Older Folks and Vaping Back Porch - Part Seven

[Janet H]

I'm supposed to take both. My doc won't find out that I'm only taking one of them until after I'm retested 2 months from now. Whether I inform him sheepishly or triumphantly will depend on what the new test results are. Of course if I have a stroke or heart attack between now and then I'll be sorry I second-guessed the doc.

The biggest thing working in my favor, IMO, is that I was sufficiently frightened by the lab results that I've reduced my drinking radically since being informed of those results 5 days ago. The second biggest thing is that being on the NSAID Meloxicam for the past week has enabled me to engage in a tad more physical activity, and the third biggest thing is that I've cut the fats I was consuming by about two thirds. I've only done it for 5 days, but I think I can keep it up. I'd gotten really careless about it.

Good job Bells! If you hadn't gone for your check up you wouldn't have known about any of this so you made a good decision to go.

we recently got our tax return and lucky for me there was a little more than expected…it afforded me to buy a GMZ from the classies and a Jac and hubs a new chain saw. Now we're poor again but happy

Yay! Good for you! Mike and I got Jacs and are really liking them.

 

[Flowersoul]

You all remember about my hubs heart issue? The rest of the story is that we requested a copy from the cardiologist of all his findings and notes about hubs tests and we were shocked to find out that hubs has another artery that is 50% blocked and one that is 70% blocked. Doc never told us about these…only that he had a little narrowing in a couple of other arteries.

70% sounded like a little more than "some" so we met with our primary who is an internist by training and originally trained for cardiology. She was very surprised that the cardio doc considered a 70% blockage as "some" and didn't seem concerned about it based on the fact that hubs has no symptoms. She agreed with us when we told her we wanted a second opinion on the course of treatment (or lack of) prescribed by him.

The new cardiologist is a little further away but has a great reputation and is a specialist in what they call Interventional Cardiology. So we have an appointment with him next week.

I'd be a lil more than upset that your doctor minimized those artery blockages.

Very glad to read that you are going for a second opinion to an interventional cardiologist as they are much more attuned to conditions such as your husband has.......mine has/had the same issue.
Interventional cardiologists have a more extensive knowledge as they have to complete a 2-3 year additional courses in cardiology.
Keep us updated and hoping for the best!

 

[DancingHeretik]

I'm supposed to take both. My doc won't find out that I'm only taking one of them until after I'm retested 2 months from now. Whether I inform him sheepishly or triumphantly will depend on what the new test results are. Of course if I have a stroke or heart attack between now and then I'll be sorry I second-guessed the doc.

The biggest thing working in my favor, IMO, is that I was sufficiently frightened by the lab results that I've reduced my drinking radically since being informed of those results 5 days ago. The second biggest thing is that being on the NSAID Meloxicam for the past week has enabled me to engage in a tad more physical activity, and the third biggest thing is that I've cut the fats I was consuming by about two thirds. I've only done it for 5 days, but I think I can keep it up. I'd gotten really careless about it.

I reacted that way when I first found out I was diabetic. And, it worked. I lost 100 pounds and was no longer diabetic. But, as circumstances changed I slowly gained it back. I'm having a hard time getting back to that extreme of a diet. I really need to!

we recently got our tax return and lucky for me there was a little more than expected…it afforded me to buy a GMZ from the classies and a Jac and hubs a new chain saw. Now we're poor again but happy

Congrats on your new shinies!

You all remember about my hubs heart issue? The rest of the story is that we requested a copy from the cardiologist of all his findings and notes about hubs tests and we were shocked to find out that hubs has another artery that is 50% blocked and one that is 70% blocked. Doc never told us about these…only that he had a little narrowing in a couple of other arteries.

70% sounded like a little more than "some" so we met with our primary who is an internist by training and originally trained for cardiology. She was very surprised that the cardio doc considered a 70% blockage as "some" and didn't seem concerned about it based on the fact that hubs has no symptoms. She agreed with us when we told her we wanted a second opinion on the course of treatment (or lack of) prescribed by him.

The new cardiologist is a little further away but has a great reputation and is a specialist in what they call Interventional Cardiology. So we have an appointment with him next week.

