Brain Tumor and Tennis

[Power Player]

Dude this is wild, I just saw this thread. Apparently I had a bad infection that was slowly killing me for a while. By the time they figured it out I had to get cut open and it was not a fun recovery. My tennis game slowly fell off before it happened and then I was bedridden for months until they found it. Anyway, I came back to tennis about 4 months after surgery and competed for my USTA team and UTR this year. I lost a lot of matches, a lot. But slowly my game got better and my body started to return to it's old self. Took me a little over a year to feel 100% but now I am dropping weight and my tennis game has taken a leap forward.

Point is, give yourself a lot of time in terms of expectations. You probably are feeling pretty good already but you will feel really great in 6-10 months. I was pretty hard on myself for losing all those matches early on, but I look back and am just happy I was out there competing again.

 

[dannyslicer]

Thanks @LOBALOT @NicoMK @happyandbob and everyone else, thanks for the well wishes! @sureshs I was diagnosed when I went to the emergency room basically because I kept falling and couldn't get up. Those days are pretty much a blur to me. I was talking to @Papa Mango and was just fading on the phone iirc. Lack of energy was the main symptom and not being myself. Like being 1 hour and 1/2 late to a tennis lesson with the super hot d1 coach. @elkwood can fill in more of the gaps since he was there when I went to the emergency room and picked me up when I fell.

No headaches. Not really dizziness but it sounds like when I went to the er I must have been dizzy and falling. Prior, I recall my vision being weird. Like really reduced in scope and periphery being "black" in spots. I slept days away before I ended up in the er. I also stopped cooking and ordered food all the time and was just not myself.

Anyhow its good to be on the other side of it and hitting some tennis balls. The pros at the hospital and rehab center were first rate! And man my knee feels great!

You seem like a researcher.
Besides balance issues and vision problems, what are other common signs? Headache?
What else can you share about "brain tumors for Dummies"?

What was surgery like? Are you cured? What is the road ahead ?

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

Dude this is wild, I just saw this thread. Apparently I had a bad infection that was slowly killing me for a while. By the time they figured it out I had to get cut open and it was not a fun recovery.

Was this also a brain-related illness/infection as in OP?

 

[Power Player]

Was this also a brain-related illness/infection as in OP?

no

 

[Ronaldo]

BTW a head MRI is a different experience when you are not medicated and brain damaged. That 70's music was horrible...as an audiophile it was dreadful. And the lyrics...why not name the horse and who forgets their name but can remember it in the desert? The rainy desert no less.

Recall the clanging during an MRI,

 

[Shroud]

Dude this is wild, I just saw this thread. Apparently I had a bad infection that was slowly killing me for a while. By the time they figured it out I had to get cut open and it was not a fun recovery. My tennis game slowly fell off before it happened and then I was bedridden for months until they found it. Anyway, I came back to tennis about 4 months after surgery and competed for my USTA team and UTR this year. I lost a lot of matches, a lot. But slowly my game got better and my body started to return to it's old self. Took me a little over a year to feel 100% but now I am dropping weight and my tennis game has taken a leap forward.

Point is, give yourself a lot of time in terms of expectations. You probably are feeling pretty good already but you will feel really great in 6-10 months. I was pretty hard on myself for losing all those matches early on, but I look back and am just happy I was out there competing again.

Thanks man. That's good advice but hard to follow. As you know its hard not being able to be/ do what you normally are/ can. Its trending for sure but man its slow slow going.

Glad you are dropping weight and getting even better! That is something I am working on for sure. Glad to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Shroud]

You seem like a researcher.
Besides balance issues and vision problems, what are other common signs? Headache?
What else can you share about "brain tumors for Dummies"?

What was surgery like? Are you cured? What is the road ahead ?

LOL. People always come to me for research so yep you nailed it.

For me it was also lethargy, lack of motivation, sleeping all the time, and making dumb decisions. Also I found myself eating in exclusively and once I had a seamless order of $626 to Ruby Tuesdays...fortunately I caught it and didn't place the order. Also I was diagnosed with low t and low b. Never had a headache. I would have trouble getting the energy to just get out of a chair and eventually couldn't walk without falling. One day I ran out of gas which never ever has happened to me in nearly 40 years of driving. lots of uncharacteristic things and behaviours.

