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how about drinking?

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Comments

  • Wigging2000
    Wigging2000 Member Posts: 56
    edited January 2019

    NM....13 degrees? Oh my gracious. I don’t think I’d make it! I’ve lived in the south for 13 years now and my blood has thinned I think! I can’t take the cold like that! Come visit anytime! Snow in the sunshine is a beautiful thing though and I do miss seeing that!

    Goldie, my hubby is just like you with the spicy! I laugh at him all the time. He never drinks any of my spicy drinks though! All for me!!! Your hubby has a man cold? That’s the worst! Have you seen the man cold video about the man who called 999? How often do you go in for scans, etc? It’s good that you have onc right after the scans. I’m going to start thinking all clear thoughts for you right now.


  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited January 2019

    Wiggy, I have not seen the video, will look it up later! Has to be good for a laff.

    I have to do labs every 6 weeks, 2 hour round trip, but usually grab groceries when in town. I have to see onc every 6 weeks, that is 8 hour round trip drive. I have not had scans since December 2016, he has asked me if I want scans, I always decline. Even though my TM's have been on the rise for several months now, I feel great, other than some of the SE's from Xeloda. I have no pain what so ever. He pretty much lets me make the decisions and always tell me we want to treat the patient, not the cancer and that it's my ship and I am the captain. I would still decline the scans, but it HAS been 2 years and I AM stage IV. So it's probably best I get them. And seeing him the day after, just because of the drive, is pretty much a no brainer. I just hope he gets the results by the time of my appt. which is at 9:15 in ay em.

  • Wigging2000
    Wigging2000 Member Posts: 56
    edited January 2019

    Man cold

    For you, Goldie ❤️

    BTW, men do not usually find this humorous in my experience.


  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited January 2019

    Image result for funny friday gifs

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited January 2019

    Mornin' Ladies,

    I'm in a rush so I'll be back later, I'm already running late to get ready for my Dr. app't. UGH

    LUBS U ALL

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited January 2019

    Hi friends- well my data center move is wrapping up and hopefully no more crazy nights and should be working a regular schedule again. I am working from home today on this wet rainy day but enjoying the moisture. Snowing up north and wondering who out west is getting moisture too? Mema, Goldie, others? My sister said that CA is supposed to have 10 straight days of rain starting this weekend. After the fires, the mudslide risk is high out there. Anyways, we here in NM are enjoying the moisture and may get more on Sunday. I checked the forecast and hopefully the big swath of moisture will be done by the time I go to San Diego in a couple weeks.

    I have my plumber in today getting some accrued needs fixed. Two new toilets (the ones as part of the original build have never been great and these are lower water flow and sit higher too. Plus some repairs to a sink and shower head. Got more things to do around here but starting with the biggest stuff.

    Goldie- I understand the "scanaxiety". I hold my breath every summer with the mammos and ultrasounds and now it sounds like the move is to a yearly MRI on the girls along, with the mammo. Ugh. I have been reading there are a lot of false negatives with those, but since one of my cancers was found that way, they have always been pushing for yearly on these. Had a scare last summer as everyone may remember. Anyways, will be in your pocket.

    NM- hi girlfriend. How is work these days?

    Cami- I hope that your work is not keeping you too busy. But it is winter though. Did Joey go back to school after the holidays now?

    Hope everyone else here is doing okay, including the folks in treatment. We are here for you and hope to provide a cocktail suggestion or offer a bit of humor along the way.

    TGIF!

