I think that the first month I was starting all the new meds, I made so much progress with the fluid loss that I kinda expected, or at least hoped, it would be the same.
This month hasn't been that way at all and I've really struggled with the fluid. My fluid pill has been doubled again, and that helps. I must learn patience!
I did go to the lab today to get bloodwork AND for the first time, got out of the wheelchair and walked to the van where it was parked. It wasn't that far, we usually park in the same place, but you should have seen Renee's face when she came back from returning the wheelchair and I was getting into the van!
Baby steps - that's what I'm taking right now - but at least I'm stepping.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Heart Healthy Choices
When I went to the grocery store, I was reading labels on everything I bought. For me right now, avoiding sodium is key. Too much sodium causes me to retain fluid which seems to be the worst offender I'm having. My cholesterol is great at 147, tryglicerides (sp?) are 43, so I'm good when it comes to both cholesterol and fat - although - I am not trying to break that bank by gorging on either.
I've talked a lot about the sodium, but there are few choices in anything that is remotely prepared or in packaged food. The other thing I noticed is that the few things Kroger had marked "heart healthy" were on the top shelf and there was only one flavor or option. Most cardiac patients I know are riding in the cart - so you're not going to be able to reach the top shelf unless you've got your cane and can reach up and knock it off (I did that more than once - but it doesn't work with cans or glass jars and bottles) (Also, don't try it on laundry detergent or cokes, beer, etc!)
It's still working to stick with the fresh produce for me. My brother Mike is having some good success with using the Healthy Choice frozen dinners for his lunch, and all kinds of fruit for snacks. I used to do those for lunch at work, maybe I'll check them out this week when I get groceries.
My sister Amy and her husband are having good success with the Paul McKenna diet plan. I haven't researched it all yet - but I will and update. One of the biggest things I know is that you take your time eating, put your fork down between bites, and really learn to listen to your body about when you are full.
I believe that wholeheartedly - like my spill on ordering the small hamburger and a baked potato and being full before it was all gone as opposed to the big double hamburger combo. And, we are all victims of the "there are starving children who'd be glad to clean their plate" society in which we were raised - we don't think food should be wasted so we eat it - mostly when we don't need it. Keeping that in mind has really reduced what I spend at the store - I am not being hungry, but things last longer because one half of a turkey sandwich and an apple fill me up. I don't have to eat the other half plus half a bag of chips - and it's a win/win all around.
Now, don't think I won't eat what I want to - I'm going out with some friends in a couple of weeks for lunch - I hope we go somewhere really good!!
Hope this wasn't too rambly - just things that crossed my mind today. I go to VUMC on Tuesday for bloodwork and see the doctor again on April 7 for a weigh in. My next purchase is going to be a new scale on which to weigh - it will cost me close to $100 but will be a good investment in me and my health.
I've talked a lot about the sodium, but there are few choices in anything that is remotely prepared or in packaged food. The other thing I noticed is that the few things Kroger had marked "heart healthy" were on the top shelf and there was only one flavor or option. Most cardiac patients I know are riding in the cart - so you're not going to be able to reach the top shelf unless you've got your cane and can reach up and knock it off (I did that more than once - but it doesn't work with cans or glass jars and bottles) (Also, don't try it on laundry detergent or cokes, beer, etc!)
It's still working to stick with the fresh produce for me. My brother Mike is having some good success with using the Healthy Choice frozen dinners for his lunch, and all kinds of fruit for snacks. I used to do those for lunch at work, maybe I'll check them out this week when I get groceries.
My sister Amy and her husband are having good success with the Paul McKenna diet plan. I haven't researched it all yet - but I will and update. One of the biggest things I know is that you take your time eating, put your fork down between bites, and really learn to listen to your body about when you are full.
I believe that wholeheartedly - like my spill on ordering the small hamburger and a baked potato and being full before it was all gone as opposed to the big double hamburger combo. And, we are all victims of the "there are starving children who'd be glad to clean their plate" society in which we were raised - we don't think food should be wasted so we eat it - mostly when we don't need it. Keeping that in mind has really reduced what I spend at the store - I am not being hungry, but things last longer because one half of a turkey sandwich and an apple fill me up. I don't have to eat the other half plus half a bag of chips - and it's a win/win all around.
