Medicine transcription - 60+ Questions

Author

60+ Questions

Michael McKenney

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

I'd like to take an informal, unscientific survey regarding age-related
difficulties as MTs.

First of all, are you 60+ years of age?

If so, do any of the following play a role in your day-to-day
activities/responsibilities as an MT?
1. Joint pain in hands/fingers (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint
disease) that slow your typing.
2. "Senior moments" or possibly slight memory problems, i.e.,
recalling terms, keeping a myriad of details with technical issues in
order, etc.
3. Sheer physical stamina.
4. Ability to concentrate as long/hard as before.
5. Other.

The reason I ask is, turning 40 for me was no big deal, nor even turning
50. But when I turned 60, that seemed to be a significant milestone in
my life. I do have a cardiovascular history with an acute MI, 4-vessel
bypass, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, etc., as well as major back
surgery (Harrington rod with 7 vertebrae fused), spinal stenosis, etc.
but I also try and take care of myself, eat healthy, exercise daily, etc.

However, I get very little sleep and spend many long hours at the
keyboard. Over the last year or so, it seems that my productivity,
concentration, overall stamina, and just general abilities have
deteriorated somewhat, and my wife swears this is a natural part of
aging and that I now need to consider cutting back.

What do you think?

Michael in Milwaukee

The Brown Family

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

Well I'm only 46, almost 47 and I am not as fast as I was in my 20s. I
think it is part of aging, but will fight it as long as I can, and still
make a fair amout of money.

Cheryl B.
"Michael McKenney" <michaelmckenney@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:sPNmd.21358$Rf1.11659@newssvr19.news.prodigy.com...
> I'd like to take an informal, unscientific survey regarding age-related
> difficulties as MTs.
>
> First of all, are you 60+ years of age?
>
> If so, do any of the following play a role in your day-to-day
> activities/responsibilities as an MT?
> 1. Joint pain in hands/fingers (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint
> disease) that slow your typing.
> 2. "Senior moments" or possibly slight memory problems, i.e.,
> recalling terms, keeping a myriad of details with technical issues in
> order, etc.
> 3. Sheer physical stamina.
> 4. Ability to concentrate as long/hard as before.
> 5. Other.
>
> The reason I ask is, turning 40 for me was no big deal, nor even turning
> 50. But when I turned 60, that seemed to be a significant milestone in
> my life. I do have a cardiovascular history with an acute MI, 4-vessel
> bypass, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, etc., as well as major back
> surgery (Harrington rod with 7 vertebrae fused), spinal stenosis, etc.
> but I also try and take care of myself, eat healthy, exercise daily, etc.
>
> However, I get very little sleep and spend many long hours at the
> keyboard. Over the last year or so, it seems that my productivity,
> concentration, overall stamina, and just general abilities have
> deteriorated somewhat, and my wife swears this is a natural part of
> aging and that I now need to consider cutting back.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Michael in Milwaukee

Judity01

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

((If so, do any of the following play a role in your day-to-day
activities/responsibilities as an MT?
1. Joint pain in hands/fingers (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint
disease) that slow your typing.
2. "Senior moments" or possibly slight memory problems, i.e.,
recalling terms, keeping a myriad of details with technical issues in
order, etc.
3. Sheer physical stamina.
4. Ability to concentrate as long/hard as before.
5. Other.))

Michael, even though I retired a month away from my 61st birthday, I stopped
mainly because of number 3 above. My body just couldn't take sitting at a
computer for long periods of time any more. It turned out I had a bulged
lumbar disk. The mind was willing, but the body was weak.

Judity

CyberCafe

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

Michael McKenney wrote:

> I'd like to take an informal, unscientific survey regarding age-related
> difficulties as MTs.
>
> First of all, are you 60+ years of age?

No, 57. Is that close enough?

> If so, do any of the following play a role in your day-to-day
> activities/responsibilities as an MT?
> 1. Joint pain in hands/fingers (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint
> disease) that slow your typing.

Yeah, I have joint discomfort, both hands, and carpal tunnel on the right
side. My hands generally ache, if they're going to ache, in the evening.
The aches and pains are spreading as time passes, but it hasn't slowed my
typing speed down.

> 2. "Senior moments" or possibly slight memory problems, i.e.,
> recalling terms, keeping a myriad of details with technical issues in
> order, etc.

> 3. Sheer physical stamina.

> 4. Ability to concentrate as long/hard as before.
> 5. Other.

Regarding 2 and 4, since I started taking an antidepressant, the
memory/concentration stuff has improved dramatically. But I have complex
partial seizures (diagnosed at age 43!), so I don't know if people with
"normal" brains could experience such a dramatic improvement as I had with
the memory/concentration/focus/interest in work stuff after taking an
antidepressant. For some reason though, I've always been able to remember
medical stuff.

Regarding 5, I have to be careful with my legs because I've had DVTs several
times. My sleep schedule is totally screwed up though and seems to be
directly related to work.. I can go for 24 hours (30 hours is the longest)
without sleep (hey, I am tired but either can't fall asleep or wake after a
short time).

The positive things about getting older: We know more. It doesn't mean
we're smarter. We've just lived longer and have had more time to pick up
information. Since I do nonmedical transcription as well as MT, this has
been a big plus for me. Another thing is my body has actually gotten better
in some areas because when I was in my late thirties and early forties, I
just had some nagging symptoms that nobody could figure out. Then when those
things blew up, they could figure out what it was and do something about it.
So I'm actually better healthwise now.

