Learning

You know how we say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? Well, that’s not exactly true. Today, it’s often thought of as a myth. Still we use the idiom referring not only to whether senior dogs can learn to do new things, as well as whether human seniors can do the same. Being set in our ways, we older folks like the “way things were,” more than the “new-fangled happenings.” The new music. The new styles of art. New housing designs. These “new” things just don’t fit with our idea of what should be!

According to friend Web, the phrase is often attributed to the 1605 novel Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes. Never having read this novel, I’ll just take Web’s word.

As one of those very senior members of the human race, I’m finding that not only can I learn new stuff – but, I really need to learn NEW stuff. Mostly, until this complete shoulder replacement, I’ve been complacently living my aging life with little expectation of learning that new-fangled stuff.

Then, along came the endoscopy with a diagnosis of gastroparesis. And, next came the complete shoulder replacement surgery. Neither of which has any fun attached to them. But, here I am, experiencing both.

Gastroparesis – basically, needing a diet with no fiber. Fiber stops the work of the digestive system with a stomach that does not empty. If you want to know more about this – look it up. No fiber means no nuts, no seeds, nothing but white, white, white breads. No regular-size meals. And, some other stuff we won’t talk about here.

I now eat only when I’m hungry – six or seven very small meals per day. No traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have to be careful of the amount of food at any time. Too much at a time creates problems. I eat a lot of meals that are only white – white cream of rice cereal, a half-sandwich of one slice of white bread with a little mayo and several slices of deli meat (preferably, turkey); absolutely, White mashed potatoes or white potatoes that we “bake” in the microwave. NO fresh fruits or vegetables. I really miss those fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.

I can eat vegetables that have been cooked to death to destroy the fiber in them – say, in the cauliflower that I love – raw and dipped in a Ranch dressing. I’m drinking a lot of smoothies (that I’ve never had before this time). Daughter #1 has been helping with this attempt in the shoulder recovery, making sure that the meals are correct in fiber and amount based on the requirements of the gastroparesis diet. She has become a smoothie expert.      

If I had a reluctance to adopt new ideas, that is now out-the-window. Using the Web, I created a notebook of the does and don’ts of a gastroparesis diet. I submit, this is “an old dog” learning new tricks.

Included in my diet is a protein drink with 5 grams of prebiotic fiber. But, “WHAT!” I said to myself “is prebiotic fiber?” Thus, another learning experience for the “old dog.”

  The information that I have suggests that our bodies need 3-5 grams of prebiotic fiber each day. At least, that’s what Web says. These prebiotic fiber requirements are meant to aide the digestive process. Prebiotic fiber is a type of specialized, non-digestible plant carbohydrate that travels to the lower digestive tract to feed and nourish beneficial gut bacteria. I figure that since it is included in a protein drink, it must be okay to have. There is a list of food products that are included as supplying prebiotic fiber, among them – apples. I have asked Daughter #1 if apples can be included in smoothies? (The answer is, yes – as long as you peel the apple.) Prebiotics are also supposed to help with blood sugar regulation, immune function, and reduced inflammation, as well as weight loss. And, truth-be-told, I have lost about fifteen pounds eating according to this diet.

Recovery from the shoulder surgery requires extensive physical therapy. That started after being authorized by the surgeon. It is a very slow process; day-by-day, it seems that my recovery is moving forward. I thought that walking from one side of the house to the other would make things go faster. Not so, said my PCP, who is ever so good at explaining things. Because I now also need to be on oxygen 24/7, there are more requirements to follow. My PCP gave me very strict rules to follow about what the oxygen content percentage needs to be maintained (88 or higher). With his thorough instructions, I now know more about having extra fluid around my heart and in the lower lobes of my lungs. Another learning experience.

Can this “old dog” learn new tricks? Indeed, when the need arises, we can all learn what we need to know. Yes! An “old dog” can learn new tricks!

Be Safe and Be Well.
The Cranky Crone
Thoughtful comments are always appreciated.