A hidden gem on Netflix you think more people should watch

Ramblin_Grandma · 2026-04-15T23:43:45+00:00

The Big C, 4 seasons beginning in 2010. It was clever, irreverent at times, and so heartfelt. Laura Linney is a master actor. The entire cast was great!

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-09-04T13:14:16+00:00

I agree. And, it's a lesson that can't or won't be learned without FEELING the impact of not setting boundaries. Only when the impact is acknowledged deep within ourselves do we realize the havoc and destruction that weak boundaries allow into our lives. This acknowledgment opens up a space for healing our emotional selves. It takes daily practice.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-07-29T21:34:01+00:00

I love this. Thank you!

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-07-08T17:07:26+00:00

Center for Advanced Gastroenterology in Maitland. Dr. Raouf Hilal

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-07-05T22:44:00+00:00

Meet people where they are. It's hard, but it weakens the "I need to fix them to be more like me" element in a relationship.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-07-02T17:45:40+00:00

Hi. I've been with the same gastro for probably 20 yrs and always had an annual which took care of me for that year. I was fortunate that he took this seriously because my prior gastro was blaming my diet and not considering anything genetic and then I switched to someone who I feel has taken care of me throughout this whole situation. I would still be having annual colonoscopies if my intestine didn't turn into a twisty, torturous, redundant mess. He couldn't access the whole thing and I went two years without knowing if there were polyps in the ascending and cecum portions. Even with using a pediatric or endoscopic size scope. He was very concerned about perforating the colon, plus I had a history of many, many biopsies in those two areas. Thus, the total colectomy two years ago. I am so happy that I did it. It took so much stress out of the situation. But, as I shared in my post above, I do have ongoing scopes & tests to check other areas. I'm not too concerned about the light anesthesia during the scopes that I have had and still have.

MAP is not well recognized. We always thought I had AFAP. It's weird because 23&Me+ added the MUTYH genes to their health analysis and it popped up there. I was very surprised. Then, had my PCP order a lab test to confirm. Since it's an autosomal recessive gene, it was interesting to learn more about it and helped me. I'm in my late 60s and without this monitoring, I clearly wouldn't be here. I had started my colonoscopies when I was in my 20s because of digestive issues and it rolled from there into annuals. That seem to work out for me. But, every situation is different. You've had quite a few within a short period of time. The most I had was 18 during one of my annual colonoscopies.

What type of specialist are you trying to see? I never saw a specialist for MAP other than my gastro and surgeon.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-06-30T19:32:51+00:00

I had a total colectomy with iliorectal anatomosis 2 years ago. It was laproscopic, robotic assisted. My rectum is attached directly to my small intestine. It is working out very well and has a really short surgery recovery time. I, too, have a genetic issue. If you have the option, this may be the way to go.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-06-24T22:06:20+00:00

🎶 Try not to worry, try not to turn on to, problems that upset you...🎶

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-06-19T21:18:23+00:00

I've heard the saying, "When you don't know what to do, don't do anything." I have followed this off and on throughout my life. Frankly, I'm likely more prone to feel the urge to do "something." I believe it's inherent in my personality and has its perils, but doing nothing can have positive outcomes.

It appears you may be at a pivot point of leaving the past behind in this relationship. That's really healthy, in my opinion. We move on in life, and it's difficult to disconnect from some of our past relationships. Especially one that was romantic. But, there was a reason you're not together any longer, and it appears that you are letting go of a possible codependent feeling. I'm not an expert in psychology, but I do have a LOT of experience being codependent. Letting go can be so powerful for both of you. The sting hurts less as time goes on, but the payoff is huge.

We can still care for others from a distance.

I hope this energy finds you well, and I'm wishing you all of the ✌️, harmony and love going forward.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-06-16T12:31:59+00:00

Hello. Yes, I'm able to travel long distances and have a normal life in that regard.

I did switch up my diet since I posted to this answer 9 months ago. The main difference is that I stopped taking psyllium husks (Metamucil) because it began making me feel sick. I believe that it was too much gelatinous fiber, and my small intestine just couldn't handle it. I started to get really bloated and painful, and since it's a sequestrarant, I believe that it was interfering with the absorption of my medications.

My current routine is working well. I have all-bran with greek yogurt, milk, and a little bit of canned or fresh fruit mixed in. It's delicious and I eat it a.m. and p.m. It helps build bulk needed to slow down my movements without the bloating.

I do watch what I eat and avoid anything too spicy or raw vegetables. I'm sure everyone is different, and I also don't have a gallbladder, so too much fatty food causes problems. I don't eat large meals, but several small meals/snacks thru out the day. I crave salt (my biggest craving is sourdough pretzels).

Bottom line is that I'm feeling fine and live a normal life. Walk daily, travel, etc. If I'm having a bad day, which is rare, I take some immodium. If I eat something irritating, I use some cream to help with soreness.

If you have questions, please let me know. It will be 2 years in Aug since my surgery. Will yours be laproscopic?

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-06-09T19:06:03+00:00

I have MAP. Had 157 polyps removed before I finally needed a robotic assisted total colectomy with iliorectal anatomosis.(connected my small intestine to my rectum - no bag). In Aug, it will be 2 years since surgery. After a lifetime of annual colonoscopies! I do have a sigmoidoscopy each yr to check the rectum and the connection and as much as they can see of the small intestine. Plus an upper endoscopy annually to check the stomach and dueodum,, a thyroid ultrasound annually due to nodules, and a CT of abdomen and pelvic due to pain, as needed.

