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 Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
  
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | Although I cringe to put my personal problems on here...I need some help & I don't know where else to turn except this wonderful forum of massive info!!!
My husband's been in/out of hospitals all winter...loooong story. It started with his doctor suggesting a neurologist for a possible 'movement disorder' (dystonia...of which he's yet to test positive for...we don't think he has it). The neuro said the CT found where he'd had a small stroke at some distant time & his carotid was blocked (85%), in the meantime his dr. put him on Celebrex for osteoarthritis...this did not agree w/him, caused extreme dizziness, then was put on Arthrotec along w/trihexyphenidyl. The pharmacist accidently filled the trihex...prescription w/5mg instead of 1mg. He took this for 5 days. He became so confused & a walking zombie along with hallucinating 24/7 & having panic attacks. Then it paralized his bowels and God only knows what else internally causing him to 'blow up' and affecting his ability & 'space' to breath. Christmas Day...go to a larger hospital where he'd had bypass surgery in 1999 & still maintained medical check-ups...no blocked carotid. They put him thru the Pulmonary Breathing Test (while he's still 'blocked')...sent him home w/inhalers. Meanwhile the doc puts him on Clonazapam (for anxiety) and Tramodol instead of Arthrotec. None of this did anything to alleviate the pain, hallucinations or paralized stomach. After much screaming (me) I finally got the neurologist to 'get' that 2 weeks of blocked bowels was NOT ok. That is when he found the prescription problem...ok....we think we're on the right track to recovery. Paralysis starts going away...
Then a heart cath February 3rd to check the old grafts...oh yeah, he's always had a heart murmer, leaky aortic valve & congestive heart failure they've been 'watching'...his original cardio dr. retired :(
So...all looked great they said...still didn't explain the shortness of breath...or the 'impending doom' feeling.
I'm talking about a man who has worked hard his entire life...he's been run over, hit by lightening three times, horse wrecks, plane crash blah blah blah...a tough man among men. Not a whiner...doesn't really feel pain so much.
Yet...a kind, gentle soul.
Feb 28...rush him to ER in another state (closer...and losing confidence everywhere else). Emergency gall bladder surgery. Stones, infection, lesions....yippee! Maybe that was the problem all along...we hope. Well, I guess that dr. didn't take serious all the previous history...or the fact that his potassium levels were high (5.3) compared to sodium.
Home on Saturday...back in local hospital Monday. Lasix...swelled up all over.
I had told his primary care dr. to do something! My husband is dying.
Echocardiogram....oh...he's a canditate for valve replacement, aortic stenosis...
Salt Lake City: Heart cath to check interior pressures & mitral valve, too. So 2 hours later the doc comes out to tell me my husbands a very sick man. Acute heart failure. ICU for 4 days then another 4 in a private room....recommend an LVAD (Left Ventricle Assist Devide) if meds don't work, Clint says he'd rather just die. So here we are...he was 35 pounds lighter after the stay and continues to lose weight daily. Can't eat, can't sleep...potassium high again, sodium low...passed out Saturday after stupidly lifting wood pellets into stoves. I called ambulance as his bp was 44/28 before they got here...it went back up to normal within minutes though...heart dr was not surprised @ his follow up appt Monday, just said no more lifting...has another appt tomorrow.
If you've read this long & can follow all this...thank you!
'I' think his main issue now is food! He's starving...and his diet is so restricted, what he needs he can't eat. All the fruits & veggies just aren't cutting it. Do we need a nutritionalist? It just doesn't seem like the doctors are 'connecting the dots'...I'm not dissing them, just trying to figure out what to do as he's not a lost cause! His EF (for those that understand) was 33%....not a death sentence.
I sincerely thank anyone who has info to share & possible solutions as I'm just about at the end of MY rope. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
 
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Most doctors are not as educated in nutrition as they need to be, but not all nutritionists are current in their education (my hubby's step-mother comes to mind--we about came to blows last year over what she fed my hypoglycemic child). I would definitely give that a try, tho, as something is obviously out of whack--be picky about who you listen to and follow your gut feeling. Praying for him. God is the ultimate healer. 
