Good luck, kaths. Endoscopies in my area are most often done in outpatient facilities, not in hospitals, and far away from where Covid patients may be handled. My wife had one a few months ago - the required Covid prevention procedures (including advance testing) are reassuring.

I hope your GI issue is solved and you can heal.

What's new? Well, My fam and I spent 6 days in an overpriced, filthy, smelly and not even slightly level Airbnb in another town because we were orderd to evacuate due to wildifre. Do not recommend either for dozens of reasons.

Got back a couple of days ago (still have evac warning looming, but it's not an order at this time) and I have been reassembling our lives and house since then. When you have a short amount of time decide what stays and what gets packed, just in case, with the sheriff pounding on the door on repeat, it's not an organized bug out. Trash bags were the containers of choice :(

Oh, and a new air purifier to add to our two existing ones, for obvious reasons ;)

Hoping for happier times and activies in the near future!

Elmer, mine have always been done in the small hospital here. It is an outpatient procedure, unless something goes wrong.

Sea sea, sorry you had to evacuate from your home. Very scary. I had been watching the Tahoe evacuation because I'm from N. NV and have spent a little time up there when I was younger. I'm glad you're back home. Haven't seen any recent news reports, last one said it bypassed S. Lake Tahoe.

Thanks Kathsgrdn. Yes, same area. We do still have active fire in town, but it's in back part, not where we are, up front by the lake. Those residents are not allowed to return home yet. School has been cancelled until further notice. Didn't even get one day in yet. Poor kids.

Again, best wishes for your GI issue. I have a friend who for years ran amenic to the point she has to have iron infusions about once a month or two. She always feels much better right after. I call it her top off. It was discovered she has a slight GI bleed that doctors can't seem to do anything about. I hope they can fix yours, if that is what is going on.

Sea sea, hope those people can return to their homes soon. My doctor has already threatened me with iron infusions so I'm trying to remember to take my iron pills and I'm increasing my red meat consumption some.

Let me put on my Popeye hat and say EAT YOUR SPINACH!! 😋 Since this is probably my favorite vegetable I find no need for any iron supplements.

And don't forget, Popeye eats his spinach with Olive Oyl. A good combination.

Sea Sea, I think your friend needs a new doctor. Finding evidence of bleeding in a stool sample is a standard and simple step, not something to be "discovered". I know little about it but to say the source can't be found or fixed doesn't sound right at all. Anytime a doctor is stumped, it's time to see a different one. She's less likely to find a head scratcher with a medical school faculty member if she's near to one.

Well, I'm not sure about announcing it, but decided to do it. On Monday, Sept 13, I will

be 99 years old. How does it feel? OLD!!!!!!!!!

Seniorgal

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Seniorgal, in case I'm not here on the 13th. I think congrats are in order

for sure! Be safe and well, and enjoy your very, very special day!!!! Hugs.

Congratulations!. I'll bet you eat your spinach.

Congratulations and Happy almost 99th Birthday Seniorgal! Woot woot!

Elmer, my friend is a UK resident on the NHS. I've suggested as you wrote, but it seems they don't have a lot of freedom to doctor shop over there; at least this is her experience. It takes her months and months to get an appt, then months to a specialist, then more months for another specialist, then sent back to her GP after that. That circle takes a year or more to complete. At this point, she is pleased that she is offered iron infusions and I have to say nothing further lest I offend her.

Had to go down another size in my jeans. Only a few additional pounds lost, but lots more muscle and my core strength has increased even more.

Baseball sized swelling on arm is going down. Horse bite! Ouch.

Got caught up with old friends a couple of weeks ago. One of the group puts on an yearly event at his home. We missed 2020. Our connection is growing up in the same area and attending the same schools even though we are of various ages covering a span of 6-8 years. Some of us barely knew each other if at all in school and some of us probably didn't even like each other. But getting old together changes things up quite a bit. We are the survivors of all our youthful follies, and the sex drugs and rock 'n roll of the 60s. We all carry our stories. DH and I spent the night in a nearby town and and made it a mini get away weekend. Relaxed area of the state. Felt so normal.

No other new stuff, I ride, I sleep, I run errands and do chores, I ride , I sleep, I run errands and do chores, I ride I sleep I.......... Life is good.

A 35 minute drive paid off. Walked into an out of town DMV and was able to renew my expired DL in less than 30 minutes start to finish.

seniorgal - Happy Birthday! 99 years old, wow, that's a lot of candles. I hope you enjoy your day.

