The summer months were busy. Jim was often tired and short of breath, especially when taking care of yardwork, such as mowing, that others could have done. Sometimes he would do the back yard one day and the front yard the next day, but usually he mowed both yards all in the same day, with a breather inbetween. It didn't do much good to lecture him about his health, when his mindset was if it needed to be done, he should take care of it.
He was short of breath at other times as well, making us think his blood pressure must be low.
On June 6, a visit to his primary doctor, Todd Butler, definitely indicated his BP was low - 66/40 when taken by the nurse and 70/42 when the doctor took it. Jim wanted to get off the midodrine (which is supposed to help raise his BP), but that was just not going to happen. Dr. Butler scheduled a CT scan with angiogram - contrast for July 6 to determine reason for continued low blood pressure. There were no answers.
From June 13-15, we attended the Southern Baptist Convention and annual meeting in St. Louis as messengers of Wilton Baptist Church. The congregation graciously paid for our lodging, mileage and food. It is the second time Jim has attended the convention - the first time was in the 1970s in Kansas City when Billy Graham was the keynote speaker. This was the first time I had attended the convention, and Billy Graham's daughter, Ann Graham Lotz, spoke at the Ladies conference.
On June 19, we began our two-week vacation through northwest United States to Prince Edward Island, Canada - the smallest of the Canadian provinces. The most troubling part of our trip, which we had so looked forward to, was the endless driving, which resulted in more friction than necessary between the two of us. The four days spent in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, were relaxing and most enjoyable. All in all, we saw lots of interesting things, visited old friends and made new ones, and took over 600 photos.
When he wasn't short of breath and legs very tired, it was the ringing in his ears, which seemed to have gotten worse, especially at bedtime. He started taking a medicine, Inner Ear Plus, to improve it, but he's not sure it is working. Probably have to give it 3 months or so.
On Aug. 8, one month after the CT with angiogram, Jim went back to see Dr. Butler. His weight fully clothed was 136 pounds. Up 2 pounds! Blood pressure remains same - 70/42 on first reading and 76/44 on second reading. He is to remain on current dose of midodrine - that is 3 pills, 3 times a day. He is to come back in December for physical and labs.
Also during August, Jim was to have a repeat CT scan of his chest per instructions from his surgeon, Dr. Parekh, during his May visit. So far it has not been scheduled.
Jim continued serving as interim pastor at Wilton Baptist through August 2016 - a full year. Tuesday, Aug. 30, was his last day, a bittersweet one for both of us, with gifts, a love offering, well-wishes, hugs and tears.
Aug. 30 reading from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:
"Jesus Christ says, in effect, Don't rejoice in successful service, but rejoice because you are rightly related to Me. The snare in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service, to rejoice in the fact that God has used you. You never can measure what God will do through you if you are rightly related to Jesus Christ. Keep your relationship right with Him, then whatever circumstances you are in, and whoever you meet day by day, He is pouring rivers of living water through you, and it is of His mercy that He does not let you know it. When once you are rightly related to God by salvation and sanctification, remember that wherever you are, you are put there by God; and by the reaction of your life on the circumstances around you, you will fulfill God's purpose, as long as you keep in the light as God is in the light.
The tendency today is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make usefulness their ground of appeal. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure that ever lived. The lodestar of the saint is God Himself, not estimated usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that Our Lord heeds in a man's life is the relationship of worth to His Father. Jesus is bringing many sons to glory."
Showing posts with label low blood pressure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label low blood pressure. Show all posts
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Monday, December 21, 2015
Updates - Day 220
It was Thanksgiving and now it is nearly Christmas. It has been a busy month for us as it has for many of you.
Today, Dec. 21, Jim and I both had appointments. I know some of you have said you prefer to know what is going on with Jim than with me, but we are a couple, so our life is about us, not just him and not just me. You can always skip those parts that dwell on me.
I had an epidural in my back this morning at St. Luke's Pain Clinic. Some of the muscle and joint pain of recent months that I thought was related to my left hip and leg was actually in my low back.
Jim had a one-week follow-up with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Last week on Dec. 15, his visit with Dr. Butler revealed his blood pressure to be 70/42 and weight 132 pounds. He increased Jim's dosage of midodrine from 5 mg three times a day to 7 1/2 mg three times a day and suggested a MRA (angiogram) of chest muscles might be in order. Today, after the increase in medicine, Jim's blood pressure was 80/50 and weight 130 pounds. His waist, which had dropped from 33 inches to 31, now measures 29 inches. The doctor was concerned about the lower BP readings, but decided not to do anything about the MRA at this time. He would wait to see what Jim's cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Bailin, has to say. We see him on Jan. 15. Jim has not had any signs of dizziness or lightheadedness; his lungs are clear, heart and kidneys fine. Lab work was scheduled this past week, and results were normal. Jim is to return to Dr. Butler in 8 weeks.
