Growing older

[GeorgiaMa'am]

My skin has definitely gotten dryer. For the skin on my face, I can use Retin-A and Aveeno moisturizer - but, I have gotten too lazy to do so. For the skin on my feet and hands, I think this dryness may be due to chemo, because I have numbness in both areas. I use Curel for these areas, but nothing really seems to help. I'm considering trying Vaseline nightly.

I have changed my makeup over time as I grew older, to both keep up with fashion and to adjust to my skin changes. I think what I'm doing is okay for now, but honestly, I hardly ever wear makeup any more.

As far as clothing goes, there are some styles that are too young for me, but not really many. Mostly, there are clothes that are not complementary for my body type, and I have always had that problem.

My worst aging problem is my arthritis, which I have in my lower back and my knees. Voltaren (diclofenac 1%) helps, but not enough to help me get up and down the stairs daily. I have to carefully plan when I'm going to leave the house, and I need a helper at home almost all the time.

[clay]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

My skin has definitely gotten dryer. For the skin on my face, I can use Retin-A and Aveeno moisturizer - but, I have gotten too lazy to do so. For the skin on my feet and hands, I think this dryness may be due to chemo, because I have numbness in both areas. I use Curel for these areas, but nothing really seems to help. I'm considering trying Vaseline nightly.

Hey GM......my nurse practitioner told me to use Aquaphor for my old skin...lol. It IS expensive....$22 a bottle but maybe you can try that!

[Stone-Butch]

As years go by I try less and less to understand young people.

[Mel C.]

Originally Posted by clay

Hey GM......my nurse practitioner told me to use Aquaphor for my old skin...lol. It IS expensive....$22 a bottle but maybe you can try that!

My podiatrist pointed out my dry skin on feet and recommended Aquaphor as well.

[GeorgiaMa'am]

I saw the kidney doctor today to see if I could get an explanation for why I've had these two stays in the hospital with my creatinine levels shooting sky high. Turns out I probably have type 4 kidney disease, or maybe type 3, which is about 2 steps away from dialysis. So, no more NSAIDs, lower salt and less protein. I can have Tylenol for pain, and Imitrex for migraines, and topical Voltaren for my knees and that's it. I won't be doing much walking or leaving the house, as far as I can see. If I had known all those years of daily ibuprofen and BC powders would lead to this, I might have taken it easier. But what else could I have done? Not go to work? Not live my life? Guess I'll be paying for that now.

[Femmewench]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

I saw the kidney doctor today... I won't be doing much walking or leaving the house, as far as I can see.

I've known for a long time that without resolution of bilateral knee and hip pain for my spouse that a mobility scooter is in our future. There are now many types of car carriers for scooters. I don't know if this is an option; if so it can help you maintain your independence outside your home and inside as well depending on the device. The cost of the scooters at least has gone down significantly.

[Blade]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

I saw the kidney doctor today to see if I could get an explanation for why I've had these two stays in the hospital with my creatinine levels shooting sky high. Turns out I probably have type 4 kidney disease, or maybe type 3, which is about 2 steps away from dialysis. So, no more NSAIDs, lower salt and less protein. I can have Tylenol for pain, and Imitrex for migraines, and topical Voltaren for my knees and that's it. I won't be doing much walking or leaving the house, as far as I can see. If I had known all those years of daily ibuprofen and BC powders would lead to this, I might have taken it easier. But what else could I have done? Not go to work? Not live my life? Guess I'll be paying for that now.

My Mom is stage 4 kidney failure and she has been instructed to stay away from green foods..think collards, salads, spinach you get the idea. If you haven't yet, speak with a nutritionist

[clay]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

I saw the kidney doctor today to see if I could get an explanation for why I've had these two stays in the hospital with my creatinine levels shooting sky high. Turns out I probably have type 4 kidney disease, or maybe type 3, which is about 2 steps away from dialysis. So, no more NSAIDs, lower salt and less protein. I can have Tylenol for pain, and Imitrex for migraines, and topical Voltaren for my knees and that's it. I won't be doing much walking or leaving the house, as far as I can see. If I had known all those years of daily ibuprofen and BC powders would lead to this, I might have taken it easier. But what else could I have done? Not go to work? Not live my life? Guess I'll be paying for that now.

Hey Georgia Ma'am.....I have CKD Stage 3a.....because of those high dose steroids I was on for 7 months. I am hoping mine resolves now I am OFF prednisone, as of 3 weeks ago, after taking for 13 months. Google foods to eat for this CKD.

AS you saw, I, too use a scooter. I have had every kind of lift you can imagine. The BEST place to get one is a dealership that sells them. They often have one, used, but in good shape. The shafts can be cracked or twisted but one wouldn't know, buying from private seller. Also, you may have one already?? The BEST recommendation I can offer is one that goes inside your vehicle.....for many reasons, is out of weather (has electric controls", will stay lubricated much longer, and so on. Harmar, Bruno are both reputable lifts. Buying privately can be misleading......happened to me.....seller told me was a lift for outside my truck. Paid $$ to have installed by someone, BUT they didn't know what was what...should HAVE known it was NOT for outside......motherboard got wet, went south.....replacement was going to be $1000.
Anyway, there are so many options for you to get outdoors. Research if you decide to go that route.

AND don't beat yourself up over use of BC powders. It is a southern cultural thing. I used to consume Goody's like crazy....always had those multi sleeve packs on hand...into coke it went..lol. They are VERY rough/caustic on esophagus and tummy.

Not trying to overstep boundaries here, but to be supportive of you! You know I love you, D!! xoxo

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think there is a scooter in my future too. Good to know about all the ins and outs. Also I have noticed I have trouble digesting green foods. Will definitely seek out a nutritionist.