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Mentor

"Quality of life"......a gift that just keeps on giving.

Posted by Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor @artscaping, Jan 8, 2021

The 2020 Holidays are over. What was your favorite gift? Was one of your gifts what I call a “quality of life” gift? Was it a new special pillow that made you sleep better? Perhaps you were given something that made your life a little easier like new shoes with a softer sole. Or maybe your family gave you a Mayo gift like the Pain course or a Habit workshop?

It’s never too late to think of and thank yourself for your endurance, generosity, and kindness to yourself. And these may be things that you have never mentioned because you didn’t want to be a burden or a nuisance or appear to be selfish.

I went crazy this year and got three of my quality of life gifts. I’ll share them with you and hope you realize how very important they were and are to me.

1. My MFR therapist began to feel that one session a week was not sufficient. So, we set up a six week trial of 2 sessions per week. The difference in tolerance was amazing. I didn’t have to endure increasing discomfort for 7 days….just 3. And so….gift #1. When I let my family know they found a way to help with the additional cost called a “stocking stuffer”.

2. For over a year I have been noticing more and more pain in my hip. Several years ago, I had an injection which was done poorly and so I wasn’t too excited about trying again. This time I had a chat with myself. “Why, Chris, are you going through increasing pain when there is a solution?” So I gathered my strong determination, had the injection, and am just jumping for joy. And my insurance covered it. Great…..another quality of life gift received and appreciated.

3. My 2021 quality of life gift brigade begins tomorrow when I have my preliminary appointment to fix my arthritic thumb. I can no longer open a jar or turn a key in the door lock. Seven years ago I had anchovy surgery on the left thumb. It is perfect. Now, why have I let the other one reach such a painful stage? I really don’t like surgery but this one is relatively doable and I won’t need too much help at home.

So Happy Holidays to me.
And thank you friends and family who shouted encouragement and helped support my wishes for a few things that just needed to get done.

What items would qualify for your quality of life? Let’s all share and help each other develop our 2021 list of can dos and must-dos.

Be happy and content in 2021.
Chris

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 19, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "UGH! I'm so confused, fiesty76. I thought we were getting to know each other so well......When..." + (show)
@ess77

UGH! I'm so confused, fiesty76. I thought we were getting to know each other so well......When did you leave MN? I thought you lived in heavy snow, cold MN and travel to NM/Texas to a home you have there! Wow! What happened? I must have missed something somewhere.

Update: My kitty, Samantha, is in love with her new kitty towers at windows in 2 BR and den. She truly enjoys them for sleep, watching the outside activitiy, just meditating or watching me. What a joy for me to enjoy her enjoying her new spots. I love making her happy.....actually, I was emailing with a group of older folks at my church and one of the gals sent everyone a 'huge virtual hug'.....of course we were thrilled, but made me start thinking.

You know, I haven't had a single human hug since last March, 2020. Not one! Kitty hugs if you can call them that. Puppy died so don't get her loving....do miss her.... but you know, folks, that's really a long time to go w/o any human to human physical touching......of course, other than shots and tests and helping w/gowns, and hospital/doc stuff. That don't count one whit!

I used to teach volunteer classes for folks helping isolated elderly, buying them groceries or taking them to the store or delivering meals or taking them out for lunch or whatever. But, it is known that the human being requires 13 hugs per day. 13 hugs.....daily.....for good emotional health. My goodness. Let's not think about my emotional health! Or possibly yours or others during this pandemic.

This forum, Mayo Connect and my Connect friends, have saved me. I am immensely emotionally healthier than before I began this site. I am thanking you every one for contributing to my emotional well being.....and pass it along to all the other sites, please....we truly must be thankful for each other. For sharing. For the love and kindnesses and understanding that flow through these messages.

Thank you all. Blessings. Elizabeth (Florida)

Jump to this post

Elizabeth -

Maybe you confused @feisty76 and me? I live (usually) 1/2 the year in the Twin Cities in MN and the other half in Far South Texas very near the border - except that Covid has kept us in MN this winter. We are trying to cope by spending time outdoors with our little grandsons as often as possible. I just came home from a 35 minute walk/run in 13F temps with the 4 year old. Very slippery, but fun to watch him play and learn. Now I'm ready to sit down with a hot cup of tea.