We also received a phone call from the office of Jim's rheumatologist, Dr. Michael Brooks. We had to return to MedLabs mid-afternoon so Jim could have an INI of calcium. Jim is scheduled to have a Reclast, an annual IV injection for osteoporosis, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23, but that procedure may be delayed a week if calcium results are not received by early Wednesday. He was low on calcium, and earlier this week, was told he also was low on Vitamin D. Both of these supplements were stopped from May to July, when he was having various procedures at UIHC.
Jim still is tired, probably because of the ischemic stroke and arthritis, but the Lord enables him to accomplish many things.
On Nov. 29, he decorated the lamp post in front of our house and set up the vintage sleigh, reindeer and Santa my parents made many long years ago. He also set up lights so passersby could see it and the nativity in the evening hours. Most of the decorating indoors was done by Dec. 1, and on Dec. 5, Jim started baking for our open house. I helped with decorating sugar cookies, writing and printing the Christmas newsletter, setting up the food display, etc. We had 35 people come to our Open House Dec. 12, including four members from Wilton Baptist.
We have over 50 nativities (as well as multiple Christmas trees, angels and Santas) and 10 of them were obtained just this month. Among them: a silver nativity from Ron and Carla Dunnahoo at Wilton, a glass nativity with Merry Christmas across the top from church members at Wilton and one from a hospice client Jim visits in Central City.
Various Christmas programs we attended were Cedar Rapids Washington Madrigal Singers during evening services Dec. 13 at Immanuel, Austin's preschool musical Dec. 15 at Taylor School, and Immanuel's youth choir during evening services Dec. 20, also at Immanuel.
We continue to serve at Wilton Baptist Church and love our time there. We are in no hurry to have it end, but that is all in God's timing, so we will enjoy whatever He gives us. Jim and I drive to Wilton every Sunday and sometimes Jim or both of us (if it works out) go there mid-week to visit members or lead a service. He also visits members who have had procedures in the hospital. A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be Thursday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Today, Dec. 21, Jim and I both had appointments. I know some of you have said you prefer to know what is going on with Jim than with me, but we are a couple, so our life is about us, not just him and not just me. You can always skip those parts that dwell on me.
I had an epidural in my back this morning at St. Luke's Pain Clinic. Some of the muscle and joint pain of recent months that I thought was related to my left hip and leg was actually in my low back.
Jim had a one-week follow-up with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Last week on Dec. 15, his visit with Dr. Butler revealed his blood pressure to be 70/42 and weight 132 pounds. He increased Jim's dosage of midodrine from 5 mg three times a day to 7 1/2 mg three times a day and suggested a MRA (angiogram) of chest muscles might be in order. Today, after the increase in medicine, Jim's blood pressure was 80/50 and weight 130 pounds. His waist, which had dropped from 33 inches to 31, now measures 29 inches. The doctor was concerned about the lower BP readings, but decided not to do anything about the MRA at this time. He would wait to see what Jim's cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Bailin, has to say. We see him on Jan. 15. Jim has not had any signs of dizziness or lightheadedness; his lungs are clear, heart and kidneys fine. Lab work was scheduled this past week, and results were normal. Jim is to return to Dr. Butler in 8 weeks.
We also received a phone call from the office of Jim's rheumatologist, Dr. Michael Brooks. We had to return to MedLabs mid-afternoon so Jim could have an INI of calcium. Jim is scheduled to have a Reclast, an annual IV injection for osteoporosis, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23, but that procedure may be delayed a week if calcium results are not received by early Wednesday. He was low on calcium, and earlier this week, was told he also was low on Vitamin D. Both of these supplements were stopped from May to July, when he was having various procedures at UIHC.
Jim still is tired, probably because of the ischemic stroke and arthritis, but the Lord enables him to accomplish many things.
On Nov. 29, he decorated the lamp post in front of our house and set up the vintage sleigh, reindeer and Santa my parents made many long years ago. He also set up lights so passersby could see it and the nativity in the evening hours. Most of the decorating indoors was done by Dec. 1, and on Dec. 5, Jim started baking for our open house. I helped with decorating sugar cookies, writing and printing the Christmas newsletter, setting up the food display, etc. We had 35 people come to our Open House Dec. 12, including four members from Wilton Baptist.
We have over 50 nativities (as well as multiple Christmas trees, angels and Santas) and 10 of them were obtained just this month. Among them: a silver nativity from Ron and Carla Dunnahoo at Wilton, a glass nativity with Merry Christmas across the top from church members at Wilton and one from a hospice client Jim visits in Central City.
Various Christmas programs we attended were Cedar Rapids Washington Madrigal Singers during evening services Dec. 13 at Immanuel, Austin's preschool musical Dec. 15 at Taylor School, and Immanuel's youth choir during evening services Dec. 20, also at Immanuel.
We continue to serve at Wilton Baptist Church and love our time there. We are in no hurry to have it end, but that is all in God's timing, so we will enjoy whatever He gives us. Jim and I drive to Wilton every Sunday and sometimes Jim or both of us (if it works out) go there mid-week to visit members or lead a service. He also visits members who have had procedures in the hospital. A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be Thursday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Appointments - Day 174
The first of many appointments today was a visit with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Weight is 128.6 pounds with clothes on. Blood pressure is 70/46. Jim's plan of action to reduce the frequency of taking Midodrine was curtailed by Dr. Butler, who said he really needs to be taking it three times a daily so it will last all day and raise his blood pressure. Otherwise the medicine only lasts a few hours and is of little benefit. Results of blood work drawn indicated his thyroid is fine and he is a little anemic.