Surgery was a blurr and I don't remember too much of it at all. But they cut open most of the front of my head.

I have about 9-12 months the doc said before I will be better. Not sure if I will be like I was but it is progressing slowly and man I am super lucky. Yea, I get to remember or learn how to hit a fh now! Bh is and has always been solid.

Its really hard to say generally because there are different types of tumors and are in different places so the effects will be different for each person.

 

[dannyslicer]

For me it was also lethargy, lack of motivation, sleeping all the time, and making dumb decisions.

Are you retired?

 

[Shroud]

Are you retired?

I wish. That is the sad thing and honestly I have no idea how I will cope financially since I am not working and disability is a 12 month back log. Fortunately I wasn't a deadbeat in life and do have some investments but not working this last year has hurt. Heck I can't even take advantage of TW's awesome sale.

 

[dannyslicer]

I wish. That is the sad thing and honestly I have no idea how I will cope financially since I am not working and disability is a 12 month back log. Fortunately I wasn't a deadbeat in life and do have some investments but not working this last year has hurt. Heck I can't even take advantage of TW's awesome sale.

Did you stop working because tumor,
or were you already not working when you got sick?

 

[Shroud]

Did you stop working because tumor,
or were you already not working when you got sick?

I was working just the tumore made me super unproductive and forgetful. I also missed alot of social cues that made things tough as a consultant. I spent more than I brought in.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

disability is a 12 month back log.

What does this mean? It takes 12 months just to apply and receive a decision from the useless government bureaucracy?
One would think that a brain tumour and the severe symptoms would be a straightforward process and quickly approved.

 

[Shroud]

What does this mean? It takes 12 months just to apply and receive a decision from the useless government bureaucracy?
One would think that a brain tumour and the severe symptoms would be a straightforward process and quickly approved.

Exactly! I applied and they are saying 12 months or more back log. Also everyone I know is saying that I should be prepared to be denied and have to appeal. I should get approved on appeal they are saying. Sad thing is that its my money that I paid into for social security.

 

[vokazu]

Slam legend Max Mirnyi reportedly had eight-hour surgery to remove brain tumor​

2012 Olympics mixed doubles gold medal winner Max Mirnyi reportedly had surgery to remove a brain tumor. According to Belarusian outlet Smart Press, 46-year-old Mirnyi started experiencing headaches over a month ago. After visiting the doctor, an MRI showed a brain tumor.

Per the report, Mirnyi underwent an eight-hour-long surgery to remove the tumor. Also, the report states that the surgery was conducted in Minsk and that it went very well. Since Mirnyi resides in the United States, he reportedly also left Belarus to continue further treatment in the States.

Mirnyi won a total of 10 Grand Slam titles in doubles​

Mirnyi enjoyed a highly successful doubles career, having won six Grand Slam titles in men's doubles and four in mixed doubles. Also, former doubles world No. 1 Mirnyi won the 2012 London Olympics mixed doubles event with Victoria Azarenka. After winning a total of 52 doubles titles, Mirnyi put an end to his career after the 2018 season.

"I have come to a decision that the 2018 season was my last year competing professionally. It was a very difficult choice for me to make as tennis has been my life ever since I can remember myself. I was fortunate to achieve far beyond what a little boy from Minsk, Belarus, could have dreamed of. And lastly, I wish to thank and hug all of my fans who gave me love and support, who cheered with me in moments of glory but more importantly those that lifted me time and time again at different part of the world when matches and tournaments were lost and times were tough. You gave me the strength and motivation to wake up and keep working. I will never forget what it is like to play in front of you, be it on the practice court or a packed house. Going forward, it’s time for me to move on with my life and accept new challenges. I will miss the game greatly, but for certain I will continue to follow it closely and love it from the sidelines.” Mirnyi told the ATP website after the 2018 season ended.

