Eyes are Good! And Cholesterol Under Control

I saw a Scripps Ophthalmologist  and the news was all good.  The Fuchs Dystrophy on the left eye is growing so slow he thinks that I will die before it really chooses to bother me.  Also my glasses still have a great prescription and I do not need to change them for now.  He says  especially if the prism is working so well because that is hard to achieve.   He says when my eyes are irritated it is eyestrain and not the Fuchs causing the problem.

Last year I saw a Ear, Nose and Throat and he started me on the generic version of Flonase which I use every night and I never have a stuffed nose anymore.  That was the greatest appointment outcome because I had been sent for sleep apnea problems and because I could not breathe they said I had it and was going to have to wear those horrible things at night and then I suggested the ENT idea and my primary said definitely and it worked!!! ENT prescribes Flonase and no sleep apnea!!!  No sleep apnea at all and I have been so grateful for that.

Also after all the blood work numbers came back the Dr told me my cholesterol was under control and so is my blood pressure and sucrose. Yea!!!  Also my weight.  I do need to exercise more though.  Longer walks will do.

The Lyft, Uber Dilemma

Today my appointment with Mohs Surgery Doc was at Shiley Pavillion on Torrey Pines.  Linda and James were both going to be out of town and my insurance provides rides so I called for an Uber.

All worked fine until we got there and driver wanted to drop me three buildings and a parking lot from where I was going.  I finally got him to take me back to Shiley and he said he would pick me up at same place.

Ha!  At 11:45 I was told my driver was on the way and then he had arrived.  Problem is it was Marcos and not Carlos and he had same problem as morning driver and had instructions to pick me up at wrong place.

I talked with Scan Transportation and she proceeded to keep me on line while we went through three or four Uber drivers who all had same problem and could not find me.  I was now very tired and frustrated.

She was stoic and could not understand the problem but extremely sympathetic and determined to get me picked up.  Finally Samy, a Lyft Driver was called and I said the magic words that told him where I was at.  I said, closer to the Torrey Pines Golf Course, and he came right to me.  

By now I was frantic and had James and Mary ready to come pick me up ( he was back from SL) if this one did not find me but he did.  It was almost 1:30 before I got home.  What an experience.

However, I did find out why there was a problem.  The Lyft driver, a little younger than Meagan, said the data that Scan sent to them showed the big area of all the Scripps buildings but not the numbers except for the main building which is 10666...I was at Shiley 10820.  He said the data would point to a place a little north or south of the main building but unless someone gave them more of a clue they could not see addresses, etc.  He said he would have known instantly if I had said next to the big hotel by the golf course.

Meantime, the lady from Scan thought it was Uber and Lyft data that was bad and she said we will never know what the problem is unless you get to ride back with one of them, weird right?  Is this Scan driver stuff new or just a problem here where there are so many buildings in a row???

UPDATE:  When I wrote a letter to Scan and explained the problem they treated it as a grievance letter from me, apologized, and never learned a thing from it.  So I am never using their transportation again.

 

Health Update

Since I have taken away all dairy from everything I eat I have little processed food left or freezer dinners.  All frozen sugary and high carb treats with milk etc are gone.  Got rid of anything with cheese.  No broth or creamy stuff in soups etc.

I am feeling better all ready but I cannot let down my guard about what I eat.

I also eliminated this past month allergy meds except for Flonase at night.  I stopped lexapro.  I use oxybutynin only when going out.  I try to monitor water etc. 

On Feb 22 I spent 3 hrs at Dentist and removed 6 teeth, was on codeine and amoxicillin and will receive partial on March 22.

Update on Health Care

I was having all these thigh muscle aches and so Dr. Pham suggested an x-ray of the lower back and then physical therapy.

So I went to the first appointment at Coastal Pain and he ordered an MRI.

However, in the meantime my prescription for rosuvastatin was refilled and Dr Pham said to take it at night.  So I started doing that and lo and behold I have not had the pain so on Dec 19 I called into my Doctor's office and told them to cancel it all!! 

I was talking to Jean from Clear Creek Ward and she said they have had her doing physical therapy for pains in her legs and it has not helped at all.  And Stephanie said she was thinking of giving up her physical therapy.

In February 2011 they did the lumbar laminectomy at Scripps because arthritic calcium was pressing on the nerves and causing the thigh aches.  It took a long recovery but really worked but I do not want anymore surgery.+

I think I will just keep walking and start using the jacuzzi and see if it continues not to hurt!!!