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,915
    edited January 2019

    Good Morning, Loungettes!2 whole degrees here, with awind chill of -11. Downright chilly out there this ayem! Going to be one of those days where the clothes start to freeze before I can get them hung up on the line. Oh well, they always smell so good when they freeze-dry. Last night Sadie did her last trip out just before bed, then jumped into bed and stuck her VERY cold paws on me to warm them up! Brrrrrr!I guess turn about is fair play, though, since I was cuddled up to her warmth later last night. It is just amazing how cold a dogs paws and nose can get!

    image alt="Image result for wind chill clip art">

    Goldie--I'm like you, cannot take the spicy stuff. Even stuff I'm told is mild has no taste, it just burns and then I can't taste anything for awhile until the blisters go down. Glad the pewl is heated, I'm not into the Polar Plunge thing that's really popular around here just now! I still miss my hot tub.I've heard that when husbands catch a cold that the world comes to an end. I guess it's true! Glad his prostate tests came back negative. I'm glad you've got an Onc appointment the day after the scans. I just hope the results will be available. Around here that's not often the case, unless things have changed a lot in the last few years. Usually the onc won't have the results for a week or so, maybe 3 to 5 days if the test is scheduled as an emergency. Same day or next day results only happen if you are in the hospital. And I can imagine you are having major scanxiety. Just major. We'll be in your pocket, and holding your hand during the scan and appointment.

    image alt="Image result for scanxiety meme">

    Oh my, there is more to the Colder than a Witches Tit saying!

    Image result for colder than a witches teat

    Wigging--Yup, it was warm yesterday compared to this ayem! That Man Cold video is a riot!

    Image result for man cold

    Cammy--good luck at the doc's!

    image alt="Image result for good luck">

    Jazzy--Work is work, been staying out of the office as much as I can.I ran across a couple of really good sounding jobs yesterday, one full time and one part time, one as a staff educator and one doing resident evals in an assisted living facility that I applied to, just to see what will happen. I've never heard another word about the Clinical Manager position since being told the transfer couldn't be accommodated last summer, so I'm assuming that's off the table by now. I've been looking at medical and technical writing jobs, but most want years of experience or a degree in journalism. I'm kind of feeling a need for a change but not sure what direction to take. So I'm looking around.

    Related image

    DOTD:

    Medicine Man Recipe

    Medicine Man

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces white rum
    • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
    • 1/2 ounce maple syrup
    • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 4 sage leaves, divided

    Directions

    1. 1.
      Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add white rum, lemon juice, maple syrup, paprika, and 3 sage leaves. Shake well for 30 seconds.
    2. 2.
      Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with final sage leaf.
  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited January 2019

    NM- you have some good options as a nurse. Check this out and #17 especially. Some things you can do remotely now and work with groups around the country. I have worked with docs and nurses who specialize in various things and live nationally (some travel and some don't). You seem like you have some good policy experience to offer?

    https://nursejournal.org/articles/31-of-the-best-s...



  • JCSLibrarian
    JCSLibrarian Member Posts: 548
    edited January 2019

    Hello all! It is cold here (for the southeast part of USA), but nothing like you mention. Later today our cold rain will start so I plan on staying indoors and watching some football. That Medicine Man drink looks wonderful! May have to make that at halftime. Will get back on the Abraxane train next week, so I plan on enjoying the weekend. Hope everyon’s week goes well

  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 478
    edited January 2019

    Happy Saturday everyone! It is a bright, sunny day here in Alberta, but chilly - I have BIG plans to declutter today, so fingers crossed hat I do!!! So much nicer to lounge in my recliner and catch up on the posts though ;) Welcome to the newbies, I see we have a couple...you have found a great, supportive space here for sure! I had contrast ct and nuclear bone scans Wednesday and I am stable!! As I am in a clinical trial I get my results right away, though this time the ct scan was not ready so they called me yesterday - always a wonderful way to end a week and start a weekend!!

    NM- I relate to that cold nose, my 20 pound cat Levi snuggles in and then rubs with his frosty nose when he wants a neck or belly rub - but his warmth is well worth it!

    Wiggy and goldie - my hubby has had a cold for 10 lonnnng, miserable days - ughhh!! Today he has gone ice fishing so is one the mend - phew, out of my hair for a few hours!!

    cami - I hope your appointment goes well!

