PERHAPS, IT WAS WHEN THE BLADDER STARTED TO GIVE WAY?
THAT STARTED WITH ME ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO SO LET’S SAY AGE 60!
I WOULD RISE EVERY NIGHT ABOUT 3 AM……….
SOMETIMES I COULD GO BACK TO SLEEP OTHER NIGHTS I WOULD LIE THERE UNTIL THE ITALIAN’S ALARM WOULD GO OFF AT 4 AM!!
YES HE GETS UP EVERY MORNING AT THAT TIME!
I HAVE NO IDEA HOW HE DOES IT!!
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE HUMAN BRAIN IS 80% WATER?
Even slight dehydration can cause fatigue,headaches lack of mental clarity, stress and SLEEP ISSUES!
POSITION TWO:
A SIDE SLEEPER.
DO YOU SLEEP ON YOUR SIDE OR YOUR BACK?
I LIKE TO SLEEP ON MY LEFT SIDE.
HOWEVER, SINCE FINDING OUT MY ATLAS IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN I HAVE REVERTED TO BACK SIDE SLEEPING.
AS I FOUND THAT HAD HELPED BEFORE………
ATLAS =The atlas is the topmost vertebra and, with the axis (the vertebra below it), forms the joint connecting the skull and spine. The atlas and axis are specialized to allow a greater range of motion than normal vertebrae. They are responsible for the nodding and rotation movements of the head.
Typical symptoms of an atlas misalignment or an atlas blockage are:
headache and migraines.
deafness, tinnitus or noise in the inner ear.
pain in the jaw.
neck pain or a stiff neck.
extreme muscle stiffness and restricted shoulder movement.
back pain in the lumbar spine as well as hip pain and pelvic misalignment
I HAVE HAD FIVE OF THE SIX SYMPTOMS MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE!
POSITION THREE:
BACK SLEEPER AGAIN BUT WITH PAWS UPWARD.
YES THIS IS HOW I SLEEP NOW WITH PAWS DOWN!
PERFECT EXAMPLE; THANK YOU THEODORE!
YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED BEAUTIFULLY!
THESE PHOTOS WERE ALL TAKEN WITHIN TWO HOURS ON THE SAME DAY!
POSITION FOUR:
RIGHT SIDE SLEEPER.
THIS USE TO BE MY PREFERRED SIDE……….BUT SOMETHING CHANGED.
I WOULD GET A PLUGGED NOSE ON THIS SIDE NOT ABLE TO BREATH!
WHICH IS ODD AS I HAVE A DEVIATED SEPTUM ON THE LEFT SIDE!
POSITION FIVE:
LEFT PAW OVER RIGHT PAW SLEEPER.
ONLY IN MY DREAMS WOULD I SLEEP SITTING UP WITH HANDS SO ELOQUENTLY PLACED!
FUNNY THING I DID FALL ASLEEP THE OTHER DAY IN AN UPRIGHT CHAIR.
AFTER ALL THE HAMMERING WAS DONE ON MY ATLAS AREA!
I HAD GIVEN THE DOC A SCALE TO TELL ME WHERE MY ATLAS IS EACH TIME I VISIT.
WHEN WE STARTED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO MY ATLAS WAS AT A NINE ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10.
TEN BEING THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO.
HE HAD GOTTEN ME DOWN TO A ONE THIS LAST YEAR.
LAST WEEK I WAS AN EIGHT!
HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN PEOPLE?
I AM NOT GARDENING,NO HEAVY WEIGHT; IN FACT NO WEIGHTS WHAT SO EVER…….
ZERO FAST MOVEMENTS WITH THY NECK AS I AM VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE HEADACHE THAT WOULD APPEAR AND THE EYE SIGHT THAT WOULD BECOME BLURRY.
I AM LOOKING AT MY PHONE LESS AND LESS AND STAYNG AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER AS WELL…….
AS I DO NOTICE THE NECK IS IN OVER DRIVE WHEN BENT DOWNWARDS!
I HAVE DISCOVERED A HELPER IN THE SIT UP STRAIGHT DILEMMA ALL ON MY OWN!
AT MY COMPUTER I HAVE PLACED A LARGE MIRROR WITH STAND.
A COSMETIC MIRROR TO THE SIDE, SO I CAN GLANCE EVERY NOW AND AGAIN TO SEE MY POSTURE!
WHERE MY SHOULDERS ARE AND MY CHIN!
YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH THAT CHIN JETS OUT AS YOU ARE READING!!!
MY BEST ADVICE IS TO THINK SHOULDER BLADES TOGETHER.
THAT IS HARD FOR ME!
BOOBS STAND FORWARD AND STRAIGHT AHEAD…….
WHICH IS ALSO HARD FOR ME!
I USE TO HAVE CHAMPAGNE COUPES FOR BOOBS.
NOW THEY HAVE BECOME FLUTES!!
