Hello everyone
I can’t say that 2025 was my most favourite year but rest assured this blog is not going to be a tale of misery. However, there were some negative aspects to it especially around my health. But I wasn’t exactly ill, no, this was about having mostly age-related issues that have not gone away and probably won’t, ever. In fact, I have had to reconcile myself to the age I am. Which is, I’m now in my 80th year, and my birthday in June is when I clock up 80 years.
That must sound a bit odd, needing to be reconciled to being 80, but let me explain. It is not the age I am, it is more about the situation I find myself in at nearly 80, with a body that hurts and doesn’t do what it should do. So to qualify what I said, it’s not exactly my age, it’s the state of my health and my particular ageing process that I am bothered about. And so different to most of my 70s when I was incredibly arrogant about ageing as I was obviously going to age well – why ever not, I thought? I had a slightly dicky digestion but everything else was fine and as I did all the exercising, had a good diet and usually slept well, there was nothing to worry about being 80 or even 90.
Well, after this last year, all that conceit and pride vanished, and I now realise that my body has a lot of limitations, most of which are not going away. And as many of you know about my challenges in 2025, I won’t go into a lot of detail except to list the 3 main issues, which are:
Arthritis in the spine – with a trapped nerve in the Lumbar area. That trapped nerve and the pain thereof, that might ease, with an injection into the spine but the arthritis is there for the duration.
An impinged hip – I’m hoping to go on the waiting list for a hip replacement.
A balance issue – recently diagnosed as Vestibular Migraine but no change yet.
Plus, hypersensitive eyes after the two cataract operations resulting in me not being able to wear eye makeup.
Now, as I said at the beginning of this blog, this is not going to be a misery story of how awful things are, because things are absolutely not. It is just I have had to adjust and realise – this is the reality of my ageing.
Dear readers, I expect some of you know this already, ageing is not for softies. It is not as the 50 yr-olds, even 40yr-olds would like us to think, ‘oh I love ageing’, they say, ‘I feel empowered, I feel I can say anything now, I am free to do this and that, I can say no, and wear purple’, and so on and so on.
And then there is the Ageing Well lobby who would have us believe, we just need the right attitude, eat the right food, and don’t forget, exercise and walk+++, and we will be fine.
I see you. And quite frankly I want to know what you think about ageing when you reach 80 or whenever your genes decide, that’s it, baby, I am going to just make your body fall apart! Because, sweetheart (British sarcasm) you really know nothing about ageing, until that is you actually experience it.
I must sound a bit cranky and irritable. But, in fact, that is not how I feel. I’m someone who likes to solve problems. I am a doer and a go-getter rather than someone who simply accepts what is happening. However, I admit to being slightly outraged at what has happened. Me? I think, moi? Really? Really? I say a few salty words and then burrow away at researching, looking things up and wrestling with the reality of my ageing body. Then I move forward as you will see by the end of this blog.
Before I reveal that, it would be true to say that in 2025 everything changed, and it has been a dramatic change. I changed from someone who could go up to London, on their own, to someone who couldn’t get out of their own home without help. Not, I hasten to add, that was about my strength. This, as you know, is about my perception of the world. This is a proprioception issue, a feeling that, if I don’t have a point of reference: a wall, a ceiling, some furniture, I will fall flat on my face – hence the diagnosis of Vestibular Migraine.
So, what to do? First of all, I acknowledge what is happening. And note that somewhere in this phase of acknowledging my predicament, I mourn the loss of my ability to just be a normal adult.
Note also that I do not use the words ‘I lost my independence’. That’s one of the catch-all phrases and jargon words used by medical professionals to describe older people. They ask is this older person independent or not. Hey, I like to say, don’t use that term ‘independent’ because I was just a normal adult going about my usual life and then wham, bam, I somehow couldn’t.