Edited by Three 4 Luck 2014-04-02 9:48 AM
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | No advice, but I'm very sorry you are getting the run around from these doctors. Are you near a large city? Or a University Hospital? If it's possible to travel, I would go and get a second opinion. There might also be a new technology or surgical protocol they can do instead of what a local hospital is capable of.
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 The Famous Hot Wing Chicken Girl
Posts: 2964
| I have no advice other than to seek a nutrionist but please know that I'm praying for you and your dear husband! |
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 Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | Wow! No advice just hugs and prayers.
May I ask how old your husband is? What a terrible ordeal. |
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Expert
Posts: 5321
Location: Texas | I can hear the frustration in your post and also the love for a great man! I pray the Dr.s can come up with a solution and that your husband feels better soon! You both have been through so much. Many many hugs and prayers!! Maybe Dr. Scott can suggest some alternatives! |
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | We finally got into the University of Utah...they're very good I think! They're trying to get his blood levels figured out while I'm trying to figure out how to feed him. From what I understand, once you have your gall bladder removed the stomach doesn't digest fats how it should...I'm thinking this is why he's losing so much weight. The heart dr gave him the green light for cardio rehab (we're in the boonies so we get to monitor that ourselves) but he's so weak...he's starving, literally before my eyes. Loses 1-3 pounds a day. |
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! |
He's 65. And thanks all of you for the prayers...they're much needed.
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 Swiffer PIcker Upper
Posts: 4015
Location: Four Corners Colorado | Sent you a PM
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 Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | I'm sorry your family is going through this. I have had my fair share of doctors and nurse mishaps and confusion with my father since he was paralyzed and I understand how frustrating it is.
What I am thinking your husband needs is a meeting with everyone. I'm getting this feeling that even though records are available to the other doctors there are too many different things going on at once. I would approach the doctors that see him on a regular basis and see if there is a possibility of a conference call to get everyone on the same page. I'd think that one solid plan of action would be better then multiple. Put a nutritionist in the mix as well so he can work on a diet plan to suit your husbands needs.
JMHO but we did this with my dad and it helped a lot (minus the nutritionist). He has 4 doctors and then home nursing multiple times a week that comes through; and they all try and do something different and their own way. Having everyone on the same page makes for less stress and confusion. I just don't know if every doctor would agree.
ETA: I am not going to make a suggestion on what it could be or if the prescriptions are counteracting each other because I don't have the knowledge in that area. But I am wishing you guys all the best and lots of hugs and prayers.
Edited by ndiehl 2014-04-02 10:08 AM
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Start researching internalists in your area. And go and see him. This may end up being expensive, I would suggest consulting a lawyer regarding the px mix up, as prescriptions are supposedly independently double checked.
I would be looking at kidney function tests, how is your husband urinating? Is he on anything for the high potassium, as getting into the 5's can cause heart problems. Kayexelate is the px drug I am thinking of
Are the bowels working?
Is he on any anticoagulants? And what meds is he on? I also suggest consulting with someone who works entirely with medications, as he may need different meds.
I would suggest speaking with a dietician.
Where do you live, maybe someone on the board can point you in the right direction
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
| You need a medical advocate -- but YOU may have to be that person!
All these medications are researchable online. Do it. Print or write it all out. Connect the dots. Call the prescribing doctors on anything that doesn't sound right. Question EVERYTHING. Make them explain it to you. You and your hubby are the paying customer here, you are not out of line questioning and demanding explanations. Get second opinions if you need to.
My sister and I had to sit on the rehab facility daily, sometimes more than once a day, to keep my moms medications right. I spent a lot of time online researching. My sister has the education to understand this stuff so she was prime, but I got pretty educated on a lot in a short time too. You don't have to understand the chemistry - contraindications and side effects are written for every medication.
MANY prayers for a smoother time ahead!! |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | I don't have any advice, but my thoughts and prayers are with you! Hoping you are able to get everything figured out, medications regulated, and I pray that your hubby is able to come home and enjoy life pain free. Hugs to you, I know this can't be easy.  |
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Expert
Posts: 1543
Location: MI | weekendgambler - 2014-04-02 9:58 AM
I can hear the frustration in your post and also the love for a great man! I pray the Dr.s can come up with a solution and that your husband feels better soon! You both have been through so much. Many many hugs and prayers!! Maybe Dr. Scott can suggest some alternatives!
