Update on My Heart and Health

Yesterday I finally had the appointment with my new cardiologist Michael Smith.  He was quite engaging and very interested in hearing about Lake Almanor as it is an area he wants to visit so I gave him quite a spiel on that.  He told me he was sorry I had to sell my home there before I left.

Anyway end result is that the report given me from Utah was not accurate he said.  The echo actually was the same result as before but they interpreted it wrong.  He said I still have severe aorta valve stenosis and am eligible for the TAVR anytime I want it.  However, the procedure is determined more by symptoms I am having than the actual reality of the severity.  So I need to report if shortness of breath gets worse or I have any other symptoms.  

I should exercise more and keep up the walking and good eating and care, etc.

He was most impressed by the lowering of my cholesterol so I explained about Dr. Serry explaining why I should try it and my internist talking me into at least 3 months.  I have always had a bad reaction to statins and since it did not help John I have not wanted to take them.  However, rosuvastatin has not caused any side affects and has really lowered my cholesterol!!!   So, been on it since fall 2020.  Feeling good!

Also numbness of hands at night is not poor circulation, from nerve damage like carpal tunnel.  Need to check.

Follow Up June 2.  I did see my Primary and she had me wear wrist braces to sleep at night to prevent my hands from going numb and voila, no more numb hands.  She also approved me for physical therapy and possible surgery on my carpal tunnel hands and made an appointment for the evaluation on June 16 at Torrey Pines Scripps.

Follow Up June 15,  Monday a scheduler from Torrey Pines called and said since I lived in Carlsbad wouldn't I rather have my appointment in Encinitas.  I said I had figured Encinitas did not have the therapist and so I was sent to Torrey Pines.  No, she said they did and I could call the number which she gave me and get scheduled.  Since I was looking at more than one appointment I agreed to do it.

However, when I talked to Encinitas scheduler it was made clear to me that they were short on therapists and had intentionally sent me to Torrey Pines and since I had cancelled the appointment they could not help me get it back.  (The scheduler had put on the form I had wished to cancel the appointment and as if she had nothing to do with it.) When I explained to her what happened she said she would have her boss call me.  I actually got two calls of apology and explanation but they were so short I would have to go back and reschedule.  We are talking another two weeks, month?

So next day the Torrey Pines therapist wrote on my Scripps Internet Chart and said she was sorry I had cancelled but if I still needed help she was there, just not for awhile.  I sent an explanation back and then I decided I did not want to be traveling by Uber for my appointments all the way to Torrey Pines while Linda was gone after the last experience I had with that so I wrote back and said I would just handle my problem with my braces etc and not do activities which caused pain.  After all it is not as if I have a job on the line or anything.   I do not have to correct carpal tunnel surgery at 90 years of age.  I just avoid things and handle the problem.

But what this Torrey Pines Scheduler did to me by phoning me and having me reschedule without direction from anyone because she assumed she knew what she was doing is one practice I drummed over and over to my loan processing assistants...NEVER ASSUME.  Too often an assistant does not want to appear that she does not know everything so she gives out erroneous information and it causes problems for everyone as it did this week.  Never Assume you know, IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, SAY YOU WILL GET THE CORRECT ANSWER AND CALL THEM BACK AND/OR NEVER CALL AND DIRECT A CLIENT UNLESS YOU HAVE ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT YOU ARE TELLING THEM.

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.

It Is a Good Day!!!

I met my new Primary Doctor on March 14th and what a dynamo!!!  In two days she had all tests I needed, additional appointments needed with any and all doctors ordered. 

I am working with a dermatologist on eczema etc.  Having mohl surgery on hand scheduled, addressed all other itching problems.

Have medication for edema she saw immediately and medicine caused additional itching on lower legs but all well and have lost at least 10 lbs or more.

Have appointment with opthomologist so will be getting new glasses and hopefully help on the Fuchs Dystrophy.

Have the new lower dentures and will work with them and eventually have a permanent set that I will actually be able to chew only end of year.  Some sensitivity issues but working on them.

Had chest exrays because of edema and no pneumonia type stuff but need to get all fluid out.  There has been additional heart enlargement, etc.  Working on this.

Blood tests came back and have a few high numbers on creatine and urea but liver does not look too bad and phosphorous and calcium are under control.  Have new info to work with to keep balanced and prevent more damage.  All other numbers look good.  Cholesterol lowest in 60 years since began monitoring.

Have not experience anymore shortness of breath, no aching in legs.  I got very stiff and sore when I was energetically doing over an above on collage, puzzles, sorting of records, pictures etc.  But it is all done and I am feeling great.

I think my hormones are balanced for the first time in ages and without the patch, etc.  Living here and eating the right foods has made a big difference in my life.  What we eat is what it is all about...stay away from processed and fast food, eat clean.  Listen to my body and what it can tolerate.  With all my allergies and etc. it has been a learning process since Hurricane Katrina ruined my digestive system but I have always had allergies and such.  My skin is better than every, wish I had this skin in my teen age years. 

