Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Monday, August 1, 2016

Be Happy


I decided to make a conscious effort to be happy this week. Bob doesn't look very happy in this photo but he should. Yes, I replenished his supply of peppermint puffs, but I can also report he is feeling much better now that the cardiologist has taken him off blood pressure medication.

No more weak spells, no more dizzy spells, energy level is improved, and cognitive thinking is improved. I'm keeping a log of his BP readings as the doctor requested and will take that report in last of the week to be reviewed.

I'm prepared to fight if I need to on this one. I understand why a very low blood pressure works best for a heart like Bob's, I get that. My argument is quantity vs. quality of life. He has no quality of life when his BP is too low.  I'll take quality over quantity.
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I'm continuing to work on getting the shrubs outside our living room windows removed or severely pruned. Last week a worker came to assess the situation. If he'd brought a saw he could have taken care of the problem but I guess that would eliminate a job, the world needs 'assessors.'

This morning when I turned in my work order for the second time I suggested they might prefer I do it myself as it would be easy to do with our chainsaw.
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I'm back on my soap box that seniors need an advocate. If you're still with it enough to make your opinion known you need to speak up.  We have a friend and an extended family member who both have recently gotten caught in the web of bad medical practice. Fortunately both had good advocates in family members but it pains me to think of those who don't. I'm more convinced than ever seniors must not remain silent. We must think of those who may not have anyone to advocate for them and speak loud enough someone in administration gets the word. We must continue to push and insist on good medical care for seniors.

20 comments:

  1. I hope Bob's doctor HEARS you and will either try a much lower dose and/or a different medication. Not all BP meds are the same. Dizziness and cognitive issues are not a side effects anyone should accept as normal.

    I wish you'd show us a photo of the shrubs outside your window. Maybe they don't want to take them out until they have replacements on hand? Or they have to consult someone on how to prune properly?

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    1. I'll see if I can get out to make a photo. The ground stays pretty wet out there which is the reason I fought for and got the French drain. These two shrubs are original to when these apts were built 20 years ago. They've done a lot of work upgrading the property but as yet have not upgraded landscaping. Perhaps that's on the list. Actually these two shrubs are the last of the old original landscaping in that area. Everything else is newer.

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  2. My friend had the same problems with low blood pressure. It was very scary for me to watch him wiggle and waggle as he tried to walk and almost fall down. I can't even imagine what it must feel like inside. I'm glad you are on top of it.

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    1. I intend to fight going back to those low numbers. That just about made him home bound.

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  3. Linda, I was all fired up to send you the link to Time Goes By, a wonderful elder affairs blog, but then saw that you're already a reader!

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    1. Yes, I try to read everything advocating for senior healthcare.

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  4. Way to go getting Bob off his blood pressure meds. I have had to fight most of my life proving that I do not have high blood pressure. I have white coat syndrome and always test high at the Dr. office initially but totally normal on a second reading. I have been keeping a chart for a month and my pressure is perfect. I think they are just too quick to put us on meds. Keep up the good work and hope he keeps improving.

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    1. We too have fought doctors for years over Bob's BP. I will no longer remain quiet. This time I will fight if I have to.

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  5. Bob is very fortunate to have you as an advocate!

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    1. I live with him. I know what he's like when his BP is so low. It might prolong his life a few days to keep it that low but he would have no quality of life. Quantity of life is no good without quality of life.

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  6. You have some positive suggestions today. Yes, seniors need an advocate. The medical system is pathetic at times.

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    1. People need to assume they are speaking for others also when they speak out. It's the only way to get things done. Silence only gets you more bad service.

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  7. I'm going to start paying closer attention to Louis Dean and his meds. He takes quite a few prescriptions as well as a beta blocker which regulates his blood pressure - at least that's what we think it does. I need to stay tuned in a bit better as he has started knocking things off the walls that would be difficult to do on purpose. He fell in the front yard tonight while we were out watering but thankfully it was on the grass and he wasn't hurt. This aging thing is not easy on any of us, is it?

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    1. Yes, I would recommend you watch LD's blood pressure. We worry about high BP but low BP is just as dangerous.

      Good he fell on grass. My friend who broke her hip last week had fallen 23 times this year. Falls are very dangerous in older people.

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  8. I agree with you -- there is something important about quality of life that seems to be missing in our healthcare system. I really dislike all the prescription medication ads but hearing the lists of side effects has convinced me to avoid drugs whenever possible.

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    1. The medical world has been educated that they must keep patients alive as long as possible. Doctors are not educated to handle death. A real shame in my book.

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  9. Keep up hour excellent work as Bob's advocate. He's a lucky guy to have you so attuned to his health and needs. I know your job isn't easy, though, and it gives you very little freedom.

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  10. Nine times out of ten, when I think I've typed "your," I've actually typed "hour." Aggravating.

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    1. Freedom is definitely not a part of my world. Not sure I'd know what to do if I ever found myself free to go and do as I please.

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  11. I am dealing with the BP medication problem, too. My readings have been very low, as well as my heart rate. The doctor has lowered the BP meds. As you know, it's exhausting. I agree with your quantity vs. quality philosophy. So glad Bob is feeling better.

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