News source from MSN

 

[Shroud]

Slam legend Max Mirnyi reportedly had eight-hour surgery to remove brain tumor​

2012 Olympics mixed doubles gold medal winner Max Mirnyi reportedly had surgery to remove a brain tumor. According to Belarusian outlet Smart Press, 46-year-old Mirnyi started experiencing headaches over a month ago. After visiting the doctor, an MRI showed a brain tumor.

Per the report, Mirnyi underwent an eight-hour-long surgery to remove the tumor. Also, the report states that the surgery was conducted in Minsk and that it went very well. Since Mirnyi resides in the United States, he reportedly also left Belarus to continue further treatment in the States.

Mirnyi won a total of 10 Grand Slam titles in doubles​

Mirnyi enjoyed a highly successful doubles career, having won six Grand Slam titles in men's doubles and four in mixed doubles. Also, former doubles world No. 1 Mirnyi won the 2012 London Olympics mixed doubles event with Victoria Azarenka. After winning a total of 52 doubles titles, Mirnyi put an end to his career after the 2018 season.

"I have come to a decision that the 2018 season was my last year competing professionally. It was a very difficult choice for me to make as tennis has been my life ever since I can remember myself. I was fortunate to achieve far beyond what a little boy from Minsk, Belarus, could have dreamed of. And lastly, I wish to thank and hug all of my fans who gave me love and support, who cheered with me in moments of glory but more importantly those that lifted me time and time again at different part of the world when matches and tournaments were lost and times were tough. You gave me the strength and motivation to wake up and keep working. I will never forget what it is like to play in front of you, be it on the practice court or a packed house. Going forward, it’s time for me to move on with my life and accept new challenges. I will miss the game greatly, but for certain I will continue to follow it closely and love it from the sidelines.” Mirnyi told the ATP website after the 2018 season ended.

News source from MSN

Thanks for posting that. I hope he has a speedy recovery and man 8 hours. I don't know how long they were in my brain but thats a long time. Ok, just checked, mine was scheduled for 4 hours but was done in 3hours. I am guessing because it was mostly tumor and they had so little brain to worry about they could go fast. . But man I wish the guy would have not rushed it and taken that extra hour to remove my "personality" and let me play with light racquets.

 

[sureshs]

Ok, just checked, mine was scheduled for 4 hours but was done in 3hours.

Mirnyi's surgery took twice the time because he was a doubles player.

 

[onehandbh]

I believe Mirnyi was in the Sonic Serve tutorial video.

 

[Shroud]

One change since the surgery is that mentally I am embracing joy more. What I mean is that I realized there is joy to be had in things I had recoiled from in the past. For example my stepdad has dementia and tells the same stories over and over again. Lately I have found joy in those stories, where in the past I would kind of ignore them. Anyhow this has been a big change.

Sadly I encountered something the other day I could not find joy in as much as I tried: Rednecks playing pickleball.

 

[sureshs]

One change since the surgery is that mentally I am embracing joy more. What I mean is that I realized there is joy to be had in things I had recoiled from in the past. For example my stepdad has dementia and tells the same stories over and over again. Lately I have found joy in those stories, where in the past I would kind of ignore them. Anyhow this has been a big change.

Sadly I encountered something the other day I could not find joy in as much as I tried: Rednecks playing pickleball.

Pickleball is the ultimate egalitarian sport.

 

[Shroud]

Fyi. I started a job yesterday and passed my driving test today! Things are trending up. Will be off all meds this week too. Sadly the weather has been against me playing tennis.

 

[borg number one]

Shroud I hope you have a full recovery. Stay positive and keep finding the joy in life. We’re pulling for you here. Wonderful thread, very inspiring. God bless.

 

[onehandbh]

Fyi. I started a job yesterday and passed my driving test today! Things are trending up. Will be off all meds this week too. Sadly the weather has been against me playing tennis.

Your current racquet is 400+ grams, 28.75" and 459 SW? Are you trying to build a small trebuchet?

 

[Shroud]

Your current racquet is 400+ grams, 28.75" and 459 SW? Are you trying to build a small trebuchet?

lol. I was thinking of just using it to swing at the zombies, but trebuchet might be a better option. Thanks.

Fwiw, I am trying a lighter stick. Here I am playing with the 459sw stick. In the hat and forgot how to hit a fh.

