists get here.  Yup, being prepared is better than leaving it all for a mad rush at the end.

So why am I doing all the packing when I've had these physical issues?  Well it's what I used to do for a living when I was a removalist, so I'm good at it and would use less boxes than Steve or Shaunna, thus helping to keep the price down.  I would have rented a truck, got a mate to drive and done the removal myself, but truly I'm past loading and unloading trucks nowadays, so a removalist it is.  It'll cost more than doing it myself, but I'm happy to pay the extra to save the wear and tear on these 'ere old bones n' muscles.  Besides, it makes more sense than trying to do it myself and breaking down part way through.

Well I managed to get down to the shops and back [about 15 mins each way] with no ill-effects or issues.  My poor Buddy Wuds [dog] has been itching a fair bit and I needed to get him some Polaramine, an anti-hitsamine, from the chemist to help ease it for him.  Yeah, it's supposed to be for humans, but to get the exact same thing from the vet it is 5 times the price, so I'm obviously going to get the more affordable stuff elsewhere.

Anyway, it was a pleasant walk and I enjoyed it. Shaunna came with me just in case I needed assistance, but it wasn't required and Buddy thought he was the bees knees cos he came with us instead of going with Steve, which is the usual thing of an afternoon.  My knees were a little sore by the time we got back but nowhere near as bad as usual.  In recent times I struggled to walk back up the little hill on the way home, but not today, I managed it quite well and didn't need to stop to rest a while.

I think that's the point, to walk and exercise when I can, then use mobility devices when necessary.  That way I'm not just giving up and getting lazy.  I don't want to lose my independence entirely, but I don't want to overdo it, either, so I'll be sensible about it and accept/use the help as/when needed.

That's the latest exerpt from the starkers diary but now it's hooroo ans goodnight.

Just when I think things are getting better, the bloke next door, easily 20 years my junior and in much better health, decided to come over and pick a fight with me because Buddy was barking at our postie.  I tried to settle things down but he just kept getting more irate and unreasonable, like he had come here for a fist fight and not much else.  He knows that I have been having issues with balance and falling over, yet he continued to provoke the situation towards violence.

I said to him: "So what's a fist fight going to prove? You know my health isn't good and the outcome is a foregone conclusion.  Or is it?  You would have to throw the first punch.... then it's assault even if I end up punching the shit out of you.  See, you don't know me or what I know.... what I can do or what I'm capable of."

I think that's what settled him down, the thought of me having him charged with assault and getting the police involved.... the thought of me potentially belting crap out of him.... which isn't entirely beyond the realms of possibility.  The thing is, I'd rather avoid violence and resolve things peacefully.

According to his neighbour on the other side, however, his name isn't Tony [the name he uses here] and that he's been in hiding for years because he's wanted by the British authorities for a string of crimes in the UK, so I can imagine why he has been keeping a low profile, not that coming here and provoking me the way he did is exactly keeping a low profile.

Anyhow, I'm going for a bit of a lay down as I'm feeling rather unwell at the moment, be back another time.

😂

Seriously, sorry to hear of your trouble, Cap'n. 

1) See your M.D.

2) Avoid operating machinery. Avoid high places an make no sudden moves or changes of position of your head and neck.

3) You might consider having your M.D. evaluate you for Vertebro-basilar arterial insufficiency, besides ENT re-eval of your vertigo.

Best of luck with the work up, and keep her pecker up...even though I suspect the answer to the testing might well turn out to be, "It's all Jafo's doing." 😉

I have an extended appointment for next Tuesday to primarily discuss the vertigo, spinal issues, the knee issues and my hips.... anything else if we get time, like shingles, etc.

All my machinery items [power tools/air tools] have been packed ready for our move.  I had thoughts on selling it all, but it did occur to me that I still like to tinker with various projects and would be in a better position to do so once we're in Tassie. I don't struggle anywhere near as bad with vertigo down there... nor the extreme heat, so for me it's a win, win situation.

I wouldn't be doing high places anyway.  My feet stay firmly on the ground when it comes to climbing ladders or anything higher than a computer chair.  I try not to move my head or turn my neck very much at all, though not just because of the vertigo and dizziness, etc.   I have spinal issues in my neck [non-existent discs/non-surgical spinal fusion] that make it painful to do at the best of times.

Not too sure what the first part is but I'll ask.  As for the vertigo re-evaluation, that's already in motion.  I have a referral to get a scan done on my right-side neck and ear.  We do know that I have a cyst near my ear canal and that it may be the cause of some issues, but it wouldn't hurt to elaborate with this new scan.

Thanks for your concern and advice, Doc, 'tis much appreciated.  In fact, if you weren't retired, I'd be on to your receptionist to make an extended appointment.... one long enough to have a few beers; lunch a few times; to take in a bit of sight seeing; dinner here and there; maybe something cultural like a concert or two.

