pain

Sole Mate

by Penny

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I adore shoes. It is a true love affair. No matter what happens to the rest of your body as you age, your shoe size stays pretty much the same. I think the love of footwear is a genetic thing, so I come by my shoe obsession honestly. My mother was a shoe lover. And as further proof of my premise, my daughter also has a shoe addiction. When she was about 5, she had a sweet doll carriage which she pushed up and down the sidewalk teetering on a pair of my discarded heels. Inside the carriage, was her collection of old high heels, never a doll. The neighbors would marvel at how well she could walk in them.d1e4838e719d3e97f3073a5874787ee7

 

I have worn heels for virtually every job I have ever had. In high school, I worked in Eaton’s and did every shift in heels. When I was a flight attendant for Air Canada, black patent pumps were part of the uniform. In retrospect, they were not very practical or safe, but they looked perfect with the dresses. 15170847_10207355469794691_6948085663310646360_n

After I married, I became a teacher and taught primary grades. Every outfit had matching, color co-ordinated  heels. To this day, I meet former students who still comment on how much they liked all my high-heeled shoes.

Aging has brought with it the inevitable arthritis in my knees. I am certain that a lifetime of wearing heels  has exacerbated the situation, but I am not easily deterred. I recently decided to clean out my shoe closet. It seems to be a spring ritual.

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( This is not mine, but similar.)

I took out each pair and tried them on. Some were old faithfuls that I could grab and wear for many occasions, while others were worn for either very special dress-up events or very casual fun; some for walking distances and others for sitting at a dinner or show. And while comfort is a real plus in footwear, style always seems to take precedence for me.

As I examined each pair of shoes, some elicited happy memories. This pair for example made me laugh as I recalled a trip to Italy with my daughter. 20180407_123527We walked about 2 hours one day following our city map to get to St. Peter’s. Once there we decided to climb the steps inside the dome to get to the gallery at the top which looked out over the city of Rome and the Vatican. If you have ever done this climb you know that the steps get narrower and narrower and the final bit is a rope ladder. Who knew? Not us! There we were in our platform heels. How could I possibly part with these well worn shoes. So back on the shelf they went.

 

And so went the rest of the clean out. By the end, I was able to part with about 8 pair. Now I had room for new ones. I have had my eye on a pair of beautiful coral suede sandals with block heels to wear if we ever get summer. I’m sure my knees will scream when I try them on, but age be damned, I am still not ready to give up my love of heels just yet. I have had to compromise on height; however, flats just don’t cut it.

Even my son knows ALL my weaknesses. Last year for Mother’s Day, he gave me a high-heel made of delicious chocolate and filled with truffles. I felt like Cinderella! 18425232_10208683232707934_8714716909464870522_nI was torn with eating it or saving it, but since it was not my size, well….

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading,

Penny xo

Who’s In Charge?

by Penny

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There is nothing like a health scare to get your attention. Most of my life, I have sailed along enjoying good health and apparently taking it for granted. With the exception of a gall bladder surgery almost 18 years ago, I have not had to deal with doctors or medication. Getting older, of course, brings the aches and creaks of joints, but I try not to give it much thought.

I have lived in my own home and managed just fine for almost 40 years. My independence is my most prized possession and I guard it closely. So, when a recent health issue threatened that possession, I was alarmed.

My problem started with a lovely walk to the hospital to keep a friend company as she sat with her son who was in a coma. It was cool, but the sunshine felt wonderful. I arrived in the I.C.U. department and sat in the lounge to wait for my friend. As I sat there, a pain developed first in my chest, and then between my shoulder blades. Next, I felt chill, but perspiration beaded on my forehead and I could feel a headache gaining intensity. When my friend came to join me, I told her I wasn’t feeling well, and shortly after decided I should go home.

As I walked toward the exit, it occurred to me that I should walk directly into the emergency department, but as I processed that idea, I noticed the taxi phone at the door. I picked it up and called for a ride.

At home my symptoms remained the same, so I took an aspirin and went to bed for a nap. When I woke several hours later, I still felt terrible and in the darkness of the night, I also felt scared. I could have and should have called someone, but I was determined to muscle through this.

By morning, I felt somewhat better. After all, everything seems more manageable in the daylight. The cold sweat had disappeared, but was replaced by nausea. The chest pain was almost gone, but the headache remained.