Now, don't think I won't eat what I want to - I'm going out with some friends in a couple of weeks for lunch - I hope we go somewhere really good!!
Hope this wasn't too rambly - just things that crossed my mind today. I go to VUMC on Tuesday for bloodwork and see the doctor again on April 7 for a weigh in. My next purchase is going to be a new scale on which to weigh - it will cost me close to $100 but will be a good investment in me and my health.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunsweet Prunes
An unlikely title - but I wanted to share this tidbit. While grocery shopping last week - and I have a rant about that! - I bought a container of Sunsweet Prunes that are called "Ones". They are pitted and individually wrapped.
They make a great snack - and they are so sweet that they satisfy the craving I get for something sweet about 9:00 or so at night. And, there is an added benefit, prunes are nature's laxative. They work quite well and have no ill side effects, no cramping, etc.
They may seem like a subject that shouldn't be discussed, but, let me say this - once your body has gotten past a certain age, and I think it's worse after you've carried children - you are going to need some help staying regular. It is essential to your overall body health, and particularly for your colon health.
Prunes - well they are a good way to do that. I got Renee to eat one today, she loves plums, but she made the most horrible face! If you try them, maybe cut the first one into three or four bites so you can get used to it - they are a little different. Growing up, my mom fixed prunes occasionally for supper - I think I understand why now - so I was surprised about the taste. They are good - it's just different if you've never eated them. They are dried prunes, like raisins are dried grapes. That should help!
They make a great snack - and they are so sweet that they satisfy the craving I get for something sweet about 9:00 or so at night. And, there is an added benefit, prunes are nature's laxative. They work quite well and have no ill side effects, no cramping, etc.
They may seem like a subject that shouldn't be discussed, but, let me say this - once your body has gotten past a certain age, and I think it's worse after you've carried children - you are going to need some help staying regular. It is essential to your overall body health, and particularly for your colon health.
Prunes - well they are a good way to do that. I got Renee to eat one today, she loves plums, but she made the most horrible face! If you try them, maybe cut the first one into three or four bites so you can get used to it - they are a little different. Growing up, my mom fixed prunes occasionally for supper - I think I understand why now - so I was surprised about the taste. They are good - it's just different if you've never eated them. They are dried prunes, like raisins are dried grapes. That should help!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Today is a Little Better
Yes - today I think I feel a little better. That could be because I've been home for two days and haven't even walked out the back door - which means I've slept quite a bit. But, for right now, I have a little more energy and will probably do some packing.
I've struggled with a decision about moving for awhile - I have always planned to move into a small apartment somewhere when the kids got grown. Renee is out on her own, Lynn is still here, but he's refusing to even look for a job, which presents another problem.
I did the paperwork to start getting into Trevecca Towers in December. I will go from a 1400+ square foot 3BR, 2 Bath I cannot possibly take care of into a 600 square foot 1 BR, 1 Bath. I'll have a living room/dining combo and a small kitchen, which will be more than sufficient since I cook little.
The only struggle I'm really dealing with is what to do with my son?? We've struggled a lot the last three years, I put him in state custody for about 16 months until he turned 18. He got his GED almost a year ago, in July. He got a job in September, which he quit early November, and has not worked since. I told him over a year ago that when the lease was up here this month, I would be moving. Does he think I'm kidding? Does he think I'll feel so guilty that I'll stay here (which is where I'm teetering) knowing I cannot physically nor financially continue to keep this house.
I've tried telling him that if I dropped dead on the steps, which could happen any day, he'd only have the rest of whatever calendar month we were in to move out. Well, this is my mental struggle today. It's probably a good thing I feel some better so I can deal with this - set my move out date, and continue on.
I truly believe stress can and will affect your physical health in more ways than you will begin to know, until that stress is relieved and you feel it in your bones, the damage it was doing.
