Sorry, I have been away for a little while. I have not been up to writing. Actually, I have not been up to too much. This past weekend was a little difficult for me.
My parents went to Canada and left me in the care of my brother and niece. Not that I received poor care, it just wasn't my Mom's care. I was feeling unusually bad...probably because of the visit from the mail man (post man, curse, etc); at any rate, lets just say, I was not feeling too good. My pressure was up, 123/94 and my temperature was 99 degrees. Now normally this would be an okay thing. But my BP's have been hovering around 85/66 and my temperature hovers around 97.1 religiously. So, needless to say...I was under par.
Interestingly enough while on my quest for vanilla pudding (Kozy Shack, all natural, hormone free, not Jell-O pudding), which is impossible to find in this city, my Dad took me for a car ride late last night to help me find some pudding (I have been craving it since my hospital visit). Well, my Dad listens to XM (Sirus) Classic Radio. This station plays old Radio shows, like "The Shadow" and other radio shows from the 30's, 40's and 50's. So, interestingly enough, we heard this commercial about Wedding Blush. "It makes you feel gay when you are feeling under par. Apply the pink blush to your checks, and all is right with the world." What ever happened to those days when you could just wash away your troubles or put on some blush and all your worries just go away...I need some of that BLUSH!!! Point of this??? The use of under par, describes me perfectly.
Well folks, I had my doctor's appointment this morning. And to tell you the truth, everyone is still very helpful and very confused. Dr. Lewis, has now begun reading journals, articles and European studies to make sense of my interesting predicament. I am so glad that "Johnny's on the case". I am also happy to know that I am contributing to the education of some of the top doctors on the west coast.
So today I am a step further towards cardiac rehab. Hopefully by Monday, I will begin my personal wellness program towards a healthy and happy heart :). Today, I also got my blood drawn. I am hoping the my BNP's (see note below) and liver enzymes are back to or close to normal. If not, we got a problem. Well, I got a problem. We in the sense, me and my heart have a problem. I am sure all is well because actually I do not feel all that bad. Just tired and my upper gastric area is a little under the weather. Of course, this is exactly how I felt the day before I went into the hospital. So who knows. Heart conditions are the silent killer.
Dr. Lewis is also ordering a comprehensive CT scan. He says my insurance may not pick it up. Well, if Tricare knows what I know, they better step up to the game. The doctor wants to rule out any coronary heart disease issues. If he finds something, they will know how to treat it. If he doesn't find anything, back to the drawing board.
BNP's help diagnosis heart failure and the severity of that heart failure. In a normal patient the level is below 100. When I arrived to the hospital is was up to 1600. When I left the hospital the level was down to 600. So I cannot wait.
As for the rest of my day: I have watched the Blue Angels practice in what seems like my parents own back yard. I will post photos later this weekend. I am getting my hair done today; the heat has not been nice to me or anyone else in this city. Also, my Husband may be arriving in the morning from DC and I want him to see me looking half way like the woman he married almost one year ago. Our anniversary is on August 5th!!!
I wanted to treat my parents to the Cheesecake Factory since it is National Cheesecake day and the cheesecake is 1/2 off (this offer applies every where). But, my Dad wants me to save my money. Shoot, I want some cheesecake, even though I need to lose about 13 more pounds (doctor's orders). I have only lost 2 lbs since the hospital visit. I was hoping that I could share a piece. That way I would not consume the entire 1200 calories in that one slice.
Have a beautiful day!!!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
I LOVE SWEDISH HOSPITAL
Yesterday was a pretty good day for receiving information among other things.
I met Dr. Rebecca S. Duke, in her primary care office. Now I officially have three doctors working on my case. I am thrilled that she was able to provided me with some level of comfort.
Oh don't get me wrong, Dr. Howard Lewis, is wonderful doctor, both in knowledge and in bedside manner. But, it felt good to speak with a woman doctor who might be a little more sensitive to the physiology of the female anatomy.
Dr. Duke and I spoke about the sticky foamy...well you know from the last blog entry, and she wondered if I had aspirated or had some extra fluid in my respiratory system. No way of telling at this point but, she did provide a couple of explanations. Hopefully, it will not happen again.