 

[Shroud]

Shroud I hope you have a full recovery. Stay positive and keep finding the joy in life. We’re pulling for you here. Wonderful thread, very inspiring. God bless.

Thanks!! Its important to know people are pulling for you and I hope you all are doing well!! Thanks!

 

[borg number one]

Thanks!! Its important to know people are pulling for you and I hope you all are doing well!! Thanks!

You’re welcome Shroud. Tennis can be wonderful therapy and aid in physical recovery. Your whole mind and body are so engaged neurologically. I look forward to hearing about your progress. Take care.

 

[Shroud]

You’re welcome Shroud. Tennis can be wonderful therapy and aid in physical recovery. Your whole mind and body are so engaged neurologically. I look forward to hearing about your progress. Take care.

Very good point. I seem to go through phases where I remember how to hit shots and then forget . Tennis really is mental and yes you are right it helps to get mind and body engaged. And to do it in a quick time frame. Velvet, face, church, daisy, red are the words they asked me to remember yesterday during my mental test. I can still remember them but my forehand...yikes. It will all come at some point.

 

[borg number one]

Very good point. I seem to go through phases where I remember how to hit shots and then forget . Tennis really is mental and yes you are right it helps to get mind and body engaged. And to do it in a quick time frame. Velvet, face, church, daisy, red are the words they asked me to remember yesterday during my mental test. I can still remember them but my forehand...yikes. It will all come at some point.

You’ll get that muscle memory back! Just have fun out there and let it go and be free flowing as possible. Not sure if visualizing shots and playing tennis may also be helpful. Enjoy nature and being outdoors too as that is also helpful.

 

[Shroud]

Lol I just realized that the cognitive test they had me take for the driving test was that same Montreal cognitive test Trump keeps talking about. It was super easy and omg I could be president!

 

[borg number one]

Lol I just realized that the cognitive test they had me take for the driving test was that same Montreal cognitive test Trump keeps talking about. It was super easy and omg I could be president!

Good job Shroud. It says “A score of greater than 26 is considered normal while 18-25 is considered mild cognitive impairment, 10-17 is considered moderate cognitive impairment. A score less than 10 is considered severe cognitive impairment.” Wonder what Biden would score? Lol.

 

[Shroud]

Good job Shroud. It says “A score of greater than 26 is considered normal while 18-25 is considered mild cognitive impairment, 10-17 is considered moderate cognitive impairment. A score less than 10 is considered severe cognitive impairment.” Wonder what Biden would score? Lol.

it would be hard for him I think because he was around before the animals shown existed. I don't recall my score except that I don't recall missing anything and the guy saying it was great.

 

[borg number one]

That is awesome Shroud. Very good sign. Keep up those activities that bring you joy. How about art and handwriting? Perhaps write in a journal? Read good books as well. Keep up the tennis as well.

 

[sureshs]

Lol I just realized that the cognitive test they had me take for the driving test was that same Montreal cognitive test Trump keeps talking about. It was super easy and omg I could be president!

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a test used to detect mild cognitive decline and early signs of dementia. It can help identify people at risk of Alzheimer's disease and screen for conditions like Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, substance abuse, and head trauma.

 

[Shroud]

So they say one of the side effects of brain injury could be a change in personality. I haven't experienced that really except that I was cleaning more than normal which was probably just having more time. But recently I started a job in the same industry I was in. Ironically I realized I didn't want to do that anymore! They didn't want to lose me so I am part time on Saturday to help them out and make some money.

Decided to get some certs for Networking+ and Security+ and see what happens. Brain is doing OK in this new subject so far. OMG the acronyms are off the hook.

Never thought I would want to change careers.

Also, I seem to be sleeping more regularly which is awesome. Completely off meds now!

Been hitting the tennis ball better too. Lots of work to do in that area but I have been working out every day while "hitting the books" which is just online vids at this point.

Thanks for all the goodwill! Happy tennis everyone.