    I am now going to enjoy my 'alone space' and hopefully start decluttering - Cheers! janice


  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited January 2019

    Mornin Ladies,

    Well see how I came back LOL I came home about 3 hrs. later and slept for hours. I get so knocked out, it's recockulous. It was a strange visit, she noticed my lashes and that I actually have them LOL I told her about this new 4D mascara, it just keeps adding to lashes she was quite impressed hahaha. She ordered some tests and I'll see another Dr. next week so we'll see what that's about.I finally asked for a placard so she put the request in. Now when I worked I did these things for people, but I have no Idea how hings are done now.

    Kim I can't imagine anyone not wanting u for a job. U are so experienced, caring and intelligent and those are just a few things. It's a rarity to have all of ur qualifications and anyone has any doubt to scoop u up Well I know whatever u really decide what u want u will get it.

    Jazzy I'm so glad all the helter skelter has quieted down for u and maybe u can get on a regular schedule so u can time urself with more convenience. Altho u do a good ob on weekends u still need more equal nite time too.

    Lori ur traveling always knocks me out, way to much. But I know u have to. Just praying that all has better results for u.

    JC sounds good to just relax for you for the weekend, u need to.. I always enjoy the DOTD's for the day especially the names. LOL.

    The weather outside is frightful, oh wait I'm plagiarizing aren't I, oh well that's not the first time. Anyway we're all getting crazy stuff. We should be snowing around here soon, maybe, well a chance so we'll probably get a load of it. If they said a lot, we'd get a little. So this is crazy. Sandy sometimes gets it differently cuz of the lakefront.And way north gets it like that.

    Lom Lin if u ever get to the restaurant my cousin is hardly ever there but my granddaughter works there, shes a tiny little thing named Cheyanne, she's adorable and very shy. So u might see her.

    Have a good weekend ladies.

    LUBS U ALL

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited January 2019

    Image result for funny saturday gifs

  • MuddlingThrough
    MuddlingThrough Member Posts: 655
    edited January 2019

    Janky, stable is GOOD! Yay!

    Cami, my Saturday nights look just like that cat in pajamas. 8pm is bedtime but I may stay up a little later to see some of the football game tonight. 🏈

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited January 2019

    Have not posted any music in awhile. Here is a combo you would never expect, Dolly Parton doing Stairway to Heaven. Heard it on the local NPR station today (they are doing all music Dolly). I am not a big fan of country western but have always loved her



  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,725
    edited January 2019

    Weekend camping on a friends property 😀

    (Saint Arnold’s White Noise beer)

    image

  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 478
    edited January 2019

    Muddling - Stable is good for sure! Ha Ha - Friday and Saturday nights I look like Cami's cat too :) !4

    Jazzy - Thank you for sharing - I too, am not a huge country western fan, but hae always enjoyed Dolly!

    Illimae - I love your tshirt (as I sip here sipping a beer ;)

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited January 2019

    Sorry I've been absent for a few days; Quora, FB and politics sorta took over my attention span, but all's fine 'round here. Of course, we got about 2-3" of snow up here in Edgewater, but it's not so much we can't drive on it; and it's crunchy enough to walk safely (as a friend from the U.P. said, snow is good because you can at least get traction). Bob's off tomorrow, and wants to walk to brunch. We shall see...

    Lom, tamoxifen shouldn't cause hair thinning because it doesn't reduce the amount of estrogen in your body--just blocks tumor cells' estrogen receptors so they can't get any of it. Aromatase inhibitors (aka A.I.s: anastrazole, letrozole, exemestane) do deprive you, not just tumor cells, of estrogen, and hair thinning is a side effect (plus sometimes even impaired grow-back if you're taking it after you lost your hair from chemo). If your hair is thinning and you haven't had chemo or an A.I., blame aging in general and menopause (even peri-menopause) in particular. Mine used to be thick, fine & wavy (frizzy when humid) but starting about 5-6 yrs. after menopause it began to thin. Letrozole exacerbated it. You can't really tell much due to it being blonde and down past my shoulders (though nothing like Lori's), but if you know where to look you can see my part's wider--especially after I've had it straightened. Oddly, when my roots begin growing in (they used to be gray but now they're darker salt & pepper), the loss isn't as apparent.

