Tuesday, April 27, 2021

I'm getting by

Things are looking better.  The high blood pressure is responding to the new med little by little.  My esopagus is settling down somewhat, and has been looked at and photographed, as well as my stomach.  I have Barrett's esophagus.  It's more common in men, but I'm one of the lucky women to have it.

I'm still pretty light-headed at times, and I really have no idea what's causing that.  I just want to be back to normal, or some semblance of normal.  I want to feel like getting on the exercise bike and going for short walks again.  

Our temperatures are in the 80's, with high winds.  We are having one of those weeks where we're going someplace almost every day!  Yesterday was my endoscopy at 1:30; imagine how hungry I was by then!  Cliff has a dentist appointment today around noon, and Thursday we have our annual visit from the nurse the medicare folks send around.  

I think I probably need to be more careful of what I eat; I enjoy good old-fashioned food, lots of butter, and a little sugar added to everything.  I like things flavored in bacon grease and fried in lard; I can't keep doing that.  I'm not supposed to eat acidic things, so no more oranges.  I love all fruit, though.  I'm hoping I can always eat grapes.  I enjoy vegetables.  If watching what I eat helps keep me pain-free, I can do it.  

And that's my report for now.  

    

12 comments:

  1. Glad things are improving for you. Yes, watching what you eat can improve our health. I need to get better at it myself. I eat too many sweet things and should cut back.

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  2. So glad you are making progress. Yep, you may have to give up those things you love to eat. When I was first diagnosed with heart trouble I gave up all of them and lost 45 pounds. I think giving up bacon and fried foods hurt the worst but now I rarely think about them. They aren't good for us no matter what our health issues. Darn.

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  3. I'm happy that you are improving and hope that things can get back to "normal" soon. Having to adapt to restrictions is NOT fun at all. I've given up carbonation for the most part because it doesn't settle well on my stomach. I used to be fine with it. Regular cucumbers make me burp. As my dad said, "I love them, but they don't love me."

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  4. Good to hear things are improving.

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  5. I am happy things are improving!!

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  6. so glad you got some answers and now know how to help control the pain and reflux. I sure hope you feel better soon and can get back out to walk a bit and enjoy your summertime. Wendy

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  7. I’m worried for you....

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    1. Worry doesn't help, does it? I'm feeling better every day. Honestly, I have not been kind to my stomach over the years, and probably brought it on myself to some extent.

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  8. People I know who have Barrett's esophagus have responded very well by switching over to a mainly vegetarian diet. I hope you find out what works for you.

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    1. I will definitely be eating differently than I was before.

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  9. Barrett's is a complication of acid reflux... not the cause of acid reflux. So the mystery is still there as to what is actually causing your reflux issues, my friend. I think I mentioned in a past comment post about being careful with acidic food and things that contain citric acid. Of course citrus fruit but also things like coffee (instant is ok), some cheeses, processed foods (like bacon), tomatoes, carbonated beverages or the instant sugar-free beverages like Crystal Light, chocolate, the list is pretty long. The main things for me are brewed coffee, carbonated beverages & Crystal Light, and peanuts.

    It might be some of your Rx medications too. I'm glad the Norvasc (brand name of what you're taking... a calcium channel blocker) is working for you. That was the very first medication I was put on 27 years ago, for my hypertension, and it gave me migraines so I had to switch. Something to keep in mind also... generic drugs hardly EVER work for me, especially for my hypertension & diabetes. I mean "do NOT work" at all. So if you ever get in a slump try asking your pharmacist for the brand-name of what you're trying. You might get a very different result from the generic.

    Life is definitely not for sissies, as you said, Donna. My prayers will continue for you, kiddo. ~Andrea XOXOXO

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    1. Yes, I learned all that on the web. It seems the actual doctors never go into details about what you should eat, probably because nobody follows their instructions. Believe me, I am now eating food that is much better for me. The website also said to be sure and drink some water as you eat, and to "graze" rather than eat huge meals. I learned the hard way last week that I won't be able to stuff myself, because I turned a good day into a bad one doing just that.

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