I understand, that's too bad. The UK approach to providing healthcare for all (which I support as a notion) is done by rationing healthcare and requiring long waits that here would be unacceptable. If a car keeps overheating and losing water, instead of spending time and money to find a leak or replace the radiator, give the owner a hose to use to keep adding water. It's cheaper. That's what your friend's iron infusions sound like.

I have friends and family in the UK and other countries with somewhat similar systems and those that can afford it have private insurance. Australia's version is called Medicare. Many specialists have a foot in both systems. An appointment through Medicare with a specialist may involve a 6 week wait or longer. An appointment with the same physician using private coverage is available the day after tomorrow. The child of an Aussie family I know needed surgery for a condition that limited their physical activity. Through Medicare (their only coverage), there was an 8 month wait. The parents decided to ante up and pay the cost of a private procedure (about $4000) and the consultation and surgery were completed in three weeks.

There are reports in recent years that NHS is losing physicians at a concerning rate because of too much work, too little pay, and frustration with the system. That makes the problems worse. Those in the right specialties can leave to start a private practice, for much more money and better hours. Among other things, one consequences of what's left is proportionally too many foreign educated doctors, too many of whom are not at the standard of the UK educated and trained ones. Or so one set of friends has told me.

Seniorgal, that's also my father’s birthday. I knew There was a special reason why I liked you! ;)

I'm sorry for those of you who are struggling with these issues.

Congratulations to seniorgal! Most impressive!

Kathleen....I hope your dr's appointment goes well. Working at home sounds like future happiness for you....that's good news. Let us know how your doing....

Me: I took my 1.5 year old suv to the dealer for a fuel pump recall. Got it back and the heated seats aren't working. I sold it to a used car dealer, they paid me $4200 MORE than I'd paid for it. ☺ I purchased a new car! Waaaaaaaay nicer than the one I sold!

What's new? Just notified today that another cruise was cancelled. I lost count how many there have been. The cruise lines are keeping my money and my pleas to get some back have been fruitless!

Kathsgrdn, I am so sorry you are having this problem. I hope it resolves easily and quickly. Maybe the new doctor will be great.

As for the UK system, their PCP called GPs (general practice) have 10 minutes per patient. I too am all for universal healthcare, so long as there is a hybrid option. If memory serves, Canada does not allow private healthcare, for example.

SEA , what an ordeal for you that evacuation had to be. I am glad it's behind you.

Nicole, what a deal! That belongs on one of your bargain posts!

Happy Birthday, Seniorgal! What a milestone. Your last double digit year!

As for me, nothing terribly new. I have been busy with the start of a somewhat complicated school year for my children, lots and lots of logistics.

Seniorgal, GOD bless you and I hope you have Wonderful birthday if I forget!

After a busy 4 day labor day weekend up at camp with grands and friends I'm glad to just stay home this week.

Wow, 99. Enjoy your birthday, seniorgal.

Wow, Seniorgal. Congrats for reaching a ripe old age and still being so sharp! My mother is older than you. She just turned 104. She was doing okay until about a year ago.

Kathsgarden, hope all goes well for you.

SEA, sounds just awful!

Today a guy from the local gas/electric company showed up at my door to announce that they will be replacing my gas line. This means they will be digging up my front lawn for a trench and going through my newly relandscaped front garden bed. I am not happy. Of course he said they will return everything to the current condition, but saying it and doing it are two different things.

Worst of all, my young neighbor just died of cancer after a long fight. i knew it was coming but it is still a shock. Her sister will take her son to live in another state. The house will go on the market. its all just so sad. Funeral is tomorrow. She was an amazing person.

I am happy to see the end of summer and look forward to crispy fall weather.

Nothing new here. I decided to take off tomorrow and go to the flea market that is held once a month. I thought about inviting someone to go with me, but I don't know anyone who can take the heat as well as I can, and I wouldn't want to go, and it be too hot for them.

Whats new in my life….

I got rid of my vegetable garden this week. After years of having no lawn, only vegetables, I hit my wall this year. I was to the point where I was dreading the harvest. Another summer of spendng every night after work finding new ways to preserve everything, feeling the presure to get it done before it goes bad. I was to the point where I no longer enjoyed it. I dreaded it. So, sod is going down this weekend.

I’m also selling one of the rental properties. Renovations should happen next week, going up for sale shortly after.

And finally, in two weeks we are heading to France for a vacation. Spending a couple weeks in Provence.

My BIL is a physician in Canada who didn’t like the linit3d time he had with his patients, so he DID go private. It’s kind of a boutique practice, where his patients pay to be his patients but it inckudes alk kinds of services and time. They can go to the public system for tewts etc if they want, but he can get them tests and services sooner.

As for me, I have simplified my life by turning something over to an attorney and accountant and advisor who deal with the matter at hand. They are much better at it than I am.