The consultation with his dentist, Dr. John McGrane, resulted in an appointment Wednesday morning at 11:10 to remove the infected tooth. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., he will have two fillings repaired.
The consultation with his dentist, Dr. John McGrane, resulted in an appointment Wednesday morning at 11:10 to remove the infected tooth. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., he will have two fillings repaired.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Second opinion informative - Day 164
Today is Saturday, the 164th day after Jim's esophageal cancer surgery. It has been a mostly quiet day, except for the occasional beep of the heart monitor he is to wear for the next 29 days.
Yesterday - Friday, he had a second opinion appointment with Dr. Stephen Bailin, a cardiologist at UIHC. We like Dr. Bailin - he explains things so you understand what's going on and what isn't and he doesn't give you the impression whatever he says is what you should do. He listens to the patient and the family. He's going to be Jim's new cardiologist going forward. Good-bye Dr. Li.
We arrived 30 minutes early for our appointment. Weight and blood pressure were taken right away - 129 pounds fully clothed and BP was low.... 78/43. The EKG was normal.
We discussed not resuming the Coumadin - he has been off it since Oct. 1, when he was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer that resulted in another 5-day stay in the hospital. The multiple periods of dizziness and lightheadedness in a given day have been absent. He was feeling better. There have been two brief moments of dizziness, however, in recent days - one was Oct. 18, the other Oct. 19. If there were others, Jim hasn't said.
It was determined even though he had one episode of a stroke (ischemic), he has not been in AFib since his June surgery for the bowel obstruction. It was decided he didn't need to be on Coumadin, just a baby aspirin.
We discussed an alternative medicine to the Flomax taken for the prostate. Flomax can cause low blood pressure / dizziness too. Even though he has been on the medicine for a long time, it may possibly be causing problems in his body now. So the medicine Alfuzoin was considered as one less likely to cause hypotension. But we didn't end up going that route, at least not right now.
Another potential medicine is Midodrine which can raise blood pressure. Dr. Bailin asked if Jim had had an ultrasound. He did have an endoscopic ultrasound March 31. Apparently Jim has a congenital defect, with a flap-like opening in the wall of the heart. Usually this flap closes at birth, but there are some cases where it stays open. It appears Jim is one of those "cases."
Jim had his blood pressure taken laying down (84/49), sitting up (76/43) and standing (80/45). Then he had blood drawn for a cortisol stimulation test, which shows an excess or deficient amount of cortisol and how the adrenal glands are functioning. I'm not sure what his results mean. The preliminary numbers were 8.4. On Monday, Oct. 26, we found the final numbers to be 22.0 - elevated from the standard range. By Friday, Oct. 30, we learned the numbers were not abnormal, so I'm guessing the adrenal glands are functioning just fine.
The doctor wants to try him on the Midodrine, the smallest dose of 2 1/2 mg 2 to 3 times a day - morning, noon and supper time. The round pills are very hard to cut in half, even with a pill splitter.
Also, Jim is to be on a heart monitor for 30 days to see how he is doing. Records will automatically transmit to UIHC. Whenever he has an episode (dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath), he is is push the button on the monitor.
Interim Pastorate
Jim began serving as interim pastor at Wilton (Iowa) Baptist Church in October. We started traveling to the Wilton area Tuesday, Oct. 13, to visit church members. The next time was Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Jim went by himself. He did just fine driving to and from.
Sunday, Oct. 18, was Pastor Appreciation Day. All pastors who have ever served at Wilton Baptist were invited to a luncheon after worship. On this day, besides Jim and me, there was Mike and Ginny Roberts. Mike used to serve in the Cedar Rapids area, but now is in southeast Iowa as director of missions. Craig Horning, a former Cedar Rapidian and Immanuel member, who now lives in Deming, N.M., came with us. I had the afternoon off from work, so was able to enjoy more of the festivities.
Sunday, Oct. 25, Jim will preach from 1 Peter: 2:11-25 on "The Nitty-Gritty of Every Day."
Awana and Canning
Wednesdays are special - we take our grandson to Awana - Austin, who will be 4 in a few short weeks, is in Cubbies. He seems to enjoy the time there and is learning about Jesus.
Jim often is tired. I can't imagine why sometimes - he has taken up the art of canning and has come to be pretty good at it, via instructions from the internet. On Oct. 14, he canned 4 pints of tomatoes and 2 pints of applesauce. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, while I did Gazette work at home for six hours, Jim made homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade bread. We delivered the homemade goodies, including applesauce, to Cathy's adopted mommy, Miss Anna, and had a nice visit.
Follow-up visit Nov. 11
Jim's 3-month follow-up visit with Dr. Parekh, his cancer surgeon, has been scheduled for Nov. 11. It may be his 3-month visit, but it's 6 months after surgery.