I need to up my Calcium, do some weight bearing exercises (have not started yet) and keep walking!  

New Doctor, Scripps in Carlsbad, Daily Current Meds

 Dr Michael Pham, DO at the Scripps Health Clinic at 2176 Salk Ave in Carlsbad is my new Primary Doctor and Internist.  I thought I wanted to switch back to United Health Care instead of Scan which I am in now because there seemed to be more benefits but after our appointment I do not want to switch.

He is very knowledgeable and caring and I want to stay with him.  He says no more surgeries for me but he wants to help me stay healthy and doing well.  He is sending me to a Physical Therapist to help me lose this pain in my thighs.  It does stem from the back and they did an xray of the lower back and it shows a lot of deterioration.

I had calcium scraped from certain discs in 2011 and it took the pain away but I do not want anymore surgery and neither does he, so see how this goes at Coastal Pain, especially for this type of thing.

I told Linda it takes me a long time in the morning because of all I have to do to my body to have a good day breathing well and not itching.  Since 2015 I have been treated for the skin itching, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea etc and have a fairly itch free life if I do it all.  So for Linda and anyone else caring for me when my mind goes, here is my morning routine.

1. Shower only with products free from certain chemicals and such.  I use Aveeno Body Wash.  (Also wash my clothes in the free and gentle detergent.

2. Use the scrub brush on arms and legs to keep dry flakiness away.  Wash the face with this prescription dandruff shampoo.

3.  If washing hair, use Aveeno or another chemical free shampoo.*  Kenra Mousse and then blow dry.

4. *15 minutes later put Metronidazole (prescription) on the face and 5 min after that you can use Aveeno moisturizer and collagen and makeup on the face (Este Lauder does not make my face itch).  The Neosporin is used on my belly button which sometimes gets red and itchy from heat from all the Ceasarean flab left around it.  And the Tri....Acetonide cream (prescription) is used on a growth on my right ab and the back of my right leg when they grow and get irritable. Can also be used on flair ups of eczema on the neck.  And Aquaphor or Cerave for the itch and healing.

5. The red jar or Cerave which is anti itch cream is used on my arms and legs to prevent itching during the day.  Use deodorant under arms.  Any non cancerous spots can be healed by aquaphor or the Tri...ace.

6. AM meds and supplements

spirits and mood

statin drug

1 each day

for allergies

fiber for regularity

 

for overactive bladder

spray in nostrils and blow nose completely so do not get stuffed nose during day.

7. V8 peach mango energy drink early

9. Later make a protein smoothie with pineapple to keep throat clear from phlegm, triple berries, SO Coconut milk yogurt, scoop of protein, large spoonful peanut butter, spinach or 1/2 banana, chia seeds, not flax, cranberry juice (no sugar) with same amount of water (dilutes juice).  I try to stay dairy free because of the eczema, etc.

10. At night, use 1 oxybutynin again, a multi vitamin, biotin, and benadryl and lastly spray nostrils with flonase or generic flonase.  Use makeup off sheet on face and then night time cream and collagen.

20 mg for blood pressure

11.  Make sure a pad is worn day and night with a bikini panty under garments and change if soiled during day etc.  A larger one can be used at night.

12. I find this eye therapy is the best for me.  My eyes do not get as dry in California  as they did in Utah so I seldom need it.

13.  Be aware that since the surgery in 2018 of the tumor on my tail and part of my sphincter was cut away so that wastes can escape and nestle in my upper bum...how gross but those are the facts.  Old age is not for sissies!!!!! 

Large plastic bin with green lid has extra meds in it and shoe box has current meds using and flonase stands by med box.  Here is to a long happy old age or a short happy one, whatever.

Too Much Chocolate and Sugar

When watching TV or listening to a book I find I snack less if I chew gum and/or work of my Happy Coloring on my Samsung Tablet.

But I discovered the left over Halloween candy and begin eating the small bars that were old favorites.  One night I had waaaay too many and the next day I spent a lot of time in the bathroom and after I had ridded my body of all that bad stuff in my tummy I looked like this.  Very drained and tired.  I cannot eat much sugar or chocolate anymore!!!!!!

 

Covid Update

During the last month we have been tested for Covid once and sometimes twice a week.  Those who tested positive had to quarantine for 14 days and there was social distancing created in the dining room for those of us not quarantined.

On Oct 28 we received the news that we could get booster shots at Smiths and we were told that 3 people had tested positive in the last 3 weeks.

