Monday Musings- Medicare, Feet, and Outfit of the Week
Happy Monday, ladies. Now that I’m on Medicare, I’ve noticed a few odd changes. I had my annual check-up with my primary care physician last week, but it’s no longer called a physical. It’s called a wellness visit which reminds me of the well-checks I took my children for. The questionnaire seemed to only focus on my mental health and physical limitations, which I found oddly depressing.
She gave me the latest pneumonia vaccine and checked all my vitals then we went through my chart. Sheesh, it’s long! I’ve already had my annual mammogram, but this year it’s time for a colonoscopy, a full blood workup, and a follow-up CT with contrast of my lungs. They’d found a tiny spot on my lungs about ten years ago and are monitoring it because I was a very heavy smoker many years ago. They’d also found a small spot on my husband’s lung too, which turned into lung cancer. Early detection is the key to everything, so I’m open to any and every test my doctors think is a good idea. In fact, I’m considering paying for a full body scan. Have any of you done that?
The other thing we chatted about was my feet and how painful they get. She thinks I have arthritis in my left big toe, but it feels just like the bunion I had surgically fixed on the other foot, so I’m not convinced. She gazed down at my shoes (mules) and gave them a thumbs down for my feet. š I bought some comfort shoes last week, but for short trips, I can still wear cute shoes without pain if they feel secure on my foot and have cushioning.
Outfit of the week
This week’s outfit of the week has some fun sandals by Sofft. I’ve owned several of their shoes over the years and will be relooking at what they have now. I love that these solidly attach to your foot, but still let your feet breathe. They come in seven colors, sizes 6-11.
I’m not a huge fan of the boxiness of woven chore jackets, but I like this cotton sweater version from Everlane. It comes in 3 colors and is a great weight for spring. The chinos have a great straight leg and come in 5 colors, regular, petite, and tall, in sizes 23-37. I added a long sleeve classic stripe tee (on sale), an architectural shoulder bag that is marked way down, classic hoop earrings that are anything but ordinary and 78% off, and some cool shades that are 73% off. In fact, the cap is also on sale.
With thoughts of our trip to Mexico on my brain, I had a peek at some swimwear options. Here’s what I found at Kohl’s-
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident and doesn’t kill your feet.
I became a Medicare member while I still working in my lifelong career with very good health insurance but had to go to Medicare p, seemed crazy to me!
I wouldnāt pay for the full body scan quite frankly but I have Mass General doctors who are thorough and a world class hospital behind them so my opinion could be colored by that fact.
I too smoked but about 8 a day. However, any smoking can cause lung cancer & in my wellness check I too had a CT scan that showed a lung spot. Had numerous tests, determined to probably food aspiration since it hasnāt grown in 8 yrs & no longer monitored but such relief & so worth it. I never wore high heels (5ā11ā) but arthritis has my feet looking like I have bunions ā fyi
I’m overdue for a colonoscopy, Jennifer: please let us know how your prep goes! Different medical practices have various prep formats that they require and some are newer (easier!) than others!
I found that drinking barium for a CT scan was the worst “prep” I have ever experienced for a test; I went back to abdominal MRI’s after that experience.
Have you had custom orthotics made by a GOOD podiatrist for your bunion? I have worn them since my early 40’s (20+ years), and they are limiting the progression of my two bunions. It can be a difficult finding shoes they work in (best in tennis and wider boots), but they really benefit the feet. Or, shop brands that provide REAL arch and metatarsal support (Vionics, Frankie4, Calla, etc) to offload stress on the forefoot/bunion by supporting the heel and arch. Sandals from these companies are greatly appreciated!
I had orthotics many years ago but I don’t think that podiatrist had a clue what he was doing because there wasn’t a single shoe they would fit in.
The body scan may be cheaper in Mexico!
Ah, yes, turning 65 and suddenly realizing you are old (I beg to differ!). My husband and complete the “wellness” form and then our long-time doctor proceeds with our physicals. She knows we will reach out if we have questions about our health and she does ask questions if she suspects something. We are so blessed with an excellent internist. As for shoes, my biggest issue is finding stylish shoes in a 10.5/11M that are not too wide and have a narrower heel. My feet are long but not very thick. Had by bunions removed in 2015 and do not regret it (other than fusing my “hammer toe”). I didn’t have foot pain; my right big toe was totally under my right foot. I would go through the 6 weeks of recovery again – it was worth it.
Remember: age is just a number. It’s all in how you choose to approach it. I’m 72 but 38 in my mind. I will not be old!