This... and many, many hugs. |
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | cheryle, bowel function is normal now, his creatins come back good (kidney's)...I'm sure it's a matter of getting the meds right. They did have him on 40mg lasix, I cut him down to 20 until his appt, dr agreed...then they took him off it completely, however, he's still on spironolactone which helps the body retain potassium & lisinopril for hbp which also keeps the potassium up...
I've read & studied so much of the meds...just trying to connect things myslef so I can get the doctors on the same page. Worse than herding cats...much worse! |
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 Roan Wonder
Location: SW MO | I don't have any advise just hugs & prayers |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | No advise here either, just hugs and prayers for the both of you |
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 Popped
Posts: 20421
Location: LuluLand~along I64 Indiana | i agree on researching for an internalist... that is their specialty to connect dots.... i know that my bosses mom would not be alive today had they not demanded one for her care. mm god bless you for taking such good care of your other half.... |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| lonely va barrelxr - 2014-04-02 10:02 AM You need a medical advocate -- but YOU may have to be that person!
All these medications are researchable online. Do it. Print or write it all out. Connect the dots. Call the prescribing doctors on anything that doesn't sound right. Question EVERYTHING. Make them explain it to you. You and your hubby are the paying customer here, you are not out of line questioning and demanding explanations. Get second opinions if you need to.
My sister and I had to sit on the rehab facility daily, sometimes more than once a day, to keep my moms medications right. I spent a lot of time online researching. My sister has the education to understand this stuff so she was prime, but I got pretty educated on a lot in a short time too. You don't have to understand the chemistry - contraindications and side effects are written for every medication.
MANY prayers for a smoother time ahead!!
This. My niece lived her life in and out of the hospital. My sister became a walking encyclopedia on her condition. She asked for copies of everything and went over them. I can't tell you how many times she connected the dots when the drs didn't. Don't be afraid to step on toes. Prayers |
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 Expert
Posts: 1930
Location: Not where I should be... | Hugs and prayer to you. I hope that you can get some answers very soon.
I have a disorder that causes my body to absorb too much water... all because of a cyst on my pituitary. This washes out my sodium and makes it dangerously low. I have been able to manage my problem by fluid restriction. I used to drink lots of water to be healthy... it was killing me! I had severe headaches and extreme confusion and dificulty functioning.... I had way too much fluid in my body and my heart was having an extra hard time working. It took my demanding tests to figure my problem out.
Soooooooo many drugs alter your sodium and fluid balance. Please be sure to check on that possibility with his meds and be sure that he's not drinking too much water that is diluting his sodium. You did say that his kidney tests were ok so I assume they check output and osmoality, but I just wanted to point how so many drugs alter our body's natural balance... I have to even watch taking ibuprophen. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 806
Location: Arkansas | Many, Many Prayers..
My sister is a dietician.. A Very Good and Thorough One.. If you can find one like her, they should be able to help you and discuss with the doctors. I know many don't take everything into consideration and advocate or collaborate with the doctors then monitor the food provided and consumed but they should (or she does, anyways.) If he is in the hospital, they should have a dietician looking at his charts. Or request to talk to one at the hospital. I would at least get him on Ensure. I know my sister recommends this a lot for weight gain and for those who have trouble stomaching many calories at once.
I would document, document, document and request for all doctors to meet on his situation. 1-3 lbs a day is alarming. God bless you and your husband. I will be praying for healing. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 302
Location: Missouri | musikmaker - 2014-04-02 10:24 AM
cheryle, bowel function is normal now, his creatins come back good (kidney's)...I'm sure it's a matter of getting the meds right. They did have him on 40mg lasix, I cut him down to 20 until his appt, dr agreed...then they took him off it completely, however, he's still on spironolactone which helps the body retain potassium & lisinopril for hbp which also keeps the potassium up...
I've read & studied so much of the meds...just trying to connect things myslef so I can get the doctors on the same page. Worse than herding cats...much worse!
First off I will put you and your husband in my prayers as it sounds like you have both been through a lot without a whole lot of answers.
Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic which as you mentioned is compounding the issue of high potassium which can lead to more heart problems such as disrrhythmias. The lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that prevents constriction of the blood vessels and in turn promotes dilation to decrease the blood pressure and it also works to decrease sodium and water retention. My suggestions would be to start a daily journal that includes a daily weight taken prior to breakfast, food and amount eaten, and the medications he received and at what time also record any abnormalities that occurred like confusion or dizzy spells. As far as nutrition, try to maintain a diet lower in fat, sodium, and potassium, but work to maintain a well rounded diet split into frequent small meals since he can't handle much food at once. Do a search for potassium high foods so you can get an idea of what is good to avoid or eat in small amounts. With his difficulty sleeping that could be related to the excess fluid putting pressure on his lungs when he lies down. He could try sleeping in a recliner or with extra pillows and see if it helps at all, but definitely tell his physician if this helps so they can understand more what is going on. Also teach your husband to take his time going from lying to sitting to standing or when bending over to standing up as the lisinopril can cause a rapid decrease in blood pressure leading to fainting or dizziness.
I really hope that his physicians can get on the same page and find the right combination of medications to help him feel at his best. |
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 Max is Back
Posts: 6795
Location: Flat Rock,IL | Prayers. |
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 Looking for Lady Jockey
Posts: 3747
Location: Rodeos or Baseball games | So sorry you are going through this. Sending prayers |
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | Thanks...each of you for your prayers & sharing info...it's much appreciated!
We've thought of the ensure...it does have a lot of sodium in it, but, I'm going to ask his dr about it tomorrow.
One of the heart dr's called this last hour, too, and said to eat! Even a little salt at this point would be ok we just don't want to 'see-saw' the other way. He also said to withhold the spironolactone...
This has been such a long, confusing road...we've gotten to the point where we don't even try to guess what's going on...we want facts! Lol! A lot of surprises. And a huge learning curve...boy, I know more than I ever wanted to know about these things, just feel like I must be missing something, maybe patience? We want our life back!!!
Runnin LC: We do keep a daily journal of weight, blood pressure, pulse & O2 levels...it's very helpful as you said! He doesn't have a hard time laying flat anymore...he's so dried up! It's just getting the meds right & putting on some weight, gaining strength. He asked yesterday what the point was of not eating all these 'bad foods' when you're going to die of starvation anyhow...lol.
I just fixed him some bacon & eggs (no salt), piece of wheat toast w/peach preserves...yup. He ate...he's napping. Whew!
Thanks again...I just want to say that throughout this saga we've seen so many people who are suffering much worse than us...and heart failure is not just for 'old' people! We've seen the helocoptors bringing in the injured, the young...it's so sad. Really makes you stop and give thanks for all we have...it's just a part of living & no matter what happens we are grateful to our Creator for this wonderful experience on this planet!
It has helped me tremendously just to get it in writing & off my chest...funny how we can feel so alone during times like these and yet, I have not shared this on FB...I must be weird. Of course family is supportive...we're just not very knowledgable about these things! God Bless All!
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 Veteran
Posts: 224
Location: So Cal | No advice, just prayers and support from someone who knows how it goes to be a medical advocate for someone going through way more issues than they should be. My bf is in his 20s with several chronic issues, and we have learned that often you just have to know when things aren't right, do your own research and be persistent until the doctors will do what needs to be done.
Just make sure you take care of YOU, as well, trust me, I know how all of this wears you down! Prayers for BOTH of you! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 984
Location: Southwest Minnesota | rodeomom3 - 2014-04-02 10:36 AM lonely va barrelxr - 2014-04-02 10:02 AM You need a medical advocate -- but YOU may have to be that person!
All these medications are researchable online. Do it. Print or write it all out. Connect the dots. Call the prescribing doctors on anything that doesn't sound right. Question EVERYTHING. Make them explain it to you. You and your hubby are the paying customer here, you are not out of line questioning and demanding explanations. Get second opinions if you need to.
My sister and I had to sit on the rehab facility daily, sometimes more than once a day, to keep my moms medications right. I spent a lot of time online researching. My sister has the education to understand this stuff so she was prime, but I got pretty educated on a lot in a short time too. You don't have to understand the chemistry - contraindications and side effects are written for every medication.