That's a scary shock. Good luck with the new doctor.

Yay! Good for you! Mike and I got Jacs and are really liking them.

The Jac is really high on my list of 'want'. Don't need it. So it may never happen. It's just expensive enough that I can't just slip it in to my budget. It has to be planned for a little bit.

 

[DavidOck]

I'm supposed to take both. My doc won't find out that I'm only taking one of them until after I'm retested 2 months from now. Whether I inform him sheepishly or triumphantly will depend on what the new test results are. Of course if I have a stroke or heart attack between now and then I'll be sorry I second-guessed the doc.

While not at all subscribing to the doctor generated concept that doctors are gods (so, obviously not a doctor, and never even played on on TV), it might be that the doc want's to "kick start" the cholesterol reduction? Hence a "cocktail" of two reduction drugs? Maybe a better approach would be to take them both until the level is acceptable, then go off one? Getting it under control and then adjusting the meds might be the healthier approach...

 

[2legsshrt]

The picture that Legs posted is, seriously, a Sarcastic Fringehead. (Thanks, Google Picture Search!)


Well, my doctor's office called on Friday with my blood test results. They told me my LDH is ridiculously high and my Vitamin D is ridiculously low. I immediately reduced my alcohol consumption drastically, because I think my drinking is the prime cause of the bad cholesterol level. Today, I went and got my bone density test, then picked up the prescriptions that the doctor had faxed in to my pharmacy on Friday.

Two of the prescriptions are cholesterol-lowering drugs but I only took the Ezetimibe. The other cholesterol-lowering drug is a statin and I'm going to take my chances on not taking it, then see how my cholesterol levels are when I get re-tested 2 months from now. The 3rd Rx is 50,000 unit Vitamin D2 like Legs was talking about last week. that I'm to take one a week. (4 capsules is a 4 week supply).

Tomorrow I have my first visit with a local dental implant place that has an excellent reputation.

And I got my taxes done today, for the first time in years! Well, actually, I submitted extension requests, and took a wild guess about how much state tax I'll owe, and submitted more than that along with the NC extension request. I don't think I'll owe anything to the IRS. More than I've done since 2007, believe it or not. Get 'er done!

Yep I have to take one of those Vit D's every other day. I filed an extension. Shouldn't owe anything but if I do it won't be a major factor so the interest won't be much. I always use Turbo Tax but was going to get it at Costco and we went there and walking around forgot so ordered it from Amazon will be here today. They gave an extra day cause their computer went wacky yesterday. One a week of those Vit D's should work that is the normal dosage for a normal person.

 

[2legsshrt]

Well my pregnant Gdaughter will be having her baby May 11th. She is due June 4th but she has something called Placenta Previa so if she doesn't start bleeding before that they will do a Cesarean on that day. Also on Jacob, her husbands, birthday and hers is the 22nd.

 

[bigbells]

While not at all subscribing to the doctor generated concept that doctors are gods (so, obviously not a doctor, and never even played on on TV), it might be that the doc want's to "kick start" the cholesterol reduction? Hence a "cocktail" of two reduction drugs? Maybe a better approach would be to take them both until the level is acceptable, then go off one? Getting it under control and then adjusting the meds might be the healthier approach...

Here's your change from the 2 cents:
I'm sure you're correct about the doctor's reasoning. However, one of the side effects of statin drugs is muscle soreness. I'd rather take the calculated risk of reducing my LDH cholesterol more slowly than have it be more painful to get around than it already is.

 

[DavidOck]

Yes, there is that potential. But it's not common. I was on a statin for several years, no problems, and with diet changes did get off them. Spouse is still on them, no problems. Whatever and good luck!!

 

[bigbells]

I always use Turbo Tax

I used Turbo Tax, but when once I completed the NC state income tax extension request, I was disappointed to find out that Turbo Tax didn't have any way for me to submit my estimated payment online, and I didn't want to drive back into town to mail the form and payment. So, for the state extension, I went directly to the state website and filed it that way instead. I'll still do the actual state return with Turbo Tax, unless it has to be mailed. I'm a bad retired mailman because I do things online whenever possible rather than through the mail.

