Donnalynn .....
Thanks so much for your continuing support ..... it means a great deal to both of us.
You have many good suggestions! As for the vitamins, we have both been long-term takers of vitamins, including a multiple vitamin, extra vitamin D, extra magnesium, big extra vitamin B, salmon oil, etc. With a strong family history for osteoporosis, I take several different kinds of Calcium, as well.
Although I think we eat plenty of veggies and fresh fruit, I know we could probably do better. We got into a bad habit of eating out (or carrying in) too much following my surgery. (Truman is a wonderful husband but he is not a cook.) Ever since my days as a La Leche League leader when our children were babies, we have eaten nothing but whole grains (virtually no white flour in the house). I am always so dismayed when hospitals bring white bread/rolls/toast on the meal trays ..... our whole family says a collective "yuck" when that happens. We looked with question marks when the doctor told Truman to go on a low sodium, low fat, low cholesterol diet ...... we've been on that for years. A box of salt will last us several years. I routinely cut the sugar in half in any recipe I make. Oh well, you know all of this ..... but it was just a tiny bit insulting for the doctor to insinuate we were not on a good diet already.
I am not taking an anti-depressant, although there have been times when I probably would have benefited from it. We have been trying to walk every day because I know that is a powerful stress reliever. There again, my reduced walking during all of the balance issues did not help my stress level. I keep trying to tell myself that instead of taking a nap, go for a walk ..... sometimes it works, sometimes I give in and take a nap (my escape sometimes).
I have not seen Zeel cream in the health food store. I need to go today for flax seed anyway today, so I will look for it. I have some cream with Capsaisin in it ..... should dig it out and try it.
Donnalynn, thank you so much for not only taking the time to send the helpful suggestions, but also for your thoughts and prayers!
Clarice