So, what to do? It’s taken a long time to get to this stage, but you have to accept what is happening. Now this is not a passive acceptance. This is not giving up, but it is a stage where you come to understand the reality, and, this is very important, you begin to think, OK, here I am in this situation, what can I do about this? I mean obviously you want the medical profession to come up with the goods and say, hey, this is what you’ve got and, hey, this is the prognosis, it’s all going to be good. And when they don’t come up with an answer, you spend a lot of time (much research and many appointments) and money (for said appointments) aiming just for that.
But just maybe you also need to say – oh, this is what it is. Now what?
And then you reach the stage – and for me this has taken over a year – when you realise that maybe you need to do something yourself. And here I am doing just that. Of course, through 2025 I have also seen an acupuncturist and kept myself going with my Personal Trainer, doing the exercises in between those sessions very nearly every day. That’s the belt and braces part of dealing with the 3 maladies.
But what else?
Reader, I knew I needed a rollator (Btw, a stick doesn’t help me at all) but I was almost ashamed of needing one. But this was my internally directed ageism working overtime because we all live in an ableist world. And I was quite hard on myself. Oh cripes, I don’t want to look frail, old and disabled. I don’t want to look like the traffic sign that shows two bent old people crossing a road. Me with one of those walker things – a rollator. Noooo! Never! That is absolutely not how I want the world to see me. And so on and so on, went the internal ageist voice in my head.
It was hard to move on from that. Do read this blog from Ashton Applewhite the author of This Chair Rocks and an anti-ageist activist. She too felt the same way about using a stick for her balance issue. She too felt shame and did not want to use an aid.
But she got over it and so have I. I not only want a rollator, I have a rollator! YAY!
Btw, the weather in the UK is rain, rain and more rain! That’s a charity shop shower-proof animal print lined raincoat I bought two years ago. And this is me buying a rollator in a large and local charity warehouse.
For the short time I’ve had one, it feels liberating. Do I look old and disabled? I might do, I probably do, but I am liberated.
Rock on, any of you, who have to use a walking aid. We know we are better balanced with one. Who cares what we look like, we feel safer, happier, and far more able than before.
So, do tell me if you felt a bit uncertain about using a walking aid but then got one. And, to anyone who needs one and has been reluctant – I’d say just go for it, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
That’s all for now
With love, PennyX
My daughter was diagnosed with vestibular migraines last year – aged 39 – so I understand completely how your balance issues can impact your life. I am sure you have been bombarded with ideas for treatments but the one thing that has helped her is Betahistine tablets. Not a cure but a definite help. Have you found that yours is worse if you are congested?
I do hope that that rollator continues to offer the liberation of getting out and about confidently again.
You are the second person who has told me about a younger woman getting this balance related migraine. I looked up the drug and I see that it is used for vertigo and Meniere’s Disease. The thing is I am never dizzy. That is what always flummoxed the GPs – they were always looking for a pill to get me better. Even the private consultant is doing the same really, because although at last I had a diagnosis, nothing much has changed.
But onwards and upwards and I do hope your daughter continues to get better. Thanks Deb 🙂
Fantastic, Penny! To feel liberated, for whatever reason, is the best feeling and should be treasured. You look as chic and stylish as ever and I love the cobalt blue colour of your ‘freedom giver’! Really well done for embracing liberation.
It does make me feel far freer, but having got this 2nd hand, I am going to look for another walker, as it is a bit clunky to push, and I have thought about getting one with a different colour. Black and gold? Animal Print?
Thanks, though for your kind words 🙂
I am not a lover of animal print as it doesn’t suit me at all. However, I know it suits you! Or, yes, what about gold, either on its own or as a pattern, as it’s close to your favourite yellow?
What a wonderful honest piece to write. Well done you.
We are not the sum total of our body. We have our mind, our heart and our soul. Better an aging body and a growing mind than a stagnant mind and moving body (in my opinion).
And if others don’t see that, then their loss, not your’s. Keep up the good work in all the honest and insightful words that you share.
Yes, I always want to try something new, and it should have been the same for the walker, but gosh the ageism we all internalise, that I internalised, was very hard to overcome.