    I've never liked having short hair--it doesn't look good on me, and I need the length & volume to balance my bulk. I tried the Dorothy Hamill "wedge" cut when it was all the rage (and I was still brunette), and it looked great...until I washed my hair. I could never get the ends to turn under and sweep sleekly back--it always waved in the wrong places when I tried to style it. When the grays began to come in (in my early 30s) I went strawberry blonde at first, then blonde. I have one shock of hair that came in straight & platinum, that people think is a highlight for which I paid megabucks. Funny how at 68 (in 10 days), almost all my friends younger than I have gone gray. I can't pull off that look just yet, nor do I want to. I'll revisit my decision at 70; but my mom had auburn hair till she was 80--and it was thick, coarse and wavy till the end. (She only got occasional trims--she never even had to blow-dry it, because when it air-dried, it looked like it'd been styled).

    Cami, Ohio near Grand? LOL--last night Bob & I went to Eataly for dinner (was going to see a movie up the street but we didn't want to see anything at that theater). I'll keep an eye out for Fry the Coop next time I'm in the River North area. For a year now, my favorite mascara has been Benefit "They're Real" tinted lash primer ("Mink Brown"). It's good enough that I don't even need to put the regular "They're Real" black mascara on top of it.

    Speaking of Eataly, last night we had two bubblies: Franciacorta Brut and Ferrari Brut Rosé. Bought a bottle of limoncello (gonna mix a Tbsp. of it with seltzer and a tsp. of "Surp" Wild Blueberry CBD syrup). Also bought some fixings for tonight's dinner, with which we finished the last 1/4 bottle of 2015 La Crema Wilammette Valley Pinot Noir.

    Mema, weed is a lot stronger now--especially from dispensaries--than when we were young. And I imagine that in NV, where recreational MJ is legal, it's even more potent. I tried vaping a little "Cherry Charlotte" 7:1 CBD:THC as well as some 100% CBD--and it really hurt my throat. If I need to stay away from edibles in order to ditch the sugar, I suppose it's back to tinctures & oils for me. They do make tablets (2.5 mg. each) for microdosing, but they're not exactly cost-effective.

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,915
    edited January 2019

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Sunday Funday! Another bright, clear, and cold ayem here, but warmer, wind chill is only minus 1 right now. The clothes I hung out yesterday are all glittery with frost. The heat pump is being a God send this year. The house is warm, and I've only used about a half a tank of oil so far all season.This time last season I was looking at my third $400 to $500 tank fill. Yes, the electric bill is a lot higher, but that is much more manageable month to month than the oil bill was. Woops, looks like all my pics didn't post with my last post. Oh well, I guess the gremlin got me! Sadie says Hi to everyone.

    Jazzy--I will definitely look into #17. Working remotely may be problematic due to this part of Maine not yet having the high speed internet access that most remote jobs require. I might be able to get it, but it will cost quite a lot and I'd need a high paying job to support it. Hopefully this will be changing in the next few years.

    Librarian--cold rain, sleet, freezing rain, all are very yucky, especially for driving! Stay in and stay safe!

    Janky--HOORAY for stable scans!Isn't the cold nose an awesome weapon the furbabies have? Not to mention effective! Good luck with the decluttering.

    Cammy--One of the curious things about the Nursing field is that there is a lot of jobs but all of them want 2 or more years of experience in that particular area of nursing. That's not stopping me from applying, though. I do have the advantage of a Master's degree, and I'm hoping that will offset the lack of specific experience. Time will tell, and God will put me where He wants me, so I'm not stressing all that much. And thank you for saying such nice things about me, can I use you for a reference??(kidding, but it would be fun)

    Muddling--I did at least get dressed yesterday, not so sure if that will happen today! I really need to, if I don't I don't get anything done and I need to get some housework done.But I, too, like the 8 peeyem bedtime, especially before work days.

    Jazzy--Dolly singing Stairway to Heaven is quite the video. That song brings back memories for me, takes me right back to high school and college days. Thanks for sharing.

