Tell me about Congestive heart failure/complications from stress and insomnia ?

Karen W. · « **Reply #100 on:** 13/07/2007 23:11:16 »

Iko.. I just finished with the Mri and had to come home to get things ready for the sleep study!

After the MRI the tech said he was able to get some really great images.. I asked him, "did you find anything that would be causing me such greif?" He replied, "yes I did!" I said, "what..?" he said, "I cannot say, "but, I will send these to your doctor she will have them by Tuesday!" I said, "Then this pain and trouble I have been having is not all in me head?" He said, definitely NOT!" So I am not going to know until probably Friday next week unless I can con her into telling me Tuesday when she gets the tests back! My next appointment is Friday! I will let you know!

iko · « **Reply #101 on:** 13/07/2007 23:19:05 »

Hi Karen,

of course you get insomnia and hyperstress anxiety!
They promise you a new explanation every time in any
test you take...and afterwards they vanish in a tiny
cloud of dust!
Anyway: MRI is done and maybe "informative"
Fingers crossed and let's jump to next week.
Take care

ikod

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Karen W. · « **Reply #102 on:** 13/07/2007 23:49:01 »

Thanks Iko.. Will be glad to find out something definitive...

hugs...

iko · « **Reply #103 on:** 14/07/2007 19:05:42 »

Quote from: Karen W. on 13/07/2007 23:49:01

Thanks Iko.. Will be glad to find out something definitive...

hugs...

Not toooo much "definitive" would be better! [

]
maybe you'll fix it in the meantime...

ikod

Karen W. · « **Reply #104 on:** 15/07/2007 21:43:42 »

LOL Oh.. How am I going to fix it! LOL.. I think I will wait and make them tell me whats wrong.. Just wish they would hurry up!!

iko · « **Reply #105 on:** 15/07/2007 22:42:26 »

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Wish you had a faster Doc!

Karen W. · « **Reply #106 on:** 16/07/2007 01:33:55 »

Nice pic's IKO.. Love the snail TOO! I agree I wish my doc was faster too!

Karen W. · « **Reply #107 on:** 25/07/2007 14:23:26 »

Sleep study results came in and I seem to have what they call CPAP I think that is how she pronounced it! I have to be sedated and do yet another sleep study this time with a machine which will push air through the sinuses an keep my airway open. Apparently the machine does not require an oxygen tank as it just uses air from the room but uses a force that pushes the air through and keeps things clear!

This study will have to be for figuring out how much air must be used or something like that!

Out of six or so people I was the only one who couldn't sleep and not for not trying..

I am also to go see an orthopedic surgeon for my shoulder and arm. I am supposed to have another MRI with some kind of injection to illuminate more of the problem area!That will come after I see this Dr.Lyell.(the surgeon) Well thats whats new I also had to have more lab work done at my appointment.

Karen W. · « **Reply #108 on:** 10/10/2007 03:50:25 »

Hey Dr House, LOL Just kidding IKO!! HEE HEE HEE! Here are the days replay results pending in 7 to 10 days~! Todays chemical stress test part 1..LOL
I went early this morning for my chemical stress test!
they decided they would inject me and allow me to walk the treadmill if I wanted. I did, They started the iv, I was less about 1 minute into the 4 minute test when my heart decided it did not like the test or the work out or whatever..My ekg readout went crazy and I tried to keep walking but someone shoved a chair up underneath me after asking are you alright??? It is really hard to say i need to sit down when your heart is doing flip flops in your chest and your so dizzy you can't tell if you landed in the chair or on the floor. I do not know what happened much after that Iwas really nauseated afterwards and had dry heaves and couldn't quit shaking.. Then i realized that I was back on the table and the cardiologist said your test just went crazy its ok.. your gonna be ok.. I was given a snack fig newton as per test instructions and they monitored my blood pressure as it was almost non existent! Then he said .. Has anyone ever told you you have a bad heart and low blood pressure !!! YUCK YUCK YUCK YUCK YUCK..Some sense of humor he had. LOL..

He then said low blood pressure is normally not a bad thing, but young lady when you normally have high blood pressure and yours drops so low this is dangerous! It was way too low he said. Then he said now we have a better idea and in a few days we will have pictures back and maybe figure out whats happening here, in the mean time no more mountain climbing! LOL We had discussed crater lake! LOL..