Thank you for those kind words, Susan, they are much appreciated 🙂
Hi Penny. You blog was so good to read. I am sick of seeing articles, blogs, fb pages which seem to suggest that ageing is all plain sailing and eating well and exercising. My aged parents – both active for a long time – helped me to see that yes the body does start to give up (and in my mother’s case also her mind). Acceptance and finding ways of living with the changes is so important. And whatever we need we need. I love your style too. You look so chic but not if I might venture to say so unrealistically so like some people I see on line. So thank you.
Yes there are a lot of unrealistic looking people on Fb and Instagram and even more unrealistic depictions of ageing. With the latter, there are many articles about ageing from people who are not really old!!! I hope to continue to write from my older age, which absolutely won’t be all about my health but will just be honest about how life and one’s body changes. But it will also include the positives and focus on what we can do. That’s really important.
Thank you Andy, for reading this and your comment. Much appreciated 🙂
I love your attitude, Penny!
It’s foolish to think that our bodies won’t give up at some point if we just exercise and eat well – we’re all ageing and at some point a part of us will fail. We’re not immortal. Like you, I think we have to acknowledge that bits of us will stop working and to cope with it when it happens. I’m pleased that your rollator has given you back your independence and the confidence to go out and about on your own. Keep on rolling, all the best, Penny x
Well, being honest here, I haven’t gone out on my own yet. I will, but I’ve only had the rollator for a week. But that will happen and I can see it will happen. Which is such a positive change.
Onwards and upwards and thank you Penny for those kind words which are much appreciated 🙂
Penny, you are inspiring! X
Thank you so much. I must say I haven’t felt inspiring but it has been a big step forward to accept I needed a rollator – and I am glad to have made that decision. Thanks again 🙂
Hi Penny,
Another wonderful blog. I liked when you mentioned you acknowledge what is happening and accept what is happening. Well said.
It’s taken me a long time to accept what’s happened and then be practical and ignore the aegist voice I had in my head. But I’ve got there. Thanks Cindy 🙂
You are truly indomitable, Penny! Give you a problem, and you WILL find the solution even if it’s not the one you want. I’ve just been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my lumbar region, too. The strange thing is, my back didn’t hurt until the doctor told me about it. Mike has a borrowed rollator, but he finds it gets away from him. We need to find a place to try them out. He refuses to use the wheelchair even though it’s everything I can do to keep him upright. I do wish he had your attitude…salty words and all! Well, let’s be honest! I’m salty enough for both of us!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
It took me a long time to get to this stage of acceptance and be able to say – hey, yes, indeedy, you need a walker/rollator. Go get one!
The one I’ve got (just over a week ago) is bit clunky (well it was pre-loved) and the brakes are not as they should be, so I’ve been researching better ones. Tell Mike to look up on American sites for the Drive DeVilbiss Nitro Sprint Rollator. That’s the one I think I might get.
Ha ha – we think and act alike! Quite a few salty words have been said by me about all of this. It helps! Thanks Marsha 🙂
Congratulations on the rollator and I hope it brings you more freedom. I do know what you mean when you say you resisted it because of the perception it has. My daughter (who has a severe chronic disability) really resisted a wheelchair for ages because ‘someone she knew might see her’. Now she embraces it because it means she can go out again. As a society, we’ve got a long way to go in terms of judgement and prejudice towards older and disabled people.
I absolutely get where your daughter was coming from. We are such an ableist society – it’s hard to change one’s views on walking aids – but your daughter did it and eventually I did too.
Thanks so much Sylvia – your comment brought up a very good point 🙂
I guess we should look at it like we do glasses or hearing aids…if it helps us, there’s no reason not to embrace it.
I’m reading this book, I think you’d appreciate called Elderhood. It’s by a doctor, Louise Aronson and is quite enlightening.
XOXO
Jodie
Exactly right – we don’t shy away from glasses, but we live in such an ableist world. It’s hard to change one’s views about walking aids, but eventually I overcame that voice in my head and it’s onwards and upwards now.