> The reason I ask is, turning 40 for me was no big deal, nor even turning
> 50. But when I turned 60, that seemed to be a significant milestone in
> my life. I do have a cardiovascular history with an acute MI, 4-vessel
> bypass, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, etc., as well as major back
> surgery (Harrington rod with 7 vertebrae fused), spinal stenosis, etc.
> but I also try and take care of myself, eat healthy, exercise daily, etc.
>
> However, I get very little sleep and spend many long hours at the
> keyboard. Over the last year or so, it seems that my productivity,
> concentration, overall stamina, and just general abilities have
> deteriorated somewhat, and my wife swears this is a natural part of
> aging and that I now need to consider cutting back.

>
> What do you think?

Well, I think getting health problems under control helps a lot. If there is
any inkling of depression, I'm telling ya, that can really spoil a lot of
things including ability to be productive, your sleep, etc. I know the lack
of sleep problem can be troublesome, but don't feel guilty about it. I mean,
my family and appointments, I just don't let those things dictate my life
like they used to. Those people have to be adaptable to my needs and not me
to their needs.

>
>
> Michael in Milwaukee

What part of Milwaukee? I was born and raised there. My family still lives
there.

Barb

Bambi C.

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

<puzzled look>
That was only six questions, not 60+.

Bambi C.

"Michael McKenney" <michaelmckenney@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:sPNmd.21358$Rf1.11659@newssvr19.news.prodigy.com...
> I'd like to take an informal, unscientific survey regarding age-related
> difficulties as MTs.
>
> First of all, are you 60+ years of age?
>
> If so, do any of the following play a role in your day-to-day
> activities/responsibilities as an MT?
> 1. Joint pain in hands/fingers (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint
> disease) that slow your typing.
> 2. "Senior moments" or possibly slight memory problems, i.e.,
> recalling terms, keeping a myriad of details with technical issues in
> order, etc.
> 3. Sheer physical stamina.
> 4. Ability to concentrate as long/hard as before.
> 5. Other.
>
> The reason I ask is, turning 40 for me was no big deal, nor even turning
> 50. But when I turned 60, that seemed to be a significant milestone in
> my life. I do have a cardiovascular history with an acute MI, 4-vessel
> bypass, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, etc., as well as major back
> surgery (Harrington rod with 7 vertebrae fused), spinal stenosis, etc.
> but I also try and take care of myself, eat healthy, exercise daily, etc.
>
> However, I get very little sleep and spend many long hours at the
> keyboard. Over the last year or so, it seems that my productivity,
> concentration, overall stamina, and just general abilities have
> deteriorated somewhat, and my wife swears this is a natural part of
> aging and that I now need to consider cutting back.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Michael in Milwaukee

Eliyahu Rooff

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

It was questions for those of us who are 60+...

Eliyahu

"Bambi C." <blcc324@epix.net> wrote in message
news:GMPmd.8835$17.1816630@news1.epix.net...
| <puzzled look>
| That was only six questions, not 60+.
|
| Bambi C.
|
|
| "Michael McKenney" <michaelmckenney@sbcglobal.net> wrote in
message
| news:sPNmd.21358$Rf1.11659@newssvr19.news.prodigy.com...
| > I'd like to take an informal, unscientific survey regarding
age-related
| > difficulties as MTs.
| >
| > First of all, are you 60+ years of age?
| >
| > If so, do any of the following play a role in your day-to-day
| > activities/responsibilities as an MT?
| > 1. Joint pain in hands/fingers (osteoarthritis/degenerative
joint
| > disease) that slow your typing.
| > 2. "Senior moments" or possibly slight memory problems, i.e.,
| > recalling terms, keeping a myriad of details with technical
issues in
| > order, etc.
| > 3. Sheer physical stamina.
| > 4. Ability to concentrate as long/hard as before.
| > 5. Other.
| >
| > The reason I ask is, turning 40 for me was no big deal, nor even
turning
| > 50. But when I turned 60, that seemed to be a significant
milestone in
| > my life. I do have a cardiovascular history with an acute MI,
4-vessel
| > bypass, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, etc., as well as
major back
| > surgery (Harrington rod with 7 vertebrae fused), spinal
stenosis, etc.
| > but I also try and take care of myself, eat healthy, exercise
daily, etc.
| >
| > However, I get very little sleep and spend many long hours at
the
| > keyboard. Over the last year or so, it seems that my
productivity,
| > concentration, overall stamina, and just general abilities have
| > deteriorated somewhat, and my wife swears this is a natural part
of
| > aging and that I now need to consider cutting back.
| >
| > What do you think?
| >
| > Michael in Milwaukee
|
|

Michael McKenney

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

I live on 86th and Lisbon, which is right on the border of being in
Wauwatosa, but my address is actually in Milwaukee. There is a
restaurant a couple of blocks from my house that has been there for
ages, sort of a landmark, called Champion Chicken, if that helps you
place it. :-D

BTW, thanks for taking the time to respond and for your input!

