Senior Moving Checklist: Heed the Warnings
Happy Friday, all! Let’s do another round of the SENIOR MOVING CHECKLIST: HEED THE WARNINGS.
Many of the wonderful blog followers, encouraged me through warnings to not overdo as I dove into preparing to move to another city.
I can be a little stubborn.
First of all, I do not feel like I thought I would feel at age 71…I still feel the same…so, sometimes I have to remind myself of my age.
Or, as you will see today, I get reminders of my age…whether I want them or not.
My reality is that I am not that far from two surgeries on my feet and circumstances that have had me out of my gyn for months.
Somehow, I thought I could dive back into the weight lifting I had done prior to the surgery…that was stupid on my part.
So, NEXT on the Senior Moving Checklist is to heed the warnings to accept help and take things slowly.
Here is what happened last week…..
SENIOR MOVINIG CHECKLIST: HEED THE WARNINGS
Our bodies will also give us warnings when we are doing too much weight lifting…box moving, filling the cars with donations, etc.
A week ago yesterday, I received such a warning in my neck and shoulders…they were getting tight and painful.
Instead of slowing down, I did a light weight workout …thinking that was what I needed.
But, Friday morning, I woke up in intense pain…above a 10 on that scale.
This was pain that increased during the day and had me up all of Friday night…in tears.
By Saturday morning, I could not move my neck or head.
That was when Mr. B got concerned and thought we needed to go get me checked for any blockages.
He was going to drive me to a clinic.
So, I stood up slowly…and immediately passed out…fell onto the couch and rolled to the floor.
This resulted in a great EMS team joining me in our family room. I was awake at the time they arrived…and so embarrassed.
But, when they said they were going to stand me up…I was terrified because of the pain. While I offered arguments, suddenly I was standing up and then put on a stretcher.
What I have learned at 71 is that once you get over 70, EMS and emergency rooms are required to do things they might not do for younger adults.
It turns out that it was probably my dieting combined with being up all night that resulted in me passing out when I stood.
But, they still needed to take me to the hospital.
My first ambulance ride…may there never be another…it was like a Disney wild ride…sliding side to side going fast.
There is something comforting about getting veins tested and tests taken, because then you know for certain if there are problems.
However, this is an expensive way to do it.
Turns out…all is well. The doctor said, “You have an intense muscle strain and it may take awhile for it to completely disappear.”
As of this writing, I still feel it and have to admit that the little pain still there keeps me going slower.
So…don’t do as I did, but rather, if you are moving, heed the warnings to take things nice and easy and accept help.
I feel like it is really important for this to be on the SENIOR MOVING CHECKLIST…hopefully to keep someone out of the back of an ambulance.
But I do want to acknowledge that the staffs of SAN ANTONIO EMS, and STONE OAK METHODIST where amazing and so comforting and helpful.
If you know of a senior about to go through a major move, you might share the Senior Moving Checklist posts with them.
On Sunday, I will have an update on the housing situation…just think: Fruit Basket Turnover.
I am fine…still embarrassed, but fine. You are welcome to add to the SENIOR MOVING CHECKLIST…
Trends tomorrow, until then……
STAY STONG & KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
Shop LABOR DAY SALES and FALL FASHION with my SHOPPING LINKS.
Oh dear! What an awful experience but timely reminder to not overdo tasks as we age.I am like you re not feeling my age and thanks for the timely reminder. I had an episode nearly 5 years ago when my back went into spasms and the pain was so intense that I nearly passed out and couldn’t move. My husband called the ambulance and I was given pain relief and a drive to hospital emergency, and like you all my tests were fine. Look after yourself as you prepare for your big life move.
I don’t always comment but this post really needed me to support you and give you a virtual hug.
Hi Julie! So sorry you had the back experience. I am sure the pain was awful. Thank you for sharing and virtual hug right back!
