cyberiot
Rimtas žmogus
Alexa's cheaper and doesn't get petulant when you forget your anniversary.
HEALTH I may be getting close to “semi-invalid” status
- Thread starter Dennis Olson
- Start date
Alexa's cheaper and doesn't get petulant when you forget your anniversary.
Don’t you GRILL these people Dennis? The Rx is now SUPER weird in my opinion. Yeah, you could have been better lab-wise, but that in my mind doesn’t call for either Med they gave you. Dang.
ShyGirl
Veteran Member
Can't believe this is a good idea. I think you need to get a blood sugar test kit and keep track of your sugar levels. I have always had a problem with low blood sugar and so did my dad. Some doctors have said that is a pre diabetic condition and also many doctors think that just because you are fat you are pre diabetic. I don't believe it. If your blood work does not show signs of diabetes then you shouldn't be on those meds. JMHOProphylactically? To prevent diabetes? (Some drugs are given for off-label use.) And your doctors over the past 20 years kept prescribing it prophylactically?
Ive never heard of this! Can any other nurses or other healthcare professionals chime in here and help me understand this? It seems downright dangerous to me.
amazon
Veteran Member
Tell your provider you forget evening doses of meds. Ask for Metformin and Glipizide ER. Once daily dosing. Also ask to speak with a diabetes educator at the VA.
I have seen metformin rx'd for pre DM, but never glipizide. Check your problem list. You may be listed as type 2 DM. If your a1c is in the low 6's on twice daily dosing of metformin and glipizide you're most likely type 2,imo.
Be direct and open about your symptoms. Keep a diary with sx's, what may have caused or exacerbated the sx's, bp, blood glucose, o2 sats, diet, exercise, edema. Take with you to visit. Be proactive in getting the care you need.
I have seen metformin rx'd for pre DM, but never glipizide. Check your problem list. You may be listed as type 2 DM. If your a1c is in the low 6's on twice daily dosing of metformin and glipizide you're most likely type 2,imo.
Be direct and open about your symptoms. Keep a diary with sx's, what may have caused or exacerbated the sx's, bp, blood glucose, o2 sats, diet, exercise, edema. Take with you to visit. Be proactive in getting the care you need.
The glipside is the most “interesting”. The met I can almost see. But what REALLY bothers me? Lack of communication.
I only started the glipizide last year, because the metformin was giving me worse reflux.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Just get a wrap for your car that says you have margaritas and tacos and you'll have women chasing after you!
Jeff B.
Don’t let the Piss Ants get you down…
Dennis, stick with your VA appointment and be complete in listing and describing your issues.
From when I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes, I’ve steadily cutting out sugars, sweets (my weakness) alcohol, and generally eating less and stepping up my activity. I’m down to 220 from 245 and my numbers are per the doc, really, really good.
Another 20 pounds and who knows I might get off the sugar medicine.
Jeff B.
From when I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes, I’ve steadily cutting out sugars, sweets (my weakness) alcohol, and generally eating less and stepping up my activity. I’m down to 220 from 245 and my numbers are per the doc, really, really good.
Another 20 pounds and who knows I might get off the sugar medicine.
Jeff B.
Redcat
Veteran Member
I’m diabetic and I use Allulose. Same effect as Xylitol or Erythritol. I can only have a teaspoon of it in my coffee every other day or else. I cannot use anything with Aspartame at all as it flat out makes me vomit. Do you realize how many foods have that in it. Shopping is challenging. So my go to is Stevia despite the bitter after taste.
MONK FRUIT SWEETENER
Border Collie Dad
Flat Earther
Erythritol and Stevia
Redcat
Veteran Member
I looked at that today and it also had Erythritol in it. Does yours also have that? Gives me the green apple two step.
Fairwillows
Where I am supposed to be.
