I am finally re-starting Seniorflow Moments, the blog at SeniorFlow.net. They will come in email format with a link to the website blog in the event you prefer to read them there. You can read it online here (link)
A lot has changed since I published the last SeniorFlow Moment in May, 2023. I have had some health problems which have been resolved for the most part. In June of 2014, nearly 11 years ago, I had my Aortic Heart Valve replaced with a cow’s heart valve (it was either that or a pig). In 2023, I started having major sleep problems, shortness of breath, and swelling of my legs and ankles. All this lasted about a year with several different diagnoses until my Cardiologist, at the time, finally discovered that my cow valve was deteriorating and malfunctioning. I became a prime candidate for a TAVR (Trans Aortic Valve Replacement) procedure, where the malfunctioning valve will be covered over by a new one without requiring open heart surgery.
My TAVR procedure was done in June 2024, almost 10 years to the day from the original valve replacement. The procedure resulted in 16 days in the hospital for tests, the procedure and recovery. Most of that time was spent in bed with the only exercise being short walks around the nurses station a couple times a day on a walker.
That 16 day stay demonstrated conclusively that lack of exercise and physical movement, even for that short a period, can result in major loss of muscle mass and strength.
It has taken over seven months to rebuild part of that lost muscle mass and strength and I am hopefully near the end of recovery mode.
In the meantime, my wife and I have just moved from our home of 47 years into a Retirement Community in nearby Ashburn, Virginia a western suburb of Washington, DC, but only a half hour west from where we were. We are still getting settled as I write this.
A am continuing with my personal fitness program at nearly age 85 (April 1) and determined that now is the time to start publishing “SeniorFlow Moments” again, and take the conversation about Health, Fitness and Personal Energy back to the Senior Community.
While I have nearly recovered my strength from the TAVR procedure and some setbacks enroute, I am inspired by a quote from the book, Aging or Ageless, by Ron Zeller. I have referred to the book in a previous post. This quote reflects my attitude about the value of Health, Fitness and Personal Energy, and the Mindset necessary to stay with it as we age:
“. . . Choice: I will end this old and frail existence. I will take charge and recover my youthfulness.” — Ron Zeller, Aging of Ageless, p 114
I wrote that passage on an index card and taped it to my desk lamp where I let it inspire me daily.
That’s a long backstory but I hope it explains why no articles for too long. And, thank you for reading this SeniorFlow Moment. Look for future articles on Tuesdays, as before.
Bob,
It is great to hear about your journey to recovery. I look forward to your regular articles – they have been very helpful and informative.
Tom