Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: Jan 11-17, 2026
- Thread starter feralferret
- Start date
Topical, absolutely. Orally...probably, but start slow. I know some clinics even use it as an IV, but since there have been no official studies, there 8sntbany evidence of safety, or danger...
Summerthyme
Summerthyme
Hyperbaric therapy was approved this morning, and I had my first treatment this afternoon. Not great, not horrible. I do hate the idea of having to stay essentially 'in bed' for about 2.5 hours in the mid afternoon. it will be OK though. Still working to get intermittent leave approved.
Got our insurance bill for the year. Almost $10K for property and cars. I will probably check out Geico tomorrow. Our insurance has been less than helpful with other issues. 'All insurance is a scam. Change my mind.'
Got our insurance bill for the year. Almost $10K for property and cars. I will probably check out Geico tomorrow. Our insurance has been less than helpful with other issues. 'All insurance is a scam. Change my mind.'
I wholeheartedly endorse audiobooks. They've helped me pass time and lighten my workloads for many years. There's so many free ones now too.
Edited to add... @moldy that insurance total sounds excessive but you probably own a lot more than we do. All our vehicles are older.
Household insurance is pretty much worthless unless you have a major disaster claim. When the tornado took our house the insurance paid full amount of policy, plus $5000 for detached garage that was leaning against the neighbor's tree before the tornado, plus house contents and rent until we were into the new house. My roof has been replaced twice due to hail but the deductible for roofs is now $2,500 on most policies. We were paid $500 for a tree struck by lightning that cost $250 to have taken down.
I changed companies in December. The household insurance gave me a 35% (their largest) discount for high credit rating. Agent told me I was his first client to get the 35% discount. I went with Progressive for car insurance, and the premium was half IMT's quote for the same coverage. I reduced premiums by a significant amount.
When I had MRIs they gave me a choice of piped in music. They didn't the last time, but it was a different hospital. If that is an option, you could take a CD of a book for them to play for you. Glad you got it all worked out and hope you get the best results possible.
feralferret
Veteran Member
I've been on a ten pound lifting restriction for over 15 years. I've had spine issues since age 12 (scoliosis). Degenerative disks in lumbar spine for 20 years. Now have degenerative disks in all of my spine. I walk bent over and twisted, Also have stenosis in my lumbar spine.
I know too many people who ended up in worse shape after surgery. It will be a cold day in Hades before I have back surgery. I may not move fast or be able to stand for any length of time, but I'm still moving and will not give up.
Unfortunately my great chiropractor is now 90 miles away. At my age most chiropractors are hesitant to touch me. I stretch and pop as best I can several times a day and try to not abuse my back. Don't ever give up. If you give up, the fight is over and you have lost. Yes, maintaining strong core muscles makes a big difference. My wife failed to maintain her core muscles and is in severe pain every time the car hits a small bump because of it.
I know too many people who ended up in worse shape after surgery. It will be a cold day in Hades before I have back surgery. I may not move fast or be able to stand for any length of time, but I'm still moving and will not give up.
Unfortunately my great chiropractor is now 90 miles away. At my age most chiropractors are hesitant to touch me. I stretch and pop as best I can several times a day and try to not abuse my back. Don't ever give up. If you give up, the fight is over and you have lost. Yes, maintaining strong core muscles makes a big difference. My wife failed to maintain her core muscles and is in severe pain every time the car hits a small bump because of it.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
Yep! Strong core muscles are like gold. I need to do more to keep strengthening them. I am walking almost daily and just about to ten miles a week. That will get easier to do after March 15th or so when the weather gets better. I want to get back to twenty (plus bike rides) but speed isn't an option right now and I don't have several hours a day to walk. That will change.
It's the 40s going up to the 50s, so I will get significant outside time today. I also have meetings, which I may skip. They've been better about recording them, and I can scan through their messy Powerpoints in a few minutes.
Onward! Wishing everyone a pain-free day!
It's the 40s going up to the 50s, so I will get significant outside time today. I also have meetings, which I may skip. They've been better about recording them, and I can scan through their messy Powerpoints in a few minutes.
Onward! Wishing everyone a pain-free day!
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
Back surgery should be the last resort, but sometimes it's the only thing that will fix the problem in the end.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
I did talk to chiropractor about PT. I've had several times of it over the years. It always helps but the last several years I haven't been able to maintain it due to caregiver responsibilities.
I'm well versed in technique. It's the work load.
Only so many ways to lift bags of coal.
If we are further south, no coal to haul and hay and no stove to tend. So I'd have less workoad and could do more for myself.