 

[bigbells]

Yes, there is that potential. But it's not common. I was on a statin for several years, no problems, and with diet changes did get off them. Spouse is still on them, no problems. Whatever and good luck!!

Well, based on what you've said, maybe I'll reconsider. The statin that was prescribed is Simvastatin 10 mg once a day. I haven't checked to see if that's a low, medium or high dose. Here's the site where I read the info that made me not want to take a statin: Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks

 

[bigbells]

It turns out that 10 mg of Simvastatin is a pretty low dose. I'm going to start taking it tonight. I take my other meds in the morning but the instructions say to take Simvastatin at night. I think that's because of the possible side effect of confusion, drowsiness or memory loss. Thanks David O! I wouldn't have investigated further without your encouragement.

 

[MikeE3]

It turns out that 10 mg of Simvastatin is a pretty low dose. I'm going to start taking it tonight. I take my other meds in the morning but the instructions say to take Simvastatin at night. I think that's because of the possible side effect of confusion, drowsiness or memory loss. Thanks David O! I wouldn't have investigated further without your encouragement.

FWIW ... I've been on atorvastatin for a couple years and haven't noticed any side effects. Started at 10mg and now doing 20mg's a day.

 

[Flowersoul]

we recently got our tax return and lucky for me there was a little more than expected…it afforded me to buy a GMZ from the classies and a Jac and hubs a new chain saw. Now we're poor again but happy

What is this JAC of which you speak?

I've been so out of touch with new stuff cause I have everything I need and am very happy with it, but my curiosity has peeked!

 

[DancingHeretik]

JAC Vapour Series-B DNA 75w

 

[Flowersoul]

JAC Vapour Series-B DNA 75w

Thank you!

 

[bigbells]

Jumping JAC Vapour Flash?

 

[Kenna]

I'm supposed to take both. My doc won't find out that I'm only taking one of them until after I'm retested 2 months from now. Whether I inform him sheepishly or triumphantly will depend on what the new test results are. Of course if I have a stroke or heart attack between now and then I'll be sorry I second-guessed the doc.

The biggest thing working in my favor, IMO, is that I was sufficiently frightened by the lab results that I've reduced my drinking radically since being informed of those results 5 days ago. The second biggest thing is that being on the NSAID Meloxicam for the past week has enabled me to engage in a tad more physical activity, and the third biggest thing is that I've cut the fats I was consuming by about two thirds. I've only done it for 5 days, but I think I can keep it up. I'd gotten really careless about it.

I'm on a statin & am going to talk to my PCP about something else. I seem to have been having most of not all of the side effects. The Mom is on the same one & showing the same symptoms. Gotta be something else.

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[Bea-FL]

I'd be a lil more than upset that your doctor minimized those artery blockages.

Very glad to read that you are going for a second opinion to an interventional cardiologist as they are much more attuned to conditions such as your husband has.......mine has/had the same issue.
Interventional cardiologists have a more extensive knowledge as they have to complete a 2-3 year additional courses in cardiology.
Keep us updated and hoping for the best!

I was quite a bit more than upset. Lots of four letter words flew out of my mouth. If you can believe it the first cardio doc is also an interventional cardiologist but IMO he sucks at it.

What it boils down to…as has been stated in this and other threads…is that we have to be our own best advocate for anything medical. We should all always request the complete doctor notes so we can be sure they "get it right."

 

[2legsshrt]

It turns out that 10 mg of Simvastatin is a pretty low dose. I'm going to start taking it tonight. I take my other meds in the morning but the instructions say to take Simvastatin at night. I think that's because of the possible side effect of confusion, drowsiness or memory loss. Thanks David O! I wouldn't have investigated further without your encouragement.

Hey you won't need to drink to get that way.

 

[Kenna]

It turns out that 10 mg of Simvastatin is a pretty low dose. I'm going to start taking it tonight. I take my other meds in the morning but the instructions say to take Simvastatin at night. I think that's because of the possible side effect of confusion, drowsiness or memory loss. Thanks David O! I wouldn't have investigated further without your encouragement.

All statins have to be taken at night. No idea why. Muscle soreness is one side effect I don't have. I do have muscle weakness short term memory issues. I forget what else.

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