Happy Birthday, SeniorGal!!!

Seniorgal....wishing YOU a happy 99th! That's so cool! ♥

Sea....sorry your caught up in that mess. I hope it all gets taken care of ....soon.

ded.....that happened to me once, I ended up putting the flower bed back together. ☺ The neighbor dying is sad. I'm so sorry.

Zalco...I was ticked at the dealer for messing up my heated seats on Monday, but by Friday, when I sold the car....not any more. ☺

Great to know bpath. I was a child in Canada when all this was relatively new. Glad there are more options. Funny, I know a lot of Canadian doctors who practice here.

Happy B-day senior gal. What an accomplishment. Celebrate

your day!

Happy birthday, Senior gal. Wishing a wonderful day and many more!

", I know a lot of Canadian doctors who practice here."

A professional qualification provides an easier path for emigration to the US. Before and perhaos after the British handover of Hong Kong to China, there was a lot of emigration to fellow Commonwealth partner Canada as a hoped - for stepping stone to the US. Or so I've been told by many who followed that path here.

gout

@Kathsgrdn, best wishes, anesthesia shortage here is decreasing propofol use for the procedure here,😩 see image re: RN shortage.

@SEA SEA, please take care!

@seniorgal, CONGRATULATIONS!

Houzz ate my nice long reply yesterday, will try again:

Kathsgrdn, I hope that whatever is causing your GI bleed is diagnosed and attended to, and that your new-to-you doctor is kind, informative and skilled.

Sea, I hope you return to a calm uneventful home life.

Nicole, you are as always the buying/selling goddess, your vehicle sale was awesome!

Seniorgal, Happy Birthday!!!!!!

For me, it may be that my diabetes diagnosis three months ago was a blessing in disguise (very well disguised at first, I was in so much misery). I have since then followed orders, walked the walk, ate like I should, took my meds,lost 35 pounds so far, have not cheated, and I feel like a new person. I had these last few years sold off my bicycles which gave me so much pleasure, because I felt I was 'getting old'. The new better feeling me refused to accept that age should stand in the way and I now have a tricycle and three bicycles. One is a recently acquired vintage Miyata (old and dusty but I'm glad to have it, some of the vintage bikes are wonderful) I am refurbishing, the picture is of its downtube shifters, not found on modern bicycles.

While I need a little more flexibility for the road bikes, I am once again riding the others and enjoying myself.

My prayers and support to all who are facing challenges, and I'm hoping all of us manage to find some joy and happiness through family, pets, or hobbies, that will uplift and sustain us through these trying times.

I wrote a post last night on this thread then X'ed out of the browser page and went to bed. I must not have hit submit before I did that. I don't see the post...

I thanked those of you who sent nice wishes to me. I appreciate it. It makes a difference, especially now, during this surreal time period.

I'm sorry to read of a few challenging times for folks on here as well. I hope that resolves very soon. Especially Ded, whose young neighbor has passed away. That is so sad. I'm keeping good thoughts for her child. And Lucille's happy surprise at finding her diabetes dx to be a positive event, that is wonderful to hear. I hope you find your joy once again on your new to you bikes and trikes! Plus, a weight loss such as yours is impressive! Applause! Nicole, I am bringing you with me next time I sell a car! haha. Good for you! You are the wizard.

I have another new in your life moment...we had rain. I know most of you get rain often, but over here, especially during the summer months, it's rare. I'm hopeful the couple hours of rain showers are helping in the fire zone. It's wonderful to have a breath of fresher air for a change too--underlined ten times. Good news this morning. :)

My challenge for the week was minor in comparison to those faced by some others here, and best wishes!, I had some oral surgery; specifically,.a gum graft. All is going well, but...ugh.

Seniorgal, congratulations on your milestone!

Happy birthday Seniorgal!

Nicole, what make is your new car? I'm wanting a new one when I retire in the next few years. I do love my heated seats, use it mostly for back pain while driving but it's wonderful in cold weather too.

Jim, if they cancel your cruise don't they have to give your money back? I'm confused.

Zalco, hopefully things will be better next year for the kids, not that I really believe that but still have hope.

Dedtired, sorry about your yard and garden. Sad about your neighbor too.

Marilyn, hope you're enjoying the flea market.

Hamilton Gardner, sorry you're getting rid of your garden. I just give away my excess produce. No canning for me.

Bragu, sorry, hope you feel better.

Mdln, the nurse shortage is crazy. I don't blame many for leaving the profession right now. I couldn't work in a hospital right now. It was bad before the pandemic, can't imagine it now.