POSITION SIX:
RIGHT PAW OVER LEFT PAW.
THIS COULD BE ME…….BACK IN THE DAY WHEN I WAS COMFORTABLE SLEEPING!
COMPANION SLEEPING!
DOES YOUR BED PARTNER FACE YOUR WAY AND HUG YOU AND BREATH IN YOUR FACE?
I AM SHARING PART OF AN EMAIL I RECEIVED RECENTLY……….
ABOUT HEALTH FROM ONE OF MY READERS.
SHE HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT THESE PAST TWO YEARS!
BUT SOMEHOW WHEN SHE SHARES IT TO ME SHE MAKES ME SMILE……
IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH HEALTH ISSUES OR FAMILY ISSUES MAYBE TRY AND TAKE THIS APPROACH AND MAKE IT MORE POSITIVE THAN NEGATIVE?
EASIER SAID THAN DONE I KNOW!
Since we always talk about health, I will bring you up to date on mine. I am ready to stop having surgeries, stop finding out that things are wrong with me, stop going to doctor’s appointments so much, stop being reminded of all of the ways our bodies turn against us, etc. I may have told you (I said this to one of my doctors the other day) my recent rant: Once a woman goes through menopause, she finally accepts herself, has forgiven herself for past mistakes, gains confidence, really starts to live, THEN, her body begins to betray her in every way! At least that is the way it seems in my case lately. I have had a partial mastectomy, two subsequent reconstructive surgeries, two smaller surgeries to have my device implanted, an oral surgery or two for my dental implant, and hideous radiation treatment, all within the last 19 months. My most recent oncologist visit revealed that I was “dangerously high [I question this wording] in potassium,” and the prescription was for this nasty liquid that looked like phlegm, sputum, and amniotic fluid, that I had to drink TWO bottles of, in order to “evacuate” it. It was far worse than the stuff you drink for a colonoscopy prep. It was “flavored” with cherry, and I swear it had chalk in it for good measure. Maybe it was sheetrock dust. How I was able to swallow it was, itself, a miracle. Let’s just say that I had to stay in the bathroom for awhile. You don’t go back to being “regular” immediately, which adds to the fun. I had an eye appointment last week, and the condescending doctor told me I had thyroid eye disease, which sounds alarming, but is apparently not serious. It contributes to my dry eyes. GREAT! Another thing to worry about! Anyway, he swears he and I talked about this last year when I was there, but we most certainly did not. I asked a question, and he said, well, we could talk about that for four hours, or you could “google it.” I am not making this up. I said, “Okay, then why don’t you just give me the Cliff Note version, you bastard?” Okay, the last two words were silent. The whole visit went like this. He was barking out measurements or something to his assistant, who was recording them. At one point, I said, “What is that?” and he said, “Let me finish! Then I will tell you.” Which he didn’t. My gosh. You would think I was bothering him by giving a damn about what was going on. I have been through so much that I have decided I will no longer put up with crap from anyone. I will find someone else to see for my eyes. My husband referred me to him, since he has seen the guy for over 20 years. I may have mentioned that the spouse is blind in one eye, so he needs someone he absolutely trusts to take care of his good eye. I told him about my encounter and he said, “Wow, he has never been that way with me.” So, he has a problem with women, I guess. Then hubby said, “I don’t care what he does in his spare time, as long as he takes care of my good eye.” He doesn’t expect a doctor to have a personality or a decent bedside manner. That makes one of us.
Whew, I hope that wasn’t too much to dump into an e-mail. I get the feeling that it is okay to tell you, since you know other hideous details about your Pen Pal Extraordinaire. I have no idea whatsoever what it is like to retire and be a lady of leisure, as it seems like I have been recovering, recuperating, limiting my activities, resting, sleeping, adjusting, blah, blah, blah, due to all of this pesky medical stuff. I’m trying to be a grown up about it, but it sure is hard.
I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ENJOY THAT AS I HAVE RANTED ON ABOUT THE SAME TYPE OF TREATMENT, BUT I THINK SHE BEATS ME AS SAD AS IT IS.
THIS WOMAN CAN MAKE ME LAUGH!
I WAS IN THE GROCERY STORE ON AUGUST 24TH AND SAW PUMPKINS AND CANDY READY FOR HALLOWEEN!
THIS IS NO SURPRISE AS FOR AS LONG AS I CAN RECALL IT JUST KEEPS GETTING EARLIER AND EARLIER……in fact I think this year it is a bit TARDY!
SO IN THAT CASE I DONOT WANT TO FALL BEHIND…………BOO!
GET IT?
HA!
FALL IS AROUND THE CORNER AND AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO IT?
NOT REALLY ALTHOUGH HERE IN THE WESTERN STATE WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FALL BETTER THAN SUMMER MOST YEARS!
