This is fascinating to read as I've been working with an herbalist while we've been living in Scotland. Herbalism has tons of credibility in the UK and is strictly licensed. I have a wonderful tincture of herbs that I've been taking to help with my insomnia and it has helped to get me off the Trazodone I had been taking. But I'm also worried about the limited supply of the tincture that I'll be able to take with me when we move on to our next country. I love my herbs! This also reminds me of the doctor of Chinese Medicine I saw several times in Thailand and he performed acupuncture on me. It's interesting what they can learn from your pulse and your tongue. I'm finding that non-traditional medicine (for Americans) opens some interesting new doors to health!
Here, in the US, I'm hearing a few things about 1. The importance of the nasal passages in making strong bones in seniors.
2. The effect of eye circulation in 2 different common eye problems Can't remember which ones, BUT they sound very similar to what's causing plaque in dementia. Give me a break! They can cure measles, chicken pox, flu, and covid, but are totally clueless when it comes to dementia??? Why can't these fancy-pants doctors work together?! It feels like they're possessive of their research.
Michael's experience with Trazodone was very unpleasant too (and withdrawal was far more intense than they said). We are finding that there are Chinese practitioners in more places than expected!
Great and fun article! BTW as a lifelong very poor sleeper, (having done ALL the sleep hygiene things through many years, as well as medication which was awful) I consulted with a premier sleep specialist fairly recently who also told me- to sleep like a baby. In other words, if tired, go ahead and sleep/nap whenever I felt the need or had the opportunity…flying in the face of all of the sleep restriction mandates to “regulate” my sleep patterns. He said it was far better to do that than to be sleep deprived. Of course, it is not easy to do but I now feel freer to nap for a bit if I have the opportunity and not feel like I am going to ruin my next night’s sleep….since for me, it doesn’t work that way anyway. Good luck with the chronic itching as well!
Thanks for the interesting read! If Micheal hasn't already tried it, I highly recommend giving up drinking, esp after about 6pm. I was never a heavy drinker, usually a glass of wine/beer with dinner and occassionally a scotch after dinner but even that amount was hurting my sleep. There's a ton of research on alcohol's effect on sleep.
Brent, on the subject of sleep problems: Someone on Facebook this morning was describing how serious her sleep problem is. I wish I could give credit. She said she is up all night, walks around the house and fries bacon! Now someone that funny when they're so uncomfortable deserves some relief!
My husband became a Chinese medicine doctor after leaving the army as it was the only thing that helped him with his injuries. I’m a very lucky husband ;)
I went to a Chinese herbalist in Hong Kong for chronic neck pain. I was there with my 2 friends and husband. After examining me ( pulses, tongue), he said “you too fat” “you too fat”. Over and over. I was mortified. I was a little overweight then but not obese. He gave me a thick herbal tea concoction to drink that was difficult to get down. All it did was give me crazy, exploding diarrhea and I was on a plane home the next day. Tough trip. I threw the rest away. I lost weight. My neck pain is still there. Hahahahaha
Oh no! That is not okay! Asians are very forthright about weight in general -- in fact, much of the world is. It's really surprised me. And...diarrhea on the plane. Ohhhh noooo. I can see why you would be very bitter. I would be too!
Nobody asked about allergies to medicine. Turkish scripts......Fortunately it was just some discomfort and a great deal of frustration getting results translated for the tests we were able to take. Lessons learned. I will do post mortem in Senior Nomad group. Say Hi to Micheal from us
I feel your sadness, but am grateful--for maybe the first time ever--for technology. You could see her. Talk to her. Share a laugh. Brent, I lost my husband of 61 years in a matter of 12 hours--then he was gone. There was no time for a Zoom call. Everyone was in shock. I was, because of my illness--supposed to "go" first. I have a friend who is dying of cancer and she has had a lot of discussions with other friends who are dying. Their information about life after death is hopeful. I don't pretend to understand it. But I have a feeling there's a grassy field waiting for you one day.
Man, you are so right: life can suck. Sorry to hear of her passing, but people come into our lives for a (pardon the cliche), a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Sounds like she hit all three, and those people are a blessing, no matter how long they remain in your life.
Like you, I have a practical, pragmatic view of "the end" and do not fear it, nor welcome it. I have begun to see it as a new Beginning to Something Else, and I think it'll be good whenever it happens.
That is so sad Brent, but how nice that you were in touch with her and able to chat almost to the end. It sounds like she was one of those friends that are more family than family. May she rest in peace. Very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about your friend Laura. I had a guy friend of mine that was gay and he has since passed as well. We had such great conversations. We were both big readers. We even traveled together to Spain on year. I still miss him.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know this will sound trite but she will always be with you! And when she lets you know what’s next you will be happy she got in touch! ❤️
This is fascinating to read as I've been working with an herbalist while we've been living in Scotland. Herbalism has tons of credibility in the UK and is strictly licensed. I have a wonderful tincture of herbs that I've been taking to help with my insomnia and it has helped to get me off the Trazodone I had been taking. But I'm also worried about the limited supply of the tincture that I'll be able to take with me when we move on to our next country. I love my herbs! This also reminds me of the doctor of Chinese Medicine I saw several times in Thailand and he performed acupuncture on me. It's interesting what they can learn from your pulse and your tongue. I'm finding that non-traditional medicine (for Americans) opens some interesting new doors to health!
Right?? What do we do when we have to leave the country?!
You're absolutely right about it opening new doors and forcing a new perspective. Just wonderful.
Here, in the US, I'm hearing a few things about 1. The importance of the nasal passages in making strong bones in seniors.