Oh, my, Pam. What a truly frightening situation to experience. Why do we women seem to want to plow through the task at hand rather than slow down and listen to our bodies. What struck with me in your story was when you really didn’t want to stand up. The team suddenly had you up and in that carrying chair. Instead of listening to you, they took right over and placed you where you belonged. Very effective! A lesson learned for you and all of us. Slow down. The job will be done. Mr B must have been frightened as well. The paralyzing pain level for you was off the charts. I am happy that you are now functioning. I wish I lived near by. I would be helping you! The men and women who serve are amazing.
So sorry you had that experience. Ambulances are like riding in a tin can! Not pleasant. I am thankful you will be ok. I am 81, moved five years ago when I retired and moved to my hometown. I downsized, and it took me three years to actually get things packed up or given away. I survived but not sure I could do it again. Be very careful.
Oh, Pam, I’m so glad you are OK. Sometimes God taps us on the head and makes us slow down. I had a similar “passing out” experience last winter. It was early in the morning, and I’m so glad I was wearing proper PJs when the EMT crew arrived and I greeted them from the floor. 😅 Shout out to all emergency responders. They are angels of God. Blessings to you, Pam!
Thank you, Deborah. We must listen to our bodies very carefully. I am still accomplishing something every day but at a slower pace.
I will, Cheryll. This was the only reminder I needed!
Yes they are angels of God!! I had to laugh. I haven’t been thankful for wearing my Soma Cool Nights nightshirts, but now I am!! You never know!
Wow thanks for the warning! My husband has a bad pain in his neck for months probably nerves . Glad u are ok!!!
I hope you husband will take care of himself, Debra! I am good!
Reading this I truly felt for you, Pam. Indeed frightening! Lesson learned I guess. I just hope you continue to accept help and rest when your own chores become too much. (before pain!) ! Prayers that this is your one and only ride in an ambulance….
Amen to that, Paulette! Did not enjoy the ride!
I too forget my age. I hate to play the “age card” but experiences like yours remind us while we may not think we are old, the number reminds us we are and that slowing down is ok and earned. Yesterday I fell off of my bike. Nothing really, just stopped faster than I could get my feet out so just tipped over on to the grass. I didn’t think I hurt myself at all but as we rode I felt a little soreness appearing. Fortunately I do Svaroopa yoga and as soon as home I did a few poses and am fine this morning but it was a reminder to be careful. Glad you are recovering too. A move is a huge deal at any age.
Pam, I am so sorry you went through such a horrible situation. I’m 77 and my mind thinks I can still do things I did when I was much younger. I soon realized that I cannot. I don’t like to ask for help, but I know now I have too. I hope you are feeling much better today. Take care of yourself.
Those little reminders are important! Thanks Barb…glad you are ok!
I don’t like to ask for help either! But will get over that with this move. Thanks Joyce!
Don’t be embarrassed, Pam! Listen to your body and take heed! At 73 with an approaching annual doctor’s
appointment I have been trying to keep my weight down which of course means limiting my diet. It’s over 100 degrees here in the desert and I went on the golf course without eating anything one day last week. Needless to say I could feel my head bobble and the blood draining from my body early in the round. I quickly ate my egg bites and drank a gatorade but thought to myself how foolish I am to think I can limit my food & drink intake and still play golf. We have reached the age where we need to give ourselves grace! Please take care of yourself!!
I promise I am taking care. I am slowly working on the move and may delay my workouts until I get back…at least, I will do very low impact stretches. Heavy boxes? They wait for Mr. B. I have learned my lesson!
I’m glad you are OK. As women we think we can just keep going full speed ahead and it hard to admit that after 70 we need to pace ourselves. I’m glad the tests showed nothing seriously wrong. Please slow down and take breaks, get enough sleep and all that. Do exactly what you would tell a friend to do in the same situation. You are in my prayers.
Oh my what an experience! I’m glad you’re ok. It had to be scary. They probably thought it was a heart issue. But now you know to take it slow. I have moved many times in the last 5 years and it’s hard to take it easy and ACCEPT help. We remember what we used to be able to do. Take good care of yourself.