I was much better till about midnight. Then thought I'd do 3rd shift and let son get some sleep. Now it's back. But have appt at 230 today. I'll quiz doc some more. He's been my chiro over 18 years so he knows me well. See what he says.
I'm open to anything that will help
I'm well versed in technique. It's the work load.
Only so many ways to lift bags of coal.
If we are further south, no coal to haul and hay and no stove to tend. So I'd have less workoad and could do more for myself.
I was much better till about midnight. Then thought I'd do 3rd shift and let son get some sleep. Now it's back. But have appt at 230 today. I'll quiz doc some more. He's been my chiro over 18 years so he knows me well. See what he says.
I'm open to anything that will help
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
I need the body and energy that I had in my twenties back! But since that's not realistic, I've had to adjust my expectations and workload.
I'm going to try some of the products that have been mentioned, like Great Lakes Collagen. If nothing else, it will help my skin.
I'm going to try some of the products that have been mentioned, like Great Lakes Collagen. If nothing else, it will help my skin.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
I’ve been taking Great Lakes collagen off and on for years. Now just sporadically
Old Gray Mare
TB Fanatic
Checked best by dates in the pantry and working on rotating canned goods.
feralferret
Veteran Member
I'd be tickled with fifties.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
Mom's trip to get her blood work done went well. She didn't have to wait long, then she took us out to eat. Just now getting home.
I've tried taking collagen before, and it didn't do anything for me, except to make my skin/hair even oilier than it already is. I took it for a long time. Mom told me about it some years ago. I guess something that works for one person doesn't necessarily work for everyone.
Grocery shopping, tomorrow.
I've tried taking collagen before, and it didn't do anything for me, except to make my skin/hair even oilier than it already is. I took it for a long time. Mom told me about it some years ago. I guess something that works for one person doesn't necessarily work for everyone.
Grocery shopping, tomorrow.
Second treatment today went much better. I have the extractions tentatively scheduled and a few other paperwork things done. Just feel like there's even less time in my day (cause there is!). I feel like God is trying to teach me something from the process - I just hope I learn it well.
One time while visiting my uncle in the nursing home, I was giving my dh a scolding because he'd been acting like he was still 20 while he was 50+ with a bad back and had messed himself up again. Suddenly my dad spoke up, I'm not even 70 anymore and my uncle pointed out he wasn't even 90 anymore. We all had a good laugh.
I keep telling myself age is just a number, but my body reminds me that the number is real.
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
Raining, today, and turning much colder. I don't feel up to doing shopping, today, but we still have to go into one small town to pick up clothes at the dry cleaners and pay our garbage bill. I'll put off shopping til next week, maybe, Monday. Nothing I need that can't wait, until then.
Between appointments and therapy and other stuff, I feel like my time is very restricted. I'm trying to be as efficient as I can be, but things just keep coming up that need to be taken care of. Today is an appointment for impressions, then therapy. It will take from about 0830-1730 just doing those and the drive time involved. But 2 sessions down, only 28 or 38 to go!
We've had so many warm days this winter and I'd decided I was going to work on getting my garden cleaned up on the next one and yesterday was it. I have the grands here because their mother has the flu now so they helped me and we got so much done. They stuck with it all day and worked hard. I mostly needed to remove dead vines from all my cattle panel trellises...beans, peas, cucumbers and worst of all cypress vines. The cypress vines were so pretty last year that I let them go a little crazy...never again.
In my defense, between the rabbits and the neighbor's dog, my garden was pretty much a lost cause by mid summer. At some point, I was so disgusted that I just walked away and I wondered if I'd ever want to try again. The neighbors are good and got rid of the dog. Thankfully they found her a very good home where she is an only child and much loved. She was sweet but big and rambunctious.
Anyway, we are putting up a fence all around the garden soon and I'm trying to decide between five and six feet. The five foot is at least 1/3 cheaper and may look better but after last year, the taller the better. I plan to attempt using part of the fence for trellising but it won't be peas or beans. Not only did we get our first real heavy rabbit pressure last year, we also got our first groundhog and then there was the dog.
I grow my peas and beans on long rows of arched cattle panel trellises. I'm short and have to stand on something to reach the very peak of the arch to pick the peas and beans. For the first time ever, last year, I felt wobbly sometimes standing on something a foot or two off the ground while reaching over my head to pick the peas and beans so on one of the rows, I'm taking all the t-posts up and moving them a foot further out so I can reach everything from the ground. Anyone over about 6' 2" will not be able to help me pick lol. If it works, I'll shorten the other the year after. It's in the middle of the garden and there's not enough room to widen it so I may take one side loose and cut a foot off the panel to shorten it. I hate to do that because those panels are all fairly new and in great shape but I don't want to fall either.
I'm just glad my love of gardening is back. It not only feeds us but also brings me so much joy. I was worried it was gone.
In my defense, between the rabbits and the neighbor's dog, my garden was pretty much a lost cause by mid summer. At some point, I was so disgusted that I just walked away and I wondered if I'd ever want to try again. The neighbors are good and got rid of the dog. Thankfully they found her a very good home where she is an only child and much loved. She was sweet but big and rambunctious.
Anyway, we are putting up a fence all around the garden soon and I'm trying to decide between five and six feet. The five foot is at least 1/3 cheaper and may look better but after last year, the taller the better. I plan to attempt using part of the fence for trellising but it won't be peas or beans. Not only did we get our first real heavy rabbit pressure last year, we also got our first groundhog and then there was the dog.
I grow my peas and beans on long rows of arched cattle panel trellises. I'm short and have to stand on something to reach the very peak of the arch to pick the peas and beans. For the first time ever, last year, I felt wobbly sometimes standing on something a foot or two off the ground while reaching over my head to pick the peas and beans so on one of the rows, I'm taking all the t-posts up and moving them a foot further out so I can reach everything from the ground. Anyone over about 6' 2" will not be able to help me pick lol. If it works, I'll shorten the other the year after. It's in the middle of the garden and there's not enough room to widen it so I may take one side loose and cut a foot off the panel to shorten it. I hate to do that because those panels are all fairly new and in great shape but I don't want to fall either.
I'm just glad my love of gardening is back. It not only feeds us but also brings me so much joy. I was worried it was gone.
Last edited:
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Overcast and stil cold but not in the 30's.
I'm doing some reevalusting of things in my life. I'm greatly stepping away from using the microwave. I've done it in the past with no issues, but DH came along and thought he could not live without it so I gave in. I'm not throwing it out but using different ways of warming food. And thinking with any frozen meals that do not give oven instructions to litting one thaw out and then heating it on the stove.
A few years back I purged most of my plastic containers and going to glass.
I bought a glass air fryer earlier in the year and haven't used it yet, but I will.
Also I'm stopping using paper plates and bowls which I had been using exclusively for awhile.
I'm using some food products from Italy, Their soil is cleaner and healthier.
This probably seems extreme to some but I've always leaned this way.
Its been a year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went though hell with chemo and the surgery.
Overall I'm feeling normal, but still have pain and other issues from the surgery. I've decided not to go back to the surgeon becasuse "why" All he does is minimize my pain issues and berate me about further cancer treatment. I'm still taking soursop and fenben. I'd still take the horse paste but it makes me gag.
I'm doing some reevalusting of things in my life. I'm greatly stepping away from using the microwave. I've done it in the past with no issues, but DH came along and thought he could not live without it so I gave in. I'm not throwing it out but using different ways of warming food. And thinking with any frozen meals that do not give oven instructions to litting one thaw out and then heating it on the stove.
A few years back I purged most of my plastic containers and going to glass.
I bought a glass air fryer earlier in the year and haven't used it yet, but I will.
Also I'm stopping using paper plates and bowls which I had been using exclusively for awhile.
I'm using some food products from Italy, Their soil is cleaner and healthier.
This probably seems extreme to some but I've always leaned this way.
Its been a year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went though hell with chemo and the surgery.
Overall I'm feeling normal, but still have pain and other issues from the surgery. I've decided not to go back to the surgeon becasuse "why" All he does is minimize my pain issues and berate me about further cancer treatment. I'm still taking soursop and fenben. I'd still take the horse paste but it makes me gag.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
WW, think gardening is good for the soul, even if it's just one 5-gallon bucket with a patio tomato plant in it, which is about all some people in senior housing can have. It's easy to lose some of your motivation if it's an 8' x 10' plot and you aren't feeling well. That's why I've been downsizing to raised beds. Glad you're getting your garden mojo back!
Moldly, I know the feeling! Maybe just remind yourself that Job 1 is getting your health and energy back, and that everything else is gravy. That's a ton of driving, which can really wear out a body! Prayers are ongoing for you.
SB, that's not too bad of an errand run. I hope that you feel better later!
Anna, I think the "age is just a number" saying applies more mentally. I was extremely stiff this morning. It's taking longer to stretch and get my body going. Yes, I need to do more chair exercises, too.