ONCE FALL ARRIVES CHRISTMAS CRAP WILL BE OUT………………
I GUESS I HAVE REACHED THE AGE WHERE IT ALL JUST FLOWS TOGETHER AND I HAVE TOO MUCH OF EVERYTHING SO THE CLEAN OUT MUST BEGIN!
I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HEAR MYSELF SAY THAT…………….SO THINGS DO CHANGE OVER TIME.
Helloooo dear Contessa! I love to sleep more than anything in this world!! I am a side sleeper and I try to alternate my sides so my face has an equal amount of wrinkles. I have never heard of an atlas before. I learn so much from you, O wise one! Hope you had a wonderful Summer.
So many comments here about doctors, tests, etc. You all reminded me of a book I read a couple of years ago by Barbara Ehrenrich, Natural Causes. She came to the conclusion that we all have a shelf life and should choose wisely which tests and procedures to undergo as we age. I concur. The longer I live in this body, the better I know it. But I must admit, here I am in bed past one am on the computer, so I am an awful role model!
I’ve talked with SO many friends this year, my age group-70s, who are bombarded by too many tests & doctors who don’t seem interested. Seemingly bothered by questions regarding one’s own health.
Crazy times.
WELL, ITS GOOD TO HEAR ITS NOT JUST ME!
BUT HOW SAD REALLY TRUELY!
I HAVE A VET STORY ABOUT BETTY WENT IN FOR AN ITCH ON HER EAR.ENDS UP SHE HAS A BAD YEAST INFECTION IN IT.VET GAVE MEDS AND WANTED FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT IN 3 DAYS.NO APPT. WAS MADE.NO PHONE CALL EITHER.
OVER TWO WEEKS GO BY AND VET CALLS ME THE DESK GAL YOUNG THING NEW I ASSUME WHO TELLS ME THEY DO NOT CALL TO MAKE FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS!BUT SHE CAN GET ME IN TWO WEEKS…………….
I ABOUT LOST IT!!
XXX
I love how Theodore modeled for this post. I also have issues with what side to sleep and have been going on my back, but them Max says I snore. So my latest trick is to side sleep holding a blankie that sort of props me up so I don’t totally collapse on the side and it helps. The other thing that helps is two CALM gummies that have magnesium and calcium and help me get better sleep. I hear your reader.. Darn getting older sucks and doctors without good care do not help! Maybe instead of huge test score they can also go by how people have empathy with others.. That would help HUGELY.. and a lot would NOT make the cut.
Such a relevant subject for all your (ageless : ) readers… it is such a common problem with no really good solution. It has to be managed, tweaked, and coped with. I have used Lunesta (2mg) for many years and would recommend for anyone who has persistent poor quality sleep= insomnia. But can be v. hard to find an MD who will prescribe, and other drugs are a big factor (I only take blood pressure meds). I have had no morning drowsiness /side effects and generally sleep through the night–on one side or the other–A SIDE-SLEEPER : )
LOVE the THEO photos–he was the PURRRFECT model for this subject. We once had a handsome orange cat named Gingerale, so good looking : ) I have read and reread the email from your friend… a tale of woe, but she is so strong and funny and obviously resilient. I have begun to have back aches and posture is problem, so wonder what lies AHEAD. All I know is that it’s very important to maintain a sense of humor and to find a bit of joy in every day… as you so admirably do.
Shopping for wedding dresses this weekend–the 68 year old mother of the bride and her 75 year old father… we (obviously) never thought about ‘the numbers’ when we waited so long to start a family!! XOXO PS You are the BEST witch : )
HAVE A BALL SEARCHING FOR THE DRESS!
I KNOW YOU WILL!
I HAVE SEEN THAT SLEEP MEDICATION ADVERTISED ON THE TV…….
LOVE LOVE LOVE THE NAME GINGERALE FOR AN ORANGE FUR BABY!I MAY HAVE TO COPY FOR THE NEXT ONE!
I USE TO LOVE TO DRESS UP FOR THE TRICK OR TREATERS NOW WE GET ZERO!ANOTHER LIFE BLOW………HOW I MISS THAT!
ENJOY THIS TIME…………ITS AS GOOD AS THE FINAL SHOW!MEANING THE BUILD UP TO THE WEDDING!!
XOXO
I’ve always been a light sleeper and it seems to be getting worse. I used to sleep on my right side, then changed to my left but now I mostly sleep on my back. I think I sleep best in the couch when I’m supposed to be watching TV 🙂
I think Theodore was a most perfect model. Our cat would sometimes sleep with her head hanging off of whatever she happened to be sleeping on so her head was lower than her body. I’d have vertigo for days if I did that.
Great blog. I always try to count my blessings, because someone else is always way worse off. So blessings to you, and everyone reading this, for good health, and a good night of sleep!