Yes, I do get tired but I take a nap!!!  I was having night sweats and found it was the throw I was wrapping myself in to stay warm.  All well, there.

Anyway after the Echo results come back I am sure we will discuss more but I am thrilled to be working with such a competent doctor.  She is East Indian as is Dr. Serry.  Only 37, 1 and 4 yr old, only here 6 months, hating living in Palm Springs, love it here.  She is a Family doctor, not internist but very sharp and aggressive.  Her husband also works at same clinic I think.

I can't see my new cardiologist till May 23 when it will be 3 yrs since Dr. Grey, I am hoping to have no more to do with him or Stinnis, we will see!!!

Because of all the changes to my eating and etc for many different reasons I am no dairy, no gluten, drink almond milk and use coconut yogurt and ice creams, etc. Ckd changed some eating, no chewing teeth changed some.  The lisinopril has blood pressure under control and rosuvastatin doing it's job.  

I need to work on my specific exercise and walking but I am very active and energetic doing things inside!!!  Last night I was even dancing, hope that will be a part of my life again.  My weight stays under 130-135.  

I take care of all monetary, etc and health care issues and appointments etc,  Linda drives me to Dr Appts and see I have shopping needs, etc.  So much I can order from Amazon, I try to be quite self- sufficient.

Dr. Nathwani is going to be a great doctor to work with, so happy I was inspired to call and change  Scripps offices.  Linda and James both go to same Scripps Clinic and have same cardiologist. 

A Very Bad Night

Last night I had a very bad night.  I woke around 1:30 am to go to the bathroom

 but I could not pass my stool and it was so painful.  

In 2018 I had had a tumor removed from my tail and it is not exactly normal but

 it has been five years 

and I had not had such a problem.  Later I decided it was calcium my new 

doctor started me on recently and I remember I had a problem with 

calcium before.  It can be constipating.

At any rate I spent about 5 hours drinking water, walking in my room,

 in the bathroom (actually had my best score of Solitaire ever (7710!) but in

 pain most of the time.  Finally after praying, and all of the above I was relieved 

and went to sleep again.

James texted me at around 8 and told me he was walking Bear, 

I could see him across the street in the park.  I texted him I had had a 

very bad night, etc and would not be able to come over and not go to church

 with him.  He came and got Sadie and took her for a walk. 

  I went back to sleep and slept until 10 or 11.  

Growing old is one challenge after another.

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!!!!!!

 

Aortic Stenosis and Health Update

Jeanne and Marilyn are so weird when I try to explain about my health.  I will shut up about it.  Dementia is a very sad thing and you have to accept that they can never reciprocate in any way.  Their life is about themselves.  I just read that Happiness is Good Health and a Bad Memory.  That is them.  Marilyn thinks she is healthy because she golfed all her life.  It probably was more healthy than working 16 hours a day as I often had to do.  Jeanne thinks she is healthy because she did everything right and I suppose that might be true also.  She does eat more than she needs though but except for being chubbier than Marilyn it does not seem to bother her.  She wants to be totally independent and not have me wash and change her sheets or do any washing for her and I guess since I am leaving that is best.  Marilyn is not aware of Jeanne's needs at all.  I guess they will be fine unless they need more attention than they get here but they do have plenty of children to help them and that is really good.  Jeanne still has a sharp mind about some things.  If I cannot think of the word I want she usually comes up with it.  And she can carry on quite a good conversation about many things.  Marilyn has stock comments that she makes all the time to impress that she knows something.  I find my memory is getting worse.  That is a worry.

But I learned something interesting watching two documentaries on You Tube.  If you get aortic stenosis after age 70 it is because of the placque in your arteries.  You will go into about three stages.  In the angina stage you have about 5 years of life remaining.  In the dizziness stage your life is down to 3 yrs.  But the final state could be an heart attack anytime.  Can't remember what that stage is.

So since I was not really having symptoms in 2020 when they were trying to do a TAVR on me I really did not need one.  I am currently having angina from time to time so I guess I am still going to live a little while.  I need to keep my blood pressure down.  I do that with medicine but I also need to stay away from incidents that raise my blood pressure.

I am also not to exert myself too much so I need to monitor how much physical work I do and indeed take take those naps when I need to.  The walking with Sadie is excellent and three times a day would not be too much.

I am still not sure why I sometimes have leg aches and other times I don't but I keep trying to eat healthy and not eat too much sugar.

Lately I have been having too much caffeine.  Better just to rest and watch a slow tv show.  I am finding there are some good oldies on You Tube but the sound is not as good.  At any rate with my roku etc I have plenty of good tv to watch without being on the main channels with commercials.

I am having my smoothies most days for breakfast which really made me feel good.  I put in the protein powder, berry fruit, pineapple, banana, yeast, chia seeds, spinach and sometimes dates or prunes and always have cranberry juice (half water) with it.