Judy, I'm sorry that you are having those issues. You remain in my prayers! I so wish you could get a good doc or NP.
So it's partly cloudy and 24 degrees. I'm drinking coffee and trying to get my act together. I've got a new schedule which has me doing paying work later in the day (a mixed blessing). I like having some of my morning back but it's hard focusing after 4 pm. Fortunately, I'm retiring in June, so I'll keep that in mind. I've also got to return to more PT, which will tire me out, but it's necessary to get ready for summer. I haven't lost too much ground since I've been walking, but January and February can set me back.
Moldly, I know the feeling! Maybe just remind yourself that Job 1 is getting your health and energy back, and that everything else is gravy. That's a ton of driving, which can really wear out a body! Prayers are ongoing for you.
SB, that's not too bad of an errand run. I hope that you feel better later!
Anna, I think the "age is just a number" saying applies more mentally. I was extremely stiff this morning. It's taking longer to stretch and get my body going. Yes, I need to do more chair exercises, too.
Judy, I'm sorry that you are having those issues. You remain in my prayers! I so wish you could get a good doc or NP.
So it's partly cloudy and 24 degrees. I'm drinking coffee and trying to get my act together. I've got a new schedule which has me doing paying work later in the day (a mixed blessing). I like having some of my morning back but it's hard focusing after 4 pm. Fortunately, I'm retiring in June, so I'll keep that in mind. I've also got to return to more PT, which will tire me out, but it's necessary to get ready for summer. I haven't lost too much ground since I've been walking, but January and February can set me back.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Having worked in the healthcare industry for many years I determined that self care was the way to go. But with the cancer diagnosis I was blind sided. There is minimal chance I'll get a doctor that will help much. So I am just doing what I can and trusting in God.
Don't be sad for me, I'm good.
Don't be sad for me, I'm good.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
I hear you, Judy! I know there are some good docs and NPs out there, but they are as rare as hen's teeth. I know that self-care is the way to go. I'm just still complaining about it because I never wanted to work in medicine, but I'm the one who now has to research and make sure I'm getting good medical advice.
Just remember, you can get the horse paste in pill form. I got my stash from All Day Chemist. I know a lot of us had trouble with our packages not making it through customs in NY but from what I understand, they are coming in through Florida now with no problems at all. There are other options available from companies here in the US but I don't think they are as cheap.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
You can also just rub it on your skin. It readily absorbs very quickly .
SouthernBreeze
TB Fanatic
I use it that way on little skin spots that come up on myself and Cary if I think they might be skin cancers. My sister died of Melanoma from a sore than came up on her leg that was left untreated for over a year, so I pay close attention to spots that just appear on our skin.
I bought some empty capsules at the health food store and put my horse paste in that. Just measure out the correct amount and fill.
I went to the chiropractor yesterday. He worked on my lower back and hip. It feels better today but sore. I told him about my ear trouble and asked if he could help. He said maybe. He got my ear just at the top of my ear lobe and gave it a sharp yank. My ear popped. He said it may drain now or it may not. But I think my hearing is a little bit better. Time will tell.
I bought a gallon of raw Jersey milk. It's sweeter than the Dexter milk I have bought before. I like either one. The Jersey milk is going to be easier to get because it's closer.
We went to Tractor Supply yesterday. They had toys marked down a lot. I bought some for the boys birthdays and Christmas.
Today is windy and we turn cold tonight. We haven't been much of a winter so far.
Have a blessed day everyone
I went to the chiropractor yesterday. He worked on my lower back and hip. It feels better today but sore. I told him about my ear trouble and asked if he could help. He said maybe. He got my ear just at the top of my ear lobe and gave it a sharp yank. My ear popped. He said it may drain now or it may not. But I think my hearing is a little bit better. Time will tell.
I bought a gallon of raw Jersey milk. It's sweeter than the Dexter milk I have bought before. I like either one. The Jersey milk is going to be easier to get because it's closer.
We went to Tractor Supply yesterday. They had toys marked down a lot. I bought some for the boys birthdays and Christmas.
Today is windy and we turn cold tonight. We haven't been much of a winter so far.
Have a blessed day everyone
I'm afraid it's spoiled me. I've never seen anything like this winter. I lived in Natchez for two years and as much further south as it is, it was never this warm at this time of year. Before that, I'd been visiting my parents for years in that area. As much as I've loved it this year, I know it's not right and is actually a little worrisome for me.
On the other hand, maybe we'll get some of our pollinators back. In fact, I've wondered if this might be mother nature self correcting to make that happen.