On Nov 2 all activities, games, transportation, housekeeping and maintenance were suspended until further notice.  We were also told to wash our hands frequently and wear a mask in the common areas.  Visitors were limited to those caring for their loved ones, hopefully the same person every day.  Most all positive patients had been vaccinated and Jeanne had received the booster shot the week before.  The Utah Department of Health tested us for the first time on Wednesday 11/3.  

On Nov 4 we were told there were reveal several additional cases of Covid in our community revealed in the testing.  They are testing again on the 8th and 12th.  Anyone with sickness of any kind was asked to self quarantine.

On the 10th we were told the testing on the 8th had just a few cases and all were notified immediately as well as their families.  Conditions remain the same.

On the 13th we were told there were no new cases in the last testing.  Conditions remain the same.  We are going to be tested again.

On November 29 the dining room is back to normal and breakfast buffet is on.  Masks do not need to be worn and apartments are open to visitors.  The dining room remains closed to visitors.  Some activities will be resumed.  No home evening till next week.

Jeanne and I have been watching church on my tablet at the link that Steven gave me.  Linda bought us a speaker so it is easier to hear and just watch one tablet.  

The shuttle will start again next Sunday but I told Steven since Jeanne had had two blowouts in the morning I was hesitant to take her to Church so we were sticking with the tablet zoom meeting.  We miss the Relief Society and Sunday School lesson.  Jeanne does not remember the blowouts so she has no fear of going anywhere but I do.

Eczema

 The eczema is all cleared up.  The Triamcinolone Acetonide actually worked!!!!!  Yea!!!!!

New Glasses

Sometime ago a lady came to my door and said they were doing eye testing upstairs.  I had heard a couple other ladies talking about how good they were so I went up.  They said Medicare was paying for the exam and she charged an extra $40 for the special prescription so I would not have to close one eye.  She said it was better than the one I had.

Then I got a message that Medicare did not pay because it was sent to the wrong place.  I still do not know if they got their money.

I picked up the glasses from Costco and low and behold they are better than the ones I have.  I can read pretty well again

 

Annual Checkup with Jeanette Walker NP at Utah Valley Internal Medicine

 I asked Kim if she could drive me to my 3 pm appointment because I was afraid of the after work traffic.  Thank heaven she did.  I appreciate her help so much.

NP Walker spent almost an hour with me asking questions and checking things.  After my experience at the Sleep Center she felt it appropriate for me to see a good Ear, Nose and Throat doctor and scheduled me for Dec 8 Kipp Robbins.  Follow up on the CPAP (sleep study masks) after that.

Since I had the blood and urine tests in June we will wait till spring for new ones.  She listened to my murmur and said she wished her student was there so he could hear it.  She let me listen to my duh duh compared to her duh.  I sound like a struggling washing machine.  But she did not feel it was any worse than when I first came to her a few months ago.

She increased my blood pressure medicine to 20 mg for a while so the heart is not struggling so much.  She said we may lesson it after I solve my breathing problems.  Evidently, I am not going into deep sleep much and that makes me tired all the time.

She has the record of my blood pressure but wants me to continue testing it.  And continue keeping my weight down and walking etc.  

Currently sometimes my legs are too tired at night and I do not want to walk but I walk shorter for my sake and let Sadie run as much as she wants in the back and side of the building.

My dental work is done till next spring but I do not have enough teeth to chew beef really well so I like to order softer food for dinner than dry beef and chicken.

I am up to 143 on my scales again which is where I was when I did the keto diet last spring.  My skinny jeans are too tight.

Walker prescribed Triamcinolone Acetonide for my eczema.  Said we needed to get rid of the inflammation with steroids!!

Marissa's Shower in Utah and a Sleep Study for Me

 The Pulsipher clan was up from California as well as Utah to attend the shower for Marissa at her Aunt's home.

Tanner and Marissa have rented an apartment and will be living there till after their baby is born in January.  It is in the Ogden area where Marissa's family lives and Tanner will be interning for a few months and then he goes to Las Vegas to intern.

In the picture is Sarah and Linda on each side of Marissa and Kristi from Las Vegas and Jeff's wife from Utah and her daughter next to Sarah.

I intended going with them but two situations changed my mind.  I had a sleep study done the night of November 12th and did not sleep too well plus we were having a covid outbreak at Treeo and decided it was best I did not attend a family function.

