Question/New Topic for us Oldtimers

[TransAmMike]

5 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I'm not doing anything about it, I had some CBD cream that gave me some relief. Now my RIGHT thumb is sore, I've been on a tear with working on the Belair. I just finished scraping all the drip-rail caulk out and applying new stuff. A fairly awkward position working that high up for hours.

Day time, little tingling, I get that mostly at night. It does go away fast when I wake up.

 

4 hours ago, James2 said:

I broke my thumb years ago, (motorcycle mishap) was not treated. Acts up now and again like a dull ache, sometimes cramps up. CBD cream and or oil has been my friend...

Ha, it's my right thumb too. I use Aspercream with lidocaine. 

Man Bob you are dedicated to get that Belair in shape. 

[slusher]

On 7/5/2024 at 1:56 PM, TransAmMike said:

Yep, glad you're doing better. I have had lower back issues tho not serious just minor pain and weakness. I have found back exercise daily definitely helps but I'm too d@mn lazy. 

I finally made an appointment with hand Doc for my carpel tunnel and arthritis. Not sure what to expect but I know I don't want surgery. 

Mike, here just a thought, have.you ever considered asking your doctor for physical therapy. They will take what ever your insurance pays. Tingling in your fingers ask the doctor for Tegretol it will stop the tingling from nerves. I take it.

[espo]

Sort of broke my right ring finger the yard a few years ago. At the joint of the last part of the finger was at a right angle to the direction of the finger. I went to the Emergency Care Center and from the X-Rays it was dislocated. I was told I had two options. They wanted to see if they could reset it but leave it joint straight and unable to move. The other was an amputation of the last segment of the finger, I wasn't really high on that idea. They kept saying that there was little they could do for it. Then they suggested Therapy as a maybe. Very happy with that outcome. The Therapist made a hard plastic support for the finger with a couple of fabric straps with some Velcro on the end to hold my finger in place. Just a couple of weeks later I had and still do have full use of the finger with no problems at all. 

[redscampi]

1 hour ago, espo said:

Sort of broke my right ring finger the yard a few years ago. At the joint of the last part of the finger was at a right angle to the direction of the finger. I went to the Emergency Care Center and from the X-Rays it was dislocated. I was told I had two options. They wanted to see if they could reset it but leave it joint straight and unable to move. The other was an amputation of the last segment of the finger, I wasn't really high on that idea. They kept saying that there was little they could do for it. Then they suggested Therapy as a maybe. Very happy with that outcome. The Therapist made a hard plastic support for the finger with a couple of fabric straps with some Velcro on the end to hold my finger in place. Just a couple of weeks later I had and still do have full use of the finger with no problems at all. 

They do call it "practice" when it comes to medicine. I am continually amazed at the different outcomes that can be had by simply switching doctors.

[TransAmMike]

1 hour ago, slusher said:

Mike, here just a thought, have.you ever considered asking your doctor for physical therapy. They will take what ever your insurance pays. Tingling in your fingers ask the doctor for Tegretol it will stop the tingling from nerves. I take it.

Going to hand Doctor week after next.  I really don't like going to a therapist. But I guess we'll see.   I'll have to remember about the Tegretol.  Thanks.

[Ace-Garageguy]

15 minutes ago, redscampi said:

...I am continually amazed at the different outcomes that can be had by simply switching doctors.

And I'm continually amazed most people seem to think there's a higher percentage of doctors who actually have a clue than mechanics who have a clue.

Just because you have a shiny degree or two hanging on the wall, that's no guarantee you really have talent and skill.

Doing the course-work and fulfilling the other requirements gets you a degree and a license, but it doesn't make you "good".

And if you don't believe that, just look at some of the horror stories about bodged high-end plastic surgery. 

[espo]

46 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

And I'm continually amazed most people seem to think there's a higher percentage of doctors who actually have a clue than mechanics who have a clue.

Just because you have a shiny degree or two hanging on the wall, that's no guarantee you really have talent and skill.

Doing the course-work and fulfilling the other requirements gets you a degree and a license, but it doesn't make you "good".