    Illi--LOVE the Tee!

    Chi--Quora can be a big time sink, can't it?I get caught up in it once in a while. Limoncello with seltzer is a refreshing, light drink.I drink it a lot in the summer. The bubblies sound yummy, too.

    Oh, look, the Tenders have put out a Sunday Brunch for us!Remember when they used to do that every Sunday

    image



    Italian Sunrise

    Ingredients

    Shake ingredients and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon spiral, and serve.

    Best served in a Cocktail Glass.

    Italian Sunrise recipe

  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited January 2019

    Jazzy, good to know that you are wrapping things up with work, and hopefully things will be a bit smoother. That is not a good forcast for CA, yowza! I woke up to snow this morning, still dark out but put an outside light on when I got up, and we have 6-8 of snow and still snowing. We hadn't dried out from the last one! We have handicapped toilets in our house, whenever I go to sit on a standard one, I feel like I'm gonna fall thru! I AM and C/W mucis fan and will take a listen to Dolly later today.

    NM, lol on the freeze dried laundry.Love the ice on the little boy piddling, too funny. I too hope my scans are ready, if not, I'm not going to fret about it. Or at least try not to. It's so hard to stay out of that rabbit hole. As for the spicey, you would like my salsa!!!! Jes sayin! Are you looking for additional work or a new job? Do you ever wonder if positions that you don't get have something to do with some age discrimitation? I think you could use all of us as a reference!

    JCS, looks like you got some precip in your part of the county.

    Janky, did ya get to that decluttering, or did you veg out? Ha ha on your hubby being sick as well. Glad mine wasn't sick for 10 days! So glad you are stable, hoping I can get the same results.

    Cami, what is this 4D mascara, or are you pulling my leg? I really don't mind the traveling, the worst of it is our 6 miles of dirt road! 8 hour round trip to the doctors is a pretty drive.

    Mud, did you get to watch your football game? DH and I struggle to stay up til 7, and usally don't make that. However, we are up pretty early too!

    Ill, I'm jelly you have camping weather!

    Sandy, I always use a brown mascara, and like you, I'm not ready to sport the gray hair! Hmmmmm, CBD in a cocktail!

    Ahhhhh yes, Sunday Brunch. Looks great NM. Seems as though the Tenders are slacking a bit. I think I'll head over to the Banana Hammock for a massage!
    Well, more snow this morning, at least 8" and still coming down!

  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 478
    edited January 2019

    We used to do Sunday Brunch often, now not so much though my parents and sisters go often...I live far enough away from a city that the drive does not seem like the effort is worth it, especially when it is so wintry outside.

    NM - I wish you all positives in your quest for a position, obviously employers don't realize what they are missing by not hiring you! Do you hange your clothes outside all winter? That was one of my favorite parts in Australia - laundry - wash, dry outside, and folded in less than 2 hours!! I am going to look for a folding clothesline this spring. btw your Italian sunrise much nicer than what I am watching...

    goldie - I managed to declutter a bit, then got distracted, then enjoyed a frosty beer in my recliner ;) It is hard to motivate myself when it is so cold outside (that is one way I rationalize)...

    Chi - the 'Dorothy Hamill' look is exactly what I am trying to achieve with my slowly growing back hair! I almost always kept my hair in a long or short 'bob' or 'wedge' style, and I just said last week that I would like to get that look again (with my new salt and pepper color) just to see what I look like. It took me a while to decide to keep my natural color, and I still waver between getting highlights/color or not.

    Well,I am off to the movies today "Bohemian Rhapsody', then visiting with 3 grandchildren, and off to West Edmonton Mall Monday in the ayem for grandson's 4th birthday (not my favorite place to be, but the young ones love it!) Wishing everyone a super Sunday and marvelous Monday. Cheers! janice


  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited January 2019

    Janky- Bohemian Rhapsody is on my list. I heard it is great and think the lead actor got the golden globe last weekend too? I hope you enjoy it.

    NM- I found something else for you around remote jobs that could be an option. Will PM you with the info.