I will, Paula. Thank you!
Thank you, Kathie! Prayers are always welcome!
Pamela I am so sorry this happened to you but I know what you are going through. I am a few years older than you. I have been active all my life and started every endeavor full steam ahead. Then I was sore, had a sprained muscle, had to go to the chiropractor. I have finally learned to keep going but slow down! That knee surgery almost a year ago took a lot out of me but I am slowly building up. I may have already told you this but I drink electorlites every day. I think this helps me. Kick butt in your own way girl!!!!
LOL…I will Darlene! Thanks for sharing!
We downsized 4 years and moved closer to my boys and their families. During the packing and sorting, I had the worst back pain I had ever felt. My husband was so upset that he almost called an ambulance. Luckily my doctor was able to get my medication adjusted. The move happened with my two sons and 3 grandsons taking over. We were only moving an hour away but the process is still the same. The whole day I had to use a walker and I was made to sit on the couch to direct the process. My husband always says that I’ve always taken charge so much that it’s extra hard for me to let go. While in my position of “director” on the couch, my two wonderful daughters-in-law completely set up our kitchen so that at least we had one room done. For the next few weeks, I had to navigate around the house with that walker. It was frustrating at times because I like everything organized but even though things went at a slow pace, God let me know I needed to rest. Good luck on your move – it will be worth it.
So happy that you are recovering. Will pray that your move will go smoothly.
Sorry to hear of your pain and the ordeal. When anyone in our family has muscle aches, we heat up the ‘sock monkey’ – an old tube sock stuffed with rice and lavender (about 2 mins in the microwave). In addition to feeling instantly warm and soothing the afflicted area, you relax entirely from the relief, allowing your whole body to take a break, breath more slowly. I highly recommend it over a regular heating pad, as the weight of the rice also adds an element of helping you to relax.
Glad to hear you are ok except for the pain. Praying the pain goes away soon
Wow…thank you for sharing, Vicki. I hope this post will help others.
Thank you!
Love your sock monkey! Thanks Connie!
Thank you, Jan. So do I.
Don’t forget about your mental health when moving. After retirement, move across country was scheduled to be near family. Husband who’d never experienced anxiety had chest pains followed by ER visit. Fortunately not heart related,instead panic / anxiety attack. Certainly a wake up call. Take care. Good luck!
I am so glad it wasn’t a heart attack, Carol. Thanks for another warning to heed.
Please go see your primary doctor about this incident. Fainting is not normal and ER only stabilizes you. They expect you to be seen within 3 days. When you call tell them you had an ambulance ride to ER and the date. They will work you into their schedule. This is important because you are moving and will not have a pcp right away. My husband was an ER doctor and I worked in ER for a couple of years before going back to ICU. Please forgo the weight lifting as you are lifting in the moving process. Gentle stretching without pain is good enough for now. Sorry that you had such a frightening experience! Ambulance rides are torture in my opinion. Rest between tasks and keep drinking water as it is still hot out. These are all things I told my patients before releasing them to home.
Glad you are okay. Six years ago we downsized and moved. I did all the packing. Moving van company picked up and placed the furniture in our new home. They even hooked up the washer and dryer. What was worse than the packing, however, was the unpacking. It did a number on my knees…resulting in a knee replacement a year later. so be careful. The desire to get settled in is much worse than the packing.
Thank you, Sydney. All your steps are happening!
Oh my…I will heed your warning!
So sorry to hear about your pain, trip with the EMS, etc.
I too have to remind myself, get some help, go slow.
We had just finished all the work of painting the entire house and all new flooring except the kitchen floor.
3 weeks ago, dishwasher broke, flooding kitchen. Wood flooring and some water went under cabinets into great room. Our house has been upside down again. And again I am exhausted but did get some help for my husband who has health issues, and he has enjoyed going out to eat, etc with family and friends.