Sending prayers for a proper diagnosis, and PRAYERS for a speedy recovery....there's a lot of good advice and a whole lotta love in this thread for ya...Prayers UP 
wintery_storm
Veteran Member
TennesseGal:
I have been so praying to Live in your State for years. I guess it is not meant to be at this time. My son's in laws live in Hendersonville,Tn. I would love a nice piece of farm land and have some chickens and ducks. (but I would not want to deal with the tornado s). Where I live in Pa is wooded , land is clay. Road is noisy. Sure am looking for some peace in my later years on the quiet side but not to far. Like Dennis , I need to see my Doctor and I am sure I will have more issues as I age.
Part of our growth.
ainitfunny
Saved, to glorify God.
Dennis if you were sedentary during winter and started getting more active with spring you could have had a DVT (deep vein clot) graduate to a pulmonary embolism if you are having any of these symptoms:
Symptoms of PE
can include:
If so. damn the cost, see a doctor to check it out!
Symptoms of PE
can include:
If so. damn the cost, see a doctor to check it out!
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Faster than normal or
irregular heartbeat
- Coughing up blood
- Low blood pressure, light-headedness, or fainting
Cyclonemom
Veteran Member
Furthermore, the J&J vaccine has been connected with blood clots. Clotting issue sounds plausible.
China Connection
TB Fanatic
What are Electrolytes?
Kyle Beswick
Electrolytes are essential minerals—like sodium, calcium, and potassium—that are vital to many key functions in the body.
They're often talked about in association with dehydration and mentioned in ads for sports drinks that promise to replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
"Sugar, salt, and water help your body absorb fluids, but a lot of sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to really help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs."
But why does your body need them and what's the best way to get them? We asked Cedars-Sinai clinical dietitians Erika Der Sarkissian and Christina Fasulo.
Q: Why are electrolytes important?
Erika Der Sarkissian: They do a lot in the body. They regulate muscle contractions and keep you hydrated. Electrolytes also help balance your pH levels (the measure of acidity and alkalinity).
Christina Fasulo: And they control nervous-system function.
Q: What are some signs of low electrolyte levels?
CF: Fatigue, headache, nausea, blood pressure changes, muscle cramps, low energy, and simply not feeling well.
Read: Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion: What You Need to Know
Q: How do we lose electrolytes?
EDS: We mostly lose electrolytes through sweat and urine.
CF: Also vomiting and diarrhea.
Q: How do we get electrolytes in our bodies?
CF: For the average American, you can get all the electrolytes you need through a nutritious diet—especially when eating healthy, whole foods.
Read: Does IV Vitamin Therapy Work?
Q: Aren't sports drinks known for providing electrolytes?
EDS: Yes, but sports drinks can also have a lot of sugar and food coloring added, and they may not be necessary for a person who is not engaging in intense exercise (longer than 1 hour).
CF: Sugar, salts, and water help your body absorb fluids, but a lot of sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to really help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs.
After a workout, if you sweat heavily and you see a white chalk on your clothing, then you're likely losing a lot of salt. In those instances, or if you're exercising in a humid, hot area, or working out for an extended length of time, then you might benefit from an electrolyte-replacement drink.
If you're doing an easy-to-moderate exercise for an hour, then you're fine drinking water.
People think that muscle cramps come from magnesium and potassium deficiencies, when most of the time it's from losing salt through sweat. Instead of just eating bananas when you're cramping, try getting sodium in your body.
Q: Are there electrolytes when you get an IV?
EDS: Electrolytes can be added to IVs, which can help patients with alcohol abuse or other conditions that cause electrolyte deficiency.
Read: The Science of Hangovers
Q: How else does drinking alcohol affect our electrolyte levels?
EDS: Alcohol is dehydrating in multiple ways.
It's a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more than usual. It does this by suppressing a hormone (called antidiuretic hormone or ADH) that usually helps your body hold onto water and electrolytes instead of losing them through urine.
Also, you're probably not drinking water while you're out drinking alcohol, and you may lose even more water and electrolytes if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Dehydration may also play a role in a lot of common hangover symptoms, like headache, fatigue, and weakness.