MANY prayers for a smoother time ahead!!
Agree! You need an advocate and it may need to be you. Too many Dr.'s who aren't communicating. The hospital should at least have a Social Worker who can help you get what you need for you and your husband. Talk to your nurses, they a lot of times have a better grasp on the patient as a whole then your docs will and may have some suggestions. Sorry you are having such a rough time. Prayers for you and your husband. |
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 The Original Cyber Bartender
Location: Washington | Have you tried jucing.
Many prayers, can't imagine going through what you both have. |
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 Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| Praying!!!!!
Can you possibly check into those high calorie shakes that wiegh lifters drink? They are usually easy to digest and packed with calories.
Just a suggestion. (hugs!) |
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 On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | Many prayers. We had to stay on the doctors to figure out what was wrong with my grandmother a few years back. |
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 Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| You're in my prayers, Musik. |
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 Forever Young
Posts: 6768
Location: relocated to Texas | Many prayers. |
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Sideways Riding Expert
Posts: 11371
Location: ND--it snows, it floods, it snows, it floods | What about protein smoothies? Would he be able to get something like that? Protein powder, ice, water or milk with maybe some sugar free jello for flavoring? Just a thought....many prayers! |
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | Things to try! Thanks! The biggest obstacle rigth now are his taste buds...I hate to say this, but, I really feel for his mama if he was this persnickety as a child...and I can bet he was! Lol! I feel bad cuz he's not normally so picky...I'll just have to threaten him with feeding tubes...
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Sideways Riding Expert
Posts: 11371
Location: ND--it snows, it floods, it snows, it floods | musikmaker - 2014-04-02 1:53 PM Things to try! Thanks! The biggest obstacle rigth now are his taste buds...I hate to say this, but, I really feel for his mama if he was this persnickety as a child...and I can bet he was! Lol! I feel bad cuz he's not normally so picky...I'll just have to threaten him with feeding tubes...
With the protein shakes you can add fruits and what not. I have a bunch of recipes I can email you if you pm me your address. |
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 Star Padded Honey
Posts: 8890
Location: NW MT | no ideas or suggestions, just prayers for you both! |
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Cold hands and Warm Heart
Location: oklahoma | Prayers for you and all involved to get this figured out and husband back on the road to recovery. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Sounds like things are looking up.
To obtain maximum heart function, docs in my area like to use a ace inhibitor (linisopril) and beta blocker (lopressor/metoprolol). This might be worth asking your doc about.
Also any vasovagal manouever (bearing down, lifting heavy loads, holding breath, etc). This can cause the heart to slow down causing people to pass out, blood pressure to bottom out. Just be aware, this can happen any time.
Also for the eating bacon is still high in salt, but pick your battles. I am glad he ate.
There is a spice called Mrs Dash that we give our cardiac patients instead of salt, it actually is tasty (I use this instead of seasoning salt in my gravey now) I suggest trying it.
If his cholesterol is normal red meat a few times a week won't hurt him, I suggest stocking up on chicken. Barbecue, bake are all healthy ways. Try and stay away from deep fried food, if your husband likes salad, have this with each meal. Rice, pasta are good to eat.
Potato and banana are high in potassium so I suggest try and stay away from eating these daily.
If you have any more questions you can pm me, I am willing to help in any way I can.
Good luck, and prayers sent your way |
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| I can't help with the medications and such but I HIGHLY recommend getting him some digestive enzymes and maybe probiotics. We lose the ability to synthesize our own digestive enzymes as we age, the biggest reason why you do not see very many obese 80 and 90 year olds.
I was recommended to take digestive enzymes by my Doc years ago when he thought that I "might" have gall bladder issues. This was later seconded by a nutritionist and naturopath who told me that I was missing the enzyme I needed to break down proteins and was a major factor contributing to my sometimes severe hypoglycemia.
There are many kinds of digestive enzymes, for breaking down of proteins, fats, cellulose, dairy etc. It can't hurt. If he is missing any of these, the food is going in, then out without being broken down in to usable fuel for his body.