Well, no falls for 3 days now, does that mean I can say goodbye to the bruising on my arse?

Unless Shaunna uses a bigger sized gym shoe when she puts me over her knee, that is?

I have been taking it easy since the last fall, mostly watching The ICC World Cup of Cricket and enjoying that.  It has been a fantastic tournament of cricket thus far and looks like getting even better as the top teams fight for the ultimate prize.

Well I might be in that wheelchair much sooner than I would like.  Saw my doctor yesterday and she suspects that I  have an arthritic and degenerative disc disease and sent me for MRI scans on my spine. I already knew that I've had some spinal fusion in my neck and lower back over the years, so I'd say she's right on the money. 

I told her that my legs just keep getting weaker and weaker, that my feet are always cold, even in Summer, and that my upper and lower legs pretty much hurt all the time now.  She took the pulses in my lower legs and said that they could better, that while there may also be a vascular aspect to my symptoms, it's likely that the main cause is spinal.

Thing is, there is no cure so I'm not likely to be mobile for very much longer.  At least now, though, I may get some proper treatment and assistance to help me manage my condition better.  My previous doctor just kept throwing pain meds at me rather than look further into it, hence the change in GP/MD. 

I've tried to remain as active as I can and do exercise as best I can, be she said that if her suspicions are correct, it will not be enough to keep me on my feet and I will need to see other health professionals to help find the best course of action for me. 

It's not the news I wanted to hear, but I'll suck it up and go on to cope in the best way that I can.  She also gave me some pamphlets on home care and other services.  I do have Steve and Shaunna around, but there may be times that I need assistance they are not able to provide, so I'll weigh up all my options and take it one day at a time.

That is exactly what I've suffered from since 1974. Of all things, I was at RAF Lakenheath in the UK and just making the bed in the morning and when I bent over to toss some covers up, my back went out with a severe rupture of my L5 disc. Talk about pain! I fell to the bed and layed there writhing for about 3 hours before I could even get up. Got to my car and drove a bit of a distance to the base medical facility. They diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease, and I had to go into physical therapy for 6 months, had to change jobs too. Since then my C1 and T1 discs have had problems too and I have also developed arthritis. In 2005 I was put on 100% disability by the Veteran's Administration because I cannot work any more. I understand totally what you are going through. While I haven't fallen down, I have gone through having vertigo on several occasions too. No fun!

Hope you get better soon.

One day at a time is always the way to go Mark, or so I'm told anyway. I've had to rely on a walker to get around lately, not my first choice but whatever. Do what ya gotta do I guess and go with the flow. Helps  

I've been on a 100% disability pension for roughly the same time, having not just the back and mobility issues, but also the vertigo, which I wake up with every day.  It gets better after a few hours of being up but it never completely goes away, therefore I can no longer drive even if I wanted to.  I can't even ride a bicycle due to dizziness and a lack of balance.

The only reason I have to get the spinal scan is because the prior scans are deemed too old now and new ones are required to assess my 'now' condition so I qualify for various home help services and stronger dosage meds.

Sadly, though, my condition isn't going to get better.  The vertigo is partly due to an old injury, which is inoperable, and a cyst in my neck which presses against the ear canal.  That can be removed but I was informed that it will only help to reduce the severity of the vertigo, not cure it.  As for the spinal condition, that will continue to deteriorate unless there is some medical breakthrough in the near future.

We have a walker here but it isn't exactly that helpful.  While it helps with balance issues, it doesn't offer that much support for my weakening legs, and when I'm at my worst I find the need to sit every 50 yards or so.  I'm hoping that I can rebuild the strenghth in my legs again, but my doctor isn't optomistic that I'll be able to bebuild the muscles enough to walk far without assistance and/or having to rest a while.

I will do what I can to rebuild, but I will look at all my options to best manage things.  I can get a wheelchair for a reasonable price for shorter distances, and that would be better to keep my upper body strength and circulation going, not to mention helping with any vascular issues, but one of those mobility scooters might be the go for longer distances and hilly areas.  Where we're going in Tassie is a bit hilly, but I'll wait until we get there to assess whether I will need one after a while of being there.  Right now I don't know, so it's a case of one day at a time.

As for going with the flow, I'd like to go with the flow of money and siphon off some for myself along the way, those mobility scooters aren't exactly that cheap, you know.... not that I'm decided on needing one as yet.  Mind you, if I end up not needing one, I'll still take the money.

I managed a hospital bed courtesy of Hospice. Since qualifying things are happening faster than I can keep count of. Instead of waiting nearly eight months without hospice, a real PITA, once hospice got involved the bed and a complete package, walker, commode, the whole nine arrived in less than thirty days. Got a new state of the art oxygen concentrator, getting a replacement nebulizer not to mention advanced meds the hospital was reluctant to release as script. Pays when your daughter has a little bit of pull with certain medicos. A blessing there.  