The medications I take are a baby aspirin, oxybutynin 5 mg(2), escitalopram 10 mg, rosuvastatin 10 mg,  lisinopril 20 mg.  But supplements I take are Biotin, 1200 Citracal, Citrucel tablets, Azo urinary tract health, Multivitamin, allergy pill in am, Benadryl at night.  Also Generic Flonase at night.  I also occasionally have to use nitro pill for angina.  All these medications are up to date and with these medications I can control my bladder, lowered cholesterol, kept aortic stenosis to moderate, lowered blood pressure and been allergy symptom free and do not have stuffed nose at night disrupting my sleep, thus avoiding costly sleep aid machines.  I have had occasional knotting in my legs again, very painful and only at night and the raising of my feet way high takes them away.  Not sure what would happen without my bed but I remember getting one on my way to Guam on the plane and had several people giving me advice on what to do.  I stood in the aisle and what one man told me actually worked. Now I cannot remember what it was.  Dr. Serry did check my legs and nothing too bad there.

 I also have a face wash and cream to keep rosacea and eczema under control.  I seldom eat potatoes or rice, occasional bread and waffle, tangerines, dates, salad, and the above smoothie besides veggies and protein chicken or beef at supper. along with occasional homemade soup.  I remain constipation and diarrhea free and have energy and can walk upright and without aid with Sadie.  I do not have aches and pains except for occasional wrist pain and neck pain from too long at the computer. and occasional leg pain.  I use hearing aids from Costco and love that for listening to books, etc.  I watch our ward sacrament meeting online and can hear everything much better than attending church.  And I have corrective glasses which should be checked this year.  They are special for keeping the double vision away. 

I feel the health care I have received this year has been exceptional as was the health care I received from Arch Health in Rancho Bernardo except I was not impressed with my cardiologist here,.  When I return to Carlsbad I have a Dr. Pham at Scripps Coastal who will be my internist and have not been assigned a cardiologist or dermatologist yet.  So new doctors again, I hope I like them.  I have not been to a neurologist since 2019.  Can't remember who switched me to an aspirin a day but doctors since have wanted to keep it that way.  I am considered to have heart failure as well as other problems which I feel are pretty much under control on the present medications.  Not too much, not too little.  The rest is up to me.  As Dr. Serry said, "Keep doing what you are doing and no TAVR needed yet."  Dr. Jones pretty much said the same thing and he wants to see me one more time before I leave so I leave with the prescriptions etc all filled and no 6 month echo till Nov or Dec needed.

"So This Is Christmas" 2015

"And what have we learned, another year older....." can't remember the next line.  I do remember the first time I heard that song in 2005, working in Texas after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, driving back to the SBA office after lunch.  I asked my music and computer guru (ITA guy) about it when I got back and he said it was a John Lennon song and not new at all.  I then learned over the next week or so about John Lennon and bought a CD and listened and realized I liked his music. Probably first heard it when John was laying on the couch listening to his music in the 70's.  Anyway what have I learned?..same thing every year I guess,  I just read my post from last year and I could say, ditto, so I will...Ditto to this...

December, 2014 

I enjoy watching all the Hallmark Christmas movies each year, happy endings only!  I like happy endings but old age doesn't seem to be a very happy ending.

I wish I had more energy,

I wish my memory was sharper,

I wish I could move faster,

I wish my shape was better,

I wish I had money,

I wish my hearing was better,

I wish my eyes didn't get so tired,

I wish my hands were more dexterous,

I wish I didn't ache at all.

I wish I didn't have so many wrinkles.

All the things we could do at 25 we just took for granted and never even thought about a day when we could not do them.

The year is almost over.  I had hopes of being totally out of debt and in a more comfortable financial situation, It is not going to happen.  Do I believe in miracles?  I have had a few miracles in my life.  I guess the fact I have a home I was able to buy on my own when I did not even have secure employment is one miracle for sure.  The fact I have a new, safe car to take through my aged years is probably another kind of miracle.  The fact I can get by month after month without enough money is probably another miracle.  I have always wondered if those people who have always had lots of money know what it is like to not have enough?  I doubt they think about it anymore than I thought about wrinkles and loss of energy at 25.

Ha, I remember even at 25 I never had enough money to make it through the month it seemed.  The only time I seemed to have an abundance of money was in the 70's and when I was working for the SBA in my 70's.  I should have saved more or paid off my house as I planned.  Not too smart, Janet.

So shall I wish for a miracle for Christmas?  Why Not?  My life continues to be a Catch 22.  But one can always hope.  No one can take that away.

December 2015

Too late for a miracle for Christmas, maybe for the New Year.  Last year I did not make any resolutions, this year I will. 

Eat less, move more, give up sugar again, smile more, think positive, get out of debt, find joy wherever, "live a life of no regret"...and never give up hope on a miracle!

Back to my music...that always gives me joy.