| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 3:58:49 PM
Hi Farmgirl sisters,
My blood pressure has been out of control for many weeks now and I'm finally gonna ask ya here for any help ya can give.
It's down to 152/80 at the lowest for a few hours a day...but morning and evening it stays way up to at least 184/100. Dr. has increased both meds and nothing helps. This has only happened since I moved here....to the 12th floor on a high rise apt. I ride the elevator everyday at least a couple times and it's an old rough one. One friend of mine says it's the height and elevator affecting my health. I am very happy here and not really worried about anything...until now with this bp.
:-(  I know I need to exercise more and also cut down on salt. I've been on meds for 30 years for this hight bp and it was controlled well for many years. Dr. has told me to go to the ER if it won't go down below 184. I'm tired of doing that and being tested for stroke or heart problems...nothing is ever found except a memory/cognitive problem. I just stay home alot and rest.
Any feedback? 
Linda in Scranton, PA
I see trees of green and red roses too...skys of blue and clouds of white, and I think to myself...what a wonderful world.
Louis Armstrong |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 5:14:01 PM
Linda--it's a good thing you didn't sign anything for the assisted living place--you wouldn't have been happy there. I'm sure the social workers can come up with a solution to the problems you are experiencing. I know you just gave your dog away, but there are special support dogs which are trained to remind you when to take your meds. They can also guide you home if you become lost. I hope everything works out well for you. You are a sweet lady and I know god is watching over you (((hugs)))
Cindy
"Dog is my co-pilot"
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| Karrieann |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 07:24:45 AM
(((HUGS)))
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My Blog: ...following my heart, dreams and Jesus ...http://karrieann-followingmyheartandjesus.blogspot.com/
My Etsy: Yesterday's Scraps, Tomorrow's Treasures ...http://www.etsy.com/shop/2TomorrowsTreasures |
| Alee |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 06:58:01 AM
Linda- I hope you find some help soon *hugs*. This sounds like you have been having a really rough time.
Just wondering- but do you keep a calender in the house? I was wondering if you could have someone help dose out the medication as soon as you get home from the pharmacist and write down on the calender all you doctor appointments and days when you need to go to the pharmacy to get a refill and when you need to ask the doctor for a new prescription? I know it would mean more prep work, but could you get enough of those weekly pill organizers for a month and then put a piece of scotch tape and write the actual date to be used on the tape in sharpie and then stick it to the pills. That way each day would be measured out and you would know if you had taken the right pills or not. You could put your calendar somewhere where you would always see it. I have heard that for people with memory problems that writing notes and such can really help. *hugs*
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| classygram |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 06:14:13 AM
Oh Linda my prayers are with you. Take the time to find where you really would be happy. Do you have visiting nurses that can come in and set up you meds and check on you during the day? Something maybe you could check out. Good luck checking on the new one today.
Brenda
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" Mahatma Gandhi |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 05:57:24 AM
Hi sisters,
I took another look at the place for assisted living and they could not pay me to go there! It's mostly mentally ill people..lots of men :-(
The bedroom they showed me this time is smaller than ever and the lady to room with was staring and shaking obviously on stong med and metally disturbed. It was scarier than ever.
I came home crying and then got a call from the social workers here in this building. I had asked them a few times for help with these things and it has not worked out so I gave up already. I went down and cried and they convinced me that I should not move and they will get me whatever help I needed. I guess they didn't realze the help I needed. It is hard to tell things like this by personality and I am normally bright and cheerful.
Anyway, I am going to look at another place today just to see what it's like.
I am getting that kidney ultrasound soon too.
Thanks again for all the hugs and prayers.
luv, Linda |
| classygram |
Posted - Feb 28 2010 : 4:27:19 PM
Oh Linda, I wish I could be there to give you a BIG HUG! You know sometimes in the assisted living they have a group pet. You never know you may find another one to love. Just know that you can come here and talk anytime and we will always be there for you. HUGS!!
Brenda
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" Mahatma Gandhi |
| Karrieann |
Posted - Feb 28 2010 : 4:11:26 PM
Linda... (((HUGS)))
...sorry :o(
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My Blog: ...following my heart, dreams and Jesus ...http://karrieann-followingmyheartandjesus.blogspot.com/
My Etsy: Yesterday's Scraps, Tomorrow's Treasures ...http://www.etsy.com/shop/2TomorrowsTreasures |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 28 2010 : 3:21:53 PM
My young adopted son is in a group home about an hour north of where I am now. I see him on a regular basis and won't go any farther away from him. I raised him full time from birth until just a few months ago. The time I get to spend with him is priceless.