Dr. Duke also informed me that Dr. Raybourn Lewis and Dr. Howard Lewis are the best in Vascular Care in the Northwest so, if anyone could figure it out, they could.
So currently, I am still waiting to be approved by my health care plan (TriCare) for Cardiac Therapy (which all doctors are demanding I have) and I am still taking a few medications (Lisinopril and Carvedil) to regulate my blood pressure and heart rate (which seem to be happening). Where it was hovering in the low 70/60's now hovering at 90/70's and my heart rate has stabilized in the low 80's. I feel pretty tired most of the time and a little headachey but that is to be expected with the medicine and low blood pressure.
In 4 more weeks, Dr. Lewis will run more tests on me to see if there is any improvement. I will keep you posted.
Just a few shout outs!!!
Dr. William J. Raskoff: Kaiser Hospital San Fransisco, Dept Head of Cardiology. He was thorough!!! If you ever need cardiac care, Kaiser Hospital is a pretty cool place to be. Dr. Raskoff and his team really gave me great care. They were attentive and very knowledgeable. Also, the hospital food was not bad. In fact,the vegan food was pretty dog-gone good. The last day they let me have a Kozy (organic) Pudding Snack cup. You have no idea how wonderful it is to have a pudding cup after 6 days of low sodium, no sugar meals.
My Parents and Family and Friends in the Bay Area: YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!!! You came to the hospital to see me :) and I want to let you all know that all of you have helped me in my healing process, tremendously! Laughing and talking and sitting with me was the best medicine ever.
Rhea!!! Being 8 months pregnant and making the trek to the hospital, twice, you are amazing.
Lotus Garden (on Franklin in Oakland) WOW WEE!!! Great Vegan Food. I could eat there everyday, if I lived in Oakland (lol). Check it out bay area folks.
Costco is a great place to get your medications filled. Although, my medical coverage covers the RX, they were still very inexpensive. Less than $15 for all three medications I am taking.
Alaska Airlines!!! The flight attendants were wonderful. It might have helped that I was sitting in first class but, they were so concerned and attentive. I think they are my favorite airline, next to Virgin America.
My Parents! Mom and Dad, you guys are the greatest. Bringing me home with you and taking care of me and changing your plans and your schedules for me to be here in Seattle. Kisira for letting me sleep in your room, in your spacious bed and drawing me such a wonderful picture "Hey I Love You Too" Eddie (my Brother), for just checking in and keeping up with me and promising Mom and Dad that you will watch me when they are not able to.
Stephanie, Debra, Kim, and Carol Jean thank you for your support and information seeking spirit. Keep it coming!!!
And Finally (I saved the best for last) to my Wonderful Husband!!! You are my rock baby. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I appreciate you working hard and holding it down while we are away from each other. I love you so much that my words are just not enough. I miss you terribly. Being away from you at such a time is challenging and heart breaking for me. Thank you for sleeping in the hospital bed every night. Thank you for being my voice on the phone and to the hospital staff. Thank you for being the best Husband.
You are a blessing to me. I cannot wait to see you...hopefully soon than much later. It's already been too long.
I met Dr. Rebecca S. Duke, in her primary care office. Now I officially have three doctors working on my case. I am thrilled that she was able to provided me with some level of comfort.
Oh don't get me wrong, Dr. Howard Lewis, is wonderful doctor, both in knowledge and in bedside manner. But, it felt good to speak with a woman doctor who might be a little more sensitive to the physiology of the female anatomy.
Dr. Duke and I spoke about the sticky foamy...well you know from the last blog entry, and she wondered if I had aspirated or had some extra fluid in my respiratory system. No way of telling at this point but, she did provide a couple of explanations. Hopefully, it will not happen again.
Dr. Duke also informed me that Dr. Raybourn Lewis and Dr. Howard Lewis are the best in Vascular Care in the Northwest so, if anyone could figure it out, they could.