His next appointment with Dr. Bailin, his new cardiologist, is Jan. 15, 2016.
Yesterday - Friday, he had a second opinion appointment with Dr. Stephen Bailin, a cardiologist at UIHC. We like Dr. Bailin - he explains things so you understand what's going on and what isn't and he doesn't give you the impression whatever he says is what you should do. He listens to the patient and the family. He's going to be Jim's new cardiologist going forward. Good-bye Dr. Li.
We arrived 30 minutes early for our appointment. Weight and blood pressure were taken right away - 129 pounds fully clothed and BP was low.... 78/43. The EKG was normal.
We discussed not resuming the Coumadin - he has been off it since Oct. 1, when he was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer that resulted in another 5-day stay in the hospital. The multiple periods of dizziness and lightheadedness in a given day have been absent. He was feeling better. There have been two brief moments of dizziness, however, in recent days - one was Oct. 18, the other Oct. 19. If there were others, Jim hasn't said.
It was determined even though he had one episode of a stroke (ischemic), he has not been in AFib since his June surgery for the bowel obstruction. It was decided he didn't need to be on Coumadin, just a baby aspirin.
We discussed an alternative medicine to the Flomax taken for the prostate. Flomax can cause low blood pressure / dizziness too. Even though he has been on the medicine for a long time, it may possibly be causing problems in his body now. So the medicine Alfuzoin was considered as one less likely to cause hypotension. But we didn't end up going that route, at least not right now.
Another potential medicine is Midodrine which can raise blood pressure. Dr. Bailin asked if Jim had had an ultrasound. He did have an endoscopic ultrasound March 31. Apparently Jim has a congenital defect, with a flap-like opening in the wall of the heart. Usually this flap closes at birth, but there are some cases where it stays open. It appears Jim is one of those "cases."
Jim had his blood pressure taken laying down (84/49), sitting up (76/43) and standing (80/45). Then he had blood drawn for a cortisol stimulation test, which shows an excess or deficient amount of cortisol and how the adrenal glands are functioning. I'm not sure what his results mean. The preliminary numbers were 8.4. On Monday, Oct. 26, we found the final numbers to be 22.0 - elevated from the standard range. By Friday, Oct. 30, we learned the numbers were not abnormal, so I'm guessing the adrenal glands are functioning just fine.
The doctor wants to try him on the Midodrine, the smallest dose of 2 1/2 mg 2 to 3 times a day - morning, noon and supper time. The round pills are very hard to cut in half, even with a pill splitter.
Also, Jim is to be on a heart monitor for 30 days to see how he is doing. Records will automatically transmit to UIHC. Whenever he has an episode (dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath), he is is push the button on the monitor.
Interim Pastorate
Jim began serving as interim pastor at Wilton (Iowa) Baptist Church in October. We started traveling to the Wilton area Tuesday, Oct. 13, to visit church members. The next time was Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Jim went by himself. He did just fine driving to and from.
Sunday, Oct. 18, was Pastor Appreciation Day. All pastors who have ever served at Wilton Baptist were invited to a luncheon after worship. On this day, besides Jim and me, there was Mike and Ginny Roberts. Mike used to serve in the Cedar Rapids area, but now is in southeast Iowa as director of missions. Craig Horning, a former Cedar Rapidian and Immanuel member, who now lives in Deming, N.M., came with us. I had the afternoon off from work, so was able to enjoy more of the festivities.
Sunday, Oct. 25, Jim will preach from 1 Peter: 2:11-25 on "The Nitty-Gritty of Every Day."
Awana and Canning
Wednesdays are special - we take our grandson to Awana - Austin, who will be 4 in a few short weeks, is in Cubbies. He seems to enjoy the time there and is learning about Jesus.
Jim often is tired. I can't imagine why sometimes - he has taken up the art of canning and has come to be pretty good at it, via instructions from the internet. On Oct. 14, he canned 4 pints of tomatoes and 2 pints of applesauce. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, while I did Gazette work at home for six hours, Jim made homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade bread. We delivered the homemade goodies, including applesauce, to Cathy's adopted mommy, Miss Anna, and had a nice visit.
Follow-up visit Nov. 11
Jim's 3-month follow-up visit with Dr. Parekh, his cancer surgeon, has been scheduled for Nov. 11. It may be his 3-month visit, but it's 6 months after surgery.
His next appointment with Dr. Bailin, his new cardiologist, is Jan. 15, 2016.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Updates: Days 96 - 109
Sunday, Aug. 16, was Day 96. Jim preached at First Federated Church in Lisbon for the third week in a row. Then we were told someone else would be coming Aug. 23 and it was unknown about Aug. 30. When we received a call from the church in July and again after the first service on Aug. 2 when we met with the pulpit committee, we were only told to let them know if we could not come.
Don't know what that is/was all about, but of course God does. Have to let Him control the reins and lead us in the way He would have us go.
So we called Ron at Wilton Baptist. Jim has preached there before, off and on, since last fall, and had called Ron in July letting him know he would be available to preach by August. Ron had called earlier in August asking, but by then, we were committed to First Federated. So we called him back, since we had August dates open. We were invited to come Aug. 30.
