11 replies to this topic

[Twanquility]

Well I setup my scope with the help of my wife because I can't hardly walk any more. I'm 70 years on and have mobility issues. In other words, I really can't walk without staggering to get my balance. My wife ( God Bless Her ) Does all the work around the house and all the business to keep the things going that need to be done.( Cut to the chase ) I was taking about an hour worth of 30 sec on M-106 and was going to switch to As-Alt mode to take photo's of the Moon. My scope is about 20 feet from my screen room out side so I thought ( well I don't want to bother her to help so I staggered out to get my setting to zero from 90 degrees. and go to the moon. It couldn't find it in EQ mode. I got up ( my wife had a char next to it) and lost my balance and fell over landing on the scope into the ground. When that happened she was coming out the door and ran to help get me up. God Bless Her. We've been marred for 50 years and still going strong. Well I have a gash on my head but all is good BUT BUT, the See Star scope body that moves up and down is bent. I will not go to home position. It bottoms out making the closing at the body. THE SHAFT IS BENT.  Lessons learned. Don't walk when you can't walk.  Just like, Don't drive when you can't drive. bad things will happen. The good news is I have a  number 2 See Star S-50. Bought it used on CL and a S-30 so all is not lost, Summing up, As we elders trying to keep going, Ask for help when in a bind. When we make mistakes it could cost so much more to your family,  Tom-----Sorry for the LONG story. 

[dcornelis]

You dont have to be old to fall, it help for sure, and you have spare parts now.

[Pixeltim]

 I’m rapidly approaching your age and see myself starting to be less of what I used to be too. Not fun at all.

now here’s a thought, would it be possible to use the camera and some other parts to get the same functionality, but using a larger scope?

[Dynan]

Your story is inspiring, and at my age similar to your, is relatable. As we see our faculties fade, it's difficult to 'give up' on what we always have done; especially as a family anchor, instructor, and repairperson. For me it brings to mind the philosophical truth that "The only thing permanent is change itself".

 

Take heart in knowing you're not alone; you have value; you've earned a rest. What that 'rest' is in the coming inevitable transition no one knows. But your thoughts, words, and actions are a pretty good indicator of our next phase, if it exists. I'm betting it does. Peace.

EDIT: Thinking on my response, I implore your to keep a sense of humor! Your unfortunate incident with the S50 should maybe state that YOU went on IT!

Edited by Dynan, 10 June 2025 - 06:26 AM.

[WillR]

Very sorry to hear this. By the way, it could happen to anyone. I knocked my Seestar off a table to my deck and was just lucky it was undamaged. In warm weather, you could set up a table and chair (Sounds like there was already a chair there) and sit next to the Seestar so you can make changes without having to get up.

 

There are also people who have their Seestars in remote locations. You could look into that if you have the means.

 

By all means contact ZWO and see if it is reparable.

 

Finally, if you don’t mind me asking, do you do physical therapy for your balance? I do regular exercises where I balance on alternating feet for 30 seconds at a time. You would have to start with shorter intervals, but it has made a big difference. I am 75. A few years ago I couldn’t put my pants on without holding on to something or sitting down. No I can put them on while standing up and balancing on one leg at a time. I assumed it was a flexibility issue, but it turns out a large part of it was balance and strength. I combine these with sit to stands to strengthen my quad muscles.

Edited by WillR, 10 June 2025 - 08:56 AM.

[Twanquility]

Thanks for all the responses. Some brought on smiles and a few tears. Just before Covid,  I noticed my right foot would tingle a bit in the shower and after a while during walks with my little dog and wife my right foot began to drag the ground as if I didn't have control over it. That started getting tests done. Lots of testing. As time went on my left leg was doing the same. Then the pain got to the point I couldn't walk for very long and had to sit down. It spread to my hands and arms. The pain feels as if someone took a paddle and swatted my feet and hands but the sting never goes away and numbness sets in along with the sting. I started therapy but that was mostly useless after a year or so. I cat exercise or be on my feet for lone before I have to sit.