CyberCafe wrote:

>Michael McKenney wrote:
>
>
>
>
>No, 57. Is that close enough?
>
>
>
>
>Yeah, I have joint discomfort, both hands, and carpal tunnel on the right
>side. My hands generally ache, if they're going to ache, in the evening.
>The aches and pains are spreading as time passes, but it hasn't slowed my
>typing speed down.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Regarding 2 and 4, since I started taking an antidepressant, the
>memory/concentration stuff has improved dramatically. But I have complex
>partial seizures (diagnosed at age 43!), so I don't know if people with
>"normal" brains could experience such a dramatic improvement as I had with
>the memory/concentration/focus/interest in work stuff after taking an
>antidepressant. For some reason though, I've always been able to remember
>medical stuff.
>
>Regarding 5, I have to be careful with my legs because I've had DVTs several
>times. My sleep schedule is totally screwed up though and seems to be
>directly related to work.. I can go for 24 hours (30 hours is the longest)
>without sleep (hey, I am tired but either can't fall asleep or wake after a
>short time).
>
>The positive things about getting older: We know more. It doesn't mean
>we're smarter. We've just lived longer and have had more time to pick up
>information. Since I do nonmedical transcription as well as MT, this has
>been a big plus for me. Another thing is my body has actually gotten better
>in some areas because when I was in my late thirties and early forties, I
>just had some nagging symptoms that nobody could figure out. Then when those
>things blew up, they could figure out what it was and do something about it.
>So I'm actually better healthwise now.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Well, I think getting health problems under control helps a lot. If there is
>any inkling of depression, I'm telling ya, that can really spoil a lot of
>things including ability to be productive, your sleep, etc. I know the lack
>of sleep problem can be troublesome, but don't feel guilty about it. I mean,
>my family and appointments, I just don't let those things dictate my life
>like they used to. Those people have to be adaptable to my needs and not me
>to their needs.
>
>
>
>
>What part of Milwaukee? I was born and raised there. My family still lives
>there.
>
>Barb
>
>
>

Liz

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

"Michael McKenney" <michaelmckenney@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:sPNmd.21358$Rf1.11659@newssvr19.news.prodigy.com...
> I'd like to take an informal, unscientific survey regarding age-related
> difficulties as MTs.
>
> First of all, are you 60+ years of age?

Yes...62 as of 8/15/04.
>
> If so, do any of the following play a role in your day-to-day
> activities/responsibilities as an MT?
> 1. Joint pain in hands/fingers (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint
> disease) that slow your typing.

Transcribing for more than 3 hours straight causes pain at the base of both
thumbs; after 4 hours I find my shoulders start to hunch forward causing
pain and discomfort at the base of my neck. <But I have a herniated disc at
C3-4 so that doesn't help matters either!)

> 2. "Senior moments" or possibly slight memory problems, i.e., recalling
> terms, keeping a myriad of details with technical issues in order, etc.

Amazingly, although when away from work I sometimes have difficulty
remembering such mundane things as birthdays or even once my own SS#, when
I'm working my memory has remained intact. <Thank God!>

> 3. Sheer physical stamina.

I used to be able to work 10 hours straight without a break....now after 3-4
hours I'm ready to quit for the day.

> 4. Ability to concentrate as long/hard as before.

Frequently this is a problem as MT isn't my #1 interest now as it was when I
was younger.

> 5. Other.

I've always loved being around children and having grandchildren has
defintely influenced my priorities!

>
> The reason I ask is, turning 40 for me was no big deal, nor even turning
> 50. But when I turned 60, that seemed to be a significant milestone in my
> life. I do have a cardiovascular history with an acute MI, 4-vessel
> bypass, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, etc., as well as major back
> surgery (Harrington rod with 7 vertebrae fused), spinal stenosis, etc. but
> I also try and take care of myself, eat healthy, exercise daily, etc.
>
> However, I get very little sleep and spend many long hours at the
> keyboard. Over the last year or so, it seems that my productivity,
> concentration, overall stamina, and just general abilities have
> deteriorated somewhat, and my wife swears this is a natural part of aging
> and that I now need to consider cutting back.
>
> What do you think?
>
Michael, I think you have to ask yourself a very important question: If you
knew you had six months more to live, would you be doing what you're doing
now? If the answer is "no," then maybe it's time to start shifting your
priorities. After age 60 we have to realize that our lives are well past
mid-point as no one gets out of here alive. (Sorry for the reality check!)

Liz

Ed Chait

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

"Liz" <lizhug1@mycomcast.net> wrote in message
news:XaydnZ2MxqI8gAHcRVn-rA@comcast.com...
>

>
> Michael, I think you have to ask yourself a very important question: If
you
> knew you had six months more to live, would you be doing what you're doing
> now? If the answer is "no," then maybe it's time to start shifting your
> priorities.
> Liz
>

That's a bit simplistic. If I knew I only had 6 months to live, then my
financial priorities and planning would be quite different than if didn't
know I only had 6 months to live.

I will be the first to admit that life is what happens while we're making
plans, but your suggestion to live your life as if you only had six months
is not applicable.

ed

CyberCafe

2004-11-18, 11:12 am

Michael McKenney wrote:

> I live on 86th and Lisbon, which is right on the border of being in
> Wauwatosa, but my address is actually in Milwaukee. There is a
> restaurant a couple of blocks from my house that has been there for
> ages, sort of a landmark, called Champion Chicken, if that helps you
> place it. :-D

Is the chicken any good? Like most other big cities, you can't tell where the
city ends and the suburb begins. My family used to live on 72nd and Cleveland
Avenue, which technically is West Allis (1/2 block outside Milwaukee). I went to
the old West Allis Central High on 76th and National. Boy, it's been years since
I've been home.