Cara Contessa, we have so many of the same problems. Last 2 months, serve nerve pain in my neck due to degeneration from 2 years sitting slumped over my computer living on Zoom – doing fun things, but the cost is a high price to pay. Always loved sleeping on my left side, but now with neck problems I sleep on my back, half-sitting, with a half-blown up airline pillow to keep me from moving. And only 6-7 hours instead of the delicious 8-9 I used to have. I’m waiting to have steroid shots in my neck but they have to wait sue to 2 months of UTI’s with ongoing symptoms. Dry eyes to boot. Restasis Rx eye drops and Genteal ointment have helped greatly. What I love is your spirit interacting with the doctor. My late doctor husband always told me we have to be our own advocate in medical treatment. Brava!
THAT WAS MY DEAR BUDDY WHO WROTE ABOUT HER MEDICAL CONDITIONS NOT ME………….
She has a WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR!
I am so SORRY to hear what you are going through!
Kim and I spoke about you recently!I told her we had LUNCHED a FEW YEARS AGO!
I am running out of STEAM to be PATIENT AND ADVOCATE and RESEARCHER and BLOG WRITER getting MY BEST INFO from ALL OF YOU!
YOU HANG IN THERE!IT WILL GET BETTER!
XXX
Theodore made the perfect sleeping ‘model’ for our viewing pleasure. I go through cycles of excellent sleep, then a few nights or waking around 3:30 am–wide awake. I just have gotten used to it and I think it does have to do with hormone changes. I’m a side sleeper, turning and changing sides throughout the night. I love to sleep on my back after reading my kindle in the middle of the night (because I read that on my side). My partner and I don’t cuddle so much because it’s been so hot. But in winter he always warms his feet up on me 😛 I’m as angry as Theodore when this occurs. As for health, mine is pretty good still (knock on wood). I have the mammograms and this year will require other tests. Nothing serious or alarming to date–fingers crossed.
I find yoga helps with posture. Although I’m slouching right now as I type. I like your suggestion of a mirror to check while sitting at your desk.
Love the photo of you at the end!
OKAY KINDLE NOT GOOD IN BED……….
GO TO Northern California STYLE KIM’S BLOG A FEW POSTS BACK.
WE ARE NOT TO READ IN BED BEFORE SLEEP AS IT CAN SCREW US UP TWO OR THREE DAY THERE AFTER………..
MAYBE THAT IS THE PROBLEM?
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THAT?
THAT IS AN OLD PHOTO OF ME AT HALLOWEEN…………..A FEW YEARS AGO!
MANY THANKS………XXX
OH NO. I don’t read it at bed time. It’s actually if I’m side awake at 4 am but don’t want to get out of bed. The reading takes my mind off other things and actually makes me sleepy. I will check out her post though! Thanks for the tip.
Hi there! I, too , have a problem with my neck! Here is what my trainer has had me do that has made a HUGE difference! Your laptop screen needs to be eye level. Up on a stand. Like a desktop would be if you had a desktop instead of a laptop. Also, people look down at their phones. Try to hold it in front of your face sitting up. But the laptop is the most important, and easiest to correct.
YES, I DO BOTH.
!DESKTOP IS ON TONY DUQUETTE BOOKS!!AT EYE LEVEL IF NOT HIGHER.
PHONE I TRY TO HOLD AT EYE LEVEL AS WELL BUT THAT I AM NOT SO GOOD AT……….
I’M GOING!!!!!!!!FULL SPEED A HEAD!!!!!
XXX
Ah, to sleep as soundly as a cat or dog. I envy them. I’m a both sides or back sleeper. Always with a flannel scarf over my eyes. Haven’t had a good night sleep in 20 years. Sleep problems started early 40’s along with 10 years of peri menopause. Dreadful. Ovaries removed due to family history of ovarian cancer. The results, most pre-menopausal symptoms ended or dramatically reduced. Yay. But sleep, or lack thereof, got worse. And continues to get worse. Not sleeping results in hang-over like mornings and unproductive days. I recently spent the night in one of those sleep labs. What a weird experience. It told me what I already knew, I don’t have sleep apnea, but offered no other insights, just a large medical bill. Melatonin, Ambien … all those sort of interventions result in bizarre and scary dreams and feeling out of it the next day. Ativan which work beautifully in small doses (I get to sleep and ca go back to sleep) works beautifully but now there is all this fuss over it causing other issues. What prescription drug doesn’t? Doctors are useless. And I totally sympathize with the experience of your sweet reader. Ob/Gyn’s only interested in pregnancy and delivering babies. Thankful to be healthy and hope to avoid getting caught up in our dreadful medical system … which has become downright scary. You have me curious about the Atlas. I’ve been planning to make chiropractic appointment due to numb toes (medical doctor suggests surgery … when he can’t even diagnose the problem?). Aging … aint’ it grand?! As always, I appreciate your candor and willingness to address these frustrating topics. xo,
FLANNEL SCARF………..?I USE EYESHADES WHICH ARE DARN HARD TO FIND THAT ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE HEAD BAND!I ALSO USE A PILLOW…………SO TWO SHADES OR TWO LAYERS!