I am so happy to hear you find this site helpful in this terribly difficult time! We used to be a more focused on medical issues, but very early in the pandemic it became obvious that keeping people in touch was just as important, so we have explored a lot of ways to connect. This has been a lifeline for me, as a volunteer, because I spent many hours every week doing in-person volunteer activities, and all have ceased. Please continue to join us in keeping each others' spirits up until we reach the end of this long tunnel.
Sue

REPLY
joybringer1 | @joybringer1 | Jan 19, 2021
In reply to @fiesty76 "Oh, @joybringer1, From Luddite 2 to Luddite 1, vbg, Like you, I like to take photos..." + (show)
@fiesty76

Oh, @joybringer1, From Luddite 2 to Luddite 1, vbg, Like you, I like to take photos with my reliable "point and shoot camera" and also like you, (and much like preferring to hold "real books" rather reading online), I appreciate having the tactile pleasure of holding photos and sharing them with others. Although my new "smart phone" certainly has photo capability, we are still on very uncertain terms in my ability or desire to capitalize on its features. I may never succeed in learning to "upload" photos to share.

Another shared trait is still resorting to written notes of appreciation and news. Only takes a minute and a couple of sentences to let another we are thinking of them. Just mailed notes to both my computer "magic man" for installing a new webcam and then following up with a phone call to see how the dreaded Zoom visit with doc went and then a note of appreciation to the doc for offering, unasked, to put me on the virus vacc list. Now, I can both be seen and heard on Zoom and have started building my own antibodies thanks to the 1st Moderna vacc.

I appreciate that my daughter has taught the grands to dash off a thank you note for gifts as well. One yr, I couldn't tell, until reaching the signatures, which of the grands had printed their notes...one 8 yrs; another 13 yrs and the oldest a college graduate...lol My handwriting isn't stellar either, but it was truly funny to realize they faced similar penmanship challenges! The thought that counts, though, right? Smiles to you and all!

Jump to this post

@fiesty76, You do understand my fondness for a film camera. I just dropped off a roll and it will be 2-3 weeks before they are returned. I think hand-written notes mean as much to me as they do to the person who receives them. I will have to be motivated soon to begin using my lovely notecards. I must say you are progressing faster than I can. I do not have a smart phone and do not think I could manage one. My little flip phone works well for me. I have no idea how to "zoom." I would need someone to come and show me and I don't think now is the time. Be careful so you don't lose your Luddite status. Ha-ha! Good for you for learning new things. This will help your little grey cells. Do the schools teach cursive writing now?
Take care and stay well! @joybringer1

REPLY
1 reply
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jan 21, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "UGH! I'm so confused, fiesty76. I thought we were getting to know each other so well......When..." + (show)
@ess77

UGH! I'm so confused, fiesty76. I thought we were getting to know each other so well......When did you leave MN? I thought you lived in heavy snow, cold MN and travel to NM/Texas to a home you have there! Wow! What happened? I must have missed something somewhere.

Update: My kitty, Samantha, is in love with her new kitty towers at windows in 2 BR and den. She truly enjoys them for sleep, watching the outside activitiy, just meditating or watching me. What a joy for me to enjoy her enjoying her new spots. I love making her happy.....actually, I was emailing with a group of older folks at my church and one of the gals sent everyone a 'huge virtual hug'.....of course we were thrilled, but made me start thinking.

You know, I haven't had a single human hug since last March, 2020. Not one! Kitty hugs if you can call them that. Puppy died so don't get her loving....do miss her.... but you know, folks, that's really a long time to go w/o any human to human physical touching......of course, other than shots and tests and helping w/gowns, and hospital/doc stuff. That don't count one whit!