For all the ladies who have wide feet and/or are suffering from bunions, I would like to let you know about Sole Bliss, a wonderful company based in the U.K. that makes good looking shoes that have a uniquely designed interior with a wide and deep toe box, three layers of memory foam, a unique bunion bed stretch panel on the side, and a superior arch support. For years, I searched for a pair of good looking, wide width, black pointy toe flats that were comfortable to walk in. It was my shoe version of the search for the Holy Grail! A couple of years ago, I saw an article that described the unique construction of Sole Bliss shoes and mentioned that Shoe Bliss had opened a U.S. site . I decided to take a chance ordering a pair of their āSydneyā pointy toe flats in black. Since they offer free express shipping, free returns, and 10% off the first order, I ordered three sizes to compare the fit. My regular size, 37W, turned out to be perfect. They accommodate my need for a wide toe box, are classically fashionable, and comfortable for me to walk in. Since then, I have purchased a pair of their lace up āHeroā sneakers that have a zipper on the side that looks cool and makes taking them on and off easy. Over the past two years, I also purchased a pair of the āIngridā pointy toe block heel pumps in nude leather, the Elizaā platform sandal in black, and a black lug sole bootie. The shoes are a bit pricey, ( $199 – $289) , but are well worth the money to me because they are beautifully made of high quality leather in Italy and Spain and allow me to both look good and walk in comfort. Check them out; all you have to lose is your foot pain!
These are wonderful, gorgeous, and supportive shoes, but definitely for Wide wearers. I tried them out with a large order and unfortunately found the dressy styles (ballet, loafer, pumps – did not try laced tennies) were all significantly too wide for my Med. feet with “moderate bunions”, per their photo definition.
Happy Spring everyone! I like the comfortable look of your outfit of the day. I am on the hunt for safe comfortable sandals with a wide toe boot. Unicorn? I have been on Medicare for 13 years and am so grateful for having it. Now on for that unicorn hunt!
I have to say between Medicare and our supplemental insurance it has covered minor skin cancers and major ovarian stage four cancer, we have paid nothing extra out of pocket for over 8 years. Since chemo I have neuropathy in my feetā¦.very few of my old shoes are wearable. I have a bag of some never worn shoes to take to consignment tomorrow. They all have 3āwedge heels (Iām 5ā) canāt wear much over a
1 1/2ā heel any more and need straps that go up high on the arch. It has been a process trying to find somewhat fashionable shoes I can wear.
If they want me to take a test Iām all in. My cancer was found this way. Will be a year in remission next month.
Hi Alysan…I have your problem also! I’m in my early 70’s and wear 8 1/2 narrow which is normally a 4A heel but I have a 6A heel. I NEVER find shoes to fit. Not many companies make narrow shoes anymore. I’ve been told to try Natualizer and Clarks over the years…Naturalizer is not comfortable at all. Clarks can be but I don’t care for their styles the last couple of years. I’d love something fashionable but since I was a child I’ve always had to take what fit and not what I’d like. I’m going to try some more expensive brands in hope I find something. I certainly can’t shop in stores, everything has to be ordered (and then returned) online. Boy…if I could start a shoe company I certainly know what I’d specialize in! Good luck finding shoes!!!
Hi Jennifer…Thank you for this post. I’m taking lots of notes to look for shoes…finally!!
Jennifer, I left a comment about my success with a certain style of Sketchers shoes, but it has not appeared. Is there a reason for that? I would appreciate knowing. Thank you.
I’ve been on Medicare for a long time now, and I have never heard of this “Wellness Check” idea. Maybe it’s just the doctor involved?
Jennifer,
It sounds like you have already had 1 CT of the chest and now will be getting another. CTs have a lot of radiation. I would discuss the whole body scan with your doctor. You donāt want to increase your radiation exposure unnecessarily, and thus your life time cancer risk. A whole body CT scan, if that is what you are considering, would expose you to a lot of radiation. As the internist above said, āNot a fanā.
All the best,
Ann
Good point, Annie. I will discuss it with my doctor.
Jennifer, did you make a change to your website or network sometime last week? It now takes a long time to load. I can click on your URL and then go to other sites and open them and come back before yours has finished loading. It seems like a server problem to me, but I’m not a techie. My husband, who is one, said it could also be a network issue and that there are several reasons this could happen. The loading problem also affects formatting. As text comes in, it’s displayed vertically down the left side of the screen, but once it’s loaded, the text is redisplayed correctly. I’m assuming that others are affected by this issue as well?
I havenāt made a change. Thanks for letting me know Maeve! Iāll look into it.
Jennifer, I just received my bottle of lip oil, I absolutely šššit! Thanks for the recommendation and the discount code.
I’m glad you like it as much as I do!!
Regarding comfy shoes, I found a brand called Taos that has a lot of support for my feet. The slide sandals I got (called Prize) has 3 velcro straps across the foot so you can adjust them, and the top strap is high on my foot so it’s very secure. Medicare for me is much more expensive that before, with the same exact coverage. Haven’t gotten the clock test – at least not yet.
So many helpful comments ! Two things .