Drinking lots of water with electrolyte tablets or coconut water with salt added should help when you've overdone it at the bar.
www.cedars-sinai.org
Kyle Beswick
Electrolytes are essential minerals—like sodium, calcium, and potassium—that are vital to many key functions in the body.
They're often talked about in association with dehydration and mentioned in ads for sports drinks that promise to replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
"Sugar, salt, and water help your body absorb fluids, but a lot of sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to really help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs."
But why does your body need them and what's the best way to get them? We asked Cedars-Sinai clinical dietitians Erika Der Sarkissian and Christina Fasulo.
Q: Why are electrolytes important?
Erika Der Sarkissian: They do a lot in the body. They regulate muscle contractions and keep you hydrated. Electrolytes also help balance your pH levels (the measure of acidity and alkalinity).
Christina Fasulo: And they control nervous-system function.
Q: What are some signs of low electrolyte levels?
CF: Fatigue, headache, nausea, blood pressure changes, muscle cramps, low energy, and simply not feeling well.
Read: Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion: What You Need to Know
Q: How do we lose electrolytes?
EDS: We mostly lose electrolytes through sweat and urine.
CF: Also vomiting and diarrhea.
Q: How do we get electrolytes in our bodies?
CF: For the average American, you can get all the electrolytes you need through a nutritious diet—especially when eating healthy, whole foods.
Read: Does IV Vitamin Therapy Work?
Q: Aren't sports drinks known for providing electrolytes?
EDS: Yes, but sports drinks can also have a lot of sugar and food coloring added, and they may not be necessary for a person who is not engaging in intense exercise (longer than 1 hour).
CF: Sugar, salts, and water help your body absorb fluids, but a lot of sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to really help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs.
After a workout, if you sweat heavily and you see a white chalk on your clothing, then you're likely losing a lot of salt. In those instances, or if you're exercising in a humid, hot area, or working out for an extended length of time, then you might benefit from an electrolyte-replacement drink.
If you're doing an easy-to-moderate exercise for an hour, then you're fine drinking water.
People think that muscle cramps come from magnesium and potassium deficiencies, when most of the time it's from losing salt through sweat. Instead of just eating bananas when you're cramping, try getting sodium in your body.
Q: Are there electrolytes when you get an IV?
EDS: Electrolytes can be added to IVs, which can help patients with alcohol abuse or other conditions that cause electrolyte deficiency.
Read: The Science of Hangovers
Q: How else does drinking alcohol affect our electrolyte levels?
EDS: Alcohol is dehydrating in multiple ways.
It's a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more than usual. It does this by suppressing a hormone (called antidiuretic hormone or ADH) that usually helps your body hold onto water and electrolytes instead of losing them through urine.
Also, you're probably not drinking water while you're out drinking alcohol, and you may lose even more water and electrolytes if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Dehydration may also play a role in a lot of common hangover symptoms, like headache, fatigue, and weakness.
Drinking lots of water with electrolyte tablets or coconut water with salt added should help when you've overdone it at the bar.
What are Electrolytes? | Cedars-Sinai
When talking about hydration, the typical advice is to replace electrolytes, but what does that mean? Essentially, electrolytes are essential minerals vital to many key functions in the body. But what do they do inside of the body?
www.cedars-sinai.org
I talked with one of the anesthesiologists I work with about your symptoms. He thinks you have contested heart failure. He said sometimes the tests will look ok when your heart is not overloaded. When you had too much salt in your system, it made you retain water. Then your heart was not strong enough, not able to contract strongly enough to push the extra fluid through your system. So the fluid backed up and went into your tissues. Then once you got rid of the extra fluid your heart seemed back to normal. Then once you physically worked your body hard, your heart was not strong enough to push the blood through your system again leaving you short of breath and with a rapid heart rate because you were not getting enough oxygen to your tissues. Your heart beats faster to meet your bodies oxygen demand. You oxygen saturation is normal because your lungs are saturating your good just fine. The problem lies with your tissues not getting enough oxygen because your heart can not get the blood to your tissues fast enough to meet your tissues demand. Your heart is not contracting hard enough.