I HAVE BEEN IN THOSE SLEEP LABS……….A COUPLE OF TIMES.FREEZING COLD!
THAT IS HOW THEY DISCOVERED MY FOCAL SEIZURES………..A FORM OF EPILEPSY!
NOW DID YOU WATCH KIM’S VIDEO ON SLEEP THE GUY FROM UC BERKELEY?IN THE QUESTION ANSWER PART IF ONE GOES TO BED WITH IPAD OR PHONE ONE WILL NOT SLEEP RIGHT FOR THE NEXT TWO TO THREE DAYS………
MAYBE WE SHOULD GO HANG OUT WITH HIM FOR THE NIGHT!!!
I WOULD SAY CHIRO WOULD HAVE AN ANSWER TO NUMB TOES!
I SHALL ASK MINE WHEN NEXT I SEE HIM IN TWO WEEKS TIME!
XOXO
I don’t have a lot to contribute to the discussion Elizabeth.
I’m a crap sleeper now after years of being an excellent one.
What I really want to comment on is how you’ve used Theodore like an anatomical model to describe sleeping positions …….brilliant …… hilarious.
Ciao Bella.
Neat xx
I am a side sleeper with a cushion between my legs to keep me aligned. Some nights I wake up and when I cannot get back to sleep I move into the spare room and put on an audio book. I generally fall back to sleep in half an hour.
You are so funny and look so beautiful here.
My sleep is dictated by little demented dogs position next to me… I do prefer left side when possible. Up once or sometimes more to use loo.
I think the most important thing for me has been to realize that the mild aches and pains are now the norm, as is taking 5 pills a day, also, accepting that sometimes I can’t do what I wish to…
As Elaine Stritch sings in the best Sondheim song, “I’m still here.”
WE ARE STILL HERE SO LETS KEEP ON KEEPING ON!
I THINK I BEAT YOU AT THE MOMENT IN THE PILL DEPARTMENT BUT SOON I WILL BE DOWN TO THREE MEDS A DAY TWICE A DAY MORE THAN ONE PILL FOR EACH………………XXX
Good morning CONTESSA
I am a left side sleeper with a pillow between my legs (physio recommendation). Left side sleeping resulted from car accidents – uncomfortable on right side – back sleeping = too much strain on the body.
I fall asleep FAST and most nights sleep right thru from 1:00/2:00 am to 9:30 am. Why do I go to bed so late – because I often work nights and don’t get home until 11:30 and am often wired up after seeing such fabulous live events – music/dance etc – at the theatre(s) I work at. Need to relax and unwind.
Loved the days when I could sleep anywhere and on anything – floors – kitchen table – sofa etc – now it has to be a good mattress and pillow. Camping is out as I have sleep apnea and need the machine.
Loved the pics of Theo!
We must remember to stretch our bodies during the day like a cat. To have a quiet time too before heading off to bed.
Oh my your reader has so many health issues – what a time for her. She has amazing strength.
SHE DOES AND SHE HAD ANOTHER OPERATION YESTERDAY!
BUT WHAT A SENSE OF HUMOR SHE HAS THEN AGAIN SHE IS A SOUTHERN BELLE!
I DO THE PILLOW THING TOO………..AS IT DOES KEEP THE SACREM IN PLACE FOR ME BUT I FIND A TOWEL WORKS BETTER HARDER ALL FOLDED UP.
YES I STRETCH AND DANCE IN THE KITCHEN WHILE I WAIT FOR THAT PASTA WATER TO BOIL!!
DEMI – PLIES……………ARE GREAT TO DO AND THE UP ON OUR TOES WHAT WERE THEY CALLED RELLEVES?!!
SO HAPPY YOU CAN SLEEP!AFTER THOSE NIGHTS ON YOUR FEET!
XXX
Carissima Contessa, I could relate to so much of what you wrote and described in your post! And, THEODORE! OMGoodness! I could look at that Adorable boy the whole day long! Cats sure know how to sleep! I used to sleep on my right side and stomach for 7-8 hours at a time before I had my twins. When they came along at age 33, my sleep pattern changed DRASTICALLY. They are all grown up and adults now, but for some odd reason, I am still stuck in that strange, waking up every two hours schedule -since they were born! It’s nuts! Now, adding to the mix, is the need to constantly pee every time I do wake up. I can say that I NEVER feel refreshed when morning rolls around. I know that I really should get my atlas adjusted. My husband and daughters had their first adjustment maybe 13 years ago, When they got home, I asked them how it went and one of them said that it felt like she was being beheaded. Turned me off ever since. I don’t have a high pain threshold anymore!