Two really great things about Trevecca - they have a work out room - I cannot yet, but I hope to be able to walk on a threadmill soon. The 2nd thing they have I can do, is walk in the pool. They have an indoor pool. I'm really looking forward to this since it will help me with mobility and motion and burning calories.
I've struggled with a decision about moving for awhile - I have always planned to move into a small apartment somewhere when the kids got grown. Renee is out on her own, Lynn is still here, but he's refusing to even look for a job, which presents another problem.
I did the paperwork to start getting into Trevecca Towers in December. I will go from a 1400+ square foot 3BR, 2 Bath I cannot possibly take care of into a 600 square foot 1 BR, 1 Bath. I'll have a living room/dining combo and a small kitchen, which will be more than sufficient since I cook little.
The only struggle I'm really dealing with is what to do with my son?? We've struggled a lot the last three years, I put him in state custody for about 16 months until he turned 18. He got his GED almost a year ago, in July. He got a job in September, which he quit early November, and has not worked since. I told him over a year ago that when the lease was up here this month, I would be moving. Does he think I'm kidding? Does he think I'll feel so guilty that I'll stay here (which is where I'm teetering) knowing I cannot physically nor financially continue to keep this house.
I've tried telling him that if I dropped dead on the steps, which could happen any day, he'd only have the rest of whatever calendar month we were in to move out. Well, this is my mental struggle today. It's probably a good thing I feel some better so I can deal with this - set my move out date, and continue on.
I truly believe stress can and will affect your physical health in more ways than you will begin to know, until that stress is relieved and you feel it in your bones, the damage it was doing.
Two really great things about Trevecca - they have a work out room - I cannot yet, but I hope to be able to walk on a threadmill soon. The 2nd thing they have I can do, is walk in the pool. They have an indoor pool. I'm really looking forward to this since it will help me with mobility and motion and burning calories.
Monday, March 23, 2009
More Numbers
So, it's been a few days since I posted. I feel awful! The doctor said I would, but I thought he was kidding around. I didn't expect that he was right on target when he said 'really bad'. I suppose the meds are helping, I'll find out more about that on April 7, but I sure don't feel like doing much.
The metoprolol is to slow my heart rate and in doing so, hopefully relieve the pressure within the chambers of my heart, particularly the right side where there is the biggest problem. I'm not sure what the measurement is, I don't think it's like PSI in tires (??), but, I know it's supposed to be a 25 and in my heart it's an 80. A little scary!
This week, my INR was down to 4.3 - still a little high but I'll go two more weeks on 10mg of Coumadin daily and see if it comes down a little more. Ideally, I'll get somewhere between a 2 and 3 and try to keep it there.
I'll say this about the new med - Renee can tell if I've taken it. I get a little loopy - because it zaps all of my energy and all I want to do is sleep. So, I get that exhaused look on my face and my eyes get a little glassy. I don't feel high, just drugged. I did some internet research and it didn't say that it would get better or that you'd get use to it, so, I don't know for sure I will continue taking it.
It also tends to cause you to retain some fluid, which I don't need to do at all, and I can feel that in my legs. It's nothing like it was, but I'll bet it's been close to 20 pounds back on since I started taking it.
I suppose the question becomes - is it really extending my life? AND, for how long? I'd rather have 6 months the way I felt a month ago than a whole year of the way I feel today!
Well, I feel the bed calling - I can get in a nap before Jack Bauer comes on and maybe I'll stay awake long enough to watch it!
The metoprolol is to slow my heart rate and in doing so, hopefully relieve the pressure within the chambers of my heart, particularly the right side where there is the biggest problem. I'm not sure what the measurement is, I don't think it's like PSI in tires (??), but, I know it's supposed to be a 25 and in my heart it's an 80. A little scary!
This week, my INR was down to 4.3 - still a little high but I'll go two more weeks on 10mg of Coumadin daily and see if it comes down a little more. Ideally, I'll get somewhere between a 2 and 3 and try to keep it there.