Thanks Jodie 🙂
An informative blog about aging Penny. I also enjoyed reading the piece from Ashton Applewhite. It’s interesting how other folk view people with a walking or other aid and how we perceive ourselves. My mum is a classic example of not wanting to use a walking aid. She wouldn’t use a stick or rollator so became housebound. We eventually talked her into it and I must say she doesn’t go far but we at least can get her into the car to take her out.
I don’t think you look old Penny, I think you look aging in the eye and find a solution and then gets on with it. Keep aging well Penny.
I really enjoyed reading the Ashton Applewhite’s blog as it absolutely resonated with me. That ageist voice in my head was so insistent telling me not to get a rollator. But really it will be such a different year, this year with one. I haven’t as yet gone out on my own, (the weather is horrid at the moment) but I know I will do.
And I know exactly where your mother was coming from. Do hope your mother also gets a little bit more confident but it’s progress that you can get her out to the car.
Thank you Linda 🙂 for those kind words, about me not looking old – sometimes though…..! But I do get on with it.
I think many of us are reluctant to accept help in any form whether it be practical / physical help or help from aids. It’s almost like it’s shameful. I needed hearing aids for several years before I took the plunge and got them. I was obsessed with the idea that people would see them and think I was old (I’m ‘only’ 64 now) and past it, or a bit stupid etc. I wouldn’t be without them now and of course they’ve made me realise that my natural hearing is absolutely terrible. I’ve got used to them and hardly give them a thought anymore but they’ve enhanced my life greatly and made it possible for me to carry on performing well at work, cope with social situations etc.
I know exactly how you felt about that feeling of shame, that was how Ashton Applewhite felt too. It’s good in a way, to realise how everyone goes through this. In fact, it is uplifting to hear how well you’ve got on with your hearing aids and are used to them now. It’s also great to know these aids have helped you a lot. I’m hoping it will be the same for me.
Thanks so much for your comment Wendy – it’s much appreciated 🙂
Dear Penny
I think you look very elegant in your smart mac along with your new ‘pusher’. 😉 And surely that is due in large part to your attitude: having a word with yourself about your health issues, applying common sense while considering ways forward and then acting upon them. Easy to write, not so easy to action…
But you have done it! Congratulations! You’ve kicked 2025 into touch and started ’26 positively. I’m not sure I could recalibrate so strongly so I’m raising a virtual glass of something sweet (or dry) and tasteful to you for showing me and your other readers the way to go when push comes to shove. You’ve shoved back, and I’m sure everyone is very proud of that and wish you well. I am, and I certainly do!
And good wishes to Marsha too.
Love
Zepherine x
Oh Zepherine – thank you so much for your lovely comment. I certainly did have to have a word with myself! And it wasn’t easy. But I am happy to share how I felt about these things, especially the feeling of negativity I had just thinking about getting a rollator. And then realising that this was me being ageist. For heaven’s sake, woman, I said, it might really help. So I got there in the end.
Thanks again Zepherine – I do love reading your great comments 🙂
Enjoy what you can, when you can, however you can. I have just lost a dear friend to MND; another had a liver tumour. You dont know what is round the corner. I cant do alot of things now – but just trying to stay active, healthy and ‘carpe diem’. So you rollate away and have a lovely 2026 and 80th year! xx
Yes, it is sobering and so true that the alternative to ageing is a fatal condition. Although another way of looking at it is that life is fatal anyway! I know that to age into one’s 80th year is a privilege – I have a long list of friends who have died.
But indeed, seize that carp (!) and cast off that ageist voice in your head. We should just accept and look for all the help we need – it’s logical.
And thanks so much for those good wishes for 2026 🙂
Dear Penny, I LOVE your indomitable spirit! You are coming to terms with being 80, and it’s meant some life changes for you. You are thinking positive and still looking as elegant as you did before. You will rock being 80!
I believe that you have to ‘play the hand that’s dealt you.’ Like you, I’ve had to come to terms with some unexpected life changes as I’ve aged: my hearing isn’t as good as it was; I have issues with my back; I use a walking stick for balance. But…I’m still here. I’m still ME. So many are gone before they reach my age (77).
