Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Keeping On Keeping On

I'd about decided we were going to skip summer this year in our corner of Oregon but it found us. Beginning tomorrow we are supposed to have three days of triple digit weather. In the winter people lay in groceries before a winter storm, I lay in groceries before a heat spell, then I turn on the a/c and hunker down.

I took Bob in for an eye exam and he did have significant changes in his prescription. Today I took his newest set of frames in for his new lens. The man said the frames didn't look like they'd been worn much. I told him frames don't get a lot of wear and tear when you wear your glasses in your pocket rather than on your face.

Bob wanted me to call the cardiologist because he thought his lack of air problem was heart related rather than COPD related. I called and had the nurse talk to him. She called back after talking to the doctor and said he wanted him to have a blood test and chest x-Ray. It was news to me you could tell oxygen levels with a blood test but we took off to do as we were told. He also started him on potassium and a diuretic.  I didn't expect to hear anything more.

This morning the nurse called to say they could see he was retaining fluid. I'm to keep a log of his weight and call them in a week. He wants another blood test in two weeks. He's hoping to hold off making a decision about a change in treatment until Bob sees him in September.

His yearly tests are already scheduled before seeing the cardiologist in September. He wants to look over all his reports and will decide at that time how we go forward.

Bob's been at this heart thing since the mid 90s. After a while heart disease becomes like a member of the family. It seems to have a life of its own and ages along with the rest of the family. We'd known for years that at some point in time he would likely need a pacemaker. That happened last year. We've always known there may come a time he'll need to start wearing oxygen.

Is this the time he starts wearing oxygen? I rather doubt it. I suspect he is at the time he'll need to stay on a diuretic. I think that usually comes before they order oxygen but I don't know. I guess we'll find out in September.


Bob decided to bake pre made cookies and it did not go well. He forgot to use a potholder when he went took the pan out of the oven. Cookie crumbs were all over the kitchen.

22 comments:

  1. I didn't know about testing blood for oxygen levels either. I think I will ask the doctor about it next visit. See if it has anything to do with that funny little problem of mine.

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    1. I'm always learning when it comes to medicine. I think most of the things happening to you come from your diabetes, an extremely serious illness.

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  2. Blood tests to check for oxygen levels has been around a long time. I used to take my mother in for them. Bob and you have been dealing with his heart disease for a long time! September isn't far off for you to get more answers.

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    1. Yes, sometimes it seems like an eternity since heart disease came to live with us.

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  3. You're right that chronic health problems become part of the family. they take a lot of time and have to be looked after.

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    1. Bob's heart disease tops everything we do in the family, and has for years. At first I found it all very frightening but over the years I've learned more, have a better idea what to expect and am much better at keeping it in its proper place. Life has to go on, I can't just sit and look at him. It for sure takes a lot of our time.

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  4. Did Bob add blistered fingers to his ailments?

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    1. No, I think he realized his mistake very quickly, thus cookie crumbs all over the kitchen.

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  5. The doctor always orders our tests before our annual visits, too. They didn't always do that. It makes sense. Then then we can discuss it and ask questions at the visit.

    My heart issues have worsened this year. I'm hoping the ablation will improve things. Looking forward to getting it behind me.

    That's interesting about the blood tests to check oxygen levels. I didn't know that either.

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  6. I wondered about Bob's fingers, too. Ouch!

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    1. He realized his mistake very quickly so no finger burns. Yes, it is very nice having the lab work all done before seeing the doctor. Works much better that way.

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  7. Bob is fortunate that he has you to help him manage his heart disease. The diuretic will help with fluid removal. The diuretic also can deplete potassium, so the potassium supplement will help to replenish his potassium stores. The heart needs potassium levels within a certain range (not too high, not too low) to keep the heart pumping as it should. Keeping track of his weight will give the doctor some feedback on the fluid retention. Sometimes, as the diuretic is removing the excess fluid, the BP can drop a little. Just something to keep an eye on.

    I'm curious, is that a cookie tray that goes in the oven (the green tray)? Ouch! Hope he didn't get burned too badly.

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    1. The green tray is actually a cutting board that's extremely handy for a lot of tasks. Love it, came from Bed Barh & Beyond.

      I have my form set up and am logging his weight and BP on a daily basis.

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  8. Heart disease does evolve and we must keep on top of it. I know, I am in the middle of it myself. You are doing such a good job with a difficult diagnosis.

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    1. Just about the time I think things are going to settle down a little something else pops up. I'm so thankful for the good medical care he receives.

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  9. I agree with your last comment to Arkansas Patti - Just when you think you can settle down and rest - something else comes up that adds to the list of things you are dealing with!
    I have read all your post but seem to have the hardest time commenting when on my iPhone or iPad! The problem is on my end I am certain!!! It is amazing I cna do anything online given my limited ability and talent with technology!

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    1. Bob is 84 and I'm pretty sure for whatever time he has left we're going to be in learning mode. I suspect it's too much to hope that he'll have long periods of stability anymore. We'll just deal with whatever comes our way.

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  10. sorry it's always something for you. You take it like a trooper, and Bob is lucky to have you.

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    1. I try to care for him like I would want to be cared for and above all I want to have no regrets.

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  11. Would it be worth having one of those non-invasive oxygen meters around the house for in-between doctor visits?

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    1. That pulse oximetry looks interesting. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Dealing with oxygen is something new to me. We'll see how things go this next month but I suspect it is going to be in our near future. I need to start reading up on the subject.

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  12. Ah, the pre-mixed cookies. My doctor puts a clamp thingy on my index finger to check my oxygen level. Weird. Maine, the southern part, is in a severe drought. We need rain badly. Really badly. Days and days of it. None in the forecast.

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