When the nurse came I asked what happened exactly and she said that my heart does not function well under stress. She said that when I went down They administered something else into the iv.. I forget what she said it was. But she said it was to calm the heart down.. whatever that means.. I don't think I had a heart attack but the way they talked I was fixing to. He said that is why they have everything there in place to see to it that I was OK!

So The only instructions today was to be back there at 8:30 AM tomorrow morning and they are going to do another iv and a test of the heart at rest.. The took a ton of pictures with a machine that came up around me.
She said the hard part was over and tomorrow should be a breeze..LOL we will see. today I was scared to death.. So maybe tomorrow I will leave laughing.. I still feel crudy and after the test today while I was waiting for the second half I was totally overcome with fatigue as if I had just ran a marathon.. I fell asleep in their waiting room.. I felt silly! She had to wake me up to hook me up again and do part two with the fancy camera and dye thing! I have been asleep most all day.

iko · « **Reply #109 on:** 10/10/2007 13:11:10 »

What about those famous 'infectious' results still pending?

ikod [

]

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Karen W. · « **Reply #110 on:** 10/10/2007 14:15:17 »

She still has not run any further tests she said and I quote" You have had this infection for some time now so I don't think it will hurt to wait until after the Cardiologists report!" After todays test I am supposed to call her about an appointment.

Yesterday I was not feeling to hot before my stress test and still tired today. I haven't taken my blood pressure yet so I don't know where it is.

I am assuming now that I tested positive for a chronic infection again that they will have to determine exactly what disorder is causing it? Is that how these things normally work? I am assuming so based on her nonchalant attitude about treating this quicker!

iko · « **Reply #111 on:** 10/10/2007 22:24:21 »

Is this your new test for occult chronic infections?

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ikod [

]

Karen W. · « **Reply #112 on:** 10/10/2007 23:05:10 »

WOW! that is how I feel like a hamster running around in circles and not getting anywhere!

Karen W. · « **Reply #113 on:** 11/10/2007 18:29:47 »

Well house I passed my halter test last week but yesterdays stress test result says I failed it big time I am going into the hospital on the October 24th, for a catherdization, (sorry bout the spelling.) He said they have to insert a camera and possibly put a stint in the heart . He said they have been unsuccessful trying to figure out why it is doing what it is. So Now I am really nervous. He said I have to be partially awake for this proceedure..

I don't like that at all! Every time they say surgery I panic...

Carol-A · « **Reply #114 on:** 12/10/2007 10:57:59 »

Hi Karen, I had this proceedure last week..... and a stent inserted. If you want some first hand feedback, I'm happy to talk about it.

Karen W. · « **Reply #115 on:** 12/10/2007 11:08:45 »

I would like to know more about it. He still does not know whats wrong and needs to put a camera in to look!

Karen W. · « **Reply #116 on:** 12/10/2007 11:09:50 »

My arteries are clear but I am having some kind of other problems in the left side!

Karen W. · « **Reply #117 on:** 15/10/2007 07:33:14 »

OK Iko I have to go back to cardiologist as I have asked for a consultation before I allow them to just operate without telling me more about what happened during my stress test, I am going in Tuesday day after tomorrow.

Karen W. · « **Reply #118 on:** 19/10/2007 07:01:57 »

Well he said upon exertion or stress that my blood flow basically stopped flowing in the top part of the heart and also in the bottom. he said he has commonly seen it in the top but not so much in the bottom! He is sending me a copy of this result.he said he does not know what they will find when they go in because all the other tests have been of no help and the problem seems to be hiding... He said arteries visually are clear with all the other tests he thinks it may be the repair job is giving out from childhood or it could be a blockage inside and they can't see it.. he is hoping it is something in one artery if it is one a stint and medication if it is 1 completely blocked along with a couple more then he will have to do a bypass.. He said he just doesn't know. they are just going in prepared for anything . he said if it is bad he is just going to knock me the rest of the way out and do what he has to do. He assures me we now have a facility set up to deal with it although I have heard terrible things about its inexperienced staff and under equipted facility.. He said that was before and they are set up now to handle what may come..So Monday tests more EKGs x-rays blood work etc etc etc.Then on Wednesday I check in at 11:00AM and surgery will be at 1:00.. He said there is a lot of prep. They will be using femoral artery....going through groin. he said there are less complications possible then through the wrist!