Barb
[vbcol=seagreen]
>
>
> BTW, thanks for taking the time to respond and for your input!
>
> CyberCafe wrote:
>

Michael McKenney

2004-11-18, 11:13 am

The chicken is not bad, but their specialty is fried, and I have long
ago stopped eating fried chicken. They do have great ribs, though,
(which is probably just as bad as fried chicken :-\ ).

You're right about one suburb ending and another beginning. It is
always hard to tell just when you are in West Allis, Hales Corner,
Wauwatosa, or even Brookfield now, as everything has seemed to "merge"
together over the years as more and more construction takes place, which
I guess is par for just about all of America. Oh well . . . . . .

CyberCafe wrote:

>Michael McKenney wrote:
>
>
>
>
>Is the chicken any good? Like most other big cities, you can't tell where the
>city ends and the suburb begins. My family used to live on 72nd and Cleveland
>Avenue, which technically is West Allis (1/2 block outside Milwaukee). I went to
>the old West Allis Central High on 76th and National. Boy, it's been years since
>I've been home.
>
>Barb
>
>
>
>
>
>

CyberCafe

2004-11-20, 11:24 am

Michael McKenney wrote:

> The chicken is not bad, but their specialty is fried, and I have long
> ago stopped eating fried chicken. They do have great ribs, though,
> (which is probably just as bad as fried chicken :-\ ).

Sounds like my kind of food if my guts would hold up to it.

> You're right about one suburb ending and another beginning. It is
> always hard to tell just when you are in West Allis, Hales Corner,
> Wauwatosa, or even Brookfield now, as everything has seemed to "merge"
> together over the years as more and more construction takes place, which
> I guess is par for just about all of America. Oh well . . . . . .

Do you ever get a chance to get out of the city? You know, maybe like going up north
for a week or so?

Barb
[vbcol=seagreen]
> CyberCafe wrote:
>

Michael McKenney

2004-11-20, 11:24 am

Sure, but not for a week or so. My wife and I often take "mini"
vacations on the weekend, sometimes to Door County, somtimes the Dells,
and sometimes even west of Madison to the Mississippi River for a scenic
drive and get-away. If it wasn't for Wisconsin being almost #1 in
America for taxes (especially Milwaukee County), I would love it here.
At 66 (another 6 years), we are planning on possibly moving, maybe even
to Anchorage. The winters there are actually at times even milder than
here in Milwaukee because of the "bowl effect" of the mountain ranges
surrounding Anchorage. But, that's at least 6 years away, so in t
meantime we will enjoy this state, especially the northern part which is
somewhat rural and truly beautiful.

CyberCafe wrote:

>Michael McKenney wrote:
>
>
>
>
>Sounds like my kind of food if my guts would hold up to it.
>
>
>
>
>Do you ever get a chance to get out of the city? You know, maybe like going up north
>for a week or so?
>
>Barb
>
>
>
>
>
>

Liz

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

"Ed Chait" <edchait4@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:302m54F2rg000U1@uni-berlin.de...
>
> "Liz" <lizhug1@mycomcast.net> wrote in message
> news:XaydnZ2MxqI8gAHcRVn-rA@comcast.com...
>
> you
>
> That's a bit simplistic. If I knew I only had 6 months to live, then my
> financial priorities and planning would be quite different than if didn't
> know I only had 6 months to live.

Ed, are you over 60? I think of you as a much younger man for some reason.
But as far as my statement being simplistic, it isn't for me and I hope it's
not for Michael either as hopefully he's prepared for his "sunset years" as
I have. I continue to transcribe because I enjoy it, but when the day comes
that it's no longer fun, I can stop in a New York heart beat as I've saved
for that day all of my working years.
>
> I will be the first to admit that life is what happens while we're making
> plans, but your suggestion to live your life as if you only had six months
> is not applicable.
>
> ed

Not applicable to you, perhaps, but quite applicable to mine.

Liz
>
>
>

Ed Chait

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

"Liz" <lizhug1@mycomcast.net> wrote in message
news:16adnRKMP6N6zwDcRVn-sQ@comcast.com...
>
> "Ed Chait" <edchait4@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:302m54F2rg000U1@uni-berlin.de...
If[vbcol=seagreen]
your[vbcol=seagreen]
didn't[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> Ed, are you over 60? I think of you as a much younger man for some
reason.
> But as far as my statement being simplistic, it isn't for me and I hope
it's
> not for Michael either as hopefully he's prepared for his "sunset years"
as
> I have. I continue to transcribe because I enjoy it, but when the day
comes
> that it's no longer fun, I can stop in a New York heart beat as I've saved
> for that day all of my working years.

I'm 48, but that really has no bearing on the issue as far as I'm concerned
because no matter what age I was, I would not be living as if I had 6 months
to live unless I had 6 months to live.

making[vbcol=seagreen]
months[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> Not applicable to you, perhaps, but quite applicable to mine.
>

Really?

Are you living now as if you had 6 months to live? Honestly?

If I had six months to live, I wouldn't be doing *any* transcription or any
other work for that matter. I would be spending most of my time with the
people I love. My priorities would be quite different.

ed

Susan Mitchell

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

I lived in Madison when I was a teenager (dad was stationed at Truax Air
Force Base). I truly do not think I could survive another Wisconsin winter
or summer. The humidity in the summer makes Western Washington look like a
dry desert. It was a pretty area and I still have friends there. The few
of us that moved a way may meet the others there for a reunion. My sister
married a guy from Muscoda (I may be spelling that wrong it's pronounced
Muss/co/day). It's up north and is a small town, they lived in Madison
before moving to Boise. I remember going to the Dells!