Prayers and hugs. |
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 Love Me Some Robert Redford
Posts: 2335
Location: WV | |
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I keep my change in my pockets
Posts: 2985
Location: MN | Get to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN!!!! |
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | Clint is feeling sooo much better today! Yeah! So am I. I'm so very grateful for my BHW family...it's been awhile being that the 'fun' stuff (politics) kinda took a dive here...lol. It's good to know you're all still here for when we really need some support. I spoke with Scott (HOTbearlvr) and he felt we're on the right track & Clint's in good hands...now. I feel that way, too...guess I needed to vent & share. It's interesting & important that we all realize how much we have in common...and how we're a herd animal in the end...we NEED each other. Thank you all for being there for me & for the extra info...it means more than I can express in words.
God Bless...
Joy |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I just got done reading all 3 pages and I'm so sorry. All I can offer is many prayers and hugs. |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | I have been out of town today and just seeing this. You have been so kind to me and I am so sorry you and your husband are having to deal with all of this. Ensure is good but what I have found that I think is better is Orgain. It is high in protein and tastes better. And someone suggested probiotics. I would sure try this. I have really been having digestive issues since getting off of the chemo and radiation. A lot like what your husband has had. And the probiotics are helping me. Know that the two of you are in my prayers. |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | musikmaker - 2014-04-02 8:21 PM Clint is feeling sooo much better today! Yeah! So am I. I'm so very grateful for my BHW family...it's been awhile being that the 'fun' stuff (politics) kinda took a dive here...lol. It's good to know you're all still here for when we really need some support. I spoke with Scott (HOTbearlvr) and he felt we're on the right track & Clint's in good hands...now. I feel that way, too...guess I needed to vent & share. It's interesting & important that we all realize how much we have in common...and how we're a herd animal in the end...we NEED each other. Thank you all for being there for me & for the extra info...it means more than I can express in words.
God Bless...
Joy
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 Living on the edge of common sense
Posts: 24139
Location: Carpenter, WY | I hope you can find answers quickly
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 Expert
Posts: 1304
| Prayers for you all |
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | musikmaker - 2014-04-02 9:59 AM We finally got into the University of Utah...they're very good I think! They're trying to get his blood levels figured out while I'm trying to figure out how to feed him. From what I understand, once you have your gall bladder removed the stomach doesn't digest fats how it should...I'm thinking this is why he's losing so much weight. The heart dr gave him the green light for cardio rehab (we're in the boonies so we get to monitor that ourselves) but he's so weak...he's starving, literally before my eyes. Loses 1-3 pounds a day.
You are in GREAT hands at the U of U. They are in the top tier hospitals in the entire US. You will not find better doctors/specialists and care anywhere then there.
Prayers for you and your husband.
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Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| First of all prayers for your entire family. Is your husband taking Nexium???? My neighbor was taking it and it nearly killed him. I took it and missed 20 days of school between Sept and Dec. I was so sick. The stomach problems sure sound like Nexium problems. |
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 Quack Quack Woodle Woodle
Posts: 7905
Location: Texas | There is a type of yogurt my grandmother's hospice RN suggested when she was eating very little and losing a lot of weight. I believe they sell it at Whole Foods, we don't have one that close but the company has it where you can order from their website and have it delivered. It's SUPER high in protein and super tasty, pretty much like eating ice cream. I wish I could remember the name. I believe it's italian, they call it gelato but it's yogurt lol. Surely someone knows what I'm talking about lol. |
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 Certified Snake Wrangler
Posts: 1672
Location: North MS | What about pasta? Wheat pasta is healthier and can have it cooked with ground turkey and low sodium pasta sauce. Cole slaw is not that horrible either. He needs to gain weight so what about healthier fat options like an egg white omelet with low fat cheese. Fettucini alfredo- can be made low fat as well. Sherbert ice cream!
Breads- Hawaiian kings bread may tempt his appetite. Biscuits and corn bread. Chicken Noodle Soup. Protein shakes are yummy to. I like the Jay Robb's. So far the tropical dreamsicle and basic vanilla. I also add peanut butter to the vanilla, a few cubes of ice and have a yummy milkshake. You can add different flavors of pudding too.