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
lol my spelling has gone to hell.
Currently 23/feels like -6 so I'm staying inside.
Another day of doing physical therapy and Bible reading. Too early to get proud of myself ... if I make it until the end of June, I'll allow myself to start feeling proud!!
My middle child turns 60 today and I plan to call her this evening. Phone conversations are difficult because she cannot speak much more than a whisper so it's hard for me to hear and stressful for her to speak.
I spent 1½ hours sewing this afternoon. I am finishing a project I started too long ago to recall but am determined to finish it before I start on my large pile of mending. Problem with the project that it is capris and with the now required knee length support hose I have stopped wearing capris because it looks stupid. Still if I finish them, I can donate to someone.
I asked the lady that vacuums for me to come Saturday because my back just isn't up to vacuuming. Depending on how long vacuuming takes I may have her scrub the kitchen/dining/laundry floors. I've done the scrubbing several times and it is less painful than vacuuming, but still painful. I'm hopeful with continuing my physical therapy I'll be able to do it in the future.
Moldy, I have a friend who has to have all her teeth pulled and get dentures. Since she is broke, she is having to go to Iowa City which is a good 4-hour (at least) drive. If the appointment is early in the day, she has to go down the night before and stay in a motel. First appointment is a consultation. She is hoping to have all teeth removed in one surgery which will mean one pain/healing time. They have told her 6 months for healing before dentures so doing it all at once makes sense. She fortunately is getting ahead of the game before it becomes an emergency.
Another day of doing physical therapy and Bible reading. Too early to get proud of myself ... if I make it until the end of June, I'll allow myself to start feeling proud!!
My middle child turns 60 today and I plan to call her this evening. Phone conversations are difficult because she cannot speak much more than a whisper so it's hard for me to hear and stressful for her to speak.
I spent 1½ hours sewing this afternoon. I am finishing a project I started too long ago to recall but am determined to finish it before I start on my large pile of mending. Problem with the project that it is capris and with the now required knee length support hose I have stopped wearing capris because it looks stupid. Still if I finish them, I can donate to someone.
I asked the lady that vacuums for me to come Saturday because my back just isn't up to vacuuming. Depending on how long vacuuming takes I may have her scrub the kitchen/dining/laundry floors. I've done the scrubbing several times and it is less painful than vacuuming, but still painful. I'm hopeful with continuing my physical therapy I'll be able to do it in the future.
Moldy, I have a friend who has to have all her teeth pulled and get dentures. Since she is broke, she is having to go to Iowa City which is a good 4-hour (at least) drive. If the appointment is early in the day, she has to go down the night before and stay in a motel. First appointment is a consultation. She is hoping to have all teeth removed in one surgery which will mean one pain/healing time. They have told her 6 months for healing before dentures so doing it all at once makes sense. She fortunately is getting ahead of the game before it becomes an emergency.
Yeah, it is a time and travel issue as well as wanting it done all at once. If she has half done one time, waits 6 months, has the rest done, waits 6 months it's a full year before dentures. If done all at once, six months should cover it. Her consultation is next month so she is hoping surgery will be in March. Times in Iowa City can be iffy depending on what else is happening.
Sandcastle76
Senior Member
Pls try online insurance…we went w/ Progressive and saved thousands of dollars on our house and vehicles combined. This cuts out the “agents” commission… between, two vehicles, shop insurance and house insurance I know we saved at least 2K. Just a suggestion, sense I don’t know your unique situation.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie
I hear you, Kyrsyan! I've heard some awful tales. However, it's like anything else: if you have a doctor and skilled team that knows what they are doing, it can be life-changing in a good way.
There are some great medical and dental folks over in Iowa City (due to the University of Iowa). It's worth the trip over there for good care. That said, more top doctors/facilities are coming into West Des Moines, which is more in the middle of the state.
I had my cataract surgery done in West Des Moines. Otherwise, I would've gone over to Iowa City.
There are some great medical and dental folks over in Iowa City (due to the University of Iowa). It's worth the trip over there for good care. That said, more top doctors/facilities are coming into West Des Moines, which is more in the middle of the state.
I had my cataract surgery done in West Des Moines. Otherwise, I would've gone over to Iowa City.
I don't really have much choice. Half of the roof of my mouth was surgically removed 3+ years ago from cancer, and the radiation will take the rest of my teeth one by one eventually. Better to do it now while I am employed and have insurance. Any dental insurance offered by Medicare doesn't cover much. and this stuff ain't cheap!