Funny you should want to move to Anchorage. I too want to go to Alaska. I
was born in Anchorage when dad was stationed there. I had to be born at
Fairbanks Hospital (Ft. Richardson) as Elmendorf had no hospital at the
time. Haven't been to Alaska since I was five.

--
Sue -- Firefighter mom -- Still Rabid UW Dawg Fan!
(to reply send to medlawtrans@comcast.net)
"Michael McKenney" <michaelmckenney@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:cF8nd.8575$N07.3556@newssvr16.news.prodigy.com...[vbcol=seagreen]
> Sure, but not for a week or so. My wife and I often take "mini"
> vacations on the weekend, sometimes to Door County, somtimes the Dells,
> and sometimes even west of Madison to the Mississippi River for a scenic
> drive and get-away. If it wasn't for Wisconsin being almost #1 in
> America for taxes (especially Milwaukee County), I would love it here.
> At 66 (another 6 years), we are planning on possibly moving, maybe even
> to Anchorage. The winters there are actually at times even milder than
> here in Milwaukee because of the "bowl effect" of the mountain ranges
> surrounding Anchorage. But, that's at least 6 years away, so in t
> meantime we will enjoy this state, especially the northern part which is
> somewhat rural and truly beautiful.
>
> CyberCafe wrote:
>
going up north[vbcol=seagreen]
where the[vbcol=seagreen]
Cleveland[vbcol=seagreen]
I went to[vbcol=seagreen]
years since[vbcol=seagreen]
age-related[vbcol=seagreen]
right[vbcol=seagreen]
evening.[vbcol=seagreen]
slowed my[vbcol=seagreen]
in[vbcol=seagreen]
complex[vbcol=seagreen]
with[vbcol=seagreen]
with[vbcol=seagreen]
remember[vbcol=seagreen]
several[vbcol=seagreen]
be[vbcol=seagreen]
longest)[vbcol=seagreen]
after a[vbcol=seagreen]
mean[vbcol=seagreen]
pick up[vbcol=seagreen]
has[vbcol=seagreen]
better[vbcol=seagreen]
forties, I[vbcol=seagreen]
when those[vbcol=seagreen]
about it.[vbcol=seagreen]
turning[vbcol=seagreen]
in[vbcol=seagreen]
4-vessel[vbcol=seagreen]
back[vbcol=seagreen]
etc.[vbcol=seagreen]
etc.[vbcol=seagreen]
there is[vbcol=seagreen]
lot of[vbcol=seagreen]
the lack[vbcol=seagreen]
I mean,[vbcol=seagreen]
life[vbcol=seagreen]
not me[vbcol=seagreen]
still lives[vbcol=seagreen]

Liz

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

"Ed Chait" <edchait4@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:3052oaF2smfslU1@uni-berlin.de...
>
> "Liz" <lizhug1@mycomcast.net> wrote in message
> news:16adnRKMP6N6zwDcRVn-sQ@comcast.com...
> If
> your
> didn't
> reason.
> it's
> as
> comes
>
>
> I'm 48, but that really has no bearing on the issue as far as I'm
> concerned
> because no matter what age I was, I would not be living as if I had 6
> months
> to live unless I had 6 months to live.
>
>
> making
> months
>
>
> Really?
>
> Are you living now as if you had 6 months to live? Honestly?
>
> If I had six months to live, I wouldn't be doing *any* transcription or
> any
> other work for that matter. I would be spending most of my time with the
> people I love. My priorities would be quite different.
>
> ed
>
Ed, I can honestly say that I am living my life as if I had 6 months to
live. Honestly! I happen to enjoy transcription, and am fortunate enough
that I no longer have to do it for the money. I find my work fascinating
and am still learning something almost every day. I transcribe on an
average of 25 hours per week, which leaves me plenty of time to spend with
the people I love. My priorities have definitely changed as I've gotten
older. Ten years ago I transcribed 60 hours per week on average, and I'm
still sleeping the same amount of hours as I did then. That means I now
have about 35 more hours per week now than I did then. I do not spend
those hours sitting in front of a TV popping bon-bons. I love having the
time to pick my grandchildren up at nursery school if I'm needed, or to
travel 150 miles to visit with my daughter and her family, or to take an
extended vacation with my husband, or even to accompany him on his business
trips. Really, I can't think of anything I'd be doing differently if my
life were to end in six months!!

Liz

djgordon

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

But no one knows if they have six months to live or not. Even when a doctor
gives that prognosis it could be off. My son was diagnosed at 8 months of
age and I was told he would probably not live to see a year. He lived to be
almost five and we lived our lives with him as though every day would be his
last and put as much happy experiences into those days as we possibly could.
No one wants a fatalist attitude, but if you were to be hit with an
irreversible illness tomorrow, would you have any regrets about what you
hadn't done in your life? I would, but mostly because I haven't had the
money to do the things I'd really like to do.