I'll say this about the new med - Renee can tell if I've taken it. I get a little loopy - because it zaps all of my energy and all I want to do is sleep. So, I get that exhaused look on my face and my eyes get a little glassy. I don't feel high, just drugged. I did some internet research and it didn't say that it would get better or that you'd get use to it, so, I don't know for sure I will continue taking it.
It also tends to cause you to retain some fluid, which I don't need to do at all, and I can feel that in my legs. It's nothing like it was, but I'll bet it's been close to 20 pounds back on since I started taking it.
I suppose the question becomes - is it really extending my life? AND, for how long? I'd rather have 6 months the way I felt a month ago than a whole year of the way I feel today!
Well, I feel the bed calling - I can get in a nap before Jack Bauer comes on and maybe I'll stay awake long enough to watch it!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Shopping Trip is Coming Up
I'm still wearing all my clothes, though most of them are just hanging. And, I'd thought I'd wait a little longer to go shopping. BUT, after today, maybe I'll just go on and buy a couple of things!
Renee had gotten some new shirts a couple of weeks ago - just too cute - at the Avenue! I've not bought clothes there in almost 10 years. So, today she is here doing her laundry and just for fun, I tried one of her new shirts on - it fit perfectly!
That felt great!
Renee had gotten some new shirts a couple of weeks ago - just too cute - at the Avenue! I've not bought clothes there in almost 10 years. So, today she is here doing her laundry and just for fun, I tried one of her new shirts on - it fit perfectly!
That felt great!
Living Wills
This morning as I got my AM meds together, a thought came to me. I need to be sure that I have a living will on file at the hospital. My sister, Amy, and my daughter, Renee, both know full well what my thoughts on this are, BUT, they would still be powerless if I don't get the proper documentation completed.
A lot of folks do not like to talk about death, or even think about it. I have a friend who totally refuses to discuss it at all. It's not something my family has a problem with, but, my dad was a heart patient from age 43, as most of his family, so maybe we are just a little jaded. I prefer to think of it as practical. Besides taxes, it's the only thing we can be sure of, right?
For myself, it's more like making sure that I am taking care of my business and making my own decisions, as much as I can. I do not want extreme heroic measures taken. I have survived two head on collisions, one of those inflicting great harm, but I was younger. As I near 50 and know that inevitably, there will be a major heart episode, I don't want to be on a respirator or feeding tube. And, while a transplant might become an option, I will not be pursuing that. I do believe in transplants and signed my donor card years ago, it just won't be something I choose for myself in the future.
Oh, don't think I'm giving up, far from it. I'll take my meds, stay on my diet, get as healthy as I can and want to live as long as possible, but when the time comes that my ticker has had it, I'm okay with that too and don't want to extend life with non-existent quality. As of right now, I have no reason to think I can't or won't live another 20 years, modern medicine is really something, and I have not suffered any heart damage, (i.e. dead tissue or coronary artery disease) at this point. I am extremely grateful for these facts.
A lot of folks do not like to talk about death, or even think about it. I have a friend who totally refuses to discuss it at all. It's not something my family has a problem with, but, my dad was a heart patient from age 43, as most of his family, so maybe we are just a little jaded. I prefer to think of it as practical. Besides taxes, it's the only thing we can be sure of, right?
For myself, it's more like making sure that I am taking care of my business and making my own decisions, as much as I can. I do not want extreme heroic measures taken. I have survived two head on collisions, one of those inflicting great harm, but I was younger. As I near 50 and know that inevitably, there will be a major heart episode, I don't want to be on a respirator or feeding tube. And, while a transplant might become an option, I will not be pursuing that. I do believe in transplants and signed my donor card years ago, it just won't be something I choose for myself in the future.
Oh, don't think I'm giving up, far from it. I'll take my meds, stay on my diet, get as healthy as I can and want to live as long as possible, but when the time comes that my ticker has had it, I'm okay with that too and don't want to extend life with non-existent quality. As of right now, I have no reason to think I can't or won't live another 20 years, modern medicine is really something, and I have not suffered any heart damage, (i.e. dead tissue or coronary artery disease) at this point. I am extremely grateful for these facts.
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