Thursday, Aug. 20, was Day 100. Today was a day of rest. Jim went to the pet store and got dizzy just getting out of the car. He spent most of the afternoon sleeping.
Wednesday, Aug. 26, was Day 106. Jim worked in earnest on his sermon for this coming Sunday. His message will be "Are you a FAT Christian?" FAT stands for Faithful, Available and Teachable. Scripture is from Hebrews 10:19-39.
Thursday, Aug. 27, was Day 107. Jim had an early morning appointment with his cardiologist, Dr. Li, at PCI. His blood pressure was 80/46 and his weight, 132.3 pounds. His weight seems to fluctuate within a pound every time he sees any doctor. Who knows what his real weight is. Also had an EKG. He told Dr. Li he wanted to get off Warfarin/Coumadin. Her recommended alternatives to being off the blood thinner was to monitor blood pressure and pulse rate daily.
Side effects Jim has from taking the Warfarin/Coumadin are dizziness and lower blood pressure. Dr. Li said it is rare for Coumadin to lower BP. She suggested drinking more water (60 ounces verses the 24 ounces he currently drinks - and that is more than he has ever drank!) or gatorade and increasing salt intake would help to raise his BP. She said the dizziness could possibly be prevented if he moved his legs up and down before walking.
We both believe the Coumadin is the primary cause of these problems. He didn't have dizziness before taking it and his blood pressure was usually in the 90s to 100s, never as low as 80 or less.
Dr. Li said we could get a second opinion. Jim told her no, it wasn't necessary, but when we talked later, he said he was going to looking into it down at UIHC in Iowa City. We are currently waiting for a return call on a referral.
Thursday evening, after I got off work, we had dinner with a friend, Joan. Jim took care of her husband, Bill, more than 8 years ago when he worked for St. Luke's Home Care / Hospice. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Saturday, Aug. 29, was Day 109. This morning when Jim woke up he complained of a sore throat. His voice has been deeper in the last couple days and apparently his throat was somewhat sore during the week, but this morning it was more bothersome. At first we thought he had developed a cold. But then I remembered his allergies were not just seasonal, but also mold and mildew (which is present indoors and outdoors) and we have been around mold much of this week.
Since he had to go to MedLabs to have blood drawn (he has to stop Coumadin today because he's having oral surgery on Monday), I suggested he also stop at Urgent Care in Hiawatha. The result of that visit indicated he didn't have a cold or strep throat, but allergies. Allergies that cause sore throats, as mold and mildew can. So he has two meds - Flonase nasal spray and a mouthwash that he says tastes awful. Worse than the hot tea (Throat Coat) with slippery elm, licorice, etc., with a teaspoon of honey in it that I gave him this morning. He says the Flonase appears to be helping.
Our prayers are for answers to the Coumadin issue, getting that second opinion, getting necessary rest, gaining weight and more strength in body and voice.
Don't know what that is/was all about, but of course God does. Have to let Him control the reins and lead us in the way He would have us go.
So we called Ron at Wilton Baptist. Jim has preached there before, off and on, since last fall, and had called Ron in July letting him know he would be available to preach by August. Ron had called earlier in August asking, but by then, we were committed to First Federated. So we called him back, since we had August dates open. We were invited to come Aug. 30.
Thursday, Aug. 20, was Day 100. Today was a day of rest. Jim went to the pet store and got dizzy just getting out of the car. He spent most of the afternoon sleeping.
Wednesday, Aug. 26, was Day 106. Jim worked in earnest on his sermon for this coming Sunday. His message will be "Are you a FAT Christian?" FAT stands for Faithful, Available and Teachable. Scripture is from Hebrews 10:19-39.
Thursday, Aug. 27, was Day 107. Jim had an early morning appointment with his cardiologist, Dr. Li, at PCI. His blood pressure was 80/46 and his weight, 132.3 pounds. His weight seems to fluctuate within a pound every time he sees any doctor. Who knows what his real weight is. Also had an EKG. He told Dr. Li he wanted to get off Warfarin/Coumadin. Her recommended alternatives to being off the blood thinner was to monitor blood pressure and pulse rate daily.
Side effects Jim has from taking the Warfarin/Coumadin are dizziness and lower blood pressure. Dr. Li said it is rare for Coumadin to lower BP. She suggested drinking more water (60 ounces verses the 24 ounces he currently drinks - and that is more than he has ever drank!) or gatorade and increasing salt intake would help to raise his BP. She said the dizziness could possibly be prevented if he moved his legs up and down before walking.
We both believe the Coumadin is the primary cause of these problems. He didn't have dizziness before taking it and his blood pressure was usually in the 90s to 100s, never as low as 80 or less.
Dr. Li said we could get a second opinion. Jim told her no, it wasn't necessary, but when we talked later, he said he was going to looking into it down at UIHC in Iowa City. We are currently waiting for a return call on a referral.