    It's snowing again.....

  • MuddlingThrough
    MuddlingThrough Member Posts: 655
    edited January 2019

    Goldie, I did watch the afternoon NFL game and a few minutes of the night game before I had to give in and go to bed. (We get up early too.) Today, both games are daytime games, so that's good. I love watching sports. Tennis is my favorite, so I'm very happy the new season is under way. Tomorrow, and through the Australian Open, I'll watch the mix channel and zoom in and out of up to six matches at a time! 🎾 Next, I like college basketball and NFL but we watch whatever season it is. Soccer, yes. My all-time favorite is curling, but it's not on tv that much.

  • Lomlin
    Lomlin Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2019

    Went to see my primary care, another new one, and she is concerned about my BP, finally! In the past 5 or so years I have mentioned that I am pre-hypertension (140/85 to 90) and no doctor wants to give me medicine for it. So when I was there they took it right after I sat down, plus the assistant was talking to me when she was taking it, so it was 150/80. So the doc told her to take it again and ended up at 149/95. But I never 'rested' for 5 or minutes like they recommend when you take your own BP. So she wants me to go back in a week to retake it and then possible meds if it still is high. However, she did mention that I should trim back on the alcohol consumption because she says that that raises the BP. Plus it would take a toll on the liver and heart. Geez my only vice, I don't drink to excess, I never have hangovers. I don't smoke or do drugs, I eat a balanced diet, only drink water about 22 oz or more and about 8 to 10oz of coffee. I hate sweet drinks, so no pop or fruit drinks. Then I had a blood test taken, my blood that came out of me was a bright red! The guy who was taking my draw told me it usually looks like that if you have hit an artery! He even commented on how bright red it was. But I was fine, took 4 tubes, I wasn't dizzy or anything, plus he did such a great job at poking me with the needle I didn't bruise. When he did do the poke it wasn't coming out right through the little hose either, then he fixed it, the hose was kind of kinked, but then he put another tube on and went from there. Mmmm, what was that all about. I didn't fast on this one, she figured I wasn't at risk for being diabetic, I am guessing that is why you fast for 10 hours to check your sugar levels.

    Image result for no more booze


  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 1,568
    edited January 2019

    Lomlin - that’s totally irresponsible of your doctors not to address your high BP. In fact it’s dangerous. My husband takes meds for his and the numbers have dropped drastically. I on the other hand have very low BP - like 90/60. It has been 115/70 before and that’s high for me. My husband is quiet and reserved and I’m the polar opposite. Ironic he’s the one with the high BP. Maybe because he internalizes and I don’t.

    That’s interesting about the alcohol connection. I don’t drink much maybe 2-4 beers a month. Husband doesn’t drink at all. We both drink strong coffee everyday - 2-4 cups a day. Coffee is supposed to elevate BP but obviously doesn’t affect my BP.

    Diane

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited January 2019

    LomLin- I had borderline hypertension in my mid 30s and managed it through diet and exercise until I couldn't anymore. Made it to my 50s when I finally had to add a low dose of licinopril to manage it. My docs were more concerned about my caffeine consumption and told me to restrict how much coffee and tea I drank. Kept that to today and have coffee in the morning and sometimes an ice tea in the afternoon from time to time. Most of the time I drink water (sparkling or otherwise).

    I like to experiment with things when the doctors suggest I change things I am eating or drinking. Maybe if you try to reduce your alcohol and get a cuff and take readings once a day see if it helps, you will have your answer? But beyond that, you need to get some help with this as elevated blood pressure can lead to other problems. Sometimes it is not a this or that, but a low dose of meds and some lifestyle changes that work best for us?

  • MemaSue56
    MemaSue56 Member Posts: 2,061
    edited January 2019

    Hello DahhhhLinkS,

    Been trying to get things organized, moved a lot of boxes out to the garage, have to decide what we are going to keep and what to toss. Anyway, I haven't been able to put my van in garage...and I'm not liking that.