And if you don't believe that, just look at some of the horror stories about bodged high-end plastic surgery. 

The one doctor who sent me to have the therapy was real interested in how it would heal and had follow up visits about my finger. I think he was as surprised by what they did as I was pleased with the outcome.  

[TransAmMike]

3 hours ago, espo said:

The one doctor who sent me to have the therapy was real interested in how it would heal and had follow up visits about my finger. I think he was as surprised by what they did as I was pleased with the outcome.  

I'm just too hard headed to go to a therapist.  I'll see what the hand doc says when I go but I'm betting he will want me to go.

[Gramps46]

Well I guess I qualify for this group as I turned 78 in April.  Been building models since 1958.  Fortunately I am in fairly good shape but since a brain fart in 2018 I have tremors which have impacted what I can do on the bench.

[bobss396]

18 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

 

Ha, it's my right thumb too. I use Aspercream with lidocaine. 

Man Bob you are dedicated to get that Belair in shape. 

I got all the old rain gutter caulk removed on July 3rd and into the 4th. I just finished it up with the new caulk and washed the car. I have to prime and paint next, touch up paint is on order. I have the new transmission filter and fluid, this I will do at a buddy's shop.

I should have the "new" seats back this week. Today I will continue to work on cleaning the carpet, etc before it gets too hot out. By 9, the driveway is in full sun.

For the thumb, my girlfriend had her carpal tunnel surgery done and I will use the same surgeon. My right pinky was broken maybe around 1974 and I never did much about it. The one joint has a click to it. Then I injured it in 2022... it will lock up on me. But little pain.

I went to PT I guess in 2019 for my back and neck issues. I told them no bouncy-ball or I am out of there. It really was of zero help. This PT practice was big into section-8 patients, the waiting room was full of them. I guess medicaid fueled that endeavor. They had a chiropractor on staff... famous for his 3-minute adjustments. 

[my66s55]

I'm 79. My health is good. I expect to be building my creations for many years to come. 

[TransAmMike]

4 hours ago, my66s55 said:

I'm 79. My health is good. I expect to be building my creations for many years to come. 

Welcome to the discussion Craig. That's saying something if you don't have any health issues. Have a great day. 

[bobss396]

I'm doing well approaching 70 next year. I got taken off Lipitor recently, my cholesterol numbers are good, so is everything else. It took some time from 2016 when I was a hot mess. Before my heart attack, my BP was like 180/100. It takes 3 meds to get it down.

The trick is to KEEP MOVING. One friend of mine, her dad retired at age 66, basically parked himself in front of the TV and withered away in just 2 years. I got the old cars, keeping up with trimming things outside and a vegetable garden. I came close to NOT doing the garden, but worked through terrible back pain to get 'er done. I have had a garden every tear since 1984, even when I rented me and the landlord had one going.

I believe that getting moving got me past my lower back issues. This has been a plague to me off and on since I was around 24. 

[TonyK]

2 hours ago, bobss396 said:

One friend of mine, her dad retired at age 66, basically parked himself in front of the TV and withered away in just 2 years.

When I was young, I worked with an older guy who retired and did what you mentioned with the same result. He was fit and active while working and he should've kept that up in retirement. I know I do.

[TransAmMike]

8 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I'm doing well approaching 70 next year. I got taken off Lipitor recently, my cholesterol numbers are good, so is everything else. It took some time from 2016 when I was a hot mess. Before my heart attack, my BP was like 180/100. It takes 3 meds to get it down.

The trick is to KEEP MOVING. One friend of mine, her dad retired at age 66, basically parked himself in front of the TV and withered away in just 2 years. I got the old cars, keeping up with trimming things outside and a vegetable garden. I came close to NOT doing the garden, but worked through terrible back pain to get 'er done. I have had a garden every tear since 1984, even when I rented me and the landlord had one going.

I believe that getting moving got me past my lower back issues. This has been a plague to me off and on since I was around 24. 