I used to teach volunteer classes for folks helping isolated elderly, buying them groceries or taking them to the store or delivering meals or taking them out for lunch or whatever. But, it is known that the human being requires 13 hugs per day. 13 hugs.....daily.....for good emotional health. My goodness. Let's not think about my emotional health! Or possibly yours or others during this pandemic.

This forum, Mayo Connect and my Connect friends, have saved me. I am immensely emotionally healthier than before I began this site. I am thanking you every one for contributing to my emotional well being.....and pass it along to all the other sites, please....we truly must be thankful for each other. For sharing. For the love and kindnesses and understanding that flow through these messages.

Thank you all. Blessings. Elizabeth (Florida)

Jump to this post

@ess77, I'm behind on posts and had to laugh at your confusion because this happens to me quite regularly. Glad to read that @sueinmn brought clarity. I corresponded with one member offline for some time before realizing that she lived in CA, not FL or was it the reverse? lol

I live in West TX but as a young married spent two memorable years in Duluth, MN. Sue, otoh, navigates seamlessly (ordinarily) between both states and shares great stories and experiences in each.

As for a Quality of Life bonus you and I share, I can only smile in agreement with the joy your Samantha and my Precious bring as they scamper up and go flying off their climbing trees.

Elizabeth, as for your lament for the lack of "a single human hug since last March,2020" I and would imagine other "live alones" would certainly agree that the need for physical human hugs is achingly pronounced during these times of self-isolation! As an educator, I knew of the published human need for "13 hugs per day". Not the same by any means but a recent article suggested crossing one's arms to give a self-hug in the absence of others. I find it Really does give a brief moment of relief/comfort.

Thanks for expressing so well what being a participating member in these Connect forums has provided us all. ... now to remember that you live in FL!...very big grins vbg!

REPLY
1 reply
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jan 21, 2021
In reply to @joybringer1 "@fiesty76, You do understand my fondness for a film camera. I just dropped off a roll..." + (show)
@joybringer1

@fiesty76, You do understand my fondness for a film camera. I just dropped off a roll and it will be 2-3 weeks before they are returned. I think hand-written notes mean as much to me as they do to the person who receives them. I will have to be motivated soon to begin using my lovely notecards. I must say you are progressing faster than I can. I do not have a smart phone and do not think I could manage one. My little flip phone works well for me. I have no idea how to "zoom." I would need someone to come and show me and I don't think now is the time. Be careful so you don't lose your Luddite status. Ha-ha! Good for you for learning new things. This will help your little grey cells. Do the schools teach cursive writing now?
Take care and stay well! @joybringer1

Jump to this post

Hi, @joybringer1, Don't put much stock in my progressing as a Luddite! I finally bought the smart phone because thought it might be necessary to text a store that I was awaiting my curbside car delivery...still haven't learned to text but just this week did manage to play a few free games. Who knows, I may stumble onto how to text in future???

As for Zoom, daughter invited me so I just had to click on to "join" our visits. Had to risk my computer guru's coming to the house to install and show me how to use webcam and access 'Zoom" because of required Zoom only visit with doc...ended up after 3 failed attempts on Her end using the old, reliable landline phone...Hmmm, so much for 21st century technology.

Luddite or not, if you've not yet watched our famous @johnbishop's latest "Nerd" video, it, like he, is pricelss!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 21, 2021
In reply to @coco "Was your thumb surgery at Mayo Clinic and who was your Dr? Thanks" + (show)
@coco

Was your thumb surgery at Mayo Clinic and who was your Dr? Thanks

Jump to this post

@coco, Hi there. This is Chris checking in on you checking in on me. The thumb.....is being cared for in St. Cloud at St. Cloud Orthopedics. Of course, I forgot that there are steps to do before surgery. I have completed the images and the fitting for the brace which I wear now to fight pain. And I have started the PT to strengthen the tissues and connective elements around the actual joint.

My calendar is full......of "QOL" (quality of life) appointments. Whew.....they can wear you out. Thanks for caring.