Thursday evening, after I got off work, we had dinner with a friend, Joan. Jim took care of her husband, Bill, more than 8 years ago when he worked for St. Luke's Home Care / Hospice. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Saturday, Aug. 29, was Day 109. This morning when Jim woke up he complained of a sore throat. His voice has been deeper in the last couple days and apparently his throat was somewhat sore during the week, but this morning it was more bothersome. At first we thought he had developed a cold. But then I remembered his allergies were not just seasonal, but also mold and mildew (which is present indoors and outdoors) and we have been around mold much of this week.
Since he had to go to MedLabs to have blood drawn (he has to stop Coumadin today because he's having oral surgery on Monday), I suggested he also stop at Urgent Care in Hiawatha. The result of that visit indicated he didn't have a cold or strep throat, but allergies. Allergies that cause sore throats, as mold and mildew can. So he has two meds - Flonase nasal spray and a mouthwash that he says tastes awful. Worse than the hot tea (Throat Coat) with slippery elm, licorice, etc., with a teaspoon of honey in it that I gave him this morning. He says the Flonase appears to be helping.
Our prayers are for answers to the Coumadin issue, getting that second opinion, getting necessary rest, gaining weight and more strength in body and voice.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Day 95
I sometimes think, albeit wrongly, the road traveled is ours alone. No one knows the trouble I / we've seen, and perhaps that is true, but we all have known trouble, for God said it would be so. From the days when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden and chose their own way over obedience to the Lord, trouble has been a constant.
This morning I reviewed previous posts ...
This morning I reviewed previous posts ...
- Today Jim commented his right elbow hurt. It has hurt before, not constantly, but now and then. The last time he mentioned it that I noted it was a month ago on July 15. Before any of the surgeries he complained of it too and his primary physician called it tennis elbow. Who knows why it hurts. When sleeping, he keeps his arm on a pillow and that helps.
- The dizziness continues. That has been a bother since May 22 -- 10 days after his cancer surgery. Getting up from bed, from the chair, from the floor or just turning around can bring on dizziness. He has mentioned it to countless medical personnel, and although it is listed as a side effect of taking Warfarin (Coumadin), no one seems to think it is any big deal. NOTE: Jim acquired AFib as a result of the May 12 surgery; his heart did not return to normal sinus rhythm until June 11, the day of his bowel obstruction surgery.
- In conjunction with the dizziness is the abnormally low blood pressure. Jim has always had a low BP, and when we first married, both of us had the same systolic reading at 110 (I don't remember what the lower number was). For the last 15 years or more, his readings have been in the 90s/50s. However, since starting on the Coumadin, his BP has been much lower, with the lowest reading taken at 68/30. Of course Coumadim can't be the culprit. It doesn't cause low blood pressure -- that's what we hear!
Just because these side effects are not common does not mean they should be buried and not considered at all.
- The tiredness remains. He needs to be mindful that recovery will take months, not just days or weeks. Often he will discover what his mind wants to do, his body is just not able. He needs to sit and rest. He thinks because he can drive again, he can go anywhere and do anything, but that isn't quite true. It was a blessing when we learned Ormal, Pat and Mike Williams were driving to Anamosa Wednesday morning to attend Art Baker's funeral service and that there was room for Jim. If Jim had gone by himself, the exhaustion he felt would have been much worse. As it was he slept much of the afternoon.
Along those lines, I do wish he would be more specific of how he is feeling ... instead of "just tired."
Tomorrow, Aug. 16, will be week 3 at First Federated Church in Lisbon. It is a conservative Bible-preaching church with a small congregation, mostly age 50 and older. Jim's sermon the Lord has given him is "The Blood of Jesus" from I Peter 1:17-25. Please pray for strength of body and voice.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Day 92
Jim is getting stronger, although still has moments of extreme tiredness and times when he doesn't sleep well through the night. The dizziness remains with him as does the lower than normal low blood pressure. So until one of his doctors believe his report that the coumadin is causing this (he didn't have dizziness and extra low blood pressure before he started taking this new medicine), it appears he is stuck with it.
Jim is back to cooking. On Saturday, Aug. 8, he froze 7 ears of sweet corn. When his sister came to visit on the 3rd, she brought a dozen big ears. We made our way through 5 ears and then decided we'd be tired of them before we got through the whole dozen. I suggested freezing them. So Jim did that while I did Gazette work. We should probably get some more, so we can have some this fall.
On Sunday, Aug. 9, Jim preached his second sermon at First Federated Church in Lisbon. It is not non-denominational, but rather Evangelical Bible. His message, taken from Hebrews 13: 7-16, was "Praise Be To God." We will be returning there in an interim role until the Lord determines otherwise.
For a couple years now we have talked about re-painting the garage door and other areas that needed it. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, it was finally accomplished through the efforts of Rocky and Christina. It was a busy afternoon, with the whole family here, working and playing.
Here are some photos:
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Jim decided to buy some new jeans. For years he has worn size 33x36 or 34x36, but since he has lost so much weight since his May 12 surgery, he is now down to a 32x34.
Jim is back to cooking. On Saturday, Aug. 8, he froze 7 ears of sweet corn. When his sister came to visit on the 3rd, she brought a dozen big ears. We made our way through 5 ears and then decided we'd be tired of them before we got through the whole dozen. I suggested freezing them. So Jim did that while I did Gazette work. We should probably get some more, so we can have some this fall.
