True, there is a lot of info on the internet. I feel however that it does not really apply to me. Take my bifocals for instance. I could not live without them, need them for the computer, the newspaper, books, driving, etc, etc. Would not have passed my driver's lic exam without them. They are an absolute must and I have a good pair. There is a Vision center in Long Beach, fairly well known, where you can get a set of bifocals for $160. All inclusive, exam, glasses and all. That's about as much as the copay and 20% of that useless insurance I have. I was hoping of finding something like that for hearing aids but it does not seem to exist. My hearing loss is a different matter. People that know me, family and friends, know that they need to speak little louder, I know I must face them with my good ear. Radio and TV are no problem I just turn them up, since my biological rhythm calls for me to be unconscious by 10:PM, I don't think that bothers anyone. Phone also has a volume adjustment. I don't attend any important meetings. Since the average age at orchid societies hovers around 80, sound amplification is usually more than adequate. This truly is a nuisance, nothing more, I may just do nothing or throw a few hundred dollars at a cheap sound amplifier. Let's see what turns up south of the border. Nick PS We actually do have a lot of young active members but certainly a good selection of silverbacks most of them hard of hearing like myself.

I think an update is in order ...long overdue. Thank you for your well wishes rose friends :-) I am doing so well weight wise - have lost 110 pounds and I am getting in better shape every month, by running, biking, swimming and weight training. I have had no complications from the surgery what so ever (Yet?) - I take my vitamin supplements and I eat very healthy - smaller portions than before. I just do not tolerate sugar - it makes me really sick (metabolic dumping syndrome - heart races - I sweat and get nausea - so I stay clear of foods with too much sugar). But loosing weight has also made me regain myself or discower new sides of myself. I have had to work hard on healing years of sexual and physical abuse as a boy - since I have become more in touch with my feelings - my core self - and it has been rough and not always pretty as roses in may. I was assaulted and it retraumatized me and gave me anxiety problems and the court case was tiresome ...to have him sent to jail. For a while I coped by drinking way too much - so I had to bite the dust and admit - that I had to quit drinking - that it was no way to cope with emotions running up and down ... it has taken and still take some therapy ...but I feel better and stronger and more grounded. I am looking for a bigger house ... so I am in between gardens - At least I will be able to keep my rented allotment gardens I use for cutting roses, propagation and veggies/herbs. It is spring so I work my butt off preparing the soil, building raised beds - but it is nice. Most new roses I buy this year I will grow in pots - so I can take them with me to the new house and garden (When I find one I can afford) and I hope that the garden will not be too shaded ...since it will limit the number of roses I can grow. I really look forward to the spring flush - 8 weeks and the roses will start blooming and 10 weeks - peak bloom! Ahh ... (hope the weather behaves the 3-4 weeks they peak!). I do the last pruning and weed these days ... I have not blogged about roses and gardening ... I have had to prioritize and work on the issues I mentioned. Roselvr: Yes - it is important to find a good surgeon that specializes in WLS surgery. And yes there is a risk of complications - but the chances of of improwing life quality is much better - and far out-weighs the risk of complications - most of which can be managed. But all surgery has risks of complications ... Doug - How blessed I was - to be able to meet you in Iowa. I often think of you and your wife and hope you are doing well - and that your rabbits do not eat all your roses. Hugs! Ingrid: If you have read this far - you probably understand why I have not posted much - but just read and lurked here on the forums the last year. The reason you have not seen pictures of me as a big guy - was that I was very good at avoiding camera lenses :-) I will post a before and after picture - this summer. Alida - Sure I remember you! I hope you and Gerbe are doing well - even though I must say that rose does not repeat well - I still love the scent of the flowers.

Well, things are worse. He does have a urinal but just keeps getting up during the night. He's not sure what he wants or where he's going. Our AC is not cooling as of 9:30 last night so opened the doors and such and have the ceilig fans going on high. He went zooming out to the deck saying he had to go to the bathroom. I thought he was going down the stairs but was able to stop him. I am staying up all night and getting in a nap during the day. I am really dragging. My daughter has been pleading for me to get Hospice involved. I guess I'm just so tired, I'd sign up now but think they might not appreciate it on a sunday and at 5:50 am. :O) I think this has to do with my feeling guilty as if I'm giving up on him. I still have not been able to talk to the cardivascular assistant. Always busy or not available. I'll have to make a decision without my questions answered. I am extremely disappointed in them for not talking to me. She's the one that said they would be there to help me any way they can. Yeah right!!! I have accepted the fact I cannot do it all myself and need help. It just seems selfish to consider my needs. So much I want to do that I enjoy but can't. That leads to resenting the situation. He made the wrong choices after starting with heart issues in 83 by not listening to the doctors and continued to ignore their advice through the years to some extent. I get angry about WHY. WHY am I having to give up everything because he made the wrong decisions. Then I feel so bad for even thinking that. Like being on a yo-yo. I'm feeling things that I shouldn't. I will sign up for Hospice tomorrow as it just can't continue as it is. I just have to find a way to convince him I need help. I've tried explaing that my legs and feet are having spasms from the neuropathy and the bulged discs are so much worse now, He just doesn't want a stranger in our home. Just have to find a way to convince him. Well this ol' lady has rambled much to much. I can't begin to tell all of you how much you have helped me. Just feel so alone at times but you have been there with advice, suggestions and reference info. Thank you so much. Lynn

My husband will turn 65 in December. He just signed up for Secure Horizons, which sounds like it will cover just about everything Medicare doesn't, almost too good to be true, but worth a try to check into for you. Good luck.