May you be safe and protected.
Chris

REPLY
joybringer1 | @joybringer1 | Jan 22, 2021
In reply to @fiesty76 "Hi, @joybringer1, Don't put much stock in my progressing as a Luddite! I finally bought the..." + (show)
@fiesty76

Hi, @joybringer1, Don't put much stock in my progressing as a Luddite! I finally bought the smart phone because thought it might be necessary to text a store that I was awaiting my curbside car delivery...still haven't learned to text but just this week did manage to play a few free games. Who knows, I may stumble onto how to text in future???

As for Zoom, daughter invited me so I just had to click on to "join" our visits. Had to risk my computer guru's coming to the house to install and show me how to use webcam and access 'Zoom" because of required Zoom only visit with doc...ended up after 3 failed attempts on Her end using the old, reliable landline phone...Hmmm, so much for 21st century technology.

Luddite or not, if you've not yet watched our famous @johnbishop's latest "Nerd" video, it, like he, is pricelss!

Jump to this post

@fiesty76, how would I find this "Nerd" video? Would I understand it? I would like to try. Thanks, @joybringer1

REPLY
1 reply
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jan 22, 2021

@joybringer1 and @johnbishop, Was going to suggest Joy look in Humor group or maybe the Daily Summary because I didn't know how to copy directly, John, from your post. Thank you! Joy, you'll unner'stand it because it is just great humor!

REPLY
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @fiesty76 "@ess77, I'm behind on posts and had to laugh at your confusion because this happens to..." + (show)
@fiesty76

@ess77, I'm behind on posts and had to laugh at your confusion because this happens to me quite regularly. Glad to read that @sueinmn brought clarity. I corresponded with one member offline for some time before realizing that she lived in CA, not FL or was it the reverse? lol

I live in West TX but as a young married spent two memorable years in Duluth, MN. Sue, otoh, navigates seamlessly (ordinarily) between both states and shares great stories and experiences in each.

As for a Quality of Life bonus you and I share, I can only smile in agreement with the joy your Samantha and my Precious bring as they scamper up and go flying off their climbing trees.

Elizabeth, as for your lament for the lack of "a single human hug since last March,2020" I and would imagine other "live alones" would certainly agree that the need for physical human hugs is achingly pronounced during these times of self-isolation! As an educator, I knew of the published human need for "13 hugs per day". Not the same by any means but a recent article suggested crossing one's arms to give a self-hug in the absence of others. I find it Really does give a brief moment of relief/comfort.

Thanks for expressing so well what being a participating member in these Connect forums has provided us all. ... now to remember that you live in FL!...very big grins vbg!

Jump to this post

Hello, fiesty76. I've missed you and all...been recouping from sepsis from a long, worsening UTI-still on another antibiotic...seeing a urogynacologist 2/05 - the day before I turn 74.....AND....I am now the proud owner, user of a couple of 'Quality of Life gifts' to myself!

I bought a Virmee watch as recommended by one of our resident experts. I love it. Don't have the new bands yet,but will. It syncs w/my computer and phone, gives me great info, can't wait to be ok and get to the heated pool to test the waterproof quality. This is a good thing for me to do for me.

2nd.....I'm typing this message upstairs while sitting in my comfy bedroom recliner, with a new lumbar pillow I needed, with kitty Samantha next to me on the chair, giving me snores and hugs. BTW: she barely can put up w/this newest addition,
my new HP Pavilion 17.3' screen, good storage....good choice recommended by Sue, I think. I've spent 3 full days setting up and learning oh, so much and there's so much more I need to learn!!!

I love it! It's a bit large for my lap, but with the lap desk in my lap resting against the chair arm, it works pretty well. I got a wireless mouse, but haven't set it up yet. I need the larger screen as my sight - gets blurred as I tire, comes and goes - as does the diplopia.
And I need the larger keys for my arthritic fingers. good size for my needs.

#3. I purchased a Samsung Galaxy 10 several months ago, got it half way set up/switched from the old phone, but needed more help and time to finish the job...so, I was cell-less for a month or so. Spent 4 horrid hours 2 days ago working w/cell techs for the 2nd time...needed John! By the time my head hit the pillow, I was a raging maniac!