Dani

"Ed Chait" <edchait4@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:3052oaF2smfslU1@uni-berlin.de...
>
> "Liz" <lizhug1@mycomcast.net> wrote in message
> news:16adnRKMP6N6zwDcRVn-sQ@comcast.com...
> If
> your
my[vbcol=seagreen]
> didn't
> reason.
> it's
> as
> comes
saved[vbcol=seagreen]
>
>
> I'm 48, but that really has no bearing on the issue as far as I'm
concerned
> because no matter what age I was, I would not be living as if I had 6
months
> to live unless I had 6 months to live.
>
>
> making
> months
>
>
> Really?
>
> Are you living now as if you had 6 months to live? Honestly?
>
> If I had six months to live, I wouldn't be doing *any* transcription or
any
> other work for that matter. I would be spending most of my time with the
> people I love. My priorities would be quite different.
>
> ed
>
>

Ed Chait

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> Ed, I can honestly say that I am living my life as if I had 6 months to
> live. Honestly! I happen to enjoy transcription, and am fortunate enough
> that I no longer have to do it for the money. I find my work fascinating
> and am still learning something almost every day. I transcribe on an
> average of 25 hours per week, which leaves me plenty of time to spend with
> the people I love. My priorities have definitely changed as I've gotten
> older. Ten years ago I transcribed 60 hours per week on average, and I'm
> still sleeping the same amount of hours as I did then. That means I now
> have about 35 more hours per week now than I did then. I do not spend
> those hours sitting in front of a TV popping bon-bons. I love having the
> time to pick my grandchildren up at nursery school if I'm needed, or to
> travel 150 miles to visit with my daughter and her family, or to take an
> extended vacation with my husband, or even to accompany him on his
business
> trips. Really, I can't think of anything I'd be doing differently if my
> life were to end in six months!!
>
> Liz
>

Well then, that is extremely cool, and I admire where you are at in your
life. I hope to be there too someday.

ed

Phyllis

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

But do the plans include all the vagaries that can happen medically as
one gets older? The strokes and seizures, the nearly $400 a week
transportation because docs don't make house calls and for which the
insurance won't pay, the bone breaks that don't heal . . .ever, the
failed kidneys, the lungs that slowly turn into scar tissue, the health
insurance that has a lifetime cap? Unless one is very wealthy, how does
one plan for these unknowns? Catastrophic illness insurance is often a
very big joke. Investments sometimes turn sour (Enron?), and don't even
get me started on nursing homes. How does the average person with an
average income make fool-proof plans for the future?

Liz wrote:
> "
> Ed, are you over 60? I think of you as a much younger man for some reason.
> But as far as my statement being simplistic, it isn't for me and I hope it's
> not for Michael either as hopefully he's prepared for his "sunset years" as
> I have. I continue to transcribe because I enjoy it, but when the day comes
> that it's no longer fun, I can stop in a New York heart beat as I've saved
> for that day all of my working years.
>
>
>
> Not applicable to you, perhaps, but quite applicable to mine.
>
> Liz
>
>
>

Phyllis

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Have to agree with you, Ed. Transcription would not be a priority.
Spending time with my children and grandchildren would be. Cleaning
house wouldn't be a priority, but finding someone to care for my poor
husband would be. Washing the outside of my house wouldn't be, but
sitting in my garden and enjoying God's abundance would be. If I had
only six months to live, you can bet I would be chatting with God about
how He wanted me to handle this. I've never known of anyone who has
more than six months to live who is living like he only had six months
to live.

Ed Chait wrote:
>
> Are you living now as if you had 6 months to live? Honestly?
>
> If I had six months to live, I wouldn't be doing *any* transcription or any
> other work for that matter. I would be spending most of my time with the
> people I love. My priorities would be quite different.
>
> ed
>
>

Liz

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Phyllis, of course no one knows what the future might bring. However, we
can practice preventive medicine by exercising both body mind and following
a proper diet. Call me Pollyanna if you like, but I believe that an
optimistic outlook is healthier than the pessimistic scenario you presented.
Should the worst occur, however, I know without a doubt that my children
would never let me down. Furthermore, I'm fortunate enough to live in a
state which uses its lottery proceeds to assist seniors in need with such
programs as free transportation during off-peak hours, real estate tax
rebates, and monetary assistance for medicine costs when necessary.

"Phyllis" <phyllisnilsson@buckeye-express.com> wrote in message
news:419DE7E0.2010908@buckeye-express.com...
> But do the plans include all the vagaries that can happen medically as one
> gets older? The strokes and seizures, the nearly $400 a week
> transportation because docs don't make house calls and for which the
> insurance won't pay, the bone breaks that don't heal . . .ever, the failed
> kidneys, the lungs that slowly turn into scar tissue, the health insurance
> that has a lifetime cap? Unless one is very wealthy, how does one plan
> for these unknowns? Catastrophic illness insurance is often a very big
> joke. Investments sometimes turn sour (Enron?), and don't even get me
> started on nursing homes. How does the average person with an average
> income make fool-proof plans for the future?
>
> Liz wrote:
>

Phyllis

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Unfortunately, what I presented is our scenario, except I don't have the
courage to ask if there is a lifetime cap on benefits. Everything else I
posted is what the two of us are dealing with daily (plus dialysis three
times a week that we don't have to pay for).

I know your children would help you, if they are able, but there is no
guarantee they will be able to, either physically or financially,
depending upon their own age when your need occurs.

Neither my husband or I drink, smoke, do street drugs (although our
dining room now looks like a pharmacy sitting next to a hospital room).
His dialysis is due to kidney stones (infection-type) and my pulmonary
fibrosis is idiopathic (medicalese for "I'll be darned if I know why you
have it"). His femur may never heal because of his kidney failure
creating osteoporosis and he may never walk again. He is totally
dependent at the moment for everything except buttoning his shirt and
feeding himself (I take that back; he sharpened two paring knives for me
this morning while he was waiting for the ambulette to take him to
dialysis so I wouldn't cut a finger off when using them).