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Common sense kicked in and I called the doctor and made an appointment. A short while later, my son called. He asked how I was, and I admitted that I had felt better. I gradually retold my experience, and he listened patiently until I got to the part about going home instead of to the emergency.

“MOM! What were you thinking?” he exploded. I knew he was right, but I said nothing.

“That’s it!” he announced. “If you can”t look after yourself, I am going to move in to look after you, or you are going to move in with us. It is obvious that you are irresponsible about your health.”

Well, that certainly got my attention and frightened me more than my symptoms. Remember my closely guarded independence? No one messes with that!

“I am doing no such thing,” I retorted. “You are not my boss!”

“Well, if you aren’t going to take care of yourself, I WILL be the boss.”

I told him that I had a doctor’s appointment and if the pain resumed, I promised to get to the emerg immediately. For the next several days, he called or texted to check on me. Sometimes the message said simply, “Are you still alive?” which made me giggle.

My doctor arranged several tests which did uncover a health concern, and I am now taking medication for the first time in my life. My independence is still intact, and I will continue to protect it with my life. I have a great many things on my bucket list, and I have no intention of jeopardizing my future. So, just a reminder, if it doesn’t feel right, get it checked out. Do as I say, not as I did!

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I’m the one on the right!!!!

Thanks for reading,

Penny xo

 

Green Medicine

by Penny

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When I was a kid, it was common knowledge that people who used marijuana were criminals or at the very least bad people. Right??? Then the hippies and flower children gave new meaning to this beautiful green plant. My how times change! The Canadian government announced last year that they were planning to legalize cannabis in 2018. Medical marijuana clinics have popped up in numerous cities, and some doctors are prescribing cannabis for their patients as a method to manage pain. Last year, our local Senior Citizens Association hosted a luncheon, and the guest speaker talked about…… you guessed it, cannabis. The response was overwhelming. Many could not even get a ticket and another presentation is in the works.

Apparently, marijuana’s time has come !

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Not only has its time come, but seniors seem to be on the leading edge of its popularity. I know numerous friends who use it to help combat anxiety, reduce pain, and to help sleep.

I can personally attest to its effectiveness. About three years ago, I began to suffer from pain in my knee which ultimately was diagnosed as arthritis. My doctor recommended taking Tylenol for Arthritis to ease the discomfort and casually mentioned I would no doubt need a knee replacement down the road. I knew several people who had had this surgery, and I did not like the outcome. Many were still unable to resume normal activities and had to be very cautious about stairs, uneven ground, standing for lengthy periods, and even walking for a distance. This definitely did not fit into my pastime pleasures of travel, dancing, and gardening. There had to be some way to reduce the pain and stave off surgery for as long as possible. And so I began my research.

The medical marijuana clinics were on my radar, and I decided to look into this a little more. I discovered a wealth of information on the internet and by talking with people. It wasn’t long until I discovered CBD cream. I won’t go into a lengthy explanation about this “green medicine”, but it is made from the cannabis plant and no, it will not make you high. Cannabis has two active ingredients, THC which will alter your mental state and CBD which will not. Our bodies all have naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors.

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CBD Cream

These receptors help us absorb the CBD through our skin. CBD reduces inflammation  among other things, so you can see where it could be very helpful with NO side effects. Call me crazy, but I really do not feel good about ingesting medication to relieve pain and at the same time rotting my stomach out.

I am not a doctor, nor do I know everyone’s individual situation. I am only suggesting that it may be worth a try. I know some that have tried it and proclaimed it ineffective. I do know it is not a magic fix. Like all natural products, it takes time to build up the necessary CBD levels in your body. I also know, I am pain free.

Some of you may remember the story about “The Little Red Hen” from your childhood. She found some wheat seeds; she planted those seeds; she tended those plants; she harvested the wheat; she ground the grains, and she baked bread.

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I am beginning to feel like that “Little Red Hen”, if you get my drift. I, too, can grow it, harvest it, and turn it into other products. I may even try making the cream.

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If you have any interest in the benefits of marijuana, there is endless information online. In today’s world, we really must advocate for our own health. I do hope the government makes good on its promise to make this extraordinary plant legal.

 

Thanks for reading

Penny xo