Quick Update

[Uenth]

But how fluid is that in total? He may need substantially more... I target 64-128oz a day minimum IN JUST WATER, beyond soda etc. And I can feel the difference. Plus, if the soda and coffee has caffeine, it's a diuretic.

Easily 120+ but a lot is from caffeine. Our doc has always said that she doesn't care if your liquid has caffeine or not but I've always disagreed with that (privately). He's upped his water dramatically and is knocking off a lot of the caffeine (both coffee and dr pepper) so we'll see how he feels in a day or so. Right now, he's very rocky I know that.

 

[redfred]

Easily 120+ but a lot is from caffeine. Our doc has always said that she doesn't care if your liquid has caffeine or not but I've always disagreed with that (privately). He's upped his water dramatically and is knocking off a lot of the caffeine (both coffee and dr pepper) so we'll see how he feels in a day or so. Right now, he's very rocky I know that.

Interesting. It’s the first time I’ve heard that. I’m not a doctor so I won’t second guess.

 

[Uenth]

Interesting. It’s the first time I’ve heard that. I’m not a doctor so I won’t second guess.

Never made sense to me either. She specifically said that to me when I as in first of the month because my BP was elevated. We talked about my fluid intake. I specifically said how much was caffeine. She said that caffeine didn't matter - fluids were fluids. Hub had told me she said that to him. I always secretly had wondered if he had heard what he wanted to but, nope, that's what she said.

Speaking of diuretics, the third bp med (that hub hasn't taken today because most of this was at the very least exacerbated by that med) is also a med. I get putting him on that because if you have fluids building up in your chest cavity, that increases your bp. Seems like a catch-22 to me. We'll see what she has to say tomorrow.

 

[redfred]

No correlation but just a side piece of information. My father-in-law drank coffee all day and one highball every night………and almost no water for as long as I’ve known him. He lives at home, has a garden, and worked full time until 88 and part time until 92. He was forced into retirement at 65 and said this isn’t what I was born to do. Got a construction job entailing running heavy equipment and physical labor and stuck with that until his eyes created a situation that made it unsafe…..in his 90’s.

Recently his doctor said he needs water according kidney tests and fluctuating BP. He started with four glasses…….couldn’t handle it. He says he’s he’s drinking two a day……and…..well…..maybe.

The last existing WW ll vet in his legion is supposed to crack open a bottle of Whisky donated many decades ago, and and make a toast to those who have gone before. That honor is going to fall on him.

pretty sure there aren’t too many out there who have the right to tell him how to live his life. 97 and still cooks all his own meals……..They aren’t healthy ones either.Work hard and stay busy (he still rides a stationary bicycle) and the rest is just fluff in his opinion. He’s probably not correct……but I’m sure not gonna tell him that.

 

[Doc Fumble]

That's about all I know right now. Just a day to day thing.

Thanks for the update, Uenth!

No correlation but just a side piece of information. My father-in-law drank coffee all day and one highball every night………and almost no water for as long as I’ve known him. He lives at home, has a garden, and worked full time until 88 and part time until 92. He was forced into retirement at 65 and said this isn’t what I was born to do. Got a construction job entailing running heavy equipment and physical labor and stuck with that until his eyes created a situation that made it unsafe…..in his 90’s.

We all could probably live healthier lives. But for good or bad, I suspect the biggest factor in how long we live is heredity.

redfred's post about his father-in-law reminded me of my great-grandfather. After my great-grandmother died, he lived alone in his home in Alexandria, a small NE town near the State Lakes for probably 15 years. When he got into his 90s, my Aunt began getting worried about him living alone and tried to convince him he should move into a nursing home. He refused. Every year she kept hassling him about it and every year he'd say no. My Aunt really started getting on his case when he reached 95 and finally convinced him to do it when he reached the ripe old age of 97. He died in his sleep in the nursing home a few days after he moved in.

 

[RED ED]

So we still really don't know what's going on. We got the stress test results back and to quote our doc "Stress test looked great!". Words I didn't expect to hear about hub's almost 73 year old ticker but that was great news.

I mentioned that she had put hub on a 3rd bp med. He went in for blood work last Tuesday, mostly to check his sodium and potassium levels. They were marginally low, like just under to low end of the median so not a big deal. Plus he looked at his past history on lab work and he's generally on the low end of the median or slightly under so not particularly a big change.

