Popular Post flameburns623 Posted April 3, 2018 Popular Post Posted April 3, 2018 Over the past ten days or so it has emerged that I do have heart disease. Tests to determine the extent and to put together a treatment plan are ongoing. Family and close friends have been made aware of the details which I currently know. Present advice is for me to reduce sodium and fat intake and raise activity levels. There are challenges associated with this latter, as I have angina, COPD, back injuries, knee and hip problems, and arthritis--to name the leading limitations I am working under. Some of the well intentioned advice I have already received doesn't take into consideration how much certain activities aggravate one or more of my other conditions. I am working with professionals to put together the best plan for my situation. Thanks in advance for any thoughts, encouragement, prayers, and/or best wishes. 9
Robert F. Smith Posted April 3, 2018 Posted April 3, 2018 10 hours ago, flameburns623 said: Over the past ten days or so it has emerged that I do have heart disease. Tests to determine the extent and to put together a treatment plan are ongoing. Family and close friends have been made aware of the details which I currently know. Present advice is for me to reduce sodium and fat intake and raise activity levels. There are challenges associated with this latter, as I have angina, COPD, back injuries, knee and hip problems, and arthritis--to name the leading limitations I am working under. Some of the well intentioned advice I have already received doesn't take into consideration how much certain activities aggravate one or more of my other conditions. I am working with professionals to put together the best plan for my situation. Thanks in advance for any thoughts, encouragement, prayers, and/or best wishes. You might want to consider water aerobics. The bouyancy is great, won't hurt so much, and will strengthen your heart muscle over time -- which is crucial. Eat plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables. Improvement should be slow, but steady. I know. I've been there. Still am. 3
Calm Posted April 3, 2018 Posted April 3, 2018 If you can find a warm pool it may work even better for you. It is the only exercise where I feel relaxed all over my body for a real workout without pain and not sick afterwards for reasons I have no clue. 3
Okrahomer Posted April 3, 2018 Posted April 3, 2018 There is nothing quite like confronting a difficult disease/diagnosis. The diagnosis itself can be debilitating. I'm adding my prayers to yours, your family's and others here who love you too. But in addition, I would suggest asking family and friends to fast with you. When I went through my health challenges last year, we asked our family to join us in a fast. I also visited with my Bishop to alert him to my situation. He asked if we would mind having the Ward fast with us. We agreed. At the end of the fast, I asked my son and son-in-law to bless me. It's difficult to say for sure whether I have been physically healed. I hope that I am. And I do feel like I am healthier than I was a year ago. But in terms of spiritual and mental well being: there is no question that I am in a better place now. 4
Jeanne Posted April 3, 2018 Posted April 3, 2018 Though you have been rarely around recently...I have so missed you. You are one of my favorite people hear..my heart prayers are with you that there is a way to make all of this work out together to better your health, happiness and peace...Keep us posted and let us know of what is put together for you...we could all use some healthy balance in our lives that would benefit the body in all ways. May your body mend and blend with the wonderful spirit of healthy love and friendship Hugs..Jeanne 1
flameburns623 Posted April 5, 2018 Author Posted April 5, 2018 The head nurse for my VA primary care physician thinks the headaches I've had, mainly on weekends, for several months; and the angina and the strange episodes for which I went to the ER this week and last, are likely related to something called "transient ischemic attacks", (abbreviated, "TIA"); a sort of mini-stroke which does no damage. It's a warning that a full stroke could be impending. Most folks either don't get such 'warnings' or else ignore them, so they are a blessing in disguise. My blood pressure has been climbing for nearly a year, doing damage to my arteries. While I was working and active, the blood couldn't slow down & clot up so readily. On weekends, when I was mostly resting and my BP lowered, the blood could start to thicken and clot a little, impede blood flow and bring on the headaches. I have missed a lot of church because of those headaches. Once the doctor put me on meds to lower the BP, this impedence of blood flow worsened so that I developed other symptoms--the TIA's which started on Tuesday, for which I went to the ER. I've likely been very close to a full blown stroke for many months, possibly a fatal one, so once they do my angiogram and resolve any blockages, I will probably go on blood thinners and need to stay on a lowered sodium and low fat diet. And hydrate. Keep my blood nice and runny. The elimination of caffeine (due to my LDS faith) may have had a bit to do with lowering my blood pressure and bringing on headaches. But since caffeine raises BP a bit and would've been adding to damage to my arteries, it was overall a good decision. FYI. Thanks to all who have had me in thoughts and prayers. 1
flameburns623 Posted April 12, 2018 Author Posted April 12, 2018 Going to the hospital in the morning for an angiogram. If they find any narrowed arteries, they will insert a stent. Prayers requested.
Garden Girl Posted April 12, 2018 Posted April 12, 2018 7 minutes ago, flameburns623 said: Going to the hospital in the morning for an angiogram. If they find any narrowed arteries, they will insert a stent. Prayers requested. Hello flame... May I encourage you to get a priesthood blessing... GG 2
flameburns623 Posted April 12, 2018 Author Posted April 12, 2018 Bit late. I had asked a week ago and never hooked up. Was under the weather and missed Church. Sunday.
Jeanne Posted April 12, 2018 Posted April 12, 2018 Praying for you...when possible keep us updated. Hope to see you over the weather and in church soon!!!
Recommended Posts