This place I plan to go to is right here in the town I am used to. I know that area very well and it's walking distance to stores and the mall, etc. I couldn't get very lost there. I have gotten lost in familiar places for so many years...it's just that now with my meds being so important and health like it is I can't make mistakes with meds like I had lately.
Today I said goodbye to my little dog I've had for about 4 months....I'll miss her but found a good loving home that is perfect for her.
I guess the sadness is part of the process of acceptance and I am human after all.
:-(
Linda in Scranton, PA
Jesus is a feminist. |
| Karrieann |
Posted - Feb 28 2010 : 3:06:42 PM
Awwwwe Linda
(((HUGS)))... maybe go to a different assisted living place.. even if it is another town or state?
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My Blog: ...following my heart, dreams and Jesus ...http://karrieann-followingmyheartandjesus.blogspot.com/
My Etsy: Yesterday's Scraps, Tomorrow's Treasures ...http://www.etsy.com/shop/2TomorrowsTreasures |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 28 2010 : 1:50:21 PM
Today I feel very sad about it all. I'm thinking that maybe I just got too scared the other day in the hospital. It's very hard to not have family or someone I can ask for rides, etc. This is an area of the country that does not want to help anyone that is not blood family...it's just not heard of.
There are friends I am making here that I enjoy knowing...the idea of having no privacy and sharing a bedroom is very hard to accept. I'm glad I haven't signed anything yet. Today I don't want to go at all.
I've got an earache after blowing my nose too hard, along with toothache from bad tooth...waaa wanna cry. :-(
Linda in Scranton, PA
Jesus is a feminist. |
| wildflower17 |
Posted - Feb 28 2010 : 1:12:14 PM
I know this could not have been an easy decision to make...but you are being very wise and responsible to make the choice to live somewhere that people are there to help take care of your needs...and prayerfully you will make new friends that will be there for you during this major change in your life...
Blessings...
Judy
"Country Girl at Heart"... |
| Karrieann |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 06:45:50 AM
Awwww Linda! (((HUGS)))
I am glad that you are strong enough to know that you need minor help with things. Now you'll have assistance when you need them. I hope you'll stay in touch with us too. I have grown fond of you.
(((HUGS)))
BIGGER (((HUGS)))
:o)
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My Blog: ...following my heart, dreams and Jesus ...http://karrieann-followingmyheartandjesus.blogspot.com/
My Etsy: Yesterday's Scraps, Tomorrow's Treasures ...http://www.etsy.com/shop/2TomorrowsTreasures |
| classygram |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 06:26:20 AM
Linda I so glad to hear you found a nice place where you know you will be confortable. I have a friend who just moved to assisted living and she loves it. Praying you find that also. Will you still be able to stay in touch with us on this site? Sure hope so, because we would miss talking with you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" Mahatma Gandhi |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 05:28:47 AM
Thanks so much for the hugs and encouragement.
I am trying to shorten the long post....lol 
Linda in Scranton, PA
Jesus is a feminist. |
| Annika |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 05:05:24 AM
(((((HUGS)))))))
This has got to be a hard decision to make. I'm thinking its for the best tho' and you won't have to wonder if you've taken your meds or not....that would be a blessing! Take care and keep in touch ok? Love and light
Email me any time and if I can I'll get right back to you =)
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
|
| prariehawk |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 04:05:20 AM
Linda--I'm glad you found a place you like. It's not an easy decision but you have to do what's best for you. Keeping track of your meds. is no easy task. I am praying that you will get a good roommate and make many new friends. Just be sure to keep in touch with us!
Cindy
"Dog is my co-pilot"
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 01:56:26 AM
Hi all, I was checked for diabetes. It is normal.
No swelling. I am not sure if kidneys are tested when the complete blood test is done twice a year. I can ask.
I was in the hospital for 3 days last week...went in with extremely high bp.... No heart attack and not alot of pain. After going to the ER with 224/107 bp and all this dificulty I realize it's time for assisted living.
I left the hospital with a new script-- an increase in one.