Best wishes for a great 2026,
Sue
I agree about the others who haven’t made it to our respective ages. I have a long list of both my husband’s friends and my friends who have died in their 70s. It is sobering and then you realise how good it is to be alive.
I also agree you have to ‘play the hand that’s dealt you’. One just has to get on with it. And at last I’ve come to accept my limitations – and got the walker! 2026 will be a different year to last year!
Thanks Sue 🙂
Hello Penny , what a year you have had . I know from personal experience that it takes time to accept what is happening to you when it is so unexpected .
I too find the ageing well message irritating as we all age in different ways and despite our best efforts it doesn’t follow a straight path.
I am pleased you are finding the rollator a great help ( they are called walkers down here). I guess we all have preconceived ideas on these aids until we really need them.
May 2026 be an easier year for you.
This ageing well lark is fine for when you are around 50-60, but the reality of ageing is very different and these writers have just not experienced these changes to their bodies that we have.
Honestly the feeling of being able to just walk around without the help of my husband (or a friend) is so cheering. I felt so happy the first time I walked around a shop myself. But I’ve had to researched better quality walkers as the 2nd hand one is a bit heavy and clunky. Anyway, 2026 will definitely be very different to 2025.
Thanks Jill 🙂
Penny, great post. Very realistic accounting of how things are. May we all follow your great example.
I think you look quite good behind the wheels of your new aid. Roll on and continue to do what you can do.
Warm greetings from Ecuador.
Elaine Ness
91 years old and going strong. So far, so good in the health department.
Oh gosh, Elaine, I think it’s the first time you’ve told me your age. Fantastic to be 91 and still going strong – well done you!
I’m going to buy another rollator as the one you see in the photo is rather heavy and clunky but it gave me a taste of what one can do. So it’s onwards and upwards throughout 2026.
Thanks Elaine, I really appreciate you reading the blog and your comment 🙂
Oh Penny this blog chimed with me no end. You said all the things we have said and reached the same conclusions; The Cavalry Is Not Coming! My husband (75) has had Parkinson’s for almost 12 years. For ten or so years, not so much changed. We were not going to let it define our lives so we got on with it, continued to travel, albeit with modifications, continued to do the exercise (the only thing the medics can really offer and continue to preach), healthy diet, yada yada and then 2025 was a game changer. In a big way, talk about whack a mole? One thing after another affected OH’s health; colds he couldn’t recover from, chronic sinus infections, arthritis in the knees, UTI’s. You name it. I have a spreadsheet to keep track of it all, and it all impacts on the Parkinson’s. Result? two cancelled holidays this winter, massive loss of confidence and a much pared back life. We’re hopefully building back slowly and he’s gaining confidence – no thanks whatsoever I may say to our local primary care, we have had to sort everything out and work our way through it. Finally, acknowledging, accepting and adapting, And yes he has snazzy blue rollator just like yours – posh word by the way, we call ours Murray Walker.
Wishing you the very best for 2026.
Oh that is such a good phrase – the cavalry is not coming! I know that the GP practices are under pressure. That phrase is used so often but, really, they do need to do things better and be, well, more caring. Because that’s what I feel, they just don’t care. And yes they don’t have the time. Well Ok, what are they going to do about that? It appears – nothing. And on theNHS they won’t even give you advice about walking aids – well that was what I was told. So, not even a discussion – because – no time, and you don’t fit the criteria. Apologies! End of rant of the day!
So very sorry about OH’s situation but great you had the 10 years, and I truly hope things improve this year. And yes, indeed we have to accept and adapt. Actually that rollator is a bit clunky and heavy and doesn’t fold up sufficiently for the bus, which we take often. so I am researching buying a newer lighter version. But what a difference it will make.