 

6 hours ago, TonyK said:

When I was young, I worked with an older guy who retired and did what you mentioned with the same result. He was fit and active while working and he should've kept that up in retirement. I know I do.

The "KEEP MOVING" is sure sounds like good advice.  I did just get off the treadmill.  

[bobss396]

I had my heart stent done yesterday, there by 9, home around 5. The doctor said I would need 1 or 2, in the end one 5 mm stent did the trick. The groin incision is sore as expected, I have 1 new prescription toward off rejection of the stent.

And I have to do another cardiac rehab. I have a laundry list of things to do, not to do. The worst is no pool for 2 weeks. I see my heart doctor on Friday and ask his opinion on a few things, like working on the Belair again.

[Ace-Garageguy]

On 7/9/2024 at 4:16 PM, TransAmMike said:

 

The "KEEP MOVING" is sure sounds like good advice.  I did just get off the treadmill.  

Exactly. Every time I let myself slack off for even a few weeks, I start going to pot pretty fast...and every time it's harder to get back in shape.

Staying active and productive is what I credit for my ability to be more active and productive than most people I know in their mid-70s.

I do know a girl who's a little older than I am, and she is very fit, slender, and stays active constantly...either working on her property or hiking with her dog.

I've also found that my vision improves, and the pain in my right hand from arthritis, as well as my lower back, knees, and hips, is significantly...and I mean SIGNIFICANTLY...decreased when I'm exercising regularly. Mood and reaction times get better too.

[TransAmMike]

7 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I had my heart stent done yesterday, there by 9, home around 5. The doctor said I would need 1 or 2, in the end one 5 mm stent did the trick. The groin incision is sore as expected, I have 1 new prescription toward off rejection of the stent.

And I have to do another cardiac rehab. I have a laundry list of things to do, not to do. The worst is no pool for 2 weeks. I see my heart doctor on Friday and ask his opinion on a few things, like working on the Belair again.

Well I'm sure glad it went well for you and hopefully it won't be long before ya get back on the BelAir.

[TransAmMike]

4 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Exactly. Every time I let myself slack off for even a few weeks, I start going to pot pretty fast...and every time it's harder to get back in shape.

Staying active and productive is what I credit for my ability to be more active and productive than most people I know in their mid-70s.

I do know a girl who's a little older than I am, and she is very fit, slender, and stays active constantly...either working on her property or hiking with her dog.

I've also found that my vision improves, and the pain in my right hand from arthritis, as well as my lower back, knees, and hips, is significantly...and I mean SIGNIFICANTLY...decreased when I'm exercising regularly. Mood and reaction times get better too.

I'm still being lazy and not getting on the treadmill.  It's really the only way I can exercise but I'm being hardheaded.  I'm amazed the exercise you do helps for all that it does for you.  

So what is your exercise regimen Bill?

[espo]

1 hour ago, TransAmMike said:

Well I'm sure glad it went well for you and hopefully it won't be long before ya get back on the BelAir.

Glad it all went so well for you. I had the "Widow Maker" stent done for my birthday in 2002. Everything changed for the better afterwords and hopefully it will be the same for you. 

[espo]

2 minutes ago, espo said:

Glad it all went so well for you. I had the "Widow Maker" stent done for my birthday in 2002. Everything changed for the better afterwords and hopefully it will be the same for you. 

Sorry Mike, this was meant for Bob Seagraves. 

[espo]

Just now, espo said:

Sorry Mike, this was meant for Bob Seagraves. 

 

9 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I had my heart stent done yesterday, there by 9, home around 5. The doctor said I would need 1 or 2, in the end one 5 mm stent did the trick. The groin incision is sore as expected, I have 1 new prescription toward off rejection of the stent.

And I have to do another cardiac rehab. I have a laundry list of things to do, not to do. The worst is no pool for 2 weeks. I see my heart doctor on Friday and ask his opinion on a few things, like working on the Belair again.

Hi Bob, I was just trying to tell you that I'm glad the stent worked for you. I was sharing that I went through the same producer over twenty years ago and the changes were a dramatic improvement. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

2 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

...So what is your exercise regimen Bill?