 

[ByeByePoly]

So they say one of the side effects of brain injury could be a change in personality. I haven't experienced that really except that I was cleaning more than normal which was probably just having more time. But recently I started a job in the same industry I was in. Ironically I realized I didn't want to do that anymore! They didn't want to lose me so I am part time on Saturday to help them out and make some money.

Decided to get some certs for Networking+ and Security+ and see what happens. Brain is doing OK in this new subject so far. OMG the acronyms are off the hook.

Never thought I would want to change careers.

Also, I seem to be sleeping more regularly which is awesome. Completely off meds now!

Been hitting the tennis ball better too. Lots of work to do in that area but I have been working out every day while "hitting the books" which is just online vids at this point.

Thanks for all the goodwill! Happy tennis everyone.

Excellent … except maybe the IT thing … says the retired programmer.

I’m impressed with the daily work outs … but hope I don’t catch it from you. I did walk the Chiweenies today … all the way to end of street and back.

Wishing you nothing but the best my friend … very good indeed to hear you are doing well.

 

[movdqa]

So they say one of the side effects of brain injury could be a change in personality. I haven't experienced that really except that I was cleaning more than normal which was probably just having more time. But recently I started a job in the same industry I was in. Ironically I realized I didn't want to do that anymore! They didn't want to lose me so I am part time on Saturday to help them out and make some money.

Decided to get some certs for Networking+ and Security+ and see what happens. Brain is doing OK in this new subject so far. OMG the acronyms are off the hook.

Never thought I would want to change careers.

Also, I seem to be sleeping more regularly which is awesome. Completely off meds now!

Been hitting the tennis ball better too. Lots of work to do in that area but I have been working out every day while "hitting the books" which is just online vids at this point.

Thanks for all the goodwill! Happy tennis everyone.

Your recovery sounds like it is going well.

IT is a train wreck at this time.

It started in January 2023 with Google laying off a lot of people in January despite making tons of money. Now it has caught on and all of the big-cap tech companies are doing it in January and the smaller companies started doing it too. My son chats with a lot of IT workers and their general conclusion is that the good areas are AI, Cloud, Network, DevOps, Security, Database. UI/UX seems to be one of those things that can be dropped in cost-cutting mode and his organization has laid off a bunch of them.

It looks like the best time to change jobs was January 23. The people that lose their jobs first have the best pick of the jobs at other places and salaries are still high. There's less leftover when the layoffs get well underway.

I went tot he Social Security office yesterday and have a phone appointment next week to get started on Social Security and Medicare. I am studying AI theory (the math behind it rather than the tools) for fun as I like to tinker.

Best wishes on your tennis and I await your videos.

 

[StringSnapper]

So they say one of the side effects of brain injury could be a change in personality. I haven't experienced that really except that I was cleaning more than normal which was probably just having more time. But recently I started a job in the same industry I was in. Ironically I realized I didn't want to do that anymore! They didn't want to lose me so I am part time on Saturday to help them out and make some money.

Decided to get some certs for Networking+ and Security+ and see what happens. Brain is doing OK in this new subject so far. OMG the acronyms are off the hook.

Never thought I would want to change careers.

Also, I seem to be sleeping more regularly which is awesome. Completely off meds now!

Been hitting the tennis ball better too. Lots of work to do in that area but I have been working out every day while "hitting the books" which is just online vids at this point.

Thanks for all the goodwill! Happy tennis everyone.

Great to hear mate. I had a friend who was in a car accident and he changed from a super chill guy to way more uptight. Sounds like positive change for you though! What did you do for work before?

 

[Shroud]

Excellent … except maybe the IT thing … says the retired programmer.

I’m impressed with the daily work outs … but hope I don’t catch it from you. I did walk the Chiweenies today … all the way to end of street and back.

Wishing you nothing but the best my friend … very good indeed to hear you are doing well.

Hey man those dogs pulled you the whole way I am certain. FWIW those workouts as lame as they are really helped this weekend. I didn't have the normal knee issues and tentative footwork. Felt good enough to go out the next day with the ball machine...though I am feeling it today!

Programming is hard! Good for you.

 

[Shroud]

Your recovery sounds like it is going well.

IT is a train wreck at this time.