Lucille, glad you are feeling better! I told my doctor last time I saw him that nurses were the worst patients. He laughed and said "so are doctors" and told me about an episode he had with non compliance. Glad you aren't one of us. lol

Sealavender, hope you heal up quickly. Doesn't sound like fun.

Glad you aren't one of us. I am a retired registered nurse.(And retired from several other interesting paths as well).

I also bought a new car too, and received what I thought was a good trade in price - 2k higher than KBB - then I noticed that the dealer turned around and sold it for $6k MORE than he gave me!!!! I loved my Honda Fit and once I realized that they were no longer in production, I decided to make the trade for the last model year & upgrade the trim also - the one I got only had 6K miles on it. So I figure that I am set, barring a mishap,, for the next 8-10 years.

Today I am lounging on the sofa; I shoveled mulch yesterday and foolishly forgot to put on my mask until I inhaled a lungful of the dust/smoke - so woke up this morning with a case of organic toxic dust syndrome (basically an allergic reaction to mold in the smoke). Fever, chills, body aches, headache. I've had it before, and KNOW that I need to wear a mask when dealing with piles of mulch, compost, or leaves. Nothing to be done except take ibuprofen and wait it out.

Lucille, I agree, those old steel bikes ride so much more smoothly than modern ones. Mine is a Nishiki that I have had since about 1983 - although I don't ride it as much anymore because my neck injury makes dropped bars difficult. I should see about having them switched out. Truthfully, I am not a fan of the down tube shifters, either. I rode that bike on a trip (bike camping) from San Luis Obispo, intending to end up back home in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. I crashed a broke my foot, however; it became too painful, and I ended up riding to the train station in LA and taking the train home.

Kathsgrdn, I sincerely hope that your bleed isn't active & that you can get into the GI person sooner!

Seniorgal, congratulations! Hope your day is a happy one (lots of cake and ice cream?)

MDLN and Kathsgardn, those pay rates might almost temp me to reactivate my license and go back to work. But I would have to tell them not in the ICU.

my neck injury makes dropped bars difficult. I should see about having them switched out.

Easy to do yourself, and there are videos that help with the brakes and shifters. I have an 80's Nishiki I'm fixing to sell, it has stem shifters and even the old suicide brakes.

Raee I hope you feel better.

I just got back from my clinic checkup, my son took me and we had a nice few hours together. They did a fingerstick A1C at the clinic, it went from 10.7 three months ago to 4.7 today, and she discontinued one of my meds, so I'm happy!!

Congratulations, Lucille, on a job well done!!

Kathsgrdn, it did provide an excuse to have a fabulous vanilla milkshake, something I would not ordinarily do. Hope there is a solution for you soon. Raee, hope you feel better soon, too.

I am so happy for you, Lucille! You have been a sterling example to me of just getting on with hard stuff.

I can commiserate with you, sealavender - I had to have one of those grafts many years ago. Ate lots of blenderized vegetables in cream of chicken soup. I lost weight, that was the good thing about it! I do hope you heal well.

I am feeling better - ibuprofen for the win!

Lucille...I still have a Nishiki, 12 speed road bike w/ stem shifters. ♥ And...Thank you! I love bargains!

Kathsgrdn..... GLC 300 4matic variant-all wheel drive. SUV, loaded.

Lucille, I knew you were a nurse, that's why I said that...you aren't one of us nurses who are non-complaint. ( :

Raee, hope you enjoy your new vehicle! I had an appointment for the 20th but I had to work so that wasn't happening, especially since they wanted me to come in a 0900.

Nicole, nice!

Kath hope they find a simple and effective solution for your condition!

Seniorgal congratulations on your 99th birthday!!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

I just have to say I love threads like these; I always find other people's workaday lives to be interesting. Marilyn, I had read earlier that you've had to put a couple (several?) of your horses down and I'm so sorry to read that. You sure did right by them and gave them much joy in their old age! Alligator in a front yard. Oh my! I don't think I'd make it as a country girl.

Congratulations, Lucille! I admire you. Kaths, I hope you get a diagnosis and a quick fix very soon.

I guess I'm going through empty nest syndrome? I'm restarting everything I was doing whenever I put my life on hold when I had a child more than a score of years ago. It's ironic to me, both because I'm driven to do it, and because everything is so old. From sewing patterns that have been sitting in a drawer, to the car sitting in the garage, to the camera that was put up correctly with all the lenses and body covered deep inside a case... it's all really really old. I can't believe how long my "life" has been on hold. Is that right?

I still got it, because I'm still good at all my hobbies. But I need updated stuff. Really updated stuff.

Bragu I'm sorry too! I hope you are getting great treatment and feel better soon!