Health Uodate.

I think I have rested enough and am ready to share what has transpired at the d-o-c.

I visited with Dr. Honan, and the experience was a good one. He is a great cardiologist - he listened, he asked questions, he explained. Good man.

His nurse did the same, as well as the woman who performed an EKG.

So....

First thing - I am now on a strict Mediterranean style diet. Which I actually find delightful!
For those who may not be as aware of what that means, I will end this blog post with an example of what I am supposed to eat.

Second thing - my blood pressure is up. Even with my meds - it's still fairly high.
So my medicine has changed - to not only a beta- blocker, but now a alpha/beta blocker combo. We think this will 1. lower the pressure 2. help with the possible arrhythmia I might be experiencing.

Then I am also to track my BP for two weeks at various times and mail it in to Dr. Honan.

On Nov. I am having a Renal Doppler scan. I am also doing a 48 hour urine sample. (neither are plea sent.)

We are looking for two things - one - if there is a blocked artery in my kidney. Second - for a tumor on my adrenal gland.

The thing is - the adrenal one - this could explain the years and years of panic attacks with no known causes. It can also explain the insanely high blood pressure with no reason (since I was 13.)

The blocked artery is another I am not thrilled with. But with it being in the kidney - it can explain why I have had issues for years (since youth.)

I am trying to remain positive. I have sooo much information at my fingertips. Thank God I work for a research organization on cardiovascular disease and stroke. Thank God I have insurance. Thank God I know what questions to ask.

I don't know what is next. But I am going to control what I can. I can choose to make better eating choices. I can walk for at least 30 minutes every day. These are things I can do.

The tests - they are what they are. And the good news is - they may be absolutely nothing. He said the probability in general is low, but for my history/etc. it could explain alot.

PS - it's mostly genetic..

Good news - those pounds should FLY off. LOL

So - for those who want to give my Cardiologist approved diet a try - here is what he is recommending:

Breakfast:
Banana, tangerine, blueberries, grapes or dried apricots
Oatmeal
Poached or scrambled eggs no more than 3 x a week
hot tea
Fresh crusty whole-grain bread with jam or peanut butter.

Lunch:
Bean & pasta soup with fresh crusty bread
vegetable salad with walnuts, orange slices, avocado and olive oil and herbs
water or tea
raspberries, raisins, cherries, melon, figs, peaches, apples or pears
low-fat six inch subway on whole wheat bread

Dinner:
Grilled rainbow trout with roast potatoes, asparagus and rosemary. vegetable salad with almonds and Olive oil vinaigrette. strawberries, peaches or prunes

chicken and pasta with tomato sauce. salad with chickpeas, black olives, avocado and reduced fat feta cheese. mango , berries or dried fruit


shish kebabs with scallops, onions, peppers and tomatoes basted in olive oil. spinach salad with walnuts and various raw veggies and olive oil/balsamic vinegar dressing. kiwi, papaya or melon

wine, tea or water . crusty whole grain bread

Snacks:
small hand fulls of nuts or raisins. (walnuts, almonds, peanuts)
dried apricots, sunflower seeds, olives or grapes
avocado slices

Other rules:
Meat - Monthly only
Weekly: Sweets, eggs, poultry, fish
Daily - Cheese & yogurt, olive oil, fruits, beans, legumes & nuts, veggies, bread, pasta, rice couscous, polenta and other whole grains & potatoes

Daily physical activity - at least 30 minutes.

Soooooooooooooooo....

Here we go!!