Here’s to a better 2026 for me, and for your husband. Thanks Pamela 🙂
Just loved this post Penny. yesterday I attended the funeral of a man who was my age, about to turn 85 in this coming year. Not as sad an occasion as one might expect as he was much admired by so many and apparently had a rich and satisfying life. Anyway, this post hit a nerve. When I was in my 50’s and 60’s other women would tell me I was a role model I took the more advanced classes at the gym, rode horses. Driving at night was not an issue. for a few years I even had a job where I was part of a psychiatric emergency team. my partner and I would go out at all hours of the night, often in sketchy neighborhoods to help someone with an emotional crisis. this in my late 50’s. I exercised, ate a healthy diet. my blood pressure was always low. even in my 70’s I felt pretty good and stayed active after retirement. but these last years have been different. my stamina has decreased. Over the spring and summer I knew something had changed. my recent physical revealed my thyroid levels were much too low. My blood pressure was dangerously high. I had cateract surgery a few years ago and also to correct the glaucoma which I have developed. since then my eyes have been so dry and sensitive that I can no longer, like you, wear eye makeup. and a blurryness in my left eye as well.
and driving at night has become so difficult. even going to the next town makes me anxious. when I try to drive slowly inevitable someone behind me blows their horn. They probably think I ought to give up my license. And not being able to drive would be a real blow to my independence. I see how people I have known for the last several years have changed. my independence is what I am hanging on to. Several year ago, when I was still hoping that I might find a partner to see me through these last years I was contacted by a man who had also been a psychologist as well but a bit older. When I called him to set up a meeting he told me to call later as he had to go to dinner,( it was late afternoon) I do not want to be told when and what to eat! like you and so many of us we fighting to maintain our health and independence. We do what we have to do. I am sorry if this is too much doom and gloom. but the good thing is that I am sitting here at my own desk in my own house and if it is not too cold later I will take a walk. Thank you for telling it like it is Penny. And with style and some sass.
Love, Darby
We are both in the same boat Darby, as like you I was so fit and well right up to my late 70s and then – well, the body just changes and one has so many small as well as, maybe, larger ageing issues. I absolutely know that ageing is a privilege and others don’t make it to our age. But still, it is a bit of a shock when it happens.
The blurriness in your eye might be resolved with laser treatment???? The artificial lens gets clouded and the laser treatment sorts it out. Has that been suggested? I intensely dislike driving at night and tbh don’t it anymore.
I too can feel my stamina decreasing.
But, I have increased my cultural life by joining a U3A (University of the Third Age) class and went yesterday to hear a lecture about Chekhov and his life. I had no idea he was also a doctor and that he managed to write his plays whilst still being a doctor – truly amazing. These things really do expand one’s mind and you do a lot of this Darby which I have always admired.
Wishing you all the best Darby and many thanks for reading this and commenting – your comments are always appreciated so very much 🙂
I admire you so much, your acceptance and determination to overcome the challenges. My mum, who lived to 93, also hated the idea of a stick and rollator. Eventually she succumbed, and was so happy being able to go to the shops and on the bus again. I’m under no illusions about the difficulties of ageing, no matter how fit and well we think we are at 60 or 70. It can all change in an instant. Recently someone I know slipped on ice on the way to Pilates and broke her arm. My uncle, who’s 90, was always a role model for fitness but lately he falls when walking (he still won’t use a rollator!). My husband, at 70, has been having problems lately which is devastating for him, but like you, he’s pragmatic and works hard to see how he can turn things round.
Do tell your uncle about me who, at ten years younger than him, had to go through the stages of, should I, perhaps I need one, but will I, noooo, oh OK I will! I think it would be make all the difference, but I do get where he is coming from.
The thing is although I appear to be on the button with this decision, it took me a long time to get there. But I have. So onwards and upwards from now on. Actually tell your uncle (if he makes the decision) not to go for cheaper rollators. The one I got from Age Uk is rather clunky and too heavy for me. I am researching the lighter (more expensive models) as I want to go on the bus with it. The one I’ve got will do for around the garden where I live. But I do wish him all the best.
