Problems eating carbohydrates / Increased blood pressure

@easygoingone I too have issues when eating oatmeal, rice, carbs. My body doesn't feel right like thyroid, heart racing and lately numbness in right leg but can't seem to get explanation from doctors. Yesterday on YouTube I saw video from Dr. Ken Berry in Nashville about carbs and diabetes. Have you had Hemoglobin A1C blood test? Diabetes can cause havoc throughout the body. Am going to check this out for myself too. Good luck.

@dorisena There are exercises for every level, including chair exercises, if you search on YouTube. You mention being 85. You are only as old as you feel. You are obviously a fighter and will do well as soon as you are able. My husband is also 85 and although in the last year he has slowed down a bit, he's been outside blowing leaves off our lawn a few days a week for the last month, and does things that many people in their 70s don't do.

It sounds like you must have a massage chair or back pad -- nice! I gave one of those heating/massaging pads to an aunt once and she enjoyed it.
JK

No, I don't have any equipment I can use. I do have an exercise machine with a full seat but since the knee surgeries I can't get one knee to bend enough to use it and trying over the years always leaves me in tears. I did garden and was amazingly successful, but I think I should be walking more and further which causes pressure and pain in my back. There is a metal brace implanted for five vertebrae.
I am so surprised that I can bend over and touch the ground. I can reach far enough to massage my legs and one shoulder, as both of them are painful. I managed to cut my toenails but was stiff and sore the next morning. I wish I could learn more about safe therapy for my back, but unfortunately surgeons don't specialize in after care, I have noticed. There is more to learn about keeping the aged fit,.
Dorisena

I have diabetes with some symptoms...neuropathic ones and some others...I'm very interested in what is going on with you and eating carbs. I've stopped refined products, white foods, etc...and have had more energy and well-being. But aside from the diabetes causing kidney disease in me, something is wrong and I don't know what it is. Anyway, you have my well-wishes, and prayers. I will be following what goes on with you. Lily

I have read about kidney disease and know it requires a certain diet as well, but I suspect that your "something is wrong" feeling comes from the diabetes as well as the kidney function. There are days when I feel well and days when I know my body has problems. I read and study to search for what I can do to help things go better. At my age I expect some decline because I had another birthday. I don't have much guidance about what a person should expect at age 85. I just go forward and enjoy a few experiences. Dorisena

With Medicare, you can go to see a physical therapist at most locations, whether they are tied to a hospital or stand-alone. You can then find out the best and safest exercise for your condition.

Additionally, most Medicare Advantage plans include SilverSneakers, which will pay for gym memberships at many locations. I went to a 24-hour gym before, and my plan picked up my membership when I reached the senior age of 65. I can go whenever I want, when there’s very few people there if any. Often I go late at night when I’m the only one. It’s very safe, and offers treadmills for walking, stationary bikes, rowing machines (which is surprisingly easy to do and easy on the joints), a multitude of machines starting at 10 pounds, and a series of dumbbells, resistance bands, and other equipment.

Additionally, many larger churches offer similar exercise equipment to their members. Motivation is the key to starting (faith, family, etc) but it is well worth it. I hope you consider these options.

Yes, I am aware of these options, in fact I have had personal training at private gyms and learned much about conditioning. My children will not allow me to go to a gym now because of the virus threat, and I do not qualify for silver sneakers. I would not last in a group exercise for more than five minutes because of my back condition, and even when I went for therapy after after surgery, I could not physically do the muscle tightening. It is a little better now, and I am working on being able to walk into a large store and back without much pain or tightening of my back until I can't take another step. I cook my meals by sitting down a number of times to relieve the tight feeling because I can't stand very long. Treadmills are not an option for me. I have dumbells at home, and some other equipment. I can use the stretch bands and that's about it. I need to work on walking so I can provide for myself better. The doctor expects me to accept both shoulder replacement, and I have declined because I had therapy for my broken shoulder and it helped enough to allow me to function in my kitchen. I put my needed dishes on the lowest shelf. I think I have muscle wasting from the surgery and the doctors did not order therapy until I pleaded for help, which Medicare paid for. I haven't given up yet. I raised my garden this summer. Dorisena

I have some savings now which I am thinking of using to work with a therapist on my physical problems and pay the bill. O know a couple of qualified people who do home visits as well. I live rural. so that is a consideration. My children have me confined because of the virus. But they go places. Dorisena

A long time family friend fell and broke his hip and they have declined to do surgery because of fears of the anesthetic causing him to not survive. This reminds me that living a long life by being diligent with your health plans is important because your can't always be repaired in old age. He is bedfast now and requires much care. He was out and about and walking slowly in August. Dorisena

Recently we were discussing AIC tests and the difference between lab tests and home tests that are available. I want to share that the three home tests I did showed much lower numbers than my lab tests so I am convinced that the home test is not as reliable. I have not lost weight recently and am not outside every day for exercise, so I am satisfied that a score of 6.8 from the lab is more accurate but disappointing, because my goal is to get down to 6.0 and it is probably not happening. Of course there won't be holiday parties and feasts to entice me to eat more, but this isolated life with the pandemic is depressing, which makes me want to eat for comfort. I am grateful to be below the 7.0 recommended by some doctors, but really want to do better and feel better.
The possible TIA and overnight stay in the hospital with an infection in August gave me quite a scare but the doctors made no recommendations for change.
We really can't blame the pandemic for every problem, I think. I am grateful for the support on this site and the encouragement I get from others. Dorisena