Hey Ross, at least you are getting the support you need to help manage your situation better.  Some folks aren't so lucky and fall between the cracks.  In many instances, people simply don't know what services and etc they're entitled to, and therefore sadly miss out.  Fortunately, my doctor has been very helpful in pointing me in the right direction so that I can access various support services. 

Normally, I would have to pay retail prices for a walker, wheelchair and/or mobility scooter, but since I also qualify for the aged pension now, I may get some of those sorts of things for free or at concession rates if I am approved.  My doctor seems to think I would be, given my overall health status and limited lower limb mobility.  One of the services I'm hoping to be able to access is physiotherapy, which hopefully includes hydrotherapy to help ease the load on weight bearing joints while exercising.

Like you, I should also qualify for better, higher dosage pain relief now that I've had my various scans updated and it can be seen that my condition is in fact deteriorating.  Since government placed new restrictions on pain meds and drugs of dependence last year, the strongest I can get is Panadeine Forte [30mg codeine 500mg paracetamol, x2 every 8 hours when required] but they've become rather ineffective in recent weeks and the pain has become far less tolerable, especially in my lower limbs.  Some days I can barely walk.

Thing is, I'd rather not be dosed up with strong painkillers all the time, so I'm hoping that physiotherapy and other pain management strategies will help reduce the need to be medicated 24/7.  Sure, if the pain is intense, especially around bedtime, or if I get breakout pain, I will take the meds to help me cope better.

Well the scans showed spinal deterioration and an issue in my neck with a cyst attached to a gand.  The latter can be resolved with surgery, but the spinal deterioration is best left unattended surgically and that medication is preferred to help better manage the situation.  The upshot is that I can now access better meds to do just that.  For the nerve pain I am now on Amitripline, and breakout/sever pain it's Oxycodone.

I am aware that Oxycodone can be addictive, etc, but I intend only to use it when absolutely necessary, when there's nothing that else helps.  I also was informed today that I have a vascular issue in my left leg and that intervention may be required to remedy that issue.  If medication proves to be insufficient, then it may require surgery to install a stent to open up the artery.

In any event, I now have the medical support to assist me in improving my lot.  Thing is, I feel better about myself and feel confident that things can only bet better.  For a while there I was not feeling so upbeat, so here's looking toward brighter times.

Some alternatives are redundant Mark. They come with some of the of own 'alts'. Look at the jerk what sits the oval office and you'll see what I mean. Good days to ya mate!

Thanks, mate, and the same to you.  May your days be bright and wonderful.

Anyway, I noticed an improvement with the pain, especially in my legs and feet.  Although I still had a few twinges and stabbing pains during the night, the 25mg Amitriptiline helped a lot with the nerve pain, not to mention the tingling in my feet.  Probably because it was the first night with the new meds, I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked, but I feel it will improve as time goes on. 

My doctor wants to see me next Tuesday to increase the dosage, if I experienced no side-effects or issues, so that may help to reduce the twinges and stabbing pains, which tend to be worse at night when I'm trying to sleep.  The 5mg Oxycodone also helped with spinal, hip and knee pain, so overall I am feeling like I'm in a better place than I was before. 

Thing is, I'm not out of the woods just yet, there are other issues requiring attention, but at least now I can see the forest through the trees..... daylight at the end of the tunnel.....and maybe soon I'll be able to see my toes again, lol.  I got weighed at the clinic yesterday and I have lost 12kg since my last health check 3 months ago.   It may not look like it, my belly still protrudes a bit due to a hernia, but YAY, I'm heading in the right direction.

Go slowly down that road Mark. Things have a tendency to pop up or out, as the saying goes, unexpectedly.   

Yeah, matey, I will take everything slow and easy so as not to create any more issues.  I have more than enough of those already.  Never mind, though, I am slowly but surely improving all the time.  So glad I changed doctors.  My previous doctor was not really doing much to help me. 

Other than just throwing pills at me, he did little to nothing to identify the causes, etc..... and if ever I needed him to fill out forms to help me access other health, government services, he always refused.  He always told me to go elsewhere for that, but then I may have been flagged for doctor shopping and placed on a watch list to ensure I'm not becoming a prescription drug addict.

Nope, the change was necessary and my new doctor is thorough and efficient.  She doesn't just toss pills at me, but rather she does all the necessary tests and scans to identify the cause and prescribe accordingly... and even then she warns me of the possible side effects and or possible addiction, etc. 

Sadly, I can't take her to Tassie with us.... purely in the role of doctor, that is.  Yup, I'll have to find me a new medico down there, but Shaunna knows of one who would suit me just fine.