The issue is that doc emailed him that he's dehydrated, enough that she's wanting him to push fluids. My first thought was how in the heck is supposed to push more fluids. He's always drinking sodas or coffee, not to mention what we drink with meals (all non alcoholic, FTR). This explains the issues we've noticed since he switched to the new bp med. A lot more weakness plus dizzy/light headed which is definitely a new thing. He just has never felt as lousy as he's been feeling since starting the new med.

He supposed to have the labs run again next week, in addition to "pushing fluids". I am pleased that he's now drinking water instead of so much soda as I've never been convinced that sodas are "as good as water" -- I have one Frostie root beer a week and other than that I drink water once my big glass of iced tea runs out.

So this morning he got up and had me check his bp first thing because he just felt "weird" as he put it. Doc wants him under 130 and he was 128, without taking the third med. He's been taking that with his after breakfast meds. Anyway he was a few points under 130. He made a command decision to discontinue that med as most of his current symptoms started in conjunction with the new med. We have no idea what caused the issues when we went to er.

He'll go on the portal tomorrow and let doc know that he's not taking the third med and see what she says.

I'm really much more concerned with the dehydration issue. I'm sure she'll still want him to do the blood test as that can be an indication of a serious kidney issue, one of the many fun side effects of having diabetes, even when your blood sugar is pretty much under control as his is.

That's about all I know right now. Just a day to day thing.

If they put him on hydro (something I can’t remember) it lowers potassium levels while making you drank more water .be watching doc had to pull me off it my levels got really low.
Hope he gets well and fast

 

[Chris]

Easily 120+ but a lot is from caffeine. Our doc has always said that she doesn't care if your liquid has caffeine or not but I've always disagreed with that (privately). He's upped his water dramatically and is knocking off a lot of the caffeine (both coffee and dr pepper) so we'll see how he feels in a day or so. Right now, he's very rocky I know that.

I've heard it from doctors that that is a "path of least resistance" - if there's no obvious downside to your caffeine consumption, they'd rather you just get your liquids in rather than trying to convince you to just drink water or change your habits.

 

[Doc Fumble]

I've heard it from doctors that that is a "path of least resistance" - if there's no obvious downside to your caffeine consumption, they'd rather you just get your liquids in rather than trying to convince you to just drink water or change your habits.

Those are wise doctors.

 

[Uenth]

I've heard it from doctors that that is a "path of least resistance" - if there's no obvious downside to your caffeine consumption, they'd rather you just get your liquids in rather than trying to convince you to just drink water or change your habits.

That makes good sense. I don't drink that much caffeine. One cup of coffee and one glass of tea (large - maybe 32 oz.) Lasts me mid afternoon. After that, I'm sucking water for the remainder of the day.

At any rate, hub's been sucking water all day, other than one diet root beer (caffeine free). He does seem to be feeling a bit better, about 36 hours now since he took the last of those bp meds but his bp is about 15 points higher.

He's sending our doc an email through their portal in the morning. I suspect another doctor visit is coming up.

 

[Uenth]

If they put him on hydro (something I can’t remember) it lowers potassium levels while making you drank more water .be watching doc had to pull me off it my levels got really low.
Hope he gets well and fast

He's on spironolactone. Among other things a diuretic. Anyway, that's the one he's not taking right now.

 

[Jarhead Husker]

I hope your husband gets his medical issues sorted out. It doesn't sound like a lot of fun, and I hope he finds relief soon.

 

[Uenth]

I hope your husband gets his medical issues sorted out. It doesn't sound like a lot of fun, and I hope he finds relief soon.

Thanks, and no it is not a lot of fun. Mostly worrisome from my standpoint. He's just mostly miserable, though he has perked up as the day wears on.

Good to hear from you jarhead. Your input is missed!

 

[MRJFB]

"We all could probably live healthier lives. But for good or bad, I suspect the biggest factor in how long we live is heredity." (Doc)

True. Bad things happen to you whether you live like a monk or not. But once some illness besets you its good to be living a healthy lifestyle and continue doing so.

 

[Uenth]

"We all could probably live healthier lives. But for good or bad, I suspect the biggest factor in how long we live is heredity." (Doc)

True. Bad things happen to you whether you live like a monk or not. But once some illness besets you its good to be living a healthy lifestyle and continue doing so.