I will see you and let you know more when I do..keep your fingers crossed for me.

iko · « **Reply #119 on:** 19/10/2007 22:05:10 »

Quote from: Karen W. on 19/10/2007 07:01:57

I will see you and let you know more when I do..keep your fingers crossed for me.

Of course we'll do it and you'll keep us informed asap.

ikod

Karen W. · « **Reply #120 on:** 19/10/2007 22:38:55 »

Thanks Iko, I will!

Karen W. · « **Reply #121 on:** 02/11/2007 00:59:59 »

Well my new bloodwork has come in. I was scheduled tomorrow for a iodine ct scan etc for my aorta valve .. but blood work is holding us up. Seems my Creatinine levels came back pretty high and that my GFR came back very low..
She said we can now add decreased kidney function to the list .. I still need the other test so they are going to put me on some kind of pills to rehydrate me and keep my kidney working right because she said it would shut down without this medicine given the potency of the iodine. She said it is hard on the kidneys!..So I will pick up a prescription from the pharmacy for these pills which she said I will take every two hours, I think she said! Then we can do the test!, as the pills will have been getting me plenty hydrated.. So that is on the schedule for Tuesday morning 8:30 am.. test at 10:00am. She said short stay so thats good.. I get to go home again... YAYYYYY! I will post again when I know more!

Karen W. · « **Reply #122 on:** 02/11/2007 08:41:58 »

Some hours later.. She called back to talk about medications and said we will have to address this Kidney problem? She said They are not working properly and there is some kind of damage.. She said we must address it right away. She tried to explain more about what was wrong...she said it may be the reason my blood pressure has soared and the swelling is worse again and the diuretics are not working to clear the fluid neither are the stockings or the feet up possession!...

I know what she said is not good... but I am having a hard time trying to swallow it...I don't feel like there is anything wrong with my kidneys but she insists there is...

She said we will talk again on Tuesday....

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #123 on:** 02/11/2007 09:32:01 »

Karen

Before you go any further. Please, pretty please with knobs on, give IBT a try.

Karen W. · « **Reply #124 on:** 02/11/2007 16:10:33 »

OK Today it is... eastern king size bed.. how high off the floor on the head?? We would have to look up the size wait I will try to measure it!

Ok....84 inches long by 72 inches wide or 218 and 3/4 centimeters long by 182 and 1/2 centimeters wide!APPROXIATELY!

Karen W. · « **Reply #125 on:** 02/11/2007 16:16:49 »

I have 2 inch high square cement blocks and help this morning to carry them , so are sturdy, how many two inch 12x12 inch blocks do I need? on each foot at the head of the bed?

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #126 on:** 02/11/2007 18:02:15 »

Begin with 3 blocks giving you six inch incline under head end of the bed, wrap blocks in plastic bag to hide what they are and look for some wooden blocks later as they will be easy to move around.

After 4 weeks add the extra 2 inches with another concrete block or by now you may have obtained some off-cuts from a local saw mill or timber yard.

From the first night you will notices some significant differences, however this is usually more effective over a long period helping you to breath better, lowering your heart rate, improving your blood pressure, breathing more deeply and less frequently even after the first night is not uncommon.

When you feel that you are able to do more exercise, please remember to take it easy to begin with.

As you have an edema problem already, there might be an initial shift of fluids towards the ankles. This usually resolves within 4 weeks. You should find sleeping a bit easier also within the first few days, though it may feel a little weird at first. Take an old duvet or bed quilt or eiderdown depending on what you guys call it and wrap it around the mattress, tucking it under the mattress, the idea is that this will add additional friction and comfort preventing you from sliding down the bed.

We use a memory foam mattress now and find this is much better. But you need to become confident that this is the way forward before investing a single cent in a new mattress and probably may find the one you use is just fine.

To speed up the loss of water retention via urine output, a of glass water with freshly squeezed lemon juice during the day and a few cups of stinging nettle tea will have you visiting the bathroom more frequently and aid the return of slender looking ankles.

I enjoy your posts Karen and think your bubbly personality does our forum a great service and want to make sure you continue to enjoy the NS forum for many years to come.

Andrew

Karen W. · « **Reply #127 on:** 02/11/2007 18:15:41 »

Thanks Andrew.. and I will get the bed up today!
My ankles are incredibly swollen Little footballs with the tiniest stubs showing at the end! LOL...