 

   Long story short, I have Brain stem Deterioration which is causing Peripheral neuropathy in my feet legs and my arms and hands. along with hearing loss. I have to Hearing aids because I Iost hearing in my right ear and 50 percent loss in my left ear. I don't use Opioids pain meds because I'm in agreement with my family doctor that I don't want to down that path. I take a med that help take my mind off the pain but makes me sleepy if I'm reading.   Can't use my BIG scopes because their to heavy for my wife to lift. 

 

    Then came small , light weight smart scopes and bought the S-50 for $399 intro offer. The world in my astro hobby changed as we could continue on. Im a retired union Millwright as I've seen it all in construction and after 34 years toil, I got out. Time to do what I want. I used to build bass guitars on my layoff times and got good at it but selling a no name bass was difficult . but my interest in building was still there. I took a Job reparing Violins and other stringed instruments. 3 years of apprenticeship They gave me my own shop and loved it. Then my health problems started and after another year I had to leave, 

 

  They say ( doctors ) My brain stem will only get worse in time and nothing can be done about it . I'm now content with my life as I still have some mobility but fading faster than I thought it would. My family helps all the time when they can but my wife is an angel . She retired to take care of me. On to the next project what ever that is. I will not fade away.   Sorry for the rant but I had to tell my story. I feel much better getting it out.  

[Michael Tomich]

The main thing is you weren't injured more than you were. Be careful and enjoy that spare scope. I won't go into my shrinking Substantia Nigra, but I understandthe implications. You have the right attitude. Carry on my good man.

[WillR]

Wow, I am so sorry. I am very glad you have a Seestar to fill in that observing void. And I guess you are getting some reading about astronomy in? I recommend anything by Dave Sobel, three being Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, and A More Perfect Heaven. (About Kepler)

[Digital Don]

Hi Tom,

 

We all love our toys, but in the end, they're only 'stuff'. 

 

Even though it can sometimes be a pain in the posterior, 'stuff' can always be replaced, repaired, or forgotten about.  

 

As long as you're OK, that's what really counts!

 

Don  

[Twanquility]

Hey guys,Thanks for the kind words. Many more guys and gals have  old age mountains to climb. The funny thing is my motivation to do is still there, but my hardware is  going fast. I had to lay low tonight as the full strawberry was going to rise. Annette knew I wanted to setup my # 2 seestar but got the look. Well I'm looking at the moon as I type and it's big and glorious. Without the scope. It's still a masterpiece of our space. So, ok I'm moving on. I won't stop until the electric stops. I think you know what I mean. 

 

  First time I ever ranted in my life.      Tom

[UTSkyWatcher]

Hey guys,Thanks for the kind words. Many more guys and gals have  old age mountains to climb. The funny thing is my motivation to do is still there, but my hardware is  going fast. I had to lay low tonight as the full strawberry was going to rise. Annette knew I wanted to setup my # 2 seestar but got the look. Well I'm looking at the moon as I type and it's big and glorious. Without the scope. It's still a masterpiece of our space. So, ok I'm moving on. I won't stop until the electric stops. I think you know what I mean. 

 

  First time I ever ranted in my life.      Tom

May you be "powered" for many more years to come, sir!

 

I lost my dad this past fall and that really put things in perspective, but he was still doing all the things he loved (golf, fishing) right up until he couldn't.  I'll be 42 at the end of the summer and I'm grateful I'm still in ok physical health.  I certainly hope I'll still be doing the things I love when I get up there in years   

 

God Bless us all!

[Twanquility]

May you be "powered" for many more years to come, sir!

 

I lost my dad this past fall and that really put things in perspective, but he was still doing all the things he loved (golf, fishing) right up until he couldn't.  I'll be 42 at the end of the summer and I'm grateful I'm still in ok physical health.  I certainly hope I'll still be doing the things I love when I get up there in years   

 

God Bless us all!

Amen My friend , Just keep kicking. Don't let Age stop you. Best wishes to you all and good luck in life.

Edited by Twanquility, 12 June 2025 - 10:27 AM.