Exactly. Depending on weather/time of year, I walk our two dogs between 2 and 3-1/2 miles a day. Some days I really force myself to but then I remember how his mother languished from sitting on her back side because that's what she thought retirement meant and I'm motivated.

Hub would like to do more and tries to but his body doesn't cooperate well. Not much I can do about that except encourage him to do as much as possible and try like hell to prevent that from happening to me.

 

[redfred]

Exactly. Depending on weather/time of year, I walk our two dogs between 2 and 3-1/2 miles a day. Some days I really force myself to but then I remember how his mother languished from sitting on her back side because that's what she thought retirement meant and I'm motivated.

Hub would like to do more and tries to but his body doesn't cooperate well. Not much I can do about that except encourage him to do as much as possible and try like hell to prevent that from happening to me.

Life isn't always fair. Those who do the most they can with what they have are the real champions. Both of you stay strong.

 

[Jarhead Husker]

Thanks, and no it is not a lot of fun. Mostly worrisome from my standpoint. He's just mostly miserable, though he has perked up as the day wears on.

Good to hear from you jarhead. Your input is missed!

Well, I hope your hubby is doing a bit better by now.
I am hoping to show my face around BHF more as we move into the fall football season. The last 18 months have been challenging for me, with Kidney Stone issues, a tumor issue/removal, and then a move to Florida after spending most of my life in Nebraska. And, I lost my passion for Husker football while watching the $h!tshow that it had become under Frost. I just didn't care to follow it or watch the team play. Now I have some renewed hope with Rhule at the helm, so I plan on following things again. We are settled here in Florida, and I am liking it. I was able to be outside all winter and not freeze my $ss off in -20 degree wind chills....I never used to mind the cold, but now that I'm in the warmer climate, the change has been good. We are also closer to our kids now, and we have some new stomping grounds to explore....So far, I like the direction Rhule seems to be taking the program, but this fall will be the true test.

 

[Chris]

Well, I hope your hubby is doing a bit better by now.
I am hoping to show my face around BHF more as we move into the fall football season. The last 18 months have been challenging for me, with Kidney Stone issues, a tumor issue/removal, and then a move to Florida after spending most of my life in Nebraska. And, I lost my passion for Husker football while watching the $h!tshow that it had become under Frost. I just didn't care to follow it or watch the team play. Now I have some renewed hope with Rhule at the helm, so I plan on following things again. We are settled here in Florida, and I am liking it. I was able to be outside all winter and not freeze my $ss off in -20 degree wind chills....I never used to mind the cold, but now that I'm in the warmer climate, the change has been good. We are also closer to our kids now, and we have some new stomping grounds to explore....So far, I like the direction Rhule seems to be taking the program, but this fall will be the true test.

Good to see you back

 

[Uenth]

Well, I hope your hubby is doing a bit better by now.
I am hoping to show my face around BHF more as we move into the fall football season. The last 18 months have been challenging for me, with Kidney Stone issues, a tumor issue/removal, and then a move to Florida after spending most of my life in Nebraska. And, I lost my passion for Husker football while watching the $h!tshow that it had become under Frost. I just didn't care to follow it or watch the team play. Now I have some renewed hope with Rhule at the helm, so I plan on following things again. We are settled here in Florida, and I am liking it. I was able to be outside all winter and not freeze my $ss off in -20 degree wind chills....I never used to mind the cold, but now that I'm in the warmer climate, the change has been good. We are also closer to our kids now, and we have some new stomping grounds to explore....So far, I like the direction Rhule seems to be taking the program, but this fall will be the true test.

Yeah, last season was extremely difficult. Felt like I was being a Negative Nan. So glad we're over that hump. I'm excited to see where HCMRh is going to lead the team. Finally under 100 days until opening game!

As far as hub. He went off his 3rd, newest BP med. Within 72 hours, he was back to where he was the day before I took him to ER. What was going on when I took him to ER, we frankly have no idea. His stress test revealed no blockages or other concerns. HIS BP in the ER and for about a week later was pretty high. Not stroke high but about 40 points higher than our doc's target. I've started taking his BP first thing and after lunch. He's been at doc's target when he first gets up and then high 110's or low 120's after his BP meds kick in so, for now at least, his BP seems to be back on track.