It started in January 2023 with Google laying off a lot of people in January despite making tons of money. Now it has caught on and all of the big-cap tech companies are doing it in January and the smaller companies started doing it too. My son chats with a lot of IT workers and their general conclusion is that the good areas are AI, Cloud, Network, DevOps, Security, Database. UI/UX seems to be one of those things that can be dropped in cost-cutting mode and his organization has laid off a bunch of them.

It looks like the best time to change jobs was January 23. The people that lose their jobs first have the best pick of the jobs at other places and salaries are still high. There's less leftover when the layoffs get well underway.

I went tot he Social Security office yesterday and have a phone appointment next week to get started on Social Security and Medicare. I am studying AI theory (the math behind it rather than the tools) for fun as I like to tinker.

Best wishes on your tennis and I await your videos.

Thanks man and thanks for the IT tips. I am looking at Network+ and Security+ certs. Buddies say that is all I need and they can get me hired. Will see how I do.

Maybe you can make an AI that signs people up for Social Security and Medicare

FWIW the backlog for SS disability claims is 10-12 months. Hopefully yours will go way quicker!
One thing that has remained the same pre and post tumor is that I hate editing, so maybe those vids might take a bit. Just glad to be out there.

 

[movdqa]

Thanks man and thanks for the IT tips. I am looking at Network+ and Security+ certs. Buddies say that is all I need and they can get me hired. Will see how I do.

Maybe you can make an AI that signs people up for Social Security and Medicare

FWIW the backlog for SS disability claims is 10-12 months. Hopefully yours will go way quicker!
One thing that has remained the same pre and post tumor is that I hate editing, so maybe those vids might take a bit. Just glad to be out there.

It was actually easy.

I went into the office, took a number, waited 15 seconds and was called. She asked me what I wanted to do and I told her and she said that someone would call me this week to arrange everything and then I was out of there in 10 minutes. My wife went through the Medicare part two years ago and it was a ton of studying the options. I have studied the options and talked to a lot of retired folks and have decided on a plan. Her plan is completely different from mine as I'm in the cancer world.

I decided not to try for SS Disability as I talked to others with my type of cancer. Apparently it's standard for them to deny your first claim so you're expected to file again. I'm almost 65 so it wouldn't really matter now.

 

[Shroud]

Great to hear mate. I had a friend who was in a car accident and he changed from a super chill guy to way more uptight. Sounds like positive change for you though! What did you do for work before?

Sorry about your friend. Its weird how the brain works when its injured. Its kind of a blow to find out you are mortal and can be messed up in an instant.

They were in my head for 3 hours and no one thought to remove the weirdness or help me have a better sense of humor? OMG.

I did sales for about 30 years. Before the tumor I was selling residential solar. Now I think I am done with sales....

 

[Shroud]

It was actually easy.

I went into the office, took a number, waited 15 seconds and was called. She asked me what I wanted to do and I told her and she said that someone would call me this week to arrange everything and then I was out of there in 10 minutes. My wife went through the Medicare part two years ago and it was a ton of studying the options. I have studied the options and talked to a lot of retired folks and have decided on a plan. Her plan is completely different from mine as I'm in the cancer world.

I decided not to try for SS Disability as I talked to others with my type of cancer. Apparently it's standard for them to deny your first claim so you're expected to file again. I'm almost 65 so it wouldn't really matter now.

So glad you beat it!! I remember those posts and am so glad for you beating that!!

Yeah everyone is expecting me to get denied and have to appeal. Will see.

Its a good problem to have I suppose.

 

[sureshs]

FWIW the backlog for SS disability claims is 10-12 months. Hopefully yours will go way quicker!

What do you mean? Is this dependent on the degree of handicap? I don't see how a disabled person can wait for 12 months.

 

[Shroud]

What do you mean? Is this dependent on the degree of handicap? I don't see how a disabled person can wait for 12 months.

Yep you are right. Its ridiculous to wait that long. I find myself in a ton of debt at that moment and its frustrating because if I understand it correctly, its my money...I payed it in over 35 years of gainful employment.

 

[sureshs]

Yep you are right. Its ridiculous to wait that long. I find myself in a ton of debt at that moment and its frustrating because if I understand it correctly, its my money...I payed it in over 35 years of gainful employment.