Honestly weight watchers cook books (low fat) should work well with the heart issue. Avoiding potatoes, bananas and star fruit helps with the kidneys. |
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Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| I would keep your doctor at a big university hospital they teach the other doctors that you go too. I have had health problems. Had a bad asthma problem that would not go away local docs told me it was anxiety, it was bad allergies. Got it under control, no anxiety. Some docs just dont it like all of us are barrel racers some better than others. Some know how to train some can just ride. |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | No advice, but lots of prayers. Hang in there. |
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | So I'm taking notes! What a bunch of great ideas...thank you.
Clint just weighed himself and gained 1.4 lbs since yesterday...I know we need to be extra careful that it's not all water weight, but, he'll have a blood test this morning. I feel confident that we'll get the meds right & get to healing! His attitude is better, too...it helps when we can feel some control over our lives instead of like a victim or subject!
As always, I'm humbled whenever I've gotten to the point of asking for help & support...that it's there...like a small miracle. I get so wrapped up in my own mind that I forget to reach out. I only hope I can return the favor!
Thanks again. |
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | I think it sounds like Clint's turning the corner, Joy. The U of Utah has always been an excellent medical center. That, plus a primary care doc that you like will be important, but YOU are just as vital to his return to health as anything. After talking to you, it's plain to see he's a lucky man. |
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 The Bird Lady
Posts: 6440
Location: The end of the Earth, SE AR | I'm so sorry you both are going through this, you are both in my prayers, sending some hugs as well.
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Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| I have never had breathing problems and alway kept myself in goood shape. I all of suddem started having asthma problems some of my family called me on the phone and didnot even reconize me i could nkt even walk 100 feet woth out huffing and puffing could not even talk to the doctor with out panting. This happened in feb, march may, july, sept then i said doc is this normal can you send me to a specialist he sent me to medical college of virginia, to a wonderful doc, it was about a year and theymdid texsting sent me to a allergy doc, and they confered back ant forth i got sick a couple more times, changed my meds several times, and i pretty stable and dont worry to much. Have to take a boatload of meds, but those guys teach most and keep up with all thw new stuff. Yea i hate to drive the 60 miles, butmthe care i get is well worth it. My primary care,doc is worthless. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2036
Location: Montana | I have a lot of digestive issues. There have many times in my life were I couldnt gain weight. Ensure is good but I make smoothies and I add a whey protien powder. Actually to gain weight I would make the smoothie with ice cream instead of ice. Though some may disagree I will also add a egg to the smoothie. I use Flogen; it is a really good probiotic. You should be able to get it from a pharmacy, it is kept refridgerated. I also have started a green smoothie that is interesting but truly makes me feel better; it is specifically for cleansing the liver. One other thing that I eat quite a bit is an organic oatmeal with flaxseed; I make it with milk, add a little butter, spoonful of non processed, organic honey (it is so good for you) and a handful of organic pumpkin seeds (they are the little green ones; they are a great immune system booster). I also take several supplements. If you want the green smoothie receipe I will post it.
I am so glad to hear that he is doing better. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband.
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Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | You all rock.
The info on here is amazing & I'll bet we're all learning a ton!
It's pretty crazy how our lifestyles (quick food mostly) has introduced some very bad dieting habits into our lives...I cringe to think of what the future holds for our young as I was raissed on 'real' food as I'm sure most of us were...just wow...
So I've driven to Salt Lake, Phoenix back to Salt Lake then 75 miles one way today to apptointments in the last week alone...what a food challenge!!! It's ridiculous.
Clint's doing soooo much better! Even his sense of humor is returning...some...lol. Pottassium still high, sodium low...so they're cutting back on meds...lisinopril every other day & no more spironolactone...they say he'll need to control this with diet mostly...and if that doesn't work they'll recommend a pacemaker/defrib...NOT an LVAD...his EF (while in the hospital last month) ranged from 31% to 50%...that's great info that I didn't know before today.
He is on the mend & maybe I am too now! Haha...
We're looking forward to a lake trip next week to check out our landlubbered houseboat, hoping to 'splash' him soon! That has become our retreat & healing place (and no, he wouldn't let me name him the 'Olive Garden'...just too hard to explain...lol).
Bless all! |
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I need advice...very sick husband