Outpatient Heart Procedure - Update Sunday June 3rd

[Karen]

Are there devices now that you can use to check blood sugar without jabbing yourself? If so, maybe you should keep one with you as a matter of course, and but some simple hard candies to keep on hand incase you find your blood sugar dipping too low. Do you have a blood pressure cuff you can use at home? We actually have two, I think, as Paul has to regularly report his BP to one of his doctors as of course everything is all linked, and when they are changing his medication for one thing, he meeds to make sure his BP doesn't end up being affected in either direction too much.

[mrspunkysmom]

Are there devices now that you can use to check blood sugar without jabbing yourself? If so, maybe you should keep one with you as a matter of course, and but some simple hard candies to keep on hand incase you find your blood sugar dipping too low. Do you have a blood pressure cuff you can use at home? We actually have two, I think, as Paul has to regularly report his BP to one of his doctors as of course everything is all linked, and when they are changing his medication for one thing, he meeds to make sure his BP doesn't end up being affected in either direction too much.

don't know about the blood sugar test jabbing thing (embarrassed to admit I didn't think of that.) I keep good snacks with me. I got off schedule and in an attempt to limit my fat intake, I didn't eat any protein this morning. Dumb mistake. I have two wrist cuffs that do pretty good.

One thing I will admit: I can now take my pulse again on my wrist. It's been several months since I've been able to feel my pulse.

I've had metabolic issues since my 20s but it wasn't severe enough to be caught back then and I used diet until it didn't work anymore.


Thanks Karen

[kaycountrygal]

Hi, I just read the entire thread. I'm so glad you got through the procedure. Dont overdo and Good Luck in the future.

[mrspunkysmom]

Hi, I just read the entire thread. I'm so glad you got through the procedure. Dont overdo and Good Luck in the future.

Thank you, Kay. I won't overdo it. Promise. I have goals.

[mrspunkysmom]

Sorry about posting late. I was too sick with that danged virus to think straight.

I went to see my Internist Friday. I got to see one of his partners. I wrote a long letter the night before explaining why I needed his help with my ongoing heart problems. I hadn't had a chance to let him know about the procedure. I was too tired to think that far ahead. The arrhythmia specialist hasn't told me anything about the procedure. I have not been told what the actual diagnosis is. What I know was from listening in to their conversations while I was doped up. My discharge papers said syncope. Duh. Fainting? I looked up the medication and found out it was prescribed for arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. I kept hearing the word ablation. And none of this was discussed before the EP study / ablation. I found out there was not pooling or clotting in the lower chambers from my friend on Tuesday. She has enough problems so I didn't want to stress her out by grilling her.

When I picked up the heart monitor on Tuesday, I was able to get some info from the nurse/tech. I really had to press my point on why I needed some medications. I'm just told to take this medicine and do such or don't do such. I really felt left out of my own health decisions.

I later found out another co-worker had an ablation a few years back and was given two weeks sick leave. I was given three days. My bosses gave me more. I was exhausted and needed it.

So I didn't expect to see my doctor but he was there and I gave him the letter. (He was getting ready to go on vacation or something.) I asked him to be my advocate. I got to see his partner and got some meds for the sinus infection so my nose doesn't start bleeding.

He called me about two hours later (not expected) and said that before he left for his trip, he was going to put some things in place. My need for a doctor that would speak to me was immediate, especially concerning my heart. He's referred me to another cardiology group. He is also setting me up with a nurse that is a diabetic specialist to help me understand my diabetes. My former GP just gave me medicine and said not to use it as an excuse to eat more sugar. His partner will be following through so that the group calls me for an appt hopefully next week. Hopefully there will be a change in blood thinners.

Hope this wasn't confusing but it is late and I was trying to keep it short. Shorter than that 2 page narrative I wrote.

[Karen]

Hopefully the new group will clear things up for you - it is good that your doctor happened to be there, and could help!

[mrspunkysmom]

Hopefully the new group will clear things up for you - it is good that your doctor happened to be there, and could help!

Yes it is. It just made my day when he called.

[Catty1]

What a great doc - to look into all that before he leaves on vacation! Looks like you'll be getting some more answers in the future!

[phesina]

God bless your doctor for stepping up to the plate to fill you in on what's going on before he leaves on his vacation.

[mrspunkysmom]

Sorry I didn't check in earlier, folks. Been sick with a virus, food poisoning, or both. and YECH for a few hours! And a sinus infection brought about by that allergic reaction because the sinuses are stuffy. Sleeping a lot. don't worry. This is just life, but I really didn't need it now. I'm going to take it easy for a few days, but I so need to do some cleaning, as in putting away garbage and picking up empty water bottles.

This is the one step backwards. Don't worry. More sleep and easy food, I'll be as good as new.

I think it was a virus. I had a headache Friday evening that wouldn't go. I thought I might have done too much Friday. It was a good day.

I have lots to tell you, but for right now this is enough. I will say that my Internist is fantastic!