I do think YOU are doing everything right and being very mindful! Gravity just has a way of dragging us down with it the more we age…it is a constant battle! I feel for your friend who is also going through a lot. I had an opthalmologist like the one she mentioned. Dropped him like a hot potato. What confirmed his weirdness was that every month for about a year, I would get a letter from him telling me how irresponsible I am for not keeping up with my eye appointments etc.etc.
Anyway, life is way too stressful as it is. We do not need pricks in our lives.
Keep doing what you’re doing Bellissimma Elizabeth! You and Your Fur Family are all so photogenic!
God Bless!
XX00Fran
THE BEHEADED BIT WAS I BET SHE HAD HER NECK CRACKED?
TOTALLY DIFFERENT THEN ADJUSTMENT TO THE ATLAS!!
ASK HER AGAIN WHAT HE DID EXACTLY!!
ATLAS HE HOLDS YOUR HEAD IN BOTH HIS HANDS AND MOVES VERY SLOWLY ONE WAY AND THEN THE OTHER WAY.ASKS YOU TO OPEN YOU MOUTH HALF A WAY AND HOLD.WILL APPLY A BIT OF PRESSURE WHICH DOESNOT HURT ME AND I AM A WHIMP!!!
HEY IF I CAN BIRTH A TEN POUND BABY AND YOU TWINS WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Boy do I relate. It’s always something. As Bette Davis said, Growing old aint for Sissies!” Sleep? I don’t sleep for very long. probably 6 hours? But I pass out in the afternoon somedays.
WELL YOU ARE SO BUSY WITH YOUR VIDEOS AND YOU TUBE CHANNEL ITS NO WONDER YOU PASS OUT IN THE AFTERNOONS!I ADMIRE YOUR STAMINA AND ENEGRY I WISH I HAD HALF OF IT!!
XXX
You are so fun. Initially I sleep on my back for a while, then sleep on my left side. Sometimes I will sleep on my right side which gives me a chance to kiss and hug my husbands back. If he turns around and we face each other I will turn around to my left, or back because his knees hurt me. Ha!
I had a neck ache for 3 months; I self diagnosed and figured my spine was out of whack and went to my beloved chiropractor. He fixed me up, but said I should purchase one of those scuba diving breathing apparatus when I went swimming. Works like a charm. I still had a slight neck ache, and I self diagnosed again and found that I should not use a pillow. No more neck aches.
I started waking up at 3:00 in my 40’s; I was pre-menapausal. It did bother me at the time because I was working and going through a divorce (which I thought that was the reason for the 3:00 interruption). Now 72 and very happily married again, I STILL wake up at 2:00-3:00 AM, but it doesn’t bother me because I can nap during the day. I’m retired, so this early morning gives me a chance to read, do my Yin Yoga, work on my home-made cards that I mail to friends, prepare breakfast for my 102 year old mother, swim a mile in the pool, or work out in garage/gym. By that time, it’s 7:30 and I crawl back in bed for a short nap and wake up when my husband does around 9:00. The best part of my morning!
I wish you good health Contessa!
WOW……….YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!
I LIKE EARLY MORNINGS TOO BUT NEVER GO BACK TO BED UNTIL AFTERNOON!
I THINK ITS MY FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY!
I DO UNDERSTAND THE KNEES HURTING!!
BIG SMILE!
XXX
I THINK WE’RE CLONES!!!! Elizabeth, some of this had me laughing, some not. I completely relate (and maybe my eye issue I had last week is related to that thing you have!!!!) And Theodore needs to teach my two kitties about sleep…they like to run around the house at 4AM and this is NOT good for my sleep. I can’t tell you how much I relate to this entire post. Love you, friend. Keep smiling and keep carrying on in your special way.
DON’T WORRY I SHALL CARRY ON KNOW MATTER WHAT!!
YES, I KNEW THAT THE FIRST TIME I MET YOU………CLONES MADE OF THE SAME CLOTH!
THRILLED I COULD MAKE YOU LAUGH!!
XXX
Love the cat poses you got from Theodore for human sleep positions….wish I could sleep at night like my 8 year old
cats do during the day.
I completed 2 months of physical therapy for my cervical spine in May and June. I had the left side jaw pain, the shooting pains in that side of my skull, the stiff neck….what else ? I now do my neck exercises every day, and remember my posture: stand straight, shoulders back and down with head balanced over shoulders. The orthopedist told me my C3 and C4 disks were collapsing on each other, just “old age”, as he showed me his 58 year old eye wrinkles, so no cause for alarm, WTF ?…….he prescribed P.T. and it did help.
I am almost 83…have a 61 year old son, another who is 58, and a daughter, 56. The only meds I take are an
injection of Prolia for my bones every 6 months. Going to my 65 year high school reunion in September, like someone else mentions happy to do so as so many of my good friends are, sadly, no longer on this beautiful earth.
Yes, I get up to pee about 3 times a night, and try to keep hydrated all day and even during the night because this
old body needs it ! I am thankful for all that I can still do, ie. walk 30 min. everyday, drive, tend my huge yard, smell the roses, and cut the flowers to bring inside.