I'm not complaining. I have the greatest husband in the world and I
teasingly remind him it is a good thing he is since I'm now his
caregiver. We take it one day at a time, have gotten into a routine of
doing things as much as the differences in a day's commitments allow
(nurse, physical therapy, doctor's appointments, dialysis, etc), but I
have to wonder what we could have done differently to make this easier
on us financially.

We saved our money, invested, never spent much on entertainment, only
took one trip in almost 20 years of marriage, never bought expensive
clothes or cars, and at the age of 66, I am still working so we can
extend our savings for as long as possible because we don't know how
long we're going to need to make these expenditures. It may be too late
for us, but if there is something we could have done differently, I hope
someone will post it. It may be too late to help us, but it could help
others who haven't reached this stage in life yet.

My husband and I are both grateful for God's blessings. He has seen to
it that I could work when my husband couldn't and still stay home and
care of him, He's blessed us with enough money to invest and save and
pay off our house and cars, and I didn't receive my diagnosis until I
turned 65 so. If the docs are right (and we know they aren't God!) I
have about four more years before I'm gone. I have no illusions about
my health, but then, docs aren't God and He may give me my health until
my husband and 84-year-old stepfather don't need me anymore. And what
is more, He gave us each other. I could ask for no greater gift.

Liz wrote:
> Phyllis, of course no one knows what the future might bring. However, we
> can practice preventive medicine by exercising both body mind and following
> a proper diet. Call me Pollyanna if you like, but I believe that an
> optimistic outlook is healthier than the pessimistic scenario you presented.
> Should the worst occur, however, I know without a doubt that my children
> would never let me down. Furthermore, I'm fortunate enough to live in a
> state which uses its lottery proceeds to assist seniors in need with such
> programs as free transportation during off-peak hours, real estate tax
> rebates, and monetary assistance for medicine costs when necessary.
>
>
> "Phyllis" <phyllisnilsson@buckeye-express.com> wrote in message
> news:419DE7E0.2010908@buckeye-express.com...
>
>
>

Becky Young

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

>He gave us each other. I could ask for no greater gift.
>

Bless you, Phyllis. I wish things were easier on you.

Becky Young

Laura Gibson

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Phyllis, if I learned anything from what you said, the most significant
thing for me is not to put off taking vacations as one never knows what
tomorrow will bring, and that is one of our goals (to travel). My hubby
wants to take 2 weeks at the end of February for vacation, and I have been
hem hawing around about it. Now I think I will give the go ahead. I am 58
and he is 59, so one never knows when the ability to do pleasurable things
will be taken away.

Laura G.

"Phyllis" <phyllisnilsson@buckeye-express.com> wrote in message
news:419E19AB.8070807@buckeye-express.com...
> Unfortunately, what I presented is our scenario, except I don't have the
> courage to ask if there is a lifetime cap on benefits. Everything else I
> posted is what the two of us are dealing with daily (plus dialysis three
> times a week that we don't have to pay for).
>
> I know your children would help you, if they are able, but there is no
> guarantee they will be able to, either physically or financially,
> depending upon their own age when your need occurs.
>
> Neither my husband or I drink, smoke, do street drugs (although our
> dining room now looks like a pharmacy sitting next to a hospital room).
> His dialysis is due to kidney stones (infection-type) and my pulmonary
> fibrosis is idiopathic (medicalese for "I'll be darned if I know why you
> have it"). His femur may never heal because of his kidney failure
> creating osteoporosis and he may never walk again. He is totally
> dependent at the moment for everything except buttoning his shirt and
> feeding himself (I take that back; he sharpened two paring knives for me
> this morning while he was waiting for the ambulette to take him to
> dialysis so I wouldn't cut a finger off when using them).
>
> I'm not complaining. I have the greatest husband in the world and I
> teasingly remind him it is a good thing he is since I'm now his
> caregiver. We take it one day at a time, have gotten into a routine of
> doing things as much as the differences in a day's commitments allow
> (nurse, physical therapy, doctor's appointments, dialysis, etc), but I
> have to wonder what we could have done differently to make this easier
> on us financially.
>
> We saved our money, invested, never spent much on entertainment, only
> took one trip in almost 20 years of marriage, never bought expensive
> clothes or cars, and at the age of 66, I am still working so we can
> extend our savings for as long as possible because we don't know how
> long we're going to need to make these expenditures. It may be too late
> for us, but if there is something we could have done differently, I hope
> someone will post it. It may be too late to help us, but it could help
> others who haven't reached this stage in life yet.
>
> My husband and I are both grateful for God's blessings. He has seen to
> it that I could work when my husband couldn't and still stay home and
> care of him, He's blessed us with enough money to invest and save and
> pay off our house and cars, and I didn't receive my diagnosis until I
> turned 65 so. If the docs are right (and we know they aren't God!) I
> have about four more years before I'm gone. I have no illusions about
> my health, but then, docs aren't God and He may give me my health until
> my husband and 84-year-old stepfather don't need me anymore. And what
> is more, He gave us each other. I could ask for no greater gift.
>
>
> Liz wrote:
we[vbcol=seagreen]
following[vbcol=seagreen]
presented.[vbcol=seagreen]
such[vbcol=seagreen]
one[vbcol=seagreen]
failed[vbcol=seagreen]
insurance[vbcol=seagreen]
and[vbcol=seagreen]
York[vbcol=seagreen]
making[vbcol=seagreen]
>

Liz

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Phyllis, I was hoping that the bleak picture you painted was not
autobiographical...I can't tell you how sorry I am that it is. We just
never know what kind of a hand God will deal us.