I hear several times a week from others, take care of yourself, so that’s my loving advice for you.
I am glad that you are ok except for the muscle strain. Please, please take care of yourself. Healing prayers & positive thoughts headed your way.
I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m so glad you are ok. Please take care of yourself and take comfort knowing that you have many people praying for you and Mr. B.
So sorry to hear this, Audrey. But glad that you took care through it all. I will too.
Thank you, Becky. Can always use the prayers!
Thank you, Ann. That means so much.
Oh my dear I’m very sorry this happened. Particularly after multiple foot surgeries and just prior to a big move. It’s so hard to strike the right balance of strength training and what used to be normal activity as we age. Injuries happen more easily, recovery takes longer. Muscle tone disappears so quickly during recovery. I’m saying this from the perspective of my husband’s back injury, surgery, reinjury, and more surgery all in a 7 month period. He’s doing well now but we’re both paranoid about hurting ourselves.
Hi Pam ,
Sometimes it’s hard to reach out to someone for “helping hands” including asking Mr. B for help. Moving and all the preparation, donations, and mentally preparing to leave your castle that holds so many wonderful memories is so hard.
Also you are leaving a big part of your family and everything that is familiar. Finding your new support team all takes time. All of this goes on in your head. The whole ordeal is stressful and is so hard on the body. The aging process is a constant learning experience. Pam, I’m turning 73 in November and I have found my body and face are showing my age now.
I think I would win in a beauty contest for the most sunken eyes. It happened over night. 😌
I have been through major moves and it’s really one of the hardest things to go through.
Take TLC of yourself. We only have one Pam.
Sending you a virtual hug. 🤗
Pam, I was so thankful to read that you came through this scare in fine form, with your typical grace and good humor. As so many others have pointed out, you are wise to heed the wakeup call! I first read this post sitting in my PT’s waiting room, and it prompted me to initiate a conversation with her about how to safely overcome some of my current physical limitations and the pain I experience when I try to return to exercising. After a back flare-up in July caused by lifting too much at the water park with the grandkids and in the church food pantry, I am now hesitant to approach any new physical challenges. Two weeks ago I tripped over a box of clothes to be donated while carrying another similar box. I sprained a wrist in that fall, and then tripped the next day in the vacuum cleaner cord and fell on the other side. Today I toured a vintage Victorian home that was lovely, but has me wondering if buying a house with a second story is safe. I would plan to use the upstairs exclusively for the grandkids, but I would still need to go up there periodically. I am so sorry you were hurt, but it has been a huge wakeup call for me as well! I want to be as active as you are in five more years, and this is all such good advice. Prayers for your continued healing, your patience and peace of mind, and as always, for a safe and smooth transition to Abilene!
Oh my dear Pam! Prayers for a speedy recovery! And no embarrassment, so glad the EMS were called – they know how and what to do, it could have been much more serious than it was. I’ll be 70 in November, and often still think I can do much more than I think I can, blithely forgetting I’m not 30, 40 or even 50 anymore. Well, I did this then, so why not now?? Be gentle with yourself and gentle hugs. You’re such an inspirational person to many of us, love reading your stories and have many time followed your advice. Love your style. Know you’re going to recover we all and we’re all cheering you on.
Pam. I hope you are much better . Im 76 and have had to learn to listen to my body too. I have recurring neck shoulder pain and it comes on when stressed or i do too much repetitive arm , shoulder stuff . ..ie pulling weeds . Mopping, vaccumming , window washing ,and yes moving packing …..typing too much etc .. igo to a great chiropractor who helps me get relief immediately , but ive learned to take care of my neckand Shoulders , i use Biofreeze , ice pack, heat etc .l keep muscle relaxants on hand .
Mine started with moving too, aBout 10 years ago. .diagnsis …spinal stenosis. .. its common as we age . Getting a robo vaccuum and pacing myself helps . We still feeel 40 but apparently our body didnt get the message haha