On Sunday, Aug. 9, Jim preached his second sermon at First Federated Church in Lisbon. It is not non-denominational, but rather Evangelical Bible. His message, taken from Hebrews 13: 7-16, was "Praise Be To God." We will be returning there in an interim role until the Lord determines otherwise.
For a couple years now we have talked about re-painting the garage door and other areas that needed it. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, it was finally accomplished through the efforts of Rocky and Christina. It was a busy afternoon, with the whole family here, working and playing.
Here are some photos:
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| Rocky and Christina painting first coat on garage door |
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| Rocky and Jim scraping the trim by the front door; Austin is playing |
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| Papa Jim (James) holding his adopted grandson and namesake, James |
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| Papa Jim and firstborn adopted grandson Austin being silly |
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| The newly painted garage door. Looks great! |
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Jim decided to buy some new jeans. For years he has worn size 33x36 or 34x36, but since he has lost so much weight since his May 12 surgery, he is now down to a 32x34.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Doctor's visit - Day 83
Today Jim had an appointment with his primary care physician, Dr. Butler. His BP remains on the low side, at 74/44, but his weight appears to be increasing. Fully dressed, he weighs 135, so I'm guessing without his shoes, he's probably at 132 to 133 pounds. Up is so much better than down.
His INR from Friday's blood draw was 1.4, so he's to take 4.5 mg nightly and be rechecked on Friday.
Dr. Butler and one of his nurses said coumadin (warfarin) does not cause low blood pressure or dizziness, but Jim and I have both read articles where low blood pressure and dizziness can be side effects of taking it.
A link on EHealthMe may be found here: Could Warfarin Sodium cause Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
His blood pressure was low before taking Coumadin, but not this low. And he did not have dizzy spells before either.
Jim's sister, Dianne, who lives in Ankeny, spent the afternoon with us. We had a picnic at Ellis Park, enjoying foil dinners of hamburger, potato, carrots, onion and zucchini. For dessert, we had sweet and goey smores, with those giant marshmallows. It was such a splendid afternoon, low 80s, no humidity.
His INR from Friday's blood draw was 1.4, so he's to take 4.5 mg nightly and be rechecked on Friday.
Dr. Butler and one of his nurses said coumadin (warfarin) does not cause low blood pressure or dizziness, but Jim and I have both read articles where low blood pressure and dizziness can be side effects of taking it.
A link on EHealthMe may be found here: Could Warfarin Sodium cause Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
His blood pressure was low before taking Coumadin, but not this low. And he did not have dizzy spells before either.
Jim's sister, Dianne, who lives in Ankeny, spent the afternoon with us. We had a picnic at Ellis Park, enjoying foil dinners of hamburger, potato, carrots, onion and zucchini. For dessert, we had sweet and goey smores, with those giant marshmallows. It was such a splendid afternoon, low 80s, no humidity.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Dizziness - Day 64
Today I forgot it was July. A month behind I am.
Jim had his blood drawn today at MedLabs. Two people tried 4 times total before success came. A patient man. I would not be so. I can't handle needles ... once is too much for me!
He still talks about being off coumadin and hopes his cardiologist calls sometime soon with results of the Stress Test taken Monday and Tuesday. He wants to discontinue coumadin. He doesn't see his cardiologist until the end of September.
I was thinking today ... The Lord knew this was coming - the complication of AFib, the medicine to take, the blood draws. What is the purpose? Why did, does He allow it? What are we to learn? There is something. God always has something for us to learn. We are to trust Him, no matter what. He'll never steer us wrong.
Jim is improving daily. I pray that continues. He took the trash out to the curb today and started a load of laundry .. things I had been doing before this week.
He needs to be careful though. When he was downstairs, he said he was on the floor and in getting up, was dizzy, the room spinning. Perhaps he should begin taking his cell phone with him (turned on, of course), in case he happens to fall because of low blood pressure, or if he finds himself unable to get up. I probably shouldn't be thinking about this, but instead praying it won't happen, that the Lord will give him needed strength.
The doctor's office called around 5, Jim said, and his INR reading was 2.6. He's to continue with 3 mg coumadin nightly. He told the nurse he has been dizzy, but that didn't seem to faze her.
My writings ...
You walk with the Lord
-- you read and study and meditate
on His word daily
-- you listen to His instruction
and strive to be obedient to His command
The Lord carries you along paths
He has purposely chosen for you
He asks that you stay close to Him
to not become disenchanted
and follow your own thoughts, ideas and plans
Stay close
Look to Him for strength and direction
where He takes you will bring glory to Him
Perhaps we think
we don't need to be where we are,
but God has allowed it
He knows something we do not.
He has a reason
Someday He will share the reason
but not yet, not today
He wants us to learn something
perhaps obedience
no matter what crosses our path
Discard the anxiety, the frustration
Follow Him
Do as He directs
Seek wisdom and He will give you
what you need
you are weak, you are tired
Ask Him for strength
Ask Him for stamina
He will give you what you need
But you must ask
All that He has for you
remains hidden from you
when you do not ask or seek.