It was good we changed our plans.  I was sort of shocked when I found out I was going to have about 22 wires attached to my body but all went well till I woke about 12:30 and was told I would now have to have a mask on me to have this humid air flow in my nose for the rest of the night.

The problem was my nose was all stuffed and I could not breathe with the masks on.  We tried about 7 or so.  I tried putting saline in my nose and blowing but it was to no avail.

The attendant helping me had worked in respiratory before setting up this part of the American Fork Hospital as a Sleep Study area.  He was very learned in my problem and said he would go to another section of the hospital and find me a stronger saline mist than I had.  This worked fairly well but I was still very tired when I was waked at 6:30 and told I needed to get up and answer some questions and prepare to go home.

I did as I was told but it was still very dark out so he told me I could just stay in bed and sleep longer.

Dr. Walker has an appointment for me to see an ENT and see if my deviated septum needs work again or if he can get me to being able to not have a blocked nose so much of the time. The cancer I had on my nose made that nostril a lot smaller.  That should be interesting and then they want me to wear the mask and inhale the humid oxygen or whatever it is as it will make me much more rested every night..  The problem is I am waking up all the time and not going into deep sleep hardly at all.   If it isn't one thing it is another...but I would love to not be so tired.  I am just not excited about this mask thing...

Covid!!!

Jeanne was acting weak and so Steven took Jeanne to her doctor on Oct 21.  Among other things she was tested for Covid and it came out positive so she has to quarantine for 10 days. 

 Sunday night her 

oxygen was low so Steven took her in and she perked right up.  However, they kept her at the hospital for a couple of days.  

Treeo would not let her back in so she then had to go to Heritage Healthcare until 10 days are up.

At the hospital they said she was the oldest Covid patient and the healthiest Covid patient.

I also had to quarantine for 5 days and then test negatively which I did, two days in a row.  Steven had brought me the tests.  On the Friday when I talked to Jim Pratt he told me that a lady across the hall from Jeanne had tested positive but she was moving out so her children took her home.

J

 

Eczema Again!!!

Driving me crazy!!!!

 

Classical Stretch on PBS

I think II have found a exercise program I can commit to.  I have been recording for a long time this program on PBS station.  The lady is Miranda Esmonde-White and it is only 22 minutes and the purpose is get the body mobile and strong.  Just what I need.  

I am starting with #1 and have 60 classes recorded or you can buy from PBS for around $65 and use cds.  I am glad I recorded.  I feel better all ready.

 And I have the proper gear to wear which makes you feel more like exercising than just being in your pajamas.  I bought this outfit about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to start going to exercise classes provided by my health insurance.  Linda took me shopping and I tried on quite a few before I found one that fit right.  At the time I did not realize I should be zipping the jacket shut but it does work better that way and shows all those bulges you want to get rid of.

So we will see if I can keep up with it and get feeling good.  She swears she has only done this each day for 30 years and that you do not need to put hours in the gym to stay in good shape.  She is now 66 and has been the coach for many athletes and dancers over the years.

Good Health News

Today I met with Dr. Rod Serry and after reviewing the latest tests plus all he received from Scripps he does not feel we need to do anything yet.  YEA!

If I start having more symptoms I should call, otherwise I will get tests again in June and go from there!!!  He said the stenosis is about the same as it was last June but he does not want to wait any longer than 6 months to test again.

He said to keep doing what I am doing.  Actually I think I should be doing more walking and dancing. 

However, if I am going to live longer than 2 years I need to start looking for cheaper housing.

Maria sent over a list in Carlsbad to start on.....

He also explained that in the last 10 years or so they have determined that the statins help prevent heart attack and stroke and lesson the plaque.  Even without thinking about the numbers...definitely I should have been taking for this reason with my familial heart disease.  

New Primary Doctor and Statins

On 12/8/2020 I met my new Primary Doctor at Arch Health.  He is older and has worked other places.  He is a little gruff but very preceptive.  We talked about what I wanted from him. He had already looked at the records Dr. Serry has but I had not brought him any except very little information from Dr. Vaccarri, my Scripps Doctor.

Actually I have to have a Primary Doctor and he knows that but other than my aortic valve problem which is for Dr. Serry to take care of, I told him I want to build up my immune system, take care of any UTI's I get and find out about the Chronic Kidney Failure that is now listed on my charts.  He wants me to come in January after having blood and urine tests and we would talk about all that.  He said it means I have rust in my plumbing ???