I hope they don't swell anymore cause they are already hurting from the skin being so swollen!

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #128 on:** 02/11/2007 18:23:22 »

Can you take some pictures of your hands and toes and post them for us so we can witness any changes as they happen, also take some measurements around your ankles and wrists etc and make a note of them for comparison in 6 weeks time.

Quote from: Karen W. on 02/11/2007 18:15:41

Thanks Andrew.. and I will get the bed up today!
My ankles are incredibly swollen Little footballs with the tiniest stubs showing at the end! LOL...

I hope they don't swell anymore cause they are already hurting from the skin being so swollen!

Karen W. · « **Reply #129 on:** 02/11/2007 18:53:14 »

my hands are good, a bit puffy, my face and anlkes knees and feet are worse..

Alandriel · « **Reply #130 on:** 02/11/2007 22:05:13 »

and another

I just read up this whole thread........

"What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

Karen W. · « **Reply #131 on:** 02/11/2007 22:33:26 »

BOY oh Boy... LOL You did a lot of reading!! Thanks Alandriel I sure hope thats true!

iko · « **Reply #132 on:** 02/11/2007 22:57:55 »

Quote from: iko on 02/11/2007 22:48:25

Quote from: pingu on 04/10/2007 23:25:22
You know what House would say? LOL.. does anyone actually watch House.. well he would suggest Lupus because he always suggests Lupus. Of course for him it never actually is although Lupus does in fact cause swollen fingers in the morning although they are usually stiff and slightly painful at the same time.

...we DO need some Dr. House right now!

Karen W. · « **Reply #133 on:** 02/11/2007 23:18:31 »

Yes that would be nice... I had my feet up quite a lot today.. I have the swelling down some but not much.. I can at least see toes now... but they have already begun to swell again.. I have my Sis coming today and I really want to go see her.. so I am trying to keep my feet up and swelling down so I can walk better , with shoes on!! Here are the piccy's I just took, vast improvement from earlier but still quite swollen!

It would do to see house right now!!

After compression stocking is removed, Still swollen and more painful!

Swelling at my kneecaps.. barely see I have a kneecap at all!

Both legs, calves and ankle after stocking removed.. still swollen and circulation awful from stockings!

Right leg and foot 5 minutes ago..

Left Leg 10 minutes ago..

Side view of the left leg! Note huge protrusions at ankles..

My hands are not bad so I will not post unless you think it is helpful.. I have had puffy face lately...

Karen W. · « **Reply #134 on:** 02/11/2007 23:48:16 »

2 days blood pressure while taking my METOPROLOL SUC ER 100 MG ER ALONG WITH
TRIAMTERINE/HCTZ 37.5/25 CAPS FOR SWELLING ETC..NOV.1

YESTERDAY!

177/105 PULSE 79 MORNING UPON WAKING 4:30 AM

198/109 PULSE 82 11:00AM 4 HOURS AFTER MY MEDS AT 7:00 AM

158/120 PULSE 89 AT ABOUT 4:00 PM

215/140 PULSE 85 8:30 PM

99/46 PULSE 38 I FELT CRUDY! 11:00PM

0CT. 31, 2007

202/128 PULSE 76 5:00 AM

202/134 PULSE 72 7:00 AM RIGHT AFTER MEDS

178/128 PULSE 76 11:00 AM

172/115 PULSE 61 4:00 PM

135/83 PULSE 76 8:30 PM

130/78 PULSE 71 11:OO PM

I TRY TO MONITOR AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY!

Karen W. · « **Reply #135 on:** 03/11/2007 08:20:16 »

I forgot to measure my ankles this morning but will measure them now!

14 inches left ankle or 36 centimeters [10 and 1/4 inches top right foot or 26 centimeters]
13 and 1/4 inches right ankle or 34 centimeters [Left top foot below toe 11 inches or 28 centimeters]

14 and 1/2 inches 2 inches above right ankle =37 and 3/4 centimeters approxinmitely
25 and 1/4 inches above right knee = 64 centimeters

15 inches 2 inches above left ankle
23 inches around top of left knee= 58 and 1/2 centimeters

OK, Bed is raised slightly more then 6 inches, 7 and 1/2 inches as I was off on block measurement.. Bob left the rollers on. Surely I will ask him tomorrow to come take off casters.. doesn't seem safe up there on casters.

BOY it is tall! LOL It is 1:26 am and I am going to make a stab at it tonight! I will let you know!