Im extremely glad 10 years ago that I researched and I picked medicare with a supplemental plan f or g ,( instead of advantage cheaper plan with copays )plan for g allows you to go to any dr or specialist without a referral anywhere ( including while traveling ) and not have to worry about that dr being part of a plan .or group and it covers every deductible and co pay . There are NONE, . Ive never paid a penny extra at drs office .or hospital stays!. And as someone now living with a particular kind of leukemia , this was so vital to see a specialist in that ..who is located out of my area!!
Also learned long ago to go to a specialist for particular body issues like feet , see a podiatrist. Or gi issues , a gastroenterologistā¦ skin a dermatologist etc š. Because Gps often are guessing or missing something which they didnāt specialize in. .š©. and only know what they learned in med school or have seen .. š
I totally agree about specialists!
I suggest that instead of being offended by the memory questions your doctors ask you, be grateful you can answer them correctly. I recently did a memory test as a precursor to taking part in a aging study. I just turned 78 and was very happy that I could answer all the questions correctly. I know that’s not a 100% guarantee that I’m not in the early stages of a disease but its’ reassuring. My husband was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia weeks before his 68th birthday. Lewy Body causes paranoia and hallucinations and at least in my husbands case, while his memory was definitely affected, for several years he could answer basic memory questions. Early detection of any disease improves your treatment options so I think routine tests are a good thing. I had a routine bone scan last year and was diagnosed with osteopenia. My husband has osteoporosis but I’d never heard of the milder form. I didn’t want to take the prescribed Fosamax so I’ve paying out of pocket to go to Osteostrong. As for my husband, he has declined physically and cognitively in recent months and two weeks ago he went on Hospice.
I was not offended by the memory questions, I was saddened that this was necessary. ‘m so sorry to hear about your husband. I will keep you both in my prayers.
Hi,
I see both sides of the full body scan discussion. I also realize that many of us would have āfindings or irregularitiesā that actually amount to nothing except individual anomalies. If you prone to being anxious, š, this can cause much unnecessary worry and angst.
Just a thought ā¦.
Ah feet! Need them , but they sure can create discomfort. I have learned over the past 10 years just how important comfortable, supportive shoes are. Any prolonged walking makes them ache afterwards. Just try walking from one part of confusing Pearson Airport šØš¦to anotherā¦ after a 5+ hour fly to make a late night connection . Like walking š¶š§³ the length 3 soccer fields.
But my Ilse Jacobsen tulip shoes did worthy service., and have the cut on top that leaves room for what I call my osteoarthritic ā blobā on the top of each foot.
Naot, Joseph Seibel , Clarkes and other well made leather shoes are my friends when my feet are not. I can still wear a bit of a heel , but I have found changing my footwear throughout my day really helps any pressure points. That and some cooling gel when sitting for a time.
Enjoy seeing your capsule wardrobes, Jennifer š
Your observations about your āwellness checkā tickled me. I feel the same way.
Then there is the never ending shoe huntā¦hard to be vain and still wear shoes that are comfortable. I am proud to be a Grandmaā¦just donāt want my shoes to shout it.š
I hear you! I want stylish and comfortable.
As a late 80’s lady with painful bunions, thinning foot pads, hard-to-fit feet (wide at front/narrow heel), I’ve found these Sketchers wonderful…https://www.skechers.com/skechers-slip-ins-go-walk-arch-fit—summer/124879.html. In fact, with wonderful fit, arch support & Memory foam it has made a big difference for me; so much so that I have purchased the exact same shoe the last few years…they also wear wonderfully. (Note: not all styles are the same, nor are the prices.)
Thank you for sharing them with us. Lots of ladies love sketchers.
Jennifer- so appreciate your candor. I will not have the benefit of Medicare for a couple of years but I am already receiving mail to sign me up! HA. Also on foot issues – I could go on and on- I have narrow feet thatās the wisest to find shoes! And I had foot surgery years ago on the ābunion areaā. Foot surgeon said forget any backless shoes! All need straps on back. He said your toes are clenching to hold onto shoe. What a downer! Interested to see if you find any real bathing suit coverups. I would love one with short sleeves and midi length. Hope your scan is good.
Interesting comments about Medicare wellness checks. I think there is some confusion about their purpose. The general intent is to screen for possible problems that need further in depth exploration or referral to a specialist, to give our providers a baseline of our status from which to make comparison in the future and to encourage everyone to be seen regularly so more serious issues can be forestalled. We are fortunate if those pesky three words, that clock, questions about falls, depression, or economic insecurity do not appear to apply to us. One day they might. My provider has adjusted meds based on a review of my history and the results of my lab work. If we want a complete workup with all tests and exams, we are talking about a physical, which is more expensive and time consuming.
The wellness visitā¦..I have a new primary thankfully so we shall see next year if itās less depressing. But on my last one when I read the notes on it on MyChart it had answers to things we never discussed.