Why can't you sue?

 

[ByeByePoly]

Hey man those dogs pulled you the whole way I am certain. FWIW those workouts as lame as they are really helped this weekend. I didn't have the normal knee issues and tentative footwork. Felt good enough to go out the next day with the ball machine...though I am feeling it today!

Programming is hard! Good for you.

Yes … the walks are basically Chiweenie dog sledding. They are rescues … mom weighs 11-12 lbs, daughter weighs 7-8 lbs. We are in training, and they about have me fully trained. I asked my wife if they came from a circus?

We found signing up for Medicare and Social Security, and timing it with wife retiring from her job a total PITA. The online enrollment was easy … but they have holes in the system where you match end of company insurance and the start of Medicare insurance. You are charged monthly from medicare $174 and you don’t want to be paying it for no reason when still on private insurance. You would think it would be impossible… there are a few users on the system, and it’s been around few years. Nope ... actually a known hole/flaw in system, collecting some monthly when not wanted/needed. It went from simple online system filing to multiple medicare phone calls, long waits, nobody explaining “yes … you are getting hosed for a couple of months and there is nothing you can do about it”.

@movdqa actually dropped a very key nugget in his response … I will bold it for future medicare/social security newbies:

Local social security office

After much screaming after phone calls, I gave up and went to local office (twice, and to have a follow up for further questions). Once I was face to face with someone, they explained (had to, I was on other side of window) I had done nothing wrong in our online filing, the extra monthly medicare charges (2 months if I remember correctly) is a known hole in system that I could not overcome. The column that should have existed “medicare premium start date” that I looked for during online filing, spent several hours on Google/youtube searching for … didn’t exist for a reason … they didn’t allow you to pick it.

So yeah … even without filing for disability … the standard 65 medicare enrollment, and in our case throw in social security and timing retirement and end of private insurance was mind blowing complicated. Sad … why … I come from the land of tech, has to be even more confusing to the majority of seniors.

Don’t rush getting to 65 … the land of part A, B, C, D … advantage or supplemental. You are going to love it. Oh … part D is because you made it all the way to senior insurance, but sometimes you still have to buy “another” insurance plan for meds.

If you made it to the end of this rant and understood any of it your brain is fine. It was a test … you are welcome.

 

[movdqa]

Yes … the walks are basically Chiweenie dog sledding. They are rescues … mom weighs 11-12 lbs, daughter weighs 7-8 lbs. We are in training, and they about have me fully trained. I asked my wife if they came from a circus?

We found signing up for Medicare and Social Security, and timing it with wife retiring from her job a total PITA. The online enrollment was easy … but they have holes in the system where you match end of company insurance and the start of Medicare insurance. You are charged monthly from medicare $174 and you don’t want to be paying it for no reason when still on private insurance. You would think it would be impossible… there are a few users on the system, and it’s been around few years. Nope ... actually a known hole/flaw in system, collecting some monthly when not wanted/needed. It went from simple online system filing to multiple medicare phone calls, long waits, nobody explaining “yes … you are getting hosed for a couple of months and there is nothing you can do about it”.

@movdqa actually dropped a very key nugget in his response … I will bold it for future medicare/social security newbies:

Local social security office

After much screaming after phone calls, I gave up and went to local office (twice, and to have a follow up for further questions). Once I was face to face with someone, they explained (had to, I was on other side of window) I had done nothing wrong in our online filing, the extra monthly medicare charges (2 months if I remember correctly) is a known hole in system that I could not overcome. The column that should have existed “medicare premium start date” that I looked for during online filing, spent several hours on Google/youtube searching for … didn’t exist for a reason … they didn’t allow you to pick it.

So yeah … even without filing for disability … the standard 65 medicare enrollment, and in our case throw in social security and timing retirement and end of private insurance was mind blowing complicated. Sad … why … I come from the land of tech, has to be even more confusing to the majority of seniors.

Don’t rush getting to 65 … the land of part A, B, C, D … advantage or supplemental. You are going to love it. Oh … part D is because you made it all the way to senior insurance, but sometimes you still have to buy “another” insurance plan for meds.