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
"...My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I (Paul) will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9b-10)
Jim had his blood drawn today at MedLabs. Two people tried 4 times total before success came. A patient man. I would not be so. I can't handle needles ... once is too much for me!
He still talks about being off coumadin and hopes his cardiologist calls sometime soon with results of the Stress Test taken Monday and Tuesday. He wants to discontinue coumadin. He doesn't see his cardiologist until the end of September.
I was thinking today ... The Lord knew this was coming - the complication of AFib, the medicine to take, the blood draws. What is the purpose? Why did, does He allow it? What are we to learn? There is something. God always has something for us to learn. We are to trust Him, no matter what. He'll never steer us wrong.
Jim is improving daily. I pray that continues. He took the trash out to the curb today and started a load of laundry .. things I had been doing before this week.
He needs to be careful though. When he was downstairs, he said he was on the floor and in getting up, was dizzy, the room spinning. Perhaps he should begin taking his cell phone with him (turned on, of course), in case he happens to fall because of low blood pressure, or if he finds himself unable to get up. I probably shouldn't be thinking about this, but instead praying it won't happen, that the Lord will give him needed strength.
The doctor's office called around 5, Jim said, and his INR reading was 2.6. He's to continue with 3 mg coumadin nightly. He told the nurse he has been dizzy, but that didn't seem to faze her.
My writings ...
You walk with the Lord
-- you read and study and meditate
on His word daily
-- you listen to His instruction
and strive to be obedient to His command
The Lord carries you along paths
He has purposely chosen for you
He asks that you stay close to Him
to not become disenchanted
and follow your own thoughts, ideas and plans
Stay close
Look to Him for strength and direction
where He takes you will bring glory to Him
Perhaps we think
we don't need to be where we are,
but God has allowed it
He knows something we do not.
He has a reason
Someday He will share the reason
but not yet, not today
He wants us to learn something
perhaps obedience
no matter what crosses our path
Discard the anxiety, the frustration
Follow Him
Do as He directs
Seek wisdom and He will give you
what you need
you are weak, you are tired
Ask Him for strength
Ask Him for stamina
He will give you what you need
But you must ask
All that He has for you
remains hidden from you
when you do not ask or seek.
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
"...My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I (Paul) will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9b-10)
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
The stress of stress tests - Day 63
Yesterday Jim had the "rest" part of the two-part Stress Test at PCI Cardiology. He had his weight taken -- he is 4 pounds lighter, down to 129. Geez, I don't remember when I last weighed that!
The tech injected meds, then told him to get something to eat and be back in an hour. Jim thought we could walk to Wendy's rather than drive. He also thought it was closer. Walking over in the humidity wasn't too bad. Walking back seemed to take 3x longer, as I stopped frequently, but we made it back to PCI inside an hour. Then Jim had pictures taken with the gamma camera.
Today Jim had the "stress" part of the Stress Test. That required walking on the treadmill. The plan was to walk on it 5 minutes. His blood pressure before exertion was 82/52. The tech was somewhat concerned, because after injecting more meds, his BP would definitely drop. But he proceded, doing his best. He walked 1 1/2 - 2 minutes before getting light-headed and dizzy. His BP dropped to 68/41. He had to sit/lay down and it took 10 minutes or so before his BP rose to 90/51. The gamma camera was available, so pictures were taken then rather than waiting until later.
He hadn't been this dizzy until he came home from the hospital the second time, so we're wondering if some medicine he's taking is causing the problem. The only new one he is on is coumadin. We checked that out on the Internet and discovered, yes, low blood pressure is a known side affect of Coumadin. Interesting. The whole reason he is on Coumadin is because he acquired A Fib as a complication from his Esophageal cancer surgery May 12. His heart has stayed in rhythm since his second surgery June 11.
The tech injected meds, then told him to get something to eat and be back in an hour. Jim thought we could walk to Wendy's rather than drive. He also thought it was closer. Walking over in the humidity wasn't too bad. Walking back seemed to take 3x longer, as I stopped frequently, but we made it back to PCI inside an hour. Then Jim had pictures taken with the gamma camera.
Today Jim had the "stress" part of the Stress Test. That required walking on the treadmill. The plan was to walk on it 5 minutes. His blood pressure before exertion was 82/52. The tech was somewhat concerned, because after injecting more meds, his BP would definitely drop. But he proceded, doing his best. He walked 1 1/2 - 2 minutes before getting light-headed and dizzy. His BP dropped to 68/41. He had to sit/lay down and it took 10 minutes or so before his BP rose to 90/51. The gamma camera was available, so pictures were taken then rather than waiting until later.
He hadn't been this dizzy until he came home from the hospital the second time, so we're wondering if some medicine he's taking is causing the problem. The only new one he is on is coumadin. We checked that out on the Internet and discovered, yes, low blood pressure is a known side affect of Coumadin. Interesting. The whole reason he is on Coumadin is because he acquired A Fib as a complication from his Esophageal cancer surgery May 12. His heart has stayed in rhythm since his second surgery June 11.
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