Neither of us are familiar with the VA. He said you are exhibiting signs of late heart failure. He says you need to be seen right away. Is there a triage nurse you can talk to do you can be seen earlier? He said you need to get into the cardiologist right away.
We also talked about your weight and diabeties. He said fasting would be a bad idea. He said it affects your albumin levels, which will make you retain more water and make your symptoms worse. He said see the cardiologist first and get the proper medications and treatment, then work on weight loss.
I hope this helps. I have been worried about you. I feel maybe you have not been given the in-depth care you need. I know the steroids help your pain. They increase your fluid load, so please, no more steroids. You have probably been having epidural steroids. I know they stack them in a period of 3, one every 2 weeks or so. You should only have this done once a year. Steroids have a lot of bad side effects, but can be useful. Sorry I scolded you over the steroids but they are not helping you right now and are probably hurting you.
I asked the anesthesiologist about you having a possible lung blood clot called a pulmonary embolism. He said he thinks your symptoms are cardiac. I think the biggest clue is the water retention after the salt intake.
I wish you well. I hope you get the help you need.
Neither of us are familiar with the VA. He said you are exhibiting signs of late heart failure. He says you need to be seen right away. Is there a triage nurse you can talk to do you can be seen earlier? He said you need to get into the cardiologist right away.
We also talked about your weight and diabeties. He said fasting would be a bad idea. He said it affects your albumin levels, which will make you retain more water and make your symptoms worse. He said see the cardiologist first and get the proper medications and treatment, then work on weight loss.
I hope this helps. I have been worried about you. I feel maybe you have not been given the in-depth care you need. I know the steroids help your pain. They increase your fluid load, so please, no more steroids. You have probably been having epidural steroids. I know they stack them in a period of 3, one every 2 weeks or so. You should only have this done once a year. Steroids have a lot of bad side effects, but can be useful. Sorry I scolded you over the steroids but they are not helping you right now and are probably hurting you.
I asked the anesthesiologist about you having a possible lung blood clot called a pulmonary embolism. He said he thinks your symptoms are cardiac. I think the biggest clue is the water retention after the salt intake.
I wish you well. I hope you get the help you need.
TXKajun
Veteran Member
Sorry to hear of your problems, Dennis. Quite a few years ago, my cardiologist put me on a bunch of medicines including glipizide. I'd take it in the morning and for the next several hours I'd have bad diarrhea. My new PCP took me off the glipizide and put me on tradjenta. What a difference! Not only has my diarrhea gone away, but overall I am feeling so much better! Have your doc at the VA look at all your meds and check for interactions or side effects.
I am not a doctor, nor have I played one on tv and I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn in forever, so take the above for what it's worth.
I am not a doctor, nor have I played one on tv and I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn in forever, so take the above for what it's worth.
bw
Fringe Ranger
We all did that. Everyone read it wrong first time through. Interesting, huh?
Loretta Van Riet
Trying to hang out with the cool kids.
Please be taking Taurine. It offers so much cardiac support and is a treatment for congestive heart failure (in Japan).
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Therapy of congestive heart failure with orally administered taurine - PubMed
The clinical efficacy of 2 gm BID of oral taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) was studied in 24 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We expressed the severity of CHF by a score based on clinical signs and symptoms and on roentgenographic data. The maximum possible score, corresponding...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Coco, I had a cardiac work up in September in order to be approved for my surgery. Full echocardiogram, ecg, etc. I wore the cardiac sensor thing for a month as well. I was given a clean bill of health at that time. However, things do change. This started after I had those two steroid injections back-to-back (30 days apart, but still), then two days later had to cut the grass. That day was when I felt the weakness for the first time.
Last edited:
I tried to order taurine. The order was never filled.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
I'd add in get together with a nutritionist who is familiar with your health issues, not just any ole nutritionist, and a physical therapist who is also familiar with your health issues. The PT can teach you how to work your body if you do have CHF to facilitate weight loss. The nutritionist can teach you how to eat better, to improve your health issues.