Thanks so much Gail 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing Penny.Your blog is wonderfully insightful and so helpful to me. My husband is going through similar issues at the moment and it’s a long process trying to find out what can be done to help him xx
It is an awfully long process to go for as you don’t get much help from the health professionals – in my case I just didn’t fit the criteria for any advice on what to buy re: the rollator. Of course, sometimes the long process is about one’s own feelings about accepting situations., which was so for me.
Have you tried your local Age UK – they often have good advice and advisors. Or any other group that might be in your locality.
Wishing you and your husband all the very best. Thanks Vivien 🙂
Penny, you are honest and you are brave and your article may help others “acknowledge and accept”. I find your writing interesting and inspiring, please keep going.
It took a long time to reach the stage that I am at though! But at last I’ve got there and I am happy to share things with people. Thanks Sue 🙂
Thanks Penny for this post. I love the positivity. You don’t look old and frail, you look like the sparky Penny I have always known Ann
Thanks so much for those kind words Ann – they are much appreciated. Thanks again 🙂
Thoughtful post Penny, I see you have now been diagnosed with vestibular migraine,I have it myself as you know and so many people think it’s to do with migraine and you have to tell them it’s not and it’s to do with balance. I gave into a stick last year but through my diet and getting less stressed,I have eased myself off the stick,although I do still use it if I’m on my own and in a crowded environment. I’m pleased for you that you have found an aid that is comfortable for you. Hopefully you can find a lighter one and you will be like Stirling Moss in no time! Take care,Margaret
It is always good to hear about your improvement. I was so pleased to get this diagnosis but tbh I haven’t improved much at all. The thing is the pain from the trapped nerve and my impinged hip impact my balance as what I have noticed is that when I am freer of pain (it never goes away completely) but when I have less pain my balance improves. Obviously this is about my muscles being tight and also I kind of limp when it is at its worst – this really doesn’t help.
Also I have given up quite a few things in my diet, caffeine, citrus, chocolate, most dairy but not butter. I eat a very ‘clean’ diet but I can’t say much has changed.
I have noticed that there are days when the balance is not as bad. I’m thinking I might do a food diary to see if anything clearly affects my balance.
The rollator will help as I want to be able to get about without hanging on to people. That will be amazing.
Thanks Margaret – it’s always good to hear from you 🙂
Hi Penny, do you eat foods with yeast in? It was on my list from my consultant and I’ve found I can’t eat anything with yeast in if I do it affects my balance big time! I did a food diary and it was a great help recording foods that upset my balance, on another note what miserable weather we are having at the moment that doesn’t help! Take care Margaret
Interesting that you were given a list by your consultant. My consultant isn’t particularly interested in restricting foods, (I never got a list) although he agreed that the main triggers were cheese, caffeine and chocolate and applauded the fact that I’d given these up.
I will start a food diary.
Tbh not much has changed although I think the rollator will really get me going out and about. Sadly I am grounded at the moment with a heavy cold and rattling cough, but as soon as I am a bit better I shall go and get a new rollator (the blue one was 2nd hand and a bit clunky) which is lighter and better all round. Can’t wait for that. AND better weather!
Thanks Margaret 🙂
Hi Penny, I haven’t ever commented before but I enjoy your blog and something popped up on my Apple News feed today that made me think of you. It caught my eye due to the headline – The Surprising Cause of Balance Issues in the Elderly – from yesterday’s Telegraph. It describes a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which is caused by the presence of miniscule calcium crystals in the semicircular canals of the balance mechanism of the inner ear, which develop as we age. It goes on to explain how it can be remedied. I know you have had a diagnosis of vestibular migraine but I thought it might be of interest. I have never heard of this but sounds like it’s something that we should all be aware of as we get older. Hope you can get in to it via this link but, if not, let me know and I’ll cut and paste it here (think the Telegraph content might be behind a paywall). Hope this is of interest and feel free to ignore if not! Best wishes, Kari
https://apple.news/A3ca-RR9MTlumm18lpra5Zw
Hi Kari, and thank you so much for that article which unfortunately I couldn’t read as it wasn’t anywhere on the link you sent. But no worries as the consultant I saw eliminated BPPV with a couple of tests he did. It was no, you haven’t got that but with your history of migraine and how you describe your sensation of ‘woa, I can’t move across that gap’. It is a pro-prioception issue with my brain unable to process walking without a point of reference – hence outside being incredibly challenging.
