Entry for September 10, 2005
We were at the doctors for quite a while. He saved me for last so he wasn't so rushed. It has been quite sometime since I had been in for an official visit. I am always struck at his true kindness and caring towards Dan and I. Dr. Li sees Dan and I out and about around town, and he always stops and visits. He is also a customer of Dan's.
We always brainstorm at my visits. We throw around what the most prevelant of symptoms are, which ones are worst, which ones we should treat first and what treating one symptom would do to the other symptoms. But here is our plan of attack :
1. He is going to call Vanderbilt and found out what information they need for a referral.
2. Keep Atenolol at 1/2 tab qam. (this is for my heart rate)
3. Re-start Florinef one quater tab qd (this medicine makes my blood pressure increase by causing my body to retain sodium. Just for the record, I HATE THIS Medicine.) I have been on this medicine two other times. It does help, but we know that I can't stay on it forever as my blood pressure steadily increases and increases and increases. The first time I was on this medicine I was not on the home med monitor and failed to realize my blood pressure was increasing to dangerous levels. I blacked out in the shower one day Dan came and got me and took me into to the docs. My blood pressure was over 200. The second time I was on the drug I had the home med monitor. The home med monitor is an automated blood pressure/heart rate/weight machine that is computerized to automatically summon me to measure my vital signs at 9am and 6pm. I can also trigger it as needed. The results are then transmitted via phone line to my home health agency. Then their computer software flags anything out of the norm. The nurses then fax my reports to Dr. Li whenever he needs them. So, getting back to the second time, this monitor saved me from a high blood pressure crisis. By having the daily results we could see where my blood pressure was gradually increasing over time. We were able to discontinue the med before it sent me into a crises. I anticipate this is what will happen again. But, I will get to feeling a little better for a little while.
4. Take the propranolol as needed for abnormal heart beats, high heart rates and chest pain.
5. Follow-up in one month.
6. Discussed the possibility of discontinuing the atenolol all together and only taking the propranolol as needed. He feels I should be able to function with my heart rates consistently in the 100 to 105's. Said I should only be concerned if my heart rates are in the 120's. This is wher him and I disagree. I don't tolerate my heart rate above 100 at all. At 105 I get short of breath and only feel good if I am lying down. (my heart rate drops if I am lying down). So, I don't think eliminating the atenolol is ever going to happen. This morning my heart rate was 117 when I got up.
7. Try benadryl for sleep if that doesn't work, he has some other ideas.
8. Will research other alternative to neurontin but feel that neurontin is probably the best option for my autonomic neuropathy at this time. (This makes my legs have pain, feel like they are on fire, feel cold, etc.) Part of the reason I'm not able to fall asleep and stay asleep.
So, we did cover a lot of things. He also scolded me for not coming in sooner. Said he worry's about me when he doesn't hear from me. That's why he is making me come back in one month...
He is very anxious to get me the referral to Vanderbilt so hopefully we will know soon!