Update, I met with him after the tests and sugar looks ok, CKF not a problem, but he talked me into trying statins again, can't use the expense excuse.  It is the generic of Crestor, only $9.62 a month with Good RX coupon at Sav-On and wants me to go for 3 months and see how it does.  He swears it will help my plaque.  However, I read later that statins have never been tested on people over 75 so, you know, is it really too late for that?  Also, I had a current UTI, why was I not aware?  I think I was so committed to finishing my puzzle, I was not paying attention.  Dumb me.  I like that he gave me 3 pills a day and called for a call back to check again.  He is thorough.   

No Stuffed Nose in the Morning!!!!

 Another gift I got from Ethan was aromatherapy and one of them was Peppermint and it does wonders for my breathing.  My nose is not all dry and stuffed in the morning.  I love it!!!!

Fuchs Corneal Distrophy

When I had laser cataract surgery on my left eye, this was also diagnosed and it will only get worse.

Very irritated eyes,,,don't rub, don't put water on, eyes are especially sensitive to glare and bright lights and should not drive at night.  Can be blurry.  Only thing to help is eye drops with sodium chloride in them.

It is the destruction of endothelium cells in the cornea but not sure why and it is hereditary.  The cornea on the front of your eye swells..

Internet suggests blow drying your eyes with a hair dryer set on low and held at arms length, a few times per day ...but I thought dry eyes were irritating, what is the difference?   I do not know but this helps....on low.

Acitinic Keratosis again!

 The older I get the more problems I have with allergies, skin sensitivity, etc. Acitinic Keratosis is what the allegist said I had and suppposedly healed and to come back in six months but it has already flaired up again.

Blames the sun but it has to be more cuz I don't get that much sun anymore..I was reading the ten best foods for good skin and currently I am not eating any of them.  Salmon, Broccoli, Lemon, Almonds, Green Tea, Pumpkin Seeds, Honey, Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Yogurt.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil can be directly rubbed on the skin as well as taken in the mouth.  And some are pushing pumpkin facials.  All I know is I have had too many break outs in the last few years.  

Foods to avoid...alcohol, no problem there, deep fried food, cheese and other dairy foods will increase oil production and lead to blocked pores, coffee and cold cuts, no problem there, doughnuts and other sugary treats, chocolate, problem this time of year.  Sugar glycates collagen, it stiffens it and ages it prematurely.  Heard of no sugar cookies, fine those. Fruit juice is bad, gluten I have already given up, Low fat yogurt because of the high sugar content.  I haven't been eaten yogurt for the last year because the doctor to give it up cuz of the sugar but maybe the high fat yogurt is ok. Already gave up milk but the ice cream is a problem, pasta I seldom eat, however I just bought a dozen boxes of Annies gluten free shell mac and cheese, oops.  Pizza, bad, have two of those in the freeze.  Soda is bad in fact added sugar is the most aging food we consume. Trans fats are bad and whey protein.

I need to carry a card around my neck with all the have and have nots and see if I can conquer this!!!!

And of course stay hydrated!!!!!

 

Health Updates

I tried to get a new cardiologist at the Scripps Clinic in Rancho Bernardo.  Dr. Kim's receptionist said she was not seeing new patients but would check and she never called. I then called the other and the receptionist took all my information and said she would check and call me back.  She never called.   I reached out to my primary doctor at Scripps in La Jolla to see if she could help and explained my situation.  Her only response was to call cardiology.  By then I had realized that the closest emergency and urgent care hospital was 5 minutes away and the big hospital in Escondido only16 minutes away but they are under Palomar Health.

I then decided I should try and get a cardiologist in Palomar Health but if they were not accepting new patients I did not know what I would do.

I thought of calling someone in the ward to see if they had anyone who worked with Palomar Health and could help get in but I was also praying for who to call and as I was flipping through the web about Palomar Health I found the ad to call a number for help in getting referred to a doctor.  I called and she did and I was soon talking to the receptionist of Dr. Rod Serry at Arch Healthcare.  She listened very carefully and took down all my information and even my insurance.  Then she gave me an appointment for Monday, November 16 and asked me to get a release on my medical records from Scripps.  He serves Escondido three days a week and here near the hospital on Monday and Fridays.

I am faxing the request but in the meantime I am copying from My Scripps records and will take them with me.

UPDATE: I was fortunate to be accepted by Dr Rod Serry, he has done more TAVRS in the county that any other doctor and I really like him, the way he explains things, etc.  Very happy to make the switch