If you made it to the end of this rant and understood any of it your brain is fine. It was a test … you are welcome.

There's a subreddit for Medicare and there are a lot of Medicare consultants that hang out there. I had a number of questions answered there along with in a Medicare YouTube channel. I assume that there are similar channels for Social Security. Sometimes the local office is best for some questions.

The local office used to be downtown (might still be there - I'm not sure), and it was a pain to park at and difficult to schedule appointments. The one I want to was in a suburban area and there was a lot of automation and there was only one other person in the seating area when I arrived. There were about 10 people in the seating area when I got out so I guess it got busy.

 

[ByeByePoly]

There's a subreddit for Medicare and there are a lot of Medicare consultants that hang out there. I had a number of questions answered there along with in a Medicare YouTube channel. I assume that there are similar channels for Social Security. Sometimes the local office is best for some questions.

The local office used to be downtown (might still be there - I'm not sure), and it was a pain to park at and difficult to schedule appointments. The one I want to was in a suburban area and there was a lot of automation and there was only one other person in the seating area when I arrived. There were about 10 people in the seating area when I got out so I guess it got busy.

The social security office we went to was in suburb, plenty of parking, no appointments, full waiting room w/masks (2022). It moved pretty quickly … after my failed attempts calling in I was more than happy with the line.

 

[Ronaldo]

Yes … the walks are basically Chiweenie dog sledding. They are rescues … mom weighs 11-12 lbs, daughter weighs 7-8 lbs. We are in training, and they about have me fully trained. I asked my wife if they came from a circus?

We found signing up for Medicare and Social Security, and timing it with wife retiring from her job a total PITA. The online enrollment was easy … but they have holes in the system where you match end of company insurance and the start of Medicare insurance. You are charged monthly from medicare $174 and you don’t want to be paying it for no reason when still on private insurance. You would think it would be impossible… there are a few users on the system, and it’s been around few years. Nope ... actually a known hole/flaw in system, collecting some monthly when not wanted/needed. It went from simple online system filing to multiple medicare phone calls, long waits, nobody explaining “yes … you are getting hosed for a couple of months and there is nothing you can do about it”.

@movdqa actually dropped a very key nugget in his response … I will bold it for future medicare/social security newbies:

Local social security office

After much screaming after phone calls, I gave up and went to local office (twice, and to have a follow up for further questions). Once I was face to face with someone, they explained (had to, I was on other side of window) I had done nothing wrong in our online filing, the extra monthly medicare charges (2 months if I remember correctly) is a known hole in system that I could not overcome. The column that should have existed “medicare premium start date” that I looked for during online filing, spent several hours on Google/youtube searching for … didn’t exist for a reason … they didn’t allow you to pick it.

So yeah … even without filing for disability … the standard 65 medicare enrollment, and in our case throw in social security and timing retirement and end of private insurance was mind blowing complicated. Sad … why … I come from the land of tech, has to be even more confusing to the majority of seniors.

Don’t rush getting to 65 … the land of part A, B, C, D … advantage or supplemental. You are going to love it. Oh … part D is because you made it all the way to senior insurance, but sometimes you still have to buy “another” insurance plan for meds.

If you made it to the end of this rant and understood any of it your brain is fine. It was a test … you are welcome.

Discovered I am paying for Medicare while on my Wifey's insurance. Trying to get off Medicare and get a refund. Was warned years ago I would never be able to pay for my current meds on Medicare

ps Still paying nearly $200 for Medicare out my check. Another visit to our local office. No money, Mo Problems!

 

[movdqa]

Discovered I am paying for Medicare while on my Wifey's insurance. Trying to get off Medicare and get a refund. Was warned years ago I would never be able to pay for my current meds on Medicare

I think that Medicare used to cover a lot more a long time ago and then they split it into parts and charged for the parts and now it's almost a partially privatized system.

 

[Ronaldo]

I think that Medicare used to cover a lot more a long time ago and then they split it into parts and charged for the parts and now it's almost a partially privatized system.

Completely Paralyzed System atm IMHO.