So currently, I am still waiting to be approved by my health care plan (TriCare) for Cardiac Therapy (which all doctors are demanding I have) and I am still taking a few medications (Lisinopril and Carvedil) to regulate my blood pressure and heart rate (which seem to be happening). Where it was hovering in the low 70/60's now hovering at 90/70's and my heart rate has stabilized in the low 80's. I feel pretty tired most of the time and a little headachey but that is to be expected with the medicine and low blood pressure.
In 4 more weeks, Dr. Lewis will run more tests on me to see if there is any improvement. I will keep you posted.
Just a few shout outs!!!
Dr. William J. Raskoff: Kaiser Hospital San Fransisco, Dept Head of Cardiology. He was thorough!!! If you ever need cardiac care, Kaiser Hospital is a pretty cool place to be. Dr. Raskoff and his team really gave me great care. They were attentive and very knowledgeable. Also, the hospital food was not bad. In fact,the vegan food was pretty dog-gone good. The last day they let me have a Kozy (organic) Pudding Snack cup. You have no idea how wonderful it is to have a pudding cup after 6 days of low sodium, no sugar meals.
My Parents and Family and Friends in the Bay Area: YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!!! You came to the hospital to see me :) and I want to let you all know that all of you have helped me in my healing process, tremendously! Laughing and talking and sitting with me was the best medicine ever.
Rhea!!! Being 8 months pregnant and making the trek to the hospital, twice, you are amazing.
Lotus Garden (on Franklin in Oakland) WOW WEE!!! Great Vegan Food. I could eat there everyday, if I lived in Oakland (lol). Check it out bay area folks.
Costco is a great place to get your medications filled. Although, my medical coverage covers the RX, they were still very inexpensive. Less than $15 for all three medications I am taking.
Alaska Airlines!!! The flight attendants were wonderful. It might have helped that I was sitting in first class but, they were so concerned and attentive. I think they are my favorite airline, next to Virgin America.
My Parents! Mom and Dad, you guys are the greatest. Bringing me home with you and taking care of me and changing your plans and your schedules for me to be here in Seattle. Kisira for letting me sleep in your room, in your spacious bed and drawing me such a wonderful picture "Hey I Love You Too" Eddie (my Brother), for just checking in and keeping up with me and promising Mom and Dad that you will watch me when they are not able to.
Stephanie, Debra, Kim, and Carol Jean thank you for your support and information seeking spirit. Keep it coming!!!
And Finally (I saved the best for last) to my Wonderful Husband!!! You are my rock baby. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I appreciate you working hard and holding it down while we are away from each other. I love you so much that my words are just not enough. I miss you terribly. Being away from you at such a time is challenging and heart breaking for me. Thank you for sleeping in the hospital bed every night. Thank you for being my voice on the phone and to the hospital staff. Thank you for being the best Husband.
You are a blessing to me. I cannot wait to see you...hopefully soon than much later. It's already been too long.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Windy Wednesday
Bon Dia from Seattle Washington
So I guess everyone is wondering what really happened. I am still trying to figure that out.
This morning I spent some time reading over my first cardiologist's notes and report. I think I am still in shock. I still have not processed a lot of the findings. When I was admitted this is what they found: Cardiomegaly, pulmonary vascular congestion and clinical congestive heart failure.
In a nut shell, my heart is in a weakened state and is enlarged: Advanced, dilated cardiomyopathy.
So if there is anyone who can help me sort through these diagnoses, please contact me.
It happened last night. I was sleeping deeply, I am sure, and I was awakened by my hands, face and face being extremely wet and sticky. My heart was racing and I had a slight headache. I felt pretty alert but my body was very tired. So much so, that I really could not move. I believe maybe 15 to 20 minutes had passed and I still was not feeling better so, I got up out of the bed to go to the bathroom. I had sticky foamy white stuff all over my hands. Okay, I know this is a little gross to read however, I thought maybe a large spider was trying to cocoon me while I slept.
I then realized it had come from my mouth. What the...?!
I cleaned up and went back to bed. I had some slight upper chest pains but nothing significant. It just felt like I had done a couple of bench presses.