    I have so much more to do before my surgery on the 23rd. And doc visit and chemo on Tues the 22nd. Lowee, I'll say prayers for both of us. Heart

    Missing everyone....will try harder to post for everyone...

    LUBSLUBSLUBSLUBS


  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited January 2019

    LomLin, your doctors seem oblivious to the BP guidelines that have been in place for at least a couple of years now. I know some younger MDs are so into integrative medicine that they will avoid prescribing anything until all "natural" remedies & lifestyle remedies have been tried. I once had a FP--assigned as my "gatekeeper" by my then-HMO--who insisted I take black cohosh for irregular and copious periods and deglycerrhized licorice for GERD. He only reluctantly referred me to a gyne who diagnosed adenomyosis (and gave me a progesterone shot which tided me over till menopause) and to a GI doc who immediately put me on Protonix. He stopped doing primary care to become the HMO's director of integrative medicine. (That HMO bit the dust >20 years ago).

    When my BP--at age 39--couldn't get below 140/95, my new FP immediately put me on an ACE inhibitor (Zestril, as there was no generic lisinopril back then); when the tickly cough side effect proved too much for even traveling companions and fellow concert-goers, she switched me to an ARB (Hyzaar at first, then Avalide and now Benicar HCTZ--generic olmesartan with HCTZ). Now unless I'm really nervous at the doctor's office, my BP rarely goes over 130/85...which many cardiologists say still warrants maintenance meds. (Salt restriction is neither as necessary nor effective as previously thought). Had to drop her as my FP when she stopped accepting my pre-Medicare insurance, so we switched to the guy who was Bob's Chief Resident at UIC, and has treated three generations of our family. He agrees about keeping me on my ARB. And no restrictions on caffeine. (Gonna be 68 in 10 days, so far so good).

  • Lomlin
    Lomlin Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2019

    I even went to see a cardiologist to see if I needed meds for the BP, I went because on my MRI in May my surgeon (the on I used for the lumpectomy) thought I had an aneurysm from the aorta, but ended up being ectatic so I saw the cardiologist and he even said no meds. I am going to cut back on the alcohol and drink just 6 oz of coffee. See what happens. So is a primary care physician okay to see over a cardiologist for BP? Thanks Sandy and Jazzy for your help.

  • celiac
    celiac Member Posts: 1,260
    edited January 2019

    LomLin - Some things to try when your BP is taken: make sure they use a big enough cuff & that the arm with the cuff is at the same height as your heart. Also, try a few cleansing breaths and keep calm. These have all worked for me when that 1st BP reading was higher than it should be, especially considering I have been on lisinpril/hctz for many years.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited January 2019

    Hi Ladies,

    I thought I posted this morning...WTF who knows I might have lost it.

    OMG Snow and BP both o them make me hyperventilate and we've had snow here the streets look horrible but my kids said all the main streets are good. U know whenever I'd just see the cuff coming at me I'd have an anxiety attack, my Dr. would take it at least 3x and they would try to surprise me, never did...it was awful for me. I never knew why I was so scared, now that I'm really used to it it averages 95/45, sometimes lower and I think that's why I get dizzy sometimes.

    OK scans good news on the front here, but now Lori u'd better do the same<prayers going to u> ans SusyQ prayers for u too, always thinking of u.

    And Dolly Parton always liked her, I think she was the main reason I started listening to CW music. I'm not a huge fan, but certain artists I like. Thanks Jazzy

    Oh Kim see u can have all of us be on a resume' for u, they'd love u even more, even tho they would think ur on the edge a little, hey aren't we all.

    Love the Tee shirt we all should have one.

    And hair I actually could handle my ugly hair before. Now the stuff on my head is thin, won't take a curl. Leslie has tried all different cuts and once I wash it it's awful, So as I told u I just cut it myself, now it has to be dyed, I have dirty gray hair and no body at all---all the big body stuff is on my actual body---Oh well

    OK Im going to bed now, well no bed just the same chair I'm sitting i n, but with the legs up. That's my bed.

    LUBS U ALL