I suspect he's got fluid building up in his chest cavity and that accounts for his coughing/wheezing. After a couple days on that third med, his cough had greatly subsided, as had his wheezing and once he discontinued the med, those symptoms returned. He's due for his annual the first of July so, barring anything unforseen, we're going to ride things out and see what doc says in July.

The worst part of these little setbacks is that he never quite gets back to where he was before whatever happens. He's a big dude but some days I feel like if I poked him with my thumb in his chest, he'd collapse. Someone once said that getting old is not for the feint of heart and boy is that ever true.

Meh. It is our 41st today. Had a nice quiet day. Stayed out of my studio, resisted the urge even to go downstairs and quilt. Spent a lot of time in the garden this morning and then tried to clean up a climbing rose I butchered last week when I trimmed it. Made Chocolate Chip Cookies and had Godfather's deliver. Just a nice, quiet day today!

 

[RED ED]

Yeah, last season was extremely difficult. Felt like I was being a Negative Nan. So glad we're over that hump. I'm excited to see where HCMRh is going to lead the team. Finally under 100 days until opening game!

As far as hub. He went off his 3rd, newest BP med. Within 72 hours, he was back to where he was the day before I took him to ER. What was going on when I took him to ER, we frankly have no idea. His stress test revealed no blockages or other concerns. HIS BP in the ER and for about a week later was pretty high. Not stroke high but about 40 points higher than our doc's target. I've started taking his BP first thing and after lunch. He's been at doc's target when he first gets up and then high 110's or low 120's after his BP meds kick in so, for now at least, his BP seems to be back on track.

I suspect he's got fluid building up in his chest cavity and that accounts for his coughing/wheezing. After a couple days on that third med, his cough had greatly subsided, as had his wheezing and once he discontinued the med, those symptoms returned. He's due for his annual the first of July so, barring anything unforseen, we're going to ride things out and see what doc says in July.

The worst part of these little setbacks is that he never quite gets back to where he was before whatever happens. He's a big dude but some days I feel like if I poked him with my thumb in his chest, he'd collapse. Someone once said that getting old is not for the feint of heart and boy is that ever true.

Meh. It is our 41st today. Had a nice quiet day. Stayed out of my studio, resisted the urge even to go downstairs and quilt. Spent a lot of time in the garden this morning and then tried to clean up a climbing rose I butchered last week when I trimmed it. Made Chocolate Chip Cookies and had Godfather's deliver. Just a nice, quiet day today!

Uenth keeping you 2 in my heart . I do hope things get better and soon

 

[redfred]

Yeah, last season was extremely difficult. Felt like I was being a Negative Nan. So glad we're over that hump. I'm excited to see where HCMRh is going to lead the team. Finally under 100 days until opening game!

As far as hub. He went off his 3rd, newest BP med. Within 72 hours, he was back to where he was the day before I took him to ER. What was going on when I took him to ER, we frankly have no idea. His stress test revealed no blockages or other concerns. HIS BP in the ER and for about a week later was pretty high. Not stroke high but about 40 points higher than our doc's target. I've started taking his BP first thing and after lunch. He's been at doc's target when he first gets up and then high 110's or low 120's after his BP meds kick in so, for now at least, his BP seems to be back on track.

I suspect he's got fluid building up in his chest cavity and that accounts for his coughing/wheezing. After a couple days on that third med, his cough had greatly subsided, as had his wheezing and once he discontinued the med, those symptoms returned. He's due for his annual the first of July so, barring anything unforseen, we're going to ride things out and see what doc says in July.

The worst part of these little setbacks is that he never quite gets back to where he was before whatever happens. He's a big dude but some days I feel like if I poked him with my thumb in his chest, he'd collapse. Someone once said that getting old is not for the feint of heart and boy is that ever true.

Meh. It is our 41st today. Had a nice quiet day. Stayed out of my studio, resisted the urge even to go downstairs and quilt. Spent a lot of time in the garden this morning and then tried to clean up a climbing rose I butchered last week when I trimmed it. Made Chocolate Chip Cookies and had Godfather's deliver. Just a nice, quiet day today!

Congrats on your 41st. Sometimes quiet days are the best.