2. The effect of eye circulation in 2 different common eye problems Can't remember which ones, BUT they sound very similar to what's causing plaque in dementia. Give me a break! They can cure measles, chicken pox, flu, and covid, but are totally clueless when it comes to dementia??? Why can't these fancy-pants doctors work together?! It feels like they're possessive of their research.
Interesting.
I'm hoping they come up with a cure! American medicine is leaving much to be desired!
So true!
I wish I knew where that option was available here. I’m dealing with insomnia too and the drowsiness after Trazodone is miserable.
Michael's experience with Trazodone was very unpleasant too (and withdrawal was far more intense than they said). We are finding that there are Chinese practitioners in more places than expected!
Thank you for an enjoyable read, and so interesting.
In parental experience, "sleep like a baby" means waking up every three hours crying, hungry and wet :)
Fair point! 😂😉
Great and fun article! BTW as a lifelong very poor sleeper, (having done ALL the sleep hygiene things through many years, as well as medication which was awful) I consulted with a premier sleep specialist fairly recently who also told me- to sleep like a baby. In other words, if tired, go ahead and sleep/nap whenever I felt the need or had the opportunity…flying in the face of all of the sleep restriction mandates to “regulate” my sleep patterns. He said it was far better to do that than to be sleep deprived. Of course, it is not easy to do but I now feel freer to nap for a bit if I have the opportunity and not feel like I am going to ruin my next night’s sleep….since for me, it doesn’t work that way anyway. Good luck with the chronic itching as well!
Interesting! Maybe word is getting out. Thank you -- you as well. Chronic issues suck.
Thanks for the interesting read! If Micheal hasn't already tried it, I highly recommend giving up drinking, esp after about 6pm. I was never a heavy drinker, usually a glass of wine/beer with dinner and occassionally a scotch after dinner but even that amount was hurting my sleep. There's a ton of research on alcohol's effect on sleep.
Michael doesn't drink, but I do (a bit), and I totally think you're right. It's deceptive, because it makes you sleepy AT FIRST.
A wonderful piece, Brent. I love both your styles of writing and sense of humor.
Thank you! Much appreciated.
Brent, on the subject of sleep problems: Someone on Facebook this morning was describing how serious her sleep problem is. I wish I could give credit. She said she is up all night, walks around the house and fries bacon! Now someone that funny when they're so uncomfortable deserves some relief!
My husband became a Chinese medicine doctor after leaving the army as it was the only thing that helped him with his injuries. I’m a very lucky husband ;)
That is certainly a fringe benefit!
As much as I hope your maladies are corrected, I do love this series.
Haha thank you.
I went to a Chinese herbalist in Hong Kong for chronic neck pain. I was there with my 2 friends and husband. After examining me ( pulses, tongue), he said “you too fat” “you too fat”. Over and over. I was mortified. I was a little overweight then but not obese. He gave me a thick herbal tea concoction to drink that was difficult to get down. All it did was give me crazy, exploding diarrhea and I was on a plane home the next day. Tough trip. I threw the rest away. I lost weight. My neck pain is still there. Hahahahaha
Oh no! That is not okay! Asians are very forthright about weight in general -- in fact, much of the world is. It's really surprised me. And...diarrhea on the plane. Ohhhh noooo. I can see why you would be very bitter. I would be too!
I absolutely loved reading this, although I am sorry it is at the expense of insomnia and pruritus.
Haha thank you.
Lots of giggles. Thank you. Lyn and I just completed our wellness exams in Turkey (Fethiye). Not much giggling. Yikes
Oh no! Nothing too bad, I hope. I bet we went to that same hospital.
Nobody asked about allergies to medicine. Turkish scripts......Fortunately it was just some discomfort and a great deal of frustration getting results translated for the tests we were able to take. Lessons learned. I will do post mortem in Senior Nomad group. Say Hi to Micheal from us
Oh no! Well, glad you're okay.
I feel your sadness, but am grateful--for maybe the first time ever--for technology. You could see her. Talk to her. Share a laugh. Brent, I lost my husband of 61 years in a matter of 12 hours--then he was gone. There was no time for a Zoom call. Everyone was in shock. I was, because of my illness--supposed to "go" first. I have a friend who is dying of cancer and she has had a lot of discussions with other friends who are dying. Their information about life after death is hopeful. I don't pretend to understand it. But I have a feeling there's a grassy field waiting for you one day.
This is true, Janelle. Although seeing her in person in June was better.
I can't imagine the shock of losing someone so abruptly.
I hear you on the entitlement thing! Funny post.
Hehe. Thank you!
Man, you are so right: life can suck. Sorry to hear of her passing, but people come into our lives for a (pardon the cliche), a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Sounds like she hit all three, and those people are a blessing, no matter how long they remain in your life.
Like you, I have a practical, pragmatic view of "the end" and do not fear it, nor welcome it. I have begun to see it as a new Beginning to Something Else, and I think it'll be good whenever it happens.
Carry on boys, safe travels onward.
Thank you, Norm. Hard agree on all fronts.
That is so sad Brent, but how nice that you were in touch with her and able to chat almost to the end. It sounds like she was one of those friends that are more family than family. May she rest in peace. Very sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Vera. That means a lot.
So sorry to hear about your friend Laura. I had a guy friend of mine that was gay and he has since passed as well. We had such great conversations. We were both big readers. We even traveled together to Spain on year. I still miss him.
I hear you. Sometimes life sucks.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know this will sound trite but she will always be with you! And when she lets you know what’s next you will be happy she got in touch! ❤️
No, I know what you mean, and I agree.