Now I feel pretty okay. Well, I feel better than I did and I am not covered with sticky foamy stuff. I do have a headache, probably due to the medication. Now I did find a very large spider web inside the lamp shade next to the bed so maybe I was being attacked.
This afternoon I am going to concentrate on walking, stretching and getting my toes done. I do have a doctor's about this afternoon so I will keep everyone posted.
The sun is now shinning in Seattle and the temperature is a cool 70 degrees. It is a blessing to see the fog and clouds roll away to such beauty.
So I guess everyone is wondering what really happened. I am still trying to figure that out.
This morning I spent some time reading over my first cardiologist's notes and report. I think I am still in shock. I still have not processed a lot of the findings. When I was admitted this is what they found: Cardiomegaly, pulmonary vascular congestion and clinical congestive heart failure.
In a nut shell, my heart is in a weakened state and is enlarged: Advanced, dilated cardiomyopathy.
So if there is anyone who can help me sort through these diagnoses, please contact me.
It happened last night. I was sleeping deeply, I am sure, and I was awakened by my hands, face and face being extremely wet and sticky. My heart was racing and I had a slight headache. I felt pretty alert but my body was very tired. So much so, that I really could not move. I believe maybe 15 to 20 minutes had passed and I still was not feeling better so, I got up out of the bed to go to the bathroom. I had sticky foamy white stuff all over my hands. Okay, I know this is a little gross to read however, I thought maybe a large spider was trying to cocoon me while I slept.
I then realized it had come from my mouth. What the...?!
I cleaned up and went back to bed. I had some slight upper chest pains but nothing significant. It just felt like I had done a couple of bench presses.
Now I feel pretty okay. Well, I feel better than I did and I am not covered with sticky foamy stuff. I do have a headache, probably due to the medication. Now I did find a very large spider web inside the lamp shade next to the bed so maybe I was being attacked.
This afternoon I am going to concentrate on walking, stretching and getting my toes done. I do have a doctor's about this afternoon so I will keep everyone posted.
The sun is now shinning in Seattle and the temperature is a cool 70 degrees. It is a blessing to see the fog and clouds roll away to such beauty.
Monday, July 20, 2009
It's been almost 2 weeks....
It has been almost two weeks since I came down with this strange heart condition. Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy. I say strange because no one knows why my heart is not functioning the way it should and heart condition because now I cannot run, jump, bike, play Wii, have a baby, bake, roll around on the ground without damaging my heart. Sigh
I am staying at my parents house in Seattle, Wa. The house sits perched on a hill, over looking views towards the south area of Lake Washington. This view is absolutely fabulous!!! It is a calming and happy scene.
Oh don't get me wrong. I need calming and happy views and I appreciate that I am able to experience the calming and happy views however, I am feeling like I am trapped like a caged kangaroo. I cannot walk anywhere by myself, I can no longer drive; going to the grocery store means sitting in a motorized cart; cooking has become such a strain that my dishes have half the love in them (and you know that can't taste good).
What really gets me about this whole thing...I am away from my Husband. He is in D.C. working and taking care of our family stuff. I know it is temporary however, it is difficult to be away from your love and best friend. Especially when I am this restricted.
Please forgive this first posting. It is more as a start for me. I am not ready to get too personal and too technical about this "condition." I will try again later.
Thanks for your support and prayers!!!
I am staying at my parents house in Seattle, Wa. The house sits perched on a hill, over looking views towards the south area of Lake Washington. This view is absolutely fabulous!!! It is a calming and happy scene.
Oh don't get me wrong. I need calming and happy views and I appreciate that I am able to experience the calming and happy views however, I am feeling like I am trapped like a caged kangaroo. I cannot walk anywhere by myself, I can no longer drive; going to the grocery store means sitting in a motorized cart; cooking has become such a strain that my dishes have half the love in them (and you know that can't taste good).
What really gets me about this whole thing...I am away from my Husband. He is in D.C. working and taking care of our family stuff. I know it is temporary however, it is difficult to be away from your love and best friend. Especially when I am this restricted.
Please forgive this first posting. It is more as a start for me. I am not ready to get too personal and too technical about this "condition." I will try again later.
Thanks for your support and prayers!!!
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