I've now spent another day setting it up w/lots of apps, so much capability. Now, must figure out the stupid security so I don't have to sign in to answer the crazy phone!!!!

All in all, I've been a busy girl, accomplished a lot. I'm so pius! Really, kinda' proud of myself for taking these bulls by the horns and getting it done!

I am pleased and very tired.

Oh, re hugs...I think the only way I've survived emotionally through this last year is by the hugs I give myself. Literal hugs. Every day I wrap myself in my own arms, give a snug hug, as long as I need to feel better. It works wonders.

OK. Off to bed now, rest and health to begin again. This week I'm back to my home renovations, until I get another infection or the roller-coaster starts again. It's lovely now to have energy to begin and finish projects again. Thanks to dopamine, thyroid, THC and CBD with help from pain, anxiety,sleep, and so much more.

So much to be thankful for.....Blessings to you and all. elizabeth

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "Hello, fiesty76. I've missed you and all...been recouping from sepsis from a long, worsening UTI-still on..." + (show)
@ess77

Hello, fiesty76. I've missed you and all...been recouping from sepsis from a long, worsening UTI-still on another antibiotic...seeing a urogynacologist 2/05 - the day before I turn 74.....AND....I am now the proud owner, user of a couple of 'Quality of Life gifts' to myself!

I bought a Virmee watch as recommended by one of our resident experts. I love it. Don't have the new bands yet,but will. It syncs w/my computer and phone, gives me great info, can't wait to be ok and get to the heated pool to test the waterproof quality. This is a good thing for me to do for me.

2nd.....I'm typing this message upstairs while sitting in my comfy bedroom recliner, with a new lumbar pillow I needed, with kitty Samantha next to me on the chair, giving me snores and hugs. BTW: she barely can put up w/this newest addition,
my new HP Pavilion 17.3' screen, good storage....good choice recommended by Sue, I think. I've spent 3 full days setting up and learning oh, so much and there's so much more I need to learn!!!

I love it! It's a bit large for my lap, but with the lap desk in my lap resting against the chair arm, it works pretty well. I got a wireless mouse, but haven't set it up yet. I need the larger screen as my sight - gets blurred as I tire, comes and goes - as does the diplopia.
And I need the larger keys for my arthritic fingers. good size for my needs.

#3. I purchased a Samsung Galaxy 10 several months ago, got it half way set up/switched from the old phone, but needed more help and time to finish the job...so, I was cell-less for a month or so. Spent 4 horrid hours 2 days ago working w/cell techs for the 2nd time...needed John! By the time my head hit the pillow, I was a raging maniac!

I've now spent another day setting it up w/lots of apps, so much capability. Now, must figure out the stupid security so I don't have to sign in to answer the crazy phone!!!!

All in all, I've been a busy girl, accomplished a lot. I'm so pius! Really, kinda' proud of myself for taking these bulls by the horns and getting it done!

I am pleased and very tired.

Oh, re hugs...I think the only way I've survived emotionally through this last year is by the hugs I give myself. Literal hugs. Every day I wrap myself in my own arms, give a snug hug, as long as I need to feel better. It works wonders.

OK. Off to bed now, rest and health to begin again. This week I'm back to my home renovations, until I get another infection or the roller-coaster starts again. It's lovely now to have energy to begin and finish projects again. Thanks to dopamine, thyroid, THC and CBD with help from pain, anxiety,sleep, and so much more.

So much to be thankful for.....Blessings to you and all. elizabeth

Jump to this post

@ess77 How exciting, even for Samantha to have a "quality of life gift". I am just thrilled that your lumbar pillow fits so perfectly in your new recliner. Congratulations. I just might put a recliner on my list. I have never had one. Jay has one for his man cave, aka the office. I walk by and see him cozy and comfy surfing the net.

We do a yoga pose in which we end by grabbing our knees and giving our legs a hug. Enjoy.

May you be content (for a little while) and have peace and comfort.
Chris

REPLY
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