Night All Iko, Andrew,..and friends of swollen foot girl of misery! LOL.. Hopefully not for long! Hugs you all sleep well to you out there!

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #136 on:** 03/11/2007 08:51:03 »

While using a compression stocking reduces the swelling by increasing the tissue fluid pressure higher than the pressure inside the veins so that fluid is forced both into the veins and to other areas of the body, it does not address why the pressure inside the vein increased to a higher level than the surrounding tissue in the first place and therefore at best will serve to visibly reduce the fluid in the tissue during and shortly after use.

But there is a trade off for this and you may be able to record it with your BP machine. I suspect that increasing the pressure of the tissue surrounding the veins that are currently leeching out fluids due to increased internal pressure may increase your blood pressure, and this could be contributing to your recent renal problems.

However, as Inclined Bed Therapy (IBT) has been shown to reduce the pressure inside the veins, evident by improvements in varicosity over 4 weeks using IBT, using a pressure stocking in conjunction with IBT, again use your BP machine to check this out, may not increase your overall blood pressure by the same degree as a flat bed will do.

Flicking back through the thread, I have observed a pattern and suspect if you reflect on it more and elaborate you may relate that many of your problems have been during the night while sleeping or simply resting on a flat bed, and you mention waking up often somewhat worse for flat bed rest a number of times.

My research over many years has confirmed this pattern fits with many medical conditions, some very serious.

If you re-read what I posted about my Father’s demise in hospital you will see what happened when the hospital put his bed flat and more to the point what happened when we forced them to tilt his bed.

You have done a great job with the pictures and the readings, thank you Karen.

Now we need to hear how your first night sleeping inclined was.

Karen W. · « **Reply #137 on:** 03/11/2007 14:20:58 »

Ok.. Goodmorning... Well the first thing I noticed was I slept from 1:00 til 6:47AM which for me even with my cpap is good. 5 hours 29 minutes give or take a few moments!

I did wake up because my cpap was soaking my face and making my nose cold and I was stuffed up, and if you don't know it is almost impossible to use the cpap when you are totally blocked as you cannot breath well through your mouth... Fortunately I had some air movement last night so I just felt stuffy!

Second thing I noticed, I woke up yawning, which for me is unusual as I yawn very little. and when I sat up in bed, I was not light headed as I am usually in the morning..

I dangled my feet glanced down and the swelling was still there but I had less discomfot in the tops of my feet then I usually have in the morning.

I stood up without having to hold on to my big shoe organiser! LOL.. I had to go to the loo. of course.. This was way different. I struggled to urinate this morning.. My bladder was full and hurt, but usually you sit and boom you urinate this was difficult this morning and I wonder if it has to do with my kidneys not working right or the incline.. I had to physically strain to urinate and it would not come out in a full shot It was as if I had to strain release strain release again and again in order to empty my bladder. This has happened before a very long time agao as I recall, I was sick with and infection at that time.. (kidneys or bladder) I can't remember... Well when I was done there was not that usual sigh of relief after wards.. I felt I still needed to go.. Still do, but can't! LOL

I then came in here I feel pretty good seeing that I am just now taking my meds! And my first reading of the day!

Here it is! \

WOW!!

7:08 am 120/79 pulse 58 YAYYYYYYYYYY! That is actually way good for the norm at this time of the morning!

That is a nice pressure although the doc would like to see the bottom number a tad lower.*smiles*
Anyway so far so good and I am still yawning and thirsty! LOL.. I will see how it goes again.. later. I have been napping on and off since my cpap machine so I will be in bed several times.. during the day. sometimes 20 or 30 minutes sometimes longer... depends on my brain .. dosing off has become normal, especially when my blood pressure shoots up and really bad when it drops really low like around 100/50 or so.. Then it worries me cause I get to feeling really bad and it doesn't feel like sleep but more like passing out!

See you later today... So far ok.. feel good.. urinating thing was odd, but perhaps part of the kidney problem that I have not been able to see until now.

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #138 on:** 03/11/2007 19:01:51 »

Just in case anyone thinks this change in blood pressure is luck and merely a chance event. I have included one previous case history from a man paralysed in 1977 with a comple cord injury.

Inclined bed results...so far

I have been using Andrew K. Fletcher's theory of the inclined bed for a week now and we are still encouraged by what we are seeing. My skin tone continues to look good and my blood pressure fluctuations are not as severe. These fluctuations ranged from as high as 232 to a low of 39 systolic and as high as 124 to a low of 26 diastolic prior to the study.

There has been little or no swelling in my legs or feet. Two sores on my right foot, that have been there approximately a month, are healing up nicely.

It hasn't been easy. I have had a few rough times but overall, so far, we have had positive and encouraging results.

I will continue to post more results as they happen.

John

I have been using the inclined bed for 8 weeks now. I have had no swelling in my arms or legs. My skin tone remains very good. Have had noticeable muscle tone in my legs. I am unable to get out of bed because of 2 dislocated hips and have experienced increased pain over the period of this study. I do not have surface sensitivity but I have had an increased sensation in my internal abdominal area. As I mentioned before, my blood pressure was very erratic but since starting the study it has begun to stabilize. Here is a sample of my blood pressures from the week of 7/8 to 7/14. These are daily averages compiled from all BPs recorded that week:7/8

82/55 Week 7/9 98/66 Week 7/10 98/60 Week 7/11 96/61 Week 7/12 103/67 Week 7/13 94/61 Week 7/14 101/64 Although my diastolic still does, at times, dip into the high 30s and low 40s. This is a dramatic and a much welcomed improvement. I had intended to post more recent updates but was discouraged by all of the negative response and scepticism. I am a C3-C4 quad since 1977 and if there is anyone that should be sceptical about this theory, it should be me. All of Andrew's critics want scientific proof of one thing or another. Not all medications and/or therapies work for all people. If that were not so, then no one would suffer. John

It's been 10 weeks on the incline now and we are beginning to see more changes.I am experiencing greater sensitivity in my biceps. I previously had slight sensation in my left bicep and none in my right bicep. After a few tests, I was able to feel the cold of an ice cube for the first time since the accident in 1977 (although, I was unable to detect heat). Also, tested with dull and sharp objects and was able to distinguish between the two. I am sleeping much better and longer at night. Blood pressures are remaining much more stable. Pain levels have increased but with pain medication, they are tolerable.
John

Posts: 9 Well it's been 3 months since starting this study and we are very encouraged. We are seeing even more changes. I can now feel from my shoulders to my biceps. Although, it is not a full, normal sensation. The surface sensitivity is about 75% now. My sensitivity has moved from 3 inches above the nipple line to just below the nipples. There is a small area in the middle of my back that I can feel pressure when pressed upon.We have also noticed an increase in body hair. My pain level has remained the same. Most days I can get away with taking minimal pain medication. John

Date of injury May 22, 1977 Level of injury C3-C4
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Karen W. · « **Reply #139 on:** 04/11/2007 10:27:12 »

It was a huge day today and I was wiped out when I got home.

At 11:00 am blood pressure was 163/108 pulse 60. At 4:00 I was a t a family gathering so I did not check it..When I got home I waited til 8:30 and then it was 161/103 pulse 54.

11;00pm it was 169/115 pulse 61. I am about to take it again as I am heading to bed it is 2:22 AM pressure is: 144/100 pulse 60.. It was a big day and I am having a doozie of a time trying to relax enough to sleep. I have been drinking plenty of fluids and still having lots of unproductive trips to the loo! We will see what the morrow brings!

Karen W. · « **Reply #140 on:** 05/11/2007 14:24:05 »

Good morning.. I slept rotten just antsy all night but I did sleep, ..Then I realized part of the reason was I forgot my cpap mask! LOL No wonder.. Tonight will be better.
Also I was up and down 5 times to use the loo. My urination has increased again and I am going often. It is still strong but last night the color was better and closer to normal color Just like a strong yellow no red or darker brown.. but still darker and kinda cloudy looking.I go in to get more meds today and will speak to Dr. about the whole test and the kidneys again.

My blood pressure is great this morning ...120/64 pulse 61. I feel pretty good. I had bob wrap my legs last night. he got my right leg wrapped too tight and I had to take the bandage off. Otherwise my swelling is down a tiny bit but still swollen!

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #141 on:** 05/11/2007 17:24:01 »

Thanks for the update. Glad your water works are recovering again. 5 times to the loo with a full bladder? If so this indicates that you are drawing fluids from your swollen limbs and if this is the case, as I suspect it may be, then you should be able to use the measurements you took to determine this. IBT brings about a detox effect, drawing out excess salts for the tissue fluids and from the blood by improving renal function. I suspect that bathroom visits are going to become more frequent until your edema has cleared up.

Great news that you forgot the cpap, Ill bet you would have remembered it laying flat.

The change in urine output was somewhat disconcerting, and it indicated some sort of blockage or constriction.

Hope you recorded your weight also as this can be a great tool to see how much fluid you are losing over the next month.

Andrew

Karen W. · « **Reply #142 on:** 05/11/2007 17:48:04 »

Quote from: Andrew K Fletcher on 05/11/2007 17:24:01

Thanks for the update. Glad your water works are recovering again. 5 times to the loo with a full bladder? If so this indicates that you are drawing fluids from your swollen limbs and if this is the case, as I suspect it may be, then you should be able to use the measurements you took to determine this. IBT brings about a detox effect, drawing out excess salts for the tissue fluids and from the blood by improving renal function. I suspect that bathroom visits are going to become more frequent until your edema has cleared up.

Great news that you forgot the cpap, Ill bet you would have remembered it laying flat.

The change in urine output was somewhat disconcerting, and it indicated some sort of blockage or constriction.

Hope you recorded your weight also as this can be a great tool to see how much fluid you are losing over the next month.

Andrew

5 times to the loo and I would say twice there was good elimination and three times felt like woooo hooo I have to go bad but then just a few dribbles..But over all much better then before.
I have forgot my cpap many times as It is pretty new and I am not used to it. But it certainly would have helped me to have slept some longer if I had remembered as well as slept more comfortably.

As far as my weight goes I had gained 22 lbs back over the last few weeks. I had two monthly cycles in October so twice faced swelling and bloating from my monthly. I have lost 8 lbs of that 22 lbs again. I am not dieting just still trying to be careful and drinking more fluids!.. I have not written my weight down as I check it daily and wish to continue so as I do not wish to let it get away from me...

I will post more later..

OK AT 11:00 AM bLOOD PRESSURE IS 133/80 PULSE 58.

OK THEY ARE DOING THE CT SCAN ANYWAY BUT ALSO ADDING SOMETHING CALLED MUCOMYST IN LIQUID DOSES . 4 DOSES

ONE AT 10:OOPM TONIGHT AN ONE DOSE AT 6:00 AM AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE Tomorrow AT 2:00PM AND AGAIN AT 10PM TOMORROW NIGHT. They said it will protect the kidneys and will be perfectly safe. So he wants to do The test anyway! I am a bit nervous.. But will do what I am asked..

check in 8:30 prep for test pre register for shortstay then ct scan at 1:00 pm..

Karen W. · « **Reply #143 on:** 07/11/2007 20:15:28 »

New pictures Less swelling space between my toes! YAYYYYYYYYYYY! !rst piccy's Nov. 2nd ! These are 5 days later on Nov. 7th 2007.

There is still swelling in my left leg but it has gone way down. not near as stiff!

Even the color is getting better. The left foot is way less uncomforable..

Check back later!

Karen W. · « **Reply #144 on:** 12/11/2007 07:51:24 »

Is there a way to build up blood veins for Iv's and blood draws?

The reason I ask is that I have been in and out of the hospital for the last two weeks on and off Iv's getting blood draws and having fluids and things put in and fluids and things taken..LOL Basically an oil change.. Heres my question as I have progressed and the blood draws have increased along with multiple iv's I and the hospital staff have decided that my veins are deciding to hide whenever a nurse or phlebotomist comes near! LOL.. It is becoming increasingly hard and extremely more painful to draw blood or even find the vein with each visit.

Now years ago my mom was dying of cancer and this happened to her, they said her veins were collapsing.. I think I recall an oncology nurse telling her to start squeezing a tennis ball or Cush ball several sessions a day to build muscle and pump up veins to make them more accessible. Is this true will it help to avoid this kind of thing. I have severe ones on the inside of my thigh upper arms near elbow joints etc etc. I am bruising like crazy...These are very mild compared with some other ones I have had lately..

Here are the piccy's.. any suggestions would be most welcome right now as my hands are really sore when I rub them against things.. feels as if the iv is still in there but more sore now then the actual event!

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #145 on:** 12/11/2007 13:56:12 »

Thanks for adding this post here. IBT causes varicose veins to get smaller markedly over a 4 week period, because it increases the negative tension in the veins and pulls them in, first observed with varicose veins in my wife, mother and father and 2 nurses in Torbay. I did predict this would happen if you recall. Any photographs of your veins from over 2 weeks ago prior to tilting your bed?

veins showing signs of reduced pressure is not necesarily a negative result and may be a really good sign that fluid is now flowing from the surrounding tissue into the venous return instead of flowing out as before because the pressure inside the veins was too high.

Another explanation is observed when people have too many injections in a vein, this can indeed cause the veins to be reduced in size, put the two together and we have an answer.

One suggestion is to ask if these constant blood samples are in any way going to improve your level of care. Ask if any medication they are giving you is going to cause additional damage to your kidneys. Check out know side effects for all your medication and see if there are any adverse interactions with other drugs you are taking.

Karen, take control of your own health, please ask questions before adding more and more medication, try asking if it is possible to go in the other direction and reduce some of your mediaction. Begin by asking yourself if you feel your edema is getting worse or better since you tilted the bed. Has your weight changed over the last week? How is your urine colour now?

Andrew

Karen W. · « **Reply #146 on:** 12/11/2007 18:04:44 »

I question every drug they give me.. Last week was no exception and it was either take it or get worse I took it!.. I was to the point the swelling was down in the mornings and back in evening worse..I was having trouble walking!

The right leg is way down today I felt terrific yesterday so far today also. My left leg and foot are still way swollen cannot wear my shoes or slippers.. I have two pair of accommodating socks that are trying to keep me feet warm.. LOL

My Neighbor died whilst I was in the hospital a few days ago so funeral is today. I need to be there I have known him and his wife and son since sons birth and known his DAD since I was 7 years old.. Knew his mom since they met when he was a older 28 or 29 year old.. they met late in his life.. but have never parted..

Anyway I am trying to rest more even though I hate being in bed but that was the order passed down.. Bed rest.. I was on too long yesterday.. and will do better today....

Thanks Andrew! I will and have been very proactive in trying to research all of my problems.. and meds!

Andrew K Fletcher · « **Reply #147 on:** 13/11/2007 08:42:11 »

Peter Lewis a vascular surgeon formerly from Torbay Hospital confirmed the efficacy of IBT theory when he encountered a women with acute oedema that did not respond to normal bed rest, raising her legs, or a barrage of drugs, in fact she was worsening. She eventually avoided a flat bed in favour of an inclined posture and her oedema resolved over a few weeks. Peter now believes this theory is correct and is not alone among the medical profession who are beginning to realise that the current literature might be in need of an overhaul.

It is very interesting, "or should be very interesting" to people working in the health industry that your swelling in your legs and feet and hands now goes down over night. Especially since your bed is now on an incline with the head end of the bed higher than the feet. Oedema is currently thought to be because the legs are lower than the heart, this is clearly not the case here. Bring this to the attention of your doctor Karen.

Rather than having more bedrest it would be better to analyse how you are sitting during the day. Sitting posture reduces venous return and therefore increases pressure in the veins due to restrictions cause through compression on the skin. Sitting with the upper part of the body elevated, while in bed as in the hospitals, compresses the spine causing backache and other complications over time. It also compresses the muscle and fatty tissue in the buttocks, which restricts the vessels and increases blood pressure. This prolonged sitting posture is not natural to physiology, and I believe is responsible for many pressure sores in hospitals, whereas the inclined posture distributes the weight differently, noticeable by the bed feeling somewhat softer. It was argued a while back that sheer forces on the skin caused by the incline might cause bed sores. However this has not been proven. In fact bed sores have healed on the inclined bed whereas they break down on a flat bed. Granted, if a more acute angle than 6 degrees is used them there might be significant sheer forces involved. Which is why the 5 – 6 degree angle has been adopted.

Andrew

Karen W. · « **Reply #148 on:** 13/11/2007 09:02:11 »

Thanks for this new information. I am happy to try new things in search of a more effective way to combat this swelling. Thank you Andrew!

kdlynn · « **Reply #149 on:** 15/11/2007 00:13:03 »

karen my cousin has cystic fibrosis and after her third hospital visit in a month they had to put in a permanent port iv thing. they could no longer use her arms because the veins were weakened to a dangerous point. so... i don't think they would have put that in an eighteen year old if there was a way to just strengthen the veins. but i could be wrong

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