The pharmacy took a week to get it filled after I had forgotten it myself for 3 days..The pharmacy has made mistakes before..usually giving too small of a dose...grr
It is so hard to manage these days. I have real memory problems --on the new patch Excelon, not real demintia yet or Alzheimers. Doctors say to try the patch to see if it helps.
I tried everywhere I could go to get help with my med management and the only thing available are volunteers that call with a reminder to take morning pill. I just can't keep up with all the refills and asking Dr for new script after the refills are gone.
I have 7 different prescriptions with some once a day, some twice a day and one of them is 3 times a day....some as needed, one is once a week....
The Neurologist said to start looking for assisted living months ago, (because of memory loss)
I woke up in the middle of the night a few days ago and thought I'd missed night dose so took all the meds for the night on the wrong day...making it a double dose I had taken .....one of them being a heart rate med. I see this as life threatening. When I have a bp episode they test me for stroke or heart attack.
I found a place. It is not a nursing home. Residents are not bedridden and have freedom to come and go. Meds are managed, healthy meals are provided and transportation to appointments. The only drawback is roommates. I can live with the roommate situation and thank God there is a place for me. The good healthy meals sounds great! The manager said it is like a family and they care for each other like a family does.
I could use some encouragement from ya'll in this major life change.
Linda in Scranton, PA
Jesus is a feminist. |
| classygram |
Posted - Feb 06 2010 : 11:53:25 AM
Are you retaining fluid? I agree about checking the kidneys. My sister in law is a very thin girl but her BP was really high. After many test, it proved that it was her kidneys. Have they checked you for diabetes? My husband never had any problems with his BP until after he got diabetes. Just a thought. You a in my prayers that they can find someway to get your down. |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 05 2010 : 3:24:56 PM
great ideas...thanks!
Linda in Scranton, PA
Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! www.tut.com |
| KayB |
Posted - Feb 05 2010 : 3:20:00 PM
I second the garlic. I took my late husband to the ER with sky high blood pressure once and they were having trouble getting it down and he was miserable. His legs were swollen up really badly and horribly discolored. A nurse came in and told him to raise up his tongue. She priced a garlic capsule with a pin and squirted it under his tongue. They had the blood pressure cuff timed to take his BP every 5 minutes. Well, they brought in a sports injury and kind of ignored us for a while, but I started writing down the readings on the paper on the bed whenever it went off. I could not believe how quickly his blood pressure was dropping!!! After that he took garlic pills daily and it helped a lot. His problem was he would get a garlic taste sometimes, but I've heard the pills they make now are much better. So you might try that or using garlic in your cooking.
KayB
Life's a dance you learn as you go |
| Especially For You |
Posted - Feb 05 2010 : 06:52:01 AM
Linda,
Celery also lowers blood pressure. When my husbands gets a little high we start walking more and I put him on strickly celery snacks with a heart healthy diet.
Blessings,
Tina |
| pamcook |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 08:47:36 AM
Linda - a regular exercise program is going to help more than anything. Seriously - check into Curves. It's a program for women only, one that is fun and easy to do. The staff are the most encouraging women ever (maybe they're all Farm Girls?" and the price is very reasonable. You'll see results quickly - and that helps with motivation. Yoga would be a great thing to do, too.
www.ikat.org
www.longaberger.com/pamcook |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Jan 28 2010 : 4:50:55 PM
I hadn't thought about vitamins...I haven't taken vitamins in years....
yoga is a very good idea too...haven't tried that but I would enjoy it.
Linda in Scranton, PA
Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! www.tut.com |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Jan 28 2010 : 4:48:37 PM
In the MRIs that I have had they look for tumors and didn't see a stroke...but that has been many years now.
My latest bp med increase was a couple of weeks ago...and that was the 4th increase within 3 months...today it was 170/80 so still high...I'll go have it taken again tomorrow and I think I should insist on some testing ...the strange thing is it was managed very well for about 15 years until just the last 3 months...since I moved here.
Linda in Scranton, PA
Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! www.tut.com |
| southerncrossgirl |
Posted - Jan 28 2010 : 11:54:36 AM
Linda, I know you said they have checked for stroke, but did they do an MRI? I have a friend who just went through this, in fact she is in the hospital now. Today they did an MRI and said she did in fact have a stroke.
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