Liz

"Phyllis" <phyllisnilsson@buckeye-express.com> wrote in message
news:419E19AB.8070807@buckeye-express.com...
> Unfortunately, what I presented is our scenario, except I don't have the
> courage to ask if there is a lifetime cap on benefits. Everything else I
> posted is what the two of us are dealing with daily (plus dialysis three
> times a week that we don't have to pay for).
>
> I know your children would help you, if they are able, but there is no
> guarantee they will be able to, either physically or financially,
> depending upon their own age when your need occurs.
>
> Neither my husband or I drink, smoke, do street drugs (although our dining
> room now looks like a pharmacy sitting next to a hospital room). His
> dialysis is due to kidney stones (infection-type) and my pulmonary
> fibrosis is idiopathic (medicalese for "I'll be darned if I know why you
> have it"). His femur may never heal because of his kidney failure
> creating osteoporosis and he may never walk again. He is totally
> dependent at the moment for everything except buttoning his shirt and
> feeding himself (I take that back; he sharpened two paring knives for me
> this morning while he was waiting for the ambulette to take him to
> dialysis so I wouldn't cut a finger off when using them).
>
> I'm not complaining. I have the greatest husband in the world and I
> teasingly remind him it is a good thing he is since I'm now his caregiver.
> We take it one day at a time, have gotten into a routine of doing things
> as much as the differences in a day's commitments allow (nurse, physical
> therapy, doctor's appointments, dialysis, etc), but I have to wonder what
> we could have done differently to make this easier on us financially.
>
> We saved our money, invested, never spent much on entertainment, only took
> one trip in almost 20 years of marriage, never bought expensive clothes or
> cars, and at the age of 66, I am still working so we can extend our
> savings for as long as possible because we don't know how long we're going
> to need to make these expenditures. It may be too late for us, but if
> there is something we could have done differently, I hope someone will
> post it. It may be too late to help us, but it could help others who
> haven't reached this stage in life yet.
>
> My husband and I are both grateful for God's blessings. He has seen to it
> that I could work when my husband couldn't and still stay home and care of
> him, He's blessed us with enough money to invest and save and pay off our
> house and cars, and I didn't receive my diagnosis until I turned 65 so.
> If the docs are right (and we know they aren't God!) I have about four
> more years before I'm gone. I have no illusions about my health, but
> then, docs aren't God and He may give me my health until my husband and
> 84-year-old stepfather don't need me anymore. And what is more, He gave
> us each other. I could ask for no greater gift.
>
>
> Liz wrote:
>

CyberCafe

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Phyllis

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Maybe it sounds harder when one reads it than it is to live it, but we
are truly blessed. If it weren't for the nurse, (once a week), the home
health aid (three times a week), and the physical therapist (twice a
week) I wouldn't have been able to keep him at home, and home is where
we both want him to be. Because he goes to dialysis three times a week,
I have those hours to soak in a hot tub, get chores done, run errands,
take care of my stepfather at his apartment, and get in some
uninterrupted work time.

I've experienced most of the ups and downs others have, plus a few
extras thrown in, but my greatest happiness is that God saw fit to bring
my husband and me together and help make our marriage a truly happy one.
When I overhear my husband tell his family in Michigan that if it
weren't for me he couldn't make it, or one of his friends on the phone
that I'm his best friend, I'm truly a happy woman. If I had one wish for
the world (ala Miss America?) I'd wish that everyone could find a spouse
as right for them as my husband is for me.

If there are things to do to better financially prepare for this,
besides being frugal, saving, and investing, I someone will post it and
the younger ones here heed the advice so they don't have to continue
working long after retirement age to stretch their savings.

One thing I know for sure; whatever hand God deals us, He will help us
play the game. We only have to ask.

Liz wrote:
> Phyllis, I was hoping that the bleak picture you painted was not
> autobiographical...I can't tell you how sorry I am that it is. We just
> never know what kind of a hand God will deal us.
>
> Liz
>
> "Phyllis" <phyllisnilsson@buckeye-express.com> wrote in message
> news:419E19AB.8070807@buckeye-express.com...
>
>
>

Phyllis

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

I truly hope you have a magnificent vacation and many more. Hope you'll
come back and tell us about it.

Laura Gibson wrote:
> Phyllis, if I learned anything from what you said, the most significant
> thing for me is not to put off taking vacations as one never knows what
> tomorrow will bring, and that is one of our goals (to travel). My hubby
> wants to take 2 weeks at the end of February for vacation, and I have been
> hem hawing around about it. Now I think I will give the go ahead. I am 58
> and he is 59, so one never knows when the ability to do pleasurable things
> will be taken away.
>
> Laura G.
>
> "Phyllis" <phyllisnilsson@buckeye-express.com> wrote in message
> news:419E19AB.8070807@buckeye-express.com...
>
> we
>
> following
>
> presented.
>
> such
>
> one
>
> failed
>
> insurance
>
> and
>
> York
>
> making
>
>
>

Phyllis

2004-11-20, 11:25 am

Having people here to talk to and listen to and debate with is more
helpful than one would think. When the isolation gets to me, I just
come here and that makes the day easier for me. Thank you.

Becky Young wrote:
>
>
> Bless you, Phyllis. I wish things were easier on you.
>
>
> Becky Young
>