I send you healing thoughts, dear Contessa, be well, and carry on.
YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION!!
I NEED THAT PROLIA INJECTION FOR THE OSTEO…………JUST WROTE THE MD YESTERDAY AS HE WAS TO GIVE TO ME BUT I NEVER GOT A PRESCRIPTION OR A CONFIRMATION!WHY IS IT I HAVE TO BE THE PATIENT AND THE FOLLOW UP GIRL!!!??
XXX
I take time release melatonin which helps a little. Vegetarian DHA has made a large difference in my sleep patterns. Mostly I have to be careful what I eat for dinner, and that I don’t eat too late. I now understand the reason for the senior early bird special! I slept the entire night through a couple weeks ago and I woke completely disoriented. ?
The older I get, the more I realize to never take good health for granted. I have close friends, neighbors and relatives who were my age who are no longer alive (all were seemingly healthy and fit). Tomorrow is a gift – bring some joy into your life every day – don’t put off spending time with loved ones and dear friends. And a big virtual hug to the woman who provided you with an email update of her health issues. x/o
THANK YOU KATHY!
I CREATE JOY DAILY OR ALMOST BY TEXTING OR CALLING FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO GET “MAIL” BACK OR A PHONE CALL!I DRESS WHICH BRINGS ME JOY EVEN IF I AM NOT LEAVING THE HOUSE!THE SAD PART IS I AM SO TIRED BY THE TIME THE ITALIAN GETS HOME I HAVE NO ENERGY TO SPEAK!GOOD THING HE CALLS THROUGH -OUT THE DAY TO CHECK ON ME!
OH JOY THAT IS WHAT MY VOICEMAIL USE TO SAY!I MUST CHANGE IT BACK TO THAT!!
YES, AND THAT WOMAN WHO HAS ALL THE HEALTH ISSUES HAD ANOTHER OPERATION YESTERDAY!!
SHE IS READING ALONG HERE I WOULD IMAGINE!!
XXX
Such a cute post with Theodore and your look absolutely smashing in the leopard with jewels, black sparkly hat the neutral lips! I gave up listening to other people tell me what’s wrong with my body (mostly doctors) a loooong time ago. I just get quiet, go within and ask myself “what do I need” and usually get the answer. I sleep like a log: start on my side and end up on my back. At 81 I am happy to get 8-9 hours of sleep. When I was in the throes of my career I averaged 5-6 hours. Yes, I have all the old age achey breaky issues but I belong to Silver Sneakers and they have tons and tons of videos (all free) that you can do at home. They have amazing stretch videos, yoga, light workouts all geared to older people with issues. When I do the videos I feel 100% better. It takes discipline however to DO IT. I highly recommend.
Such a cute post with Theodore and your look absolutely smashing in the leopard with jewels, black sparkly hat the neutral lips! I gave up listening to other people tell me what’s wrong with my body (mostly doctors) a loooong time ago. I just get quiet, go within and ask myself “what do I need” and usually get the answer. I sleep like a log: start on my side and end up on my back. At 81 I am happy to get 8-9 hours of sleep. When I was in the throes of my career I averaged 5-6 hours. Yes, I have all the old age achey breaky issues but I belong to Silver Sneakers and they have tons and tons of videos (all free) that you can do at home. They have amazing stretch videos, yoga, light workouts all geared to older people with issues. When I do the videos I feel 100% better. It takes discipline however to DO IT. I highly recommend.
SORRY your comment went into SPAM!!
OH, I will look up SILVER SNEAKERS……….I have basically done what you have lynda.
GO WITH THE GUT FEELING.
I TOO GET 8 TO 9 HOURS SLEEP EVERY NIGHT AND NOW NAP ANYWHERE FROM 2 TO 3 HOURS BUT THAT IS DUE TO THE MEDICATION I AM ON!HOPEFULLY THAT WILL GET BETTER AS THEY WEEN ME OFF ONE………
AS I CAN GET NOTHING DONE!I AM ALWAYS SLEEPING!
XXX
These days I sleep like a rotisserie chicken! Constantly rolling because of aching bones. I have a lot of problems with my bones, but now I’m fascinated about having my atlas out of place because I have almost ALL of those symptoms! I will have to check it out!
This is a wonderful post! I am always taking pics of my Gracie cat sleeping – thank you Theodore!
I started wearing a night guard which lets me sleep until 5am and now wonder if I should check my atlas!
I think back is best but I read in bed on my right first. Holding a book or IPad is probably also a strain on the atlas.
The silent ‘you bastard’ is in my head more frequently with many encounters! Thanks for the laugh and photos
I WORE A NIGHT GUARD FOR A FEW YEARS AS I HAD SLIGHT SLEEP APNEA.IT DID HELP AND I WOULD FEEL MORE REFRESHED IN THE MORNING AND MORE RESTED!!!