I read up as much as I can about the vestibular migraine, all say it is tricky to treat. Ah well, onwards and upwards with the rollator, although I am grounded at the moment with a cough and cold.
Thanks again Kari, your thoughtful comment is much appreciated 🙂
Well, when I look at the above photo of you, I see a confident woman, regaining her independence, standing tall and wearing a bright smile, and very stylish look for the rain, rain, rainy days you are experiencing.
Hope you can have the injection in your back and find that it makes a big difference in your pain level. I have had 2 injections – one in my wrist and one in my foot. They greatly relieved my pain. And I have never had to have a second one in either area.
I know the hip surgery won’t be much fun but hope you can have it soon and get the recovery behind you. It would be wonderful if by summer, you could have the surgery finished and be working your way back to 110%.
I’m sorry there doesn’t seem to be much that can be done – at least right now – for the balance issues, the migraines. But that is what the rollator is for. To give you back your independence and sense of security so you can move around. Praying that something miraculous will happen to ease your balance problem.
When I broke my foot, I started with crutches – dreadful – then a wheelchair, then a knee scooter and in between all of those options for mobility, I used our rolling office chair. I hated going out and being wheeled around by Paul. But it was so much better than being stuck on the couch at home. I am still very uncertain about stepping out on my now healed foot so my time is no doubt coming for a rollator. I hope I can use mine with the same confidence you are using yours.
Oh what lovely words you use to describe that photo – thank you! I’m still reconciling myself to the rollator, whichI haven’t used all that much as i) I am grounded by a heavy cold and cough and ii) that rollator you see gave me a sense of what I could achieve but it is rather clunky (it was 2nd hand).But Ive researched better rollators and as soon as my cold gets better I know exactly which one I will buy. So onwards and upwards with that particular issue.
As of the other issues I have: I will see a consultant in March for a spinal injection – but that is just a discussion. Fingers crossed I don’t have to wait too long before I get the actual injection. Like you I am pretty sure that the injection will work.
And the hip? Well…… the thing is with our beloved NHS (not British sarcasm – we all truly love the NHS, warts and all!) the thing is, we will never ever have to pay for anything (unless absolutely necessary because waiting lists are long). However, hip and knee operations have notoriously long waiting lists. Two years or even more. And this time I cannot afford to go private so I will have to wait. Btw, most people in the Uk are very reconciled to this – we would like to have our hip ops done as soon as you describe – but it doesn’t happen. However, I hasten to add, anyone with a potential cancer diagnosis must be seen within 2 weeks and they usually are.
Oh Leslie you also have been through the wringer with your poor foot. Glad to hear it is pretty much on the mend but I totally get your lack of confidence. These things do bring us down a lot. Fear not, I bet by the summer you will be even better.
Thanks so much Leslie 🙂
You have had so many replies, and as I’ve only just noticed this post after reading your Sci Fi one, I’m a bit late in my response. Anyway good luck with the walker and just to say I’ve seen many ladies round here with quite lightweight natty ones, which seem to have a shopping bag in the seat, and yes, in leopard print! I always fancied one of those natty Easy Rider style mobility scooters myself, though they’re a bit big for lifts. Keep up with the stylish clothes too. So many people seem to give up on style with age, but I think it’s essential for self confidence. I hope you find something for the vestibular migraine. I have chronic migraine about 2-3 days a week and it’s tough. I lose a lot of my life getting through it. Doctors seem to think there’s a pill for every ill, and be stumped if there isn’t. Just enjoy a part of every day, in some way! And we must soldier on ‘rewardless’ as they say! Have a happy day. Trish S