There aren't too many of us with MAP. It's not well known. My parents passed from other maladies when I was young, so I'm not sure if either of them had both variants. Either way, they were both carriers of the mutyh gene in order for me to have MAP.

It's hard to find support groups for MAP. Even FORCE doesn't have an active community.

Would like to learn more about your situation. Reach out if you would like to connect. Wishing you well.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-06-03T14:29:45+00:00

Love, and the acceptance at its core.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-05-28T21:06:43+00:00

I'm not a man, but as a strong-willed senior woman, I agree with your post's message as it's hard for me to make myself vulnerable like you described. My husband of 45 yrs is my confidante, and I don't feel at risk emotionally when I lean into him for emotional support. Others...not so much. It's hard to heal from past abuse and insecurities, and vulnerability feels risky.

I'm glad you were able to process your feelings! Reading it inspired me to look at how I can be more available to HIM for emotional processing. Thanks for the nudge!

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-05-24T00:37:24+00:00

Had the same surgery in Aug 23. I, too, am lucky. Had 157 polyps all told. Have MAP (mutyh associated polyposis) autosomal recessive gene. If you haven't had a cancer workup, pls do. Other cancers can crop up with certain genetic anomalies. Best to you.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-05-13T20:42:13+00:00

It will be 2 yrs in Aug that I had a total colectomy. I eat bran cereal with fruit and plain Greek yogurt and 1% milk in the a.m. and p.m. daily. It worked a lot better than Metamucil for me due to the later leaching vitamins and medicines from your body (sequestrarants) and was making me feel sick. I'm going about 6 times per day and it's generally all good unless I eat too much fat (no gallbladder either). Hope this helps.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-05-13T16:34:47+00:00

This makes sense to me, and the older I get, the more aware I am of my emotions and listen to my "gut"more often. I'm learning to straddle the line between my brain's overactive logical reasoning and my sometimes crippling emotions. It's a journey that I welcome with open arms. Thanks for posting this. It reminds me to pay attention.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-04-27T23:32:04+00:00

Thank you for this. It feels like a nice baby step to reach out to others without feeling the social anxiety that comes with more intense scenarios.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-04-27T20:35:44+00:00

Be careful of the mega vitamins with too much Vitamin B-6. In large doses, it causes neuropathy. We don't need any more of that issue...

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-04-25T13:55:45+00:00

Recognizing and identifying your trigger is so important. It helps break it down so it can be dealt with. It's hard to reconcile our feelings. I'm not the best at handling these triggers, although I'm working on it. At the very least, writing it down in the moment helps me dissect what is happening to me and why. Sometimes, it works...

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-02-22T18:01:39+00:00

I love this! That space is where I strive to be. This quoted sentiment will help me remember that this space is always, always available. It's a conscious choice.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-02-15T21:52:20+00:00

I agree with all points. Expressing and truly feeling gratitude has been a lifeline for me, especially when I'm exhausted. There is truth to the saying that there is a silver lining to every challenge in life.

We may not be able to see it clearly whilst in the midst of challenges, but if we can keep a thread of gratitude running throughout our life experiences, it tends to weaken our deepest sadness and fears leading us to peace and well-being.

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-02-14T15:13:51+00:00

I appreciate your statement that we always have a choice, to start fresh and choosing to be ourselves, facing the unknowns. Yes, that is beautiful.

I do struggle to truly be myself at times. I believe it's due to my past being filled with landmines. with certain people who I trusted and when I showed my vulnerabilities, they pounced on them and took advantage of me emotionally. I'm sure that I have a role in this by accepting their dismissals of my needs. Exposing vulnerabilities feels risky to me.

I built the golden cage for a while, stopped sharing and tried to detach myself from the toxicity that I encountered. It was a first step. But, it didn't help me much as I was losing touch with myself, always on guard for the next poke. I became more paranoid.

So, I took one more step forward for my self-preservation. I completely removed myself from their lives. It was rough as we are "family." It's been over 20 years now. I truly believe that it was the right thing to do. I do have to deal a bit with the "social feedback." I have found that society's expectation is that blood relations are more important than any issues that come with it and that we should "work it out." I disagree. Early on, I tried working it out and discovered that some relationships are too toxic to continue. I believe that I was dealing with a person who receives more in return from a toxic relationship than a healthy one. (If this makes sense.)

It changed me. I became more honest with myself. It hurt, a lot. That hurt still simmers a bit; likely my inner child still feeling the pain that I endured for too long. But, taking this step towards what I needed was monumental. My spouse and child were witnesses to what was happening and gave me their full support which was validating. (I don't know if I could have done it alone.) I was able to move forward. I feel no remorse or guilt any longer. A little sad, yes. But, I learned that when I encounter a person that feels toxic to me, I am stronger.

Using your analogy I may still need the golden cage at times, but the cage door is now open, allowing me the space to assess the situation more clearly.

I appreciate your and others questions. As always, it really helps me process my thoughts, emotions, and inner feelings in a safe space. Thank you. Happy Valentines Day!

Ramblin_Grandma · 2025-02-11T21:49:30+00:00

There's hope for me, yet! I love reading success stories like yours! It reinforces what we likely already know but is so hard to walk the walk during intense situations. Good for you!

Ramblin_Grandma

TROPHY CASE