HOWEVER I THINK THAT NIGHT GUARD COULD HAVE PLAYED WITH THE ATLAS AS ITS HOLDING THE ATLAS IN A POSITION AND NOT ABLE TO MOVE AS YOU TURN.
I FORGOT TO MENTION IF YOU ARE USING AN EYEPAD OR CELL PHONE IN BED THAT WILL DISRUPT YOUR SLEEP FOR UP TO 3 DAYS AFTER…….IFI IAM UNDERSTANDING YOU ARE READING ON YOUR SIDE?THAT WOULD APPLY PRESSURE IN THE ATLAS REGION!!
HAVE THE ATLAS CHECKED WITH A CHIROPRACTOR.LET ME KNOW!
I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR AN EXPERT ON THE ATLAS.JUST SHARING WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME AND WHAT I READ!
XXX
Sleep. The #1 important aspect to my health. And yes! I can’t command it . Started a couple of years ago (53) and no matter what I seem to do to try and get a great nights sleep, it’s random! Hence the bags under the eyes.. although thanks for the water tip! Although that may wake me up, so best to drink up prior to 3pm.
Gosh you’ve endured a lot Elizabeth, time for a break and some pampering I think. And some pats on the back for handling it . I really do wish you good health!
THE HEALTH HERE IS NOT ME ALTHOUGH I CAN COMPARE TO HER……….
HEALTH IS EVERYTHING!
I’M READY TO GO DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE AND JUST BE WITH ALICE IN WONDERLAND AND TAKE IN THE SCENERY IF I CAN OPEN MY EYES
NEW MEDS PLAYING TRICKS ON ME!
NOT FUN AT ALL……….
XXX
Was always a side sleeper until age 49 then I became a back sleeper. I’m up either after 5 or 6 hours of sleep & have to use the loo. Then I can sometimes go back to sleep. I struggle with insomnia during my cycle & I still have heavy days so I get wiped out. And let’s not forget that I cannot think well during that week either. The cycle was not affecting me like that before age 50. I’m so glad “we” talk about these things as then it doesn’t feel so odd to grow older into the unknown. (Wink and a sigh) . Thank you for sharing your friend’s experience & the posture tips. Enjoy your week!
GOSH……….I AM NO HELP THERE AS MY CYCLE ENDED AT AGE 40!WHICH I KNOW IS VERY VERY YOUNG.
DO YOU USE A SLEEP MASK TO SLEEP?MAYBE PUT THAT ON AFTER YOU PEE…………….
SO MUCH WE NEED TO CHAT ABOUT!
WE CAN CALL IT THE THINGS MOTHER NEVER MENTIONED!
XXX
“Cliff note version, you B” absolutely made me laugh out loud. Bless her heart.Am hoping she gets a respite, now. She is so on point. Just when we thought we were free to enjoy me time.
The photos of Theodore’s sleep positions. so darn cute and perfectly told us your sleep story. Looks exactly like mine. Lucky me the last breathing one, not a problem. Husband and I have the great luxury of our own bed/bath rooms.
Holidays, at 67, are almost non existent. It’s for
the young and young at heart, my thoughts.
Yes, computer, phone and Instagram falling away. Eyes and time drain. The bank expects me to bank on-line now, who has time for Instagram?
You are the best at picture variety and story topics. Thanks so much…always entertains.
BANKING ONLINE………..NO WAY!
SOMEHOW SOMEWAY MY MONEY WOULD ALL DISAPPEAR!AND IT WOULD BE MY FAULT!
YES, ME TOO TO THE CLIFF NOTE VERSION AS I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THEY WERE IN THE 10TH GRADE!SO I GOT A BOOK FOR THE ASSIGNMENT AND FOUND IT VERY HELPFUL TO UNDERSTAND!WELL I GOT IN BIG TROUBLE………I WAS TERRIFIED AS I HAD NO IDEA I WAS CHEATING!!I WAS UNDERSTANDING!
WISH I COULD RECALL THE NAME OF THE BOOK!!!
IT ALWAYS STARTS WITH THE PHOTOS I HAVE…….THE TOPICS!
XXX
Hi Elizabeth,
Oh dear. Your friend has been through the wringer and so have you. I hope you can relax and let some of your worries go.
As for my sleep, last night was great, the night before, so-so. I usually fall asleep very quickly, I’ve always woken up several times each night, even as a child. & I have a strong internal clock that wakes me at the same time each morning no matter what time I went to bed. I keep a pretty regular schedule, don’t drink much (except lately, lol! JK.) and never use my electronic devices before bed. I don’t have them in the bedroom. I think those things help me sleep better. Also recognizing when my feel are cold and putting on socks!
Theodore hasn’t got a care in the world. I think that is the secret!
I wish you good health and rest my friend.
Xo Heidi
POSITION FOUR:
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