Tennessee gal
Veteran Member
My husband and I are grew up in Ohio and honeymooned on our way to TN. to attend seminary. After graduation the Lord opened doors and we stayed in TN.
We loved it there and made many wonderful friends. Southern people are known for their hospitality.
If it weren’t for my health and no family there I would have been contented to stay for the rest of my life.
A funny story: A dear Southern born, refined friend in my lady’s Sunday school class teased, “ Southerners are nice to Yankees until they find out they’re staying.”
Like you mentioned the one negative about TN.are the tornadoes. I wish you the best if the door opens for you to move to TN.
homecanner1
Veteran Member
We've all gotten reduced lung capacity since covid, tiring much easier. If you have to hire lawn care service weekly, don't fret over it. Its like shoveling snow up here, its for younger folks.
Lots of fluids, plan for a nap after yard exertion, build it into your schedule. And just do little yard tasks a bit at a time.
Lots of fluids, plan for a nap after yard exertion, build it into your schedule. And just do little yard tasks a bit at a time.
This is what I’ve done since the weakness became evident.
I am sorry your going through this. I don't know what the cause is. Covid is known to attack the heart. I think it is your heart. I don't know if covid caused it but something is going on. I feel as if the steroids made things worse. I have seen steroids cause all sorts of problems and am not a fan. They have their place in medicine but may be overused. All I know is that you need to see a cardiologist soon.
I know I would hate to have people pick my lifestyle apart. It maybe similar to yours. Everyone can do things a little different and better. I know the stress of losing your job has not helped. All of us on this forum care about you and want you to be ok. It is easy for us all to jump to conclusions and make recommendations. I just know something is really wrong and can have a bad ending. Keep working at being seen sooner. Also keep your cardiac workload light. If you get real short of breath or your heart rate gets stays high again, go to the ER. You might have had a heart attack since your last work up that is affecting your heart wall muscle. You could have an inflammation of the lining of the heart and have fluid in the lining making it harder for the walls to contract. Could be several things. Take care of yourself.
I know I would hate to have people pick my lifestyle apart. It maybe similar to yours. Everyone can do things a little different and better. I know the stress of losing your job has not helped. All of us on this forum care about you and want you to be ok. It is easy for us all to jump to conclusions and make recommendations. I just know something is really wrong and can have a bad ending. Keep working at being seen sooner. Also keep your cardiac workload light. If you get real short of breath or your heart rate gets stays high again, go to the ER. You might have had a heart attack since your last work up that is affecting your heart wall muscle. You could have an inflammation of the lining of the heart and have fluid in the lining making it harder for the walls to contract. Could be several things. Take care of yourself.
ohiohippie
Veteran Member
Prayers
cyberiot
Rimtas žmogus
I SUCCEEDED in ordering taurine and just sent a bottle to your TB2K donation P.O. box. It took me fewer than 60 seconds. Expect it April 19-20. Consider it my donation to the forum for 2021. And find another excuse.
JF&P
Deceased
I get mine from Amazon and they have several brands.
I’d ordered from Amazon. The seller basically vanished with my money.
Bones
Living On A Prayer
Please be taking Taurine. It offers so much cardiac support and is a treatment for congestive heart failure (in Japan).
Therapy of congestive heart failure with orally administered taurine - PubMed
The clinical efficacy of 2 gm BID of oral taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) was studied in 24 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We expressed the severity of CHF by a score based on clinical signs and symptoms and on roentgenographic data. The maximum possible score, corresponding...
↑↑↑ THIS! Loretta knows, and has taught me. I am a believer in the benefits of Taurine.
medic38572
TB Fanatic
Panner
Veteran Member
Heard on the Salt Lake City news tonight that on of the people that had blood clots from the J&J vaccine had many of the symptoms that Dennis had. They said that on some of the people the symptoms didn't show up until 13 days after the shot. Might be something to think about.