Stressors of 2025 10/13/25

Posted on by Septuagenarian in aging, Being Human

I haven’t been creative in months, so please bear with me as I stumble through this story.

I guess it truly started in January when I enrolled in United Healthcare Advantage, believing it was a supplement to Medicare.

In July my oxygen condenser was repossessed due to non-payment for 6 months. What followed was a series of events including a body skin-check revealing two precancerous areas near my face, contracting Covid for the first time, two gory Mohs surgeries with 13 to 15 stitches each, and all culminating in what my doctor called a ‘neurological disturbance.’ This ‘disturbance’ led to a lack of depth perception, resulting in me side-swiping a Jeep with oversized, off-road tires that was stopped in the lane next to me. A driving accident, another first. Definitely a traumatic culmination of the past 3 months. (Think auto insurance claims)

It doesn’t sound like much. Yet, running in the background was United Healthcare still not covering the essential oxygen, 3 weeks without O2, and me ending up paying cash for the monthly rental of a condenser. All while trying to understand the vagaries of the health insurance which I learned nullified Medicare.

I believe it was stress that caused the ‘neurological glitch’, which has me pondering the different ways in which each of us cope with stress. I have friends who are able to compartmentalize events. Others who let the chaos slide off like water from a duck’s back. Some turn it into anger and take it out on someone or something else. (Think road rage) Apparently, I am wired differently.

For me, my seemingly small events feel as though each is piling on top of the previous one and there is no escaping the weight of the pressure. It’s as though they all happened at once and I can’t do anything about any of it!

(A goofy example is that in December, when the names of famous people that have died that year, are all listed at once, it feels to me as if they all died that day!)

So, after a brain CT scan that showed nothing but an old injury and aging brain cells, I am left with the residual trauma from the accident. My depth perception is slowly returning, my twitching eyes have calmed down and I’m resting as much as I can. I am also getting help to assist me in processing the trauma. That and lots of rest as well as offering a lot of compassion to myself is where I am today.

So, dear readers, I appreciate you staying with my stumbling attempt to express myself.

I would love to hear how you are dealing with your stressors, either privately or as a comment on this page.

With Love, Elizabeth

Unknown's avatar

Published by Septuagenarian

16 thoughts on “Stressors of 2025 10/13/25”

  1. My heart goes out to you, dear Elizabeth! This has been a nightmare for you! Yes, the shadow side of being a Sensitive and feeling things so deeply is that we also do that with the stressors!🥹.

    The United Healthcare thing is horrendous! Untangling those plans is one of the most confusing and helpless feelings that can happen. I hope you can get some resolution there soon.

    I love you and keep you in my heart and prayers❤️🙏

    Warm hugs always, Judy b

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. What a series of bad stuff! I would love to get together, mid November. Happy to come your way or we could meet in the middle, Cherry Creek or downtown.

    Sent from the all new AOL app for Android

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. What a lot of BS to have to endure. I’m so sorry. Please know you have many friends, myself included that you can look to for love and support. Your strength and resilience will see you through but there’s never any harm in leaning on those who love you! Hugs my dear friend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I definitely know my friends will support me. These events all had to be done by me personally – hours on the phone – only able to talk to a robot – conflicting information – not sleeping well at night………..

      Love E

      Like

      Reply

  4. You are one of the most resilient people I know and you will find your way out of this madness. I love your perspective, processing this piece by piece is helping you navigate all of it, as piled up as it is, you will land on your feet (just like your lovely cats!). I’m always here for you and appreciate you sharing your journey. Love you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I am so sorry E. You are correct in that we are all wired differently, but stressful situations occur in all lives. Trying to eliminate the stressful situations is obvious, but if successful it takes time and can take a toll.. changing your standards and how you respond works in some scenarios, but asking for help is something we can all do. What can I do to help you with your Advantage plan issues? Open enrollment is coming I think and can you then switch back to traditional Medicare coverage and obtain a supplemental?

    Thanks, Cornie. I have changed plans as of Jan. first of 2026. Back to Medicare and a supplemental.

    Yep, we are all wired differently, I remember a mantra of yours “Suck it up, Buttercup!” “Take an Advil and get back on your horse!” I love that about you

    E

    Like

    Reply

  6. What a story of trauma and resilience. To be on this side enough to bring it to us, accompanied by amazing photographs, is amazing. As you share your experience, it helps all of us. Thank you, Elizabeth. Much love, always.

    P.S. I want to say something about the statement of not being creative in months…In the midst of so much, you have shared the donkey stories, this journey, and so much more. Your life, the way you live it, photograph it, and write about it, is wonderfully creative. If we can keep this up, in these times, through life’s traumas, we will be finding a way through…❣️

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I second everything Lynda said above! Including those adorable donkey stories. Thanks for hanging in there and bringing creativity into every story. I sit in awe with your pics and your stories.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment