First "Beer"

Today my BP was 102/78.  The lowest its ever been.  Actually, that seems very low.  It wasn't quite Low Blood Pressure, I think it has to be 90~100/60 or lower.  Yesterday was 113/83. Later today was 118/84.  Resting heart is still a little high for being "resting".  Something I need to keep watch.

 Had me a non-alcohol beer today.  Alcohol was less than 0.5% but I still got a litttle head buzz.  Around 8pm I just got really tired and laid down and couldn't get up till 10:30p.  People tried waking me up but I couldn't.  Not sure if it was the beer, the low BP, or was just plain tired although I only worked 3.75hrs today.  But did about 2/3 of Ernie Maxwell before work.  Hiked up, ran down.

Feeling Good

I don't know why but yesterday I felt really good.  I mean, "normal" good.  Jazzercised in the morning, worked a couple hrs.  Hiked and even ran a little with the dogs for about 45 min at the Hub, and went for a walk at night with Emi.  And wasn't really tired.  And didn't even have coffee.  No coffee in over a month. :(  Miss coffee.  Miss wine.  Oh, but dropped a glass dish and broke it.  Sometimes I wonder if it's the arthritis that weakens my grip, not the stroke.   Joints have been stiff in the morning this past week.

Bye bye lipitor?

Picked up my medical records yesterday.  Lots of pages of reports but one of lab results.  Was looking at the cholesterol numbers.  Happy to see they weren't really that high at all.  So maybe, I'm hoping I can get off the lipitor.  That would be nice.   Been missing wine. 

One Month

How time flies, it's been a month now.  Overall feeling stronger.  Did low-high impact at Jazzercise today.  Leg muscles felt a little weak but cardio felt fine, not out of breath.  Worked about four hrs after that.  Did feel tired in afternoon and took 1/2 hr nap.  Running out of meds in under a week.  Starting to ration every other day.  The side effects of the lipitor wasn't pleasant so went off it for two days just to see.  Mind actually felt really clear yesterday, no brain fog.  Starting to think the brain fog was due to medication, not stroke, which is good so if I get off the meds I can go back to being normal.  Mild headache though and some neck and upper back stiffness which probably contributed to the headache.  Been noticing that I'm thirsty more.  Probably due to the diuretic.  But not really noticing that I pee any more than usual.  Been sleeping better, not waking up every few hours like the first few weeks of being home.

HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide)

Function

This medication is in a class known as thiazide diuretics, or electrolytic and water balance agents. According to "Prentice Hall Nurse's Drug Guide," HCTZ is effective in decreasing the absorption of sodium in the kidneys, causing excretion of water, potassium and bicarbonates. Excretion of these substances reduces swelling associated with heart disease and lowers blood pressure. Therapeutic uses include treatment of congestive heart failure, hypertension and kidney failure.

 

Foods That Are Natural Diuretics

• A number of foods are natural diuretics that can produce the same effect on the body as hydrochlorothiazide. Natural diuretic foods include asparagus, artichokes, juniper berries, melons, watercress and parsley. Coffee and tea also act as diuretics but contain high amounts of caffeine, which can cause some people to become jittery if consumed in large amounts.
  A simple diuretic diet limits the intake of foods that are high in salt or sugar. The diet should consist of fruits and vegetables and at least eight glasses of water per day. Carbohydrates such as those found in breads and rice should be eaten in small amounts.
  Ginger and dandelion have diuretic properties, along with juniper and fennel seed. These can be taken in a capsule form that contains the extracts of the herbs. Watermelons, beets, oats and cucumbers naturally increase the removal of fluids and toxins from the body. Apple cider has a cleansing effect and is highly recommended as a natural diuretic.

Apple cider vinegar -- is a natural diuretic and helps maintain potassium levels.
Artichoke -- natural diuretic
Asparagus -- contains asparagines, a chemical alkaloid which helps flush the kidneys.
Beets -- attacks floating body fat and fatty deposits.
Brussels sprouts -- cleanse the cell and stimulate thought kidneys and pancreas.
Cabbage -- breaks up fatty deposits.
Carrots -- speeds up metabolic rate and helps remove fat and waste from the body.
Cranberry juice -- aids in the removal of excess fluid from the body.
Cucumber -- stimulate the kidney and aid in the removal of uric acid.
Dandelion And Dandelion Leaf -- natural diuretic, and leaf key aides in the detoxification of the urinary tract.
Green tea -- natural diuretic and has been used for centuries in China.
Fennel -- has a calmative and diuretic property.
Horseradish -- speeds up the metabolism and helps eliminate fluid.
Lettuce -- aids in metabolism and flushing of toxins from the system.
Nettle -- has natural diuretic properties.
Oats -- contains silica in natural diuretic.
Tomatoes -- are rich in vitamin C that aids metabolism in the release of water from the kidneys.
Watermelon -- natural diuretic helps increased urination.

 

Side Effects

Been having muscle aches now and then.  When it first happened I thought maybe I had overworked but it was the left arm so I thought it wasn't so.  And then the pain went away.  Several days later it came back on my right arm.  Was there for an hour or so then moved to the left arm.  And then moved to my right thigh and then went away.   Seemed like a week of no pain. Then today it was back, came around dinner, on my left arm.   It's not really painful, but enough to notice.  On a scale of 1 to 10, it may be a 2.  Tolerable.  And then I felt really tired.  Did work today but only four hours.  Work was pretty easy today, actually felt good when I was done and coulda cleaned another unit.  Didn't want to fall asleep at the table so went for a walk around the block which helped.  The pain on my left arm was back so I touched it.  Felt like there was a bruise kinda pain. 

Also been noticing the last few days my neck's been kinda stiff.  Mild headache today, back on head, started on right side, left side now. 

So I went back and read the sheet on meds I got upon discharge.  The lipitor page said, contact your doctor immediately if you have unusual muscle pain, cramping or weakness.  I had thought the weakness was because I was recovering, although it was a brain thing, not a body thing.   So now I wonder if I need to get off lipitor.  Carter's wife, Sandra was on it, had issues and switched to crestor and now she's ok.   I hope it's not a big deal.  I don't really have a doctor now, really don't want to see Vachhani so going to call Begheri and see if he could tell me something or at least move my appt day up.  So for today, didn't take lipitor, getting low on meds and have to ration anyway.  Appt with Begheri not till July 8, meds run out on the 23rd.  Vachani won't refill unless I see him but asking if he could at least refill for two weeks. 

Drugs.com has patient reviews on the meds.  Similiar complaints on the lipitor, also some on HCTZ about muscle pain and tiredness, plus coughing seem to be very common.  Norvasc's main complaint seemed to be swelling of ankles mainly and feeling dehydrated and needing to drink more.

20 Foods to Cleanse your Arteries

Turmeric
Atherosclerosis is when the arteries harden which is caused by inflammation. Now turmeric or haldi has anti-inflammatory properties. This spice works in favour of reducing heart diseases. Curcumin that's present in turmeric reduces inflammation in the arteries and the deposits of fats or blockages.

Orange
Orange is a powerhouse of vitamin C that can fight common cold. But this fruit can also fight heart diseases, here's how. Oranges contain fibre pectin that lowers cholesterol; vitamin C strengthens the walls of the artery and sweeps out blockages. Orange juice can improve the functioning of the blood vessels.

Pomegranate
Fruits rich with antioxidants improve the walls of the arteries. Pomegranate is especially heart-friendly due to the presence of phytochemicals that are an antioxidant. Pomegranate ignites the production of nitric oxide that improves the flow of blood and expands the arteries.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a good source for proteins for vegetarians. Broccoli contains vitamin K which is beneficial for bone formation. Vitamin K also protects the arteries from damage. Besides vitamin K, broccoli is rich in fibre, which can lower cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Whole grain
Incorporate whole grains in your diet to reduce cholesterol. Whole grains contain fibres that push out the blockages.

Fatty fish
Seafood is beneficial on various levels - mental health, brain, vision, building muscles and pregnancy. The truth is that Omega 3 fatty acids are the remedies for these problems. Omega 3 can also protect your heart and reduce blood triglyceride levels.

Nuts
Almonds, peanuts, walnuts or hazelnuts are heart-friendly nuts. These nuts contain vitamin E that can protect the walls of the arteries. Nuts also contain fibres that also help to reduce cholesterol in the blood.

Olive oil
Olive oil is known to have several health benefits, but it is the best oil to prevent a build-up of cholesterol in the blood. Besides cholesterol, olive oil can also reduce high blood pressure. Olive oil comes under monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are both beneficial fats for the body.
CinnamonThis spice should be brought in the limelight for the several health benefits it caters to overall health. Cinnamon is used as a spice as well as for dessert. This versatile spice lowers fat in the blood preventing blockages in the vessels.

Coffee
Even though drinking coffee can have negative health effects, it can improve your health as long as you drink coffee in moderation. If you consume no more than four cups of coffee per day it can improve your heart health. Drink coffee in moderation to reap its benefits.

Cheese
It is important to lower high blood pressure to avoid stroke and heart-related diseases. Calcium rich cheese is the answer to bring down blood pressure. You can choose from cheddar, Parmesan and Gruyere cheese, these have good source of calcium.

Tea
Chai as it is popularly called, can increase your metabolism for weight but it can also improve heart health. Tea contains an antioxidant called catechins that acts like a shield to the artery wall. This antioxidants also prevents blood clots that can be fatal.

Watermelon
Watermelon works great for skin care treatment, as a detox and a weight loss food. Amino acid found in watermelon helps reduce high blood pressure. But watermelon also contains nitric oxide which opens up the blood vessels to improve the flow of blood.

Spinach
This is another fierce ingredient to fight heart diseases. Spinach contains carotene that prevents cholesterol from getting clogged in the arteries. Spinach can reduce high blood pressure to due to the nutrients and minerals present in it.

Tomato
Like in pomegranate and tea, tomato too contains antioxidants that protects the arterial walls. In tomatoes, lycopene keeps the cholesterol levels low. If the tomato sauce for your pizza is prepared from fresh ingredients, then it is a healthy pizza.

Beans
Beans contain fibre and folic acid that prevents arteries from getting clogged. Beans are also a good source of carbohydrates.

Apples
Like oranges, apples too contain a fibre called pectin that absorbs cholesterol from the blood. Apples are a great way to reduce cholesterol as you can have it anytime, anywhere and you consume it the way you want. Slice them or have it as a dessert, apple is an all time favourite to improve health.

Grapefruit
The pink grapefruit is rich in antioxidant, lycopene which is also present in tomatoes. Pink grapefruit helps prevent damage to your arteries. Grapefruit is also a great fruit for diabetics.

Corn
Protect your arteries by consuming corn or maize. Corn contains fibre that protects your arteries by flushing out cholesterol.

Garlic
Garlic can keep vampires away, but it can prevent a build-up of cholesterol too. The compound thioallyls present in garlic helps fight blood clots.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/20-Foods-to-cleanse-your-arteries/articleshow/20490232.cms

Effects of Right Hemisphere Stroke

Left-Side Paralysis

• The most obvious physical symptom of a right-side stroke is paralysis or weakness in the left side of the body. Each of the two hemispheres of the brain controls muscle function on the opposite side of the body, so someone who is having or has had a right-brain stroke will experience weakness or paralysis on the left side. However, the right side of the face will usually be affected too, often causing that side to have a saggy, drooping appearance.

Spatial Cognizance Problems

• The right side of the parietal lobe controls visual-spatial functions, such as judging the distance, position, size and speed of objects. This means that people who have had a right-side stroke often have trouble with depth perception and with judging where they are in relation to objects in their surroundings. This makes it difficult for these patients to reach for and grasp objects, to walk up or down stairs, to bring food to their mouths, to get dressed and to perform a myriad of other everyday functions. Some patients may even try to read a book without realizing that it is upside down.

 

Difficulty Reasoning

• The right side of the brain is also responsible for analytical thinking. People whose right hemispheres have been damaged by a stroke may find it difficult to reason clearly or to solve even simple problems.

 

Personality Changes

• Some stroke victims experience personality changes. While survivors of left-brain strokes tend to become introverted and meek, those who have had right-brain strokes may become more impulsive and inquisitive. This impulsivity may lead the patient to insist that he or she can still function just as normally as ever and attempt to drive, do difficult tasks by themselves or attempt to walk unaided. This can lead to further injury and can be a very difficult and distressing problem for caretakers to deal with.

 

Memory Loss

• The right side of the brain also controls short-term memory and visual memory. People who have had a right-side stroke may experience short-term memory loss. While they may be able to recall events and song lyrics from decades ago, they may have little or no memory of what happened just a few days ago or that morning. Also, victims of right-brain stroke may have trouble with visual memory. This means that they will have difficulty recognizing faces, places and the names or functions of objects.

 

Visual Impairment and Left-Side Neglect

• Signals from the left eye are sent to the right side of the brain, so people may experience visual impairment during and after a right-side stroke. This may range from blurred vision to blindness in that eye. Due to loss of vision in the left eye, some right-brain stroke patients may ignore or forget about people or objects that are on their left sides. This phenomenon is called "left-side neglect."

 

Also:

• Decreased levels of energy and motivation.Right hemisphere stroke syndrome may be extremely disabling, and may cause frustration for stroke survivors and caregivers alike.

Feeling Stronger

Three weeks since I've been back home, one month since the stroke.  Seems like its been longer.  Getting used to work, although it's been slightly shorter days.   Not noticing brain farts much, except one a few days ago.  Wondered why the vacuum cleaner wouldn't turn on, it wasn't plugged in. 

Today I went on a short hike up Ernie Maxwell.  Walked about 1.5 hrs.  Overall felt pretty good, excep the last 30 min or so David noticed my left side was drooping a little.  Had stumbled a few times on the hike, all with my left foot.  Back started to feel tired at one point.  Guess not at strong as I thought.  Went to work afterwards, put in about 3 hrs.  Came home and had to take a nap around 4pm.  Slept 1.5 hrs, was pretty hard getting up. 

Made an appt with the cardiologist, though my one month is coming up, there wasn't an opening till July 8th.  Hoping Vacchani will refill my prescription for a couple weeks.

2 weeks

It's been about two weeks since I've been home.  BP is getting lower somedays, still days in the 130s/140s.  This morning was a record low, 106/88.  Not sure if that had anything to do with it but I felt so weak today, ended up napping for about three hours, and still I felt tired.  Had a headache today, just a mild one so took a tylenol.  Overall feeling better as the days go on.  Jumped on the trampoline for about 10 minutes, wasn't drained as I thought I'd be.  Legs still weak but upper body seems ok.  Been trying not to overeat, this eating healthy thing I'm getting used to.  I could see myself continuing this diet even if they take me off meds (though that may be a while).  Just wish I could drink.  Even a little here and there.  Miss wine.  Been trying not to eat meat either. 

Feeling Better

Was at a signal light today, for some reason I thought it was a stop sign.  Looked both ways, was going to go and right after I passed the line I realized it's a light.  So I stop, back up.  Light turns green, but had forgotten to put it back into Drive, so I go back, just a little cuz I braked right away.  Just good no one was behind me. 

Drove the kids to XC practice at 6:45 in the morning.  Then walked around walmart for an hour.  Worked for a couple hours afterwards.  Was a little tired, but not like I have been.  Overall felt pretty energized, legs didn't feel weak. Didn't feel like I needed to lie down.  I wonder if its the english breakfast tea I had this morning, haven't been really drinking anything with caffeine so I might be a little sensitive.  Or my body is getting stronger, or getting used to the meds and the side effects aren't as strong.

Something got lost

Was talking to Emi and apparently I didn't verbally finish my sentence when it was completed in my head and I thought I said it.    That was a first of something like that.

Glitch

Feel like there's a glitch when I type.  I used to be a pretty good typist so I notice it when I mess up.  There's more frequent typos plus sometimes I type a whole different word entirely, skip words, sentences that don't come out how I've thought them.  So I proofread everything now, and I catch so many mistakes.  Seems to be on both hands, not one side exclusively, but I'll have to stay aware of that.

Jazzercise

First day back at Jazzercise.  Already had planned on doing the low-intensity but was surprised how tired my legs felt after the second routine.  Upper body felt fine but didn't think I was this weak.  Need to work on this.  But it was good to be out among people, and will continue to be good for me so although it's a little hard, I'll keep going instead of asking for a break.  I wonder if its the meds or if my body really got this weak.

Could get frustrating

I know I know it but just couldn't recall the numbers to my cell phone.  Just drew a blank.  And thinking about it more just made it worse.  I hope its not any sort of aftermath of the stroke because if this continues often, it would be very frustrating.

Muscle Pain

Have been noticing muscle pain.  Usually isolated in one arm/leg. At first I wondered, did I over use it?   And then I forget about it or it goes away.  This morning it was my right arm.  During work it shifted to my left arm.  And then to my right thigh.  Then gone again.  I'm thinking this may be a side effect of the cholesterol med. Lipitor.   I don't like that medicine at all.  Want to get off it asap.

Mind & Body

Walked on the treadmill for about 45 min tonight.  Had my ipod on.  Felt like my mind wasn't connected to my body.  I feel my legs moving, I can hear the music, but my mind seemed to be somewhere else.  I catch myself zoning out a little, even moments where I look around, look at things like what I see is not registering.  Just seeing, that's it.  Head still feels fuzzy at times.  It's like that moment you wake up where your eyes are open, you see things, but the mind and body is still not quite awake yet, but you can hear things, and you can think, that half awak state.  I seem to have moments like this periodically throughout the day.  Where if I were to close my eyes, I could fall asleep.

Statins/Lipitor (cholesterol med)

Common side effects of statins include dizziness, headaches, nausea, pain, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness and liver problems

In addition to serious muscle and liver problems much research has shown that sexual dysfunction and performance problems, as well as memory loss, personality changes and irritability, may result from taking this medication.

Other concerns regarding prescription cholesterol lowering drugs:
1) While cholesterol lowering drugs do lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, they have limited effect on HDL (good) cholesterol, and no effect on triglycerides (fats), an equally important heart disease risk indicator.
2) Statin medications decrease your body's supply of CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is an essential nutrient for heart strength and function.
3) There are natural cholesterol lowering ingredients, some of which have been shown to outperform statins in lowering cholesterol, without the possible side effects. Take a look at these natural ingredients below.

Safer alternatives:


Policosanol - a natural extract from sugar cane which has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels as well as raise HDL (good) cholesterol. More importantly policosanol has been proven to be free of side effects, unlike Lipitor and other statins.
Guggulipid Extract - an ancient herb from India recently shown to lower cholesterol levels and also reduce triglyceride levels, another risk factor for heart disease.
Green Tea Extract -- green tea is widely used for many medicinal purposes, and has been shown to reduce triglycerides as well as LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Green tea also has antioxidants that can prevent heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.
Tumeric Extract - much evidence points to the fact that tumeric may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Natural remedies and cures for normal cholesterol levels

Natural remedies and cures help maintain normal levels of cholesterol without the need to take pharmaceutical drugs that produce dangerous side effects.

Red Yeast Rice

Chinese red yeast rice helps balance normal levels of cholesterol. Red yeast rice contains substances called monacolins, which are naturally-occurring and converted by the body to make a chemical inhibiting the production of cholesterol. One monccolin in particular, lovastatin, has been extracted and used in popular statin drugs, thus causing the FDA to view natural red yeast rice as an unproved drug and banning it in the USA. Consuming moderate amounts of natural red yeast rice as part of an overall diet helps maintain normal cholesterol levels. Extracting the active ingredient from the rice and using it in a drug formulation amplifies its effects, and may produce both muscle and kidney injuries. Supplies of red yeast rice supplements sold in the USA at this time do not contain any of the active ingredient to reduce cholesterol levels.

Green Tea

Green tea contains various compounds that lower LDL cholesterol levels. A study performed in Brazil where people consumed green tea extract in capsules resulted in a 4.5 percent lowering of LDL cholesterol levels.

Nuts

Eating nuts regularly, especially walnuts and almonds, may help reduce cholesterol levels of LDL cholesterol.

Niacin

Niacin, or vitamin B-3 helps lower LDL cholesterol levels as much as 10% and raise HDL cholesterol levels by 15% to 30%. Because of its many side effects, niacin should only be used under the supervision of a health practitioner.

Artichoke Leaf Extract

Artichoke leaf extract my help lower cholesterol levels by limiting its synthesis in the our bodies. Additionally, the extract may increase the flow of cholesterol excretion from the liver.

Soluble Fiber

Slow the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines by consuming foods such as oats, legumes, prunes, apples, carrots, broccoli and yams, all high in soluble fiber. Five to 10 grams daily can produce a 5 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol.

Policonsanol

Policonsanol is a dietary supplement made from Cuban sugarcane wax. It is not readily available in the US; however, non-Cuban products are available here which are made from beeswax or wheat germ. It is used to regular total cholesterol levels and is touted to be as effective as statins and red yeast rice. It may produce mild side effects such as digestive upsets, headaches and insomnia and can take two months or longer to show results.



Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035653_statin_drugs_natural_remedies_cholesterol.html#ixzz2V2OeEa1R

BP

Been home for a week now.  Blood pressure is coming down.  Yesterday was my all-time low, 120/82.  I wonder if they will continue to go down or level off here.  It'd be nice to get off at least one of the two meds.  The HCTZ, the diuretic, I'm not sure is working or not, haven't really been peeing any more than usual.  It's been warm so I've been drinking more too.  Still feeling weak, especially after working a few hours.  Not sure if its the Norvasc since one of the side effects is tiredness. Or body is just still recovering.   Really would like to get off the cholesterol med.  That one says I can't drink.  That could really suck when I'm at the summer concerts. 

Overall, I'm feeling healthy.  Still sucks that I can't eat or drink anything I want.  But at the same time some of my cravings aren't as strong and when I see a cookie or a cupcake, I don't even want it.  Also have been noticing that I don't eat at much.  Sure, I still get hungry, but I don't pig out as much.  Being in the hospital for a week and only getting the three meals per day, no snacks, I think my stomach shrunk.  I get fuller faster, and when I'm full I kinda stop eating, instead of stuffing myself like I usually do, to the point of discomfort.  The next time I make spaghetti will be a true test.  :) 

Not sure if its because the BP is down, but haven't been getting the tingles in my face that I get when I close my eyes for a short period of time.  Headaches seemed to go away too. 

No recognizable brain farts the past two days.  Good, good.