For one thing, I still work about 5 hours every weekday, building cars.

Not really "exercise", but a whole lot of lifting and stretching and bending and getting down on the creeper or under a dash and back up again, etc. If I don't do it for a month or so, it gets difficult...and I have way too much stuff I WANT to do to find myself in the position where I have to say "I can't".

I also do all my own yard work and everything on the house most older people farm out. I just tarped more than half my roof, up and down the ladder a LOT, and working on slopes around 30 degrees...for several days, because there were the inevitable complications.

Actual, intentional exercise entails hiking at least 5 miles a week, with a lot of elevation change, and brisk walking at least another 5, which I can do in the neighborhood. Besides being a good aerobic workout, the hiking in particular keeps legs toned, and works core muscles too.

I should be hitting the weights for arms and upper-body, but most of the time it's too much a PITA to clear a space to do it (there's stuff packed and staged everywhere for the upcoming move)...which is another way of saying "I'm too lazy".  

Even with all that, some mornings I'm hurting and stiff for hours and limp like an old geezer...but if I quit, I'll be pretty much useless within a year.

Not an acceptable option.

EDIT: Funny thing is that some days, I feel like I'm in my 20s. Nothing hurts and I have tons of energy. If I can ever pin down exactly why, I'll bottle it.

One thing I can tell you true though...the more I accomplish every day, the happier I am, and strenuous exercise always results in a better overall mood.

 

Edited July 24, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[TransAmMike]

2 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

For one thing, I still work about 5 hours every weekday, building cars.

Not really "exercise", but a whole lot of lifting and stretching and bending and getting down on the creeper or under a dash and back up again, etc. If I don't do it for a month or so, it gets difficult...and I have way too much stuff I WANT to do to find myself in the position where I have to say "I can't".

I also do all my own yard work and everything on the house most older people farm out. I just tarped more than half my roof, up and down the ladder a LOT, and working on slopes around 30 degrees...for several days, because there were the inevitable complications.

Actual, intentional exercise entails hiking at least 5 miles a week, with a lot of elevation change, and brisk walking at least another 5, which I can do in the neighborhood. Besides being a good aerobic workout, the hiking in particular keeps legs toned, and works core muscles too.

I should be hitting the weights for arms and upper-body, but most of the time it's too much a PITA to clear a space to do it (there's stuff packed and staged everywhere for the upcoming move)...which is another way of saying "I'm too lazy".  

Even with all that, some mornings I'm hurting and stiff for hours and limp like an old geezer...but if I quit, I'll be pretty much useless within a year.

Not an acceptable option.

EDIT: Funny thing is that some days, I feel like I'm in my 20s. Nothing hurts and I have tons of energy. If I can ever pin down exactly why, I'll bottle it.

One thing I can tell you true though...the more I accomplish every day, the happier I am, and strenuous exercise always results in a better overall mood.

 

Well Bill, don't know your age but it's great you can do so much.   At 76, I'm pretty done with anything too physical except for tread mill and using my fingers on models.

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, TransAmMike said:

Well Bill, don't know your age but it's great you can do so much.   At 76, I'm pretty done with anything too physical except for tread mill and using my fingers on models.

I'm just a couple years younger than you.

But my intent was not to be all braggy about what I can still do, but to follow up on the earlier mention of KEEP MOVING.

If I'd quit working when I "officially retired" at 67, I'm pretty sure I would have rusted up and quit everything by now.

But because I have so many interests that require maintaining a certain minimum level of fitness, and because a couple of companies offered me part-time employment doing essentially "dream jobs", I remained almost as active as when I was much younger.

My POINT, though, was to reinforce the idea of KEEP MOVING. 

Whenever I slack off, I start to rust up pretty badly, pretty quick. And every time it's that much harder to get everything working reasonably well again...and this time it's taking one H of a lot longer to get back than it did last time.

So I simply made a conscious decision that I'd fight decrepitude for as long as I can from here on out, and KEEP MOVING.