I went more than I did the other day. I read magnesium is very good for lowering cholesterol but my g.i. doctor said to stop taking phillips caplets

I remember very clearly that you asked your pdoc to increase the Aplenzin because you didn't think it was working as well anymore. Taking the higher dose may help with the increased anxiety, jumpiness, and feelings of being out of control you are experiencing now. You sound very uncomfortable. Could you talk to, or email, your pdoc about it?

I'm sorry that you feel like you need to cancel your lunch date with Zeynep. I hope that you can reschedule it. I know that you enjoy talking with her, and it would be good for you to get out...
I'm sorry that you don't feel well today (((HUGS)))

You can try taking 100mg of Colace at night along with the Lactulose you are taking if you feel like you need to soften your stools to make them easier to pass. I was on Lactulose many years ago, and that's what I would do.
Have suppositories helped you in the past? They never worked for me.

Thanks so much. I will order some. I think I am going to see my doctor soon.
I know he can't raise the klonopin since I am taking 4mg.
fondly
bobby

I see my pdoc on sept 5 at 10:15.

my caseworker is coming over tomorrow afternoon. I guess I sounded horrible on the phone. I ordered a lot of grape juice. I think red wine can raise your blood pressure and pure grape juice an help lower your cholesterol. I read up again on Praulent and it can possibly affect your liver and something about diabetes. It said they don't know how it affects you long term. Practically all mood stabilizers make you gain weight. I am s o overweight as it is and have been afraid to get on the scale besides going through the frustration of balancing myself to get the digital scale to work. I can't read the numbers of the other scale.
robert is coming over this evening with Danny and I will give him the unchewable leash, a couple of bones and a stuffed toy.
I have been running my ac non stop and don't give a sh@t about the cost.
bobby
the antidepressant is beginning to work again.

I am glad that you are running your ac.
why grape juice?
((((HUGS))))
bizi

as I wrote I think it can lower cholesterol.

Grape juice may not provide much buzz, but you still can toast to good health when it comes to its ability to avert heart disease. Alcohol in moderation can relax blood vessels and increase levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol. But the substances thought to provide much of red wine's heart benefits -- resveratrol and flavonoids -- also are found in grape juice, especially the variety made from red and dark purple Concord grapes.

Independent studies have found that, like alcohol, grape juice can reduce the risk of blood clots and prevent LDL ("bad" cholesterol) from sticking to coronary arteries, among other cardiac benefits. One, conducted by scientists at the University of Wisconsin and published in the journal Circulation, looked at the effects of two servings of Concord grape juice a day in 15 people with coronary artery disease. After two weeks, the subjects had improved blood flow and reduced oxidation of LDL. Oxidized LDL can damage arteries.

Other studies in humans and animals, including one last year in the journal Atherosclerosis, have shown that daily consumption may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But beware: Some varieties of juice have sugar and artificial ingredients.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Studies suggest that some kinds of grape juice may provide the same cardiac benefits provided by red wine.

sounds really healthy!
bizi

I started eating two or three kiwis a day. They have so many benefits! They are available year round

It’s official: Daily kiwi fruit consumption can alleviate and prevent chronic constipation
Constipation – generally defined as infrequent bowel movements (less than three a week) and/or difficult passage of stools – is considered chronic if it persists for more than a few weeks.

Rich in antioxidants and high in fiber, kiwi fruit has a potent anti-inflammatory effect that can cause overall improvement in bowel function – and relieve chronic constipation.

Specifically, studies have shown that daily consumption of kiwi fruit improves the softness and bulk of stools, thereby increasing the frequency and ease of bowel movements while reducing uncomfortable “straining.”

And, unlike harsh laxatives, kiwi fruit alleviates constipation without causing diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal system. It’s characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Treatment of this debilitating disease can be difficult.

In 2010, a study was carried out to see what effect the consumption of kiwi fruit would have on IBS constipation symptoms. A total of 41 patients with IBS constipation participated in the study, which took place over four weeks of treatment. Findings were overwhelmingly positive. The patients’ weekly defecation frequency significantly increased, while colon transit time significantly decreased.

I finally got on the scale. I was shocked, I thought I gained ten pounds because of the constipation, I actually lost four. My stomach is still bothering me so I have been drinking a lot of soup. I did go out with my friend and had a hamburg and french fries and it didn't bother my stomach. I was craving that and still am.
Robert came over and I gave Danny a new leash, stuffed animal and two little bones. He came in and immediately jumped on the bed and proceeded to tear off the wrapping and chewed up and ate one of the bones/ I ordered more for when he comes over.
Robert also scared me about cholesterol. I am so scared of the injectable drug and my cholesterol especially since I already had a stroke. I am hardly sleeping. I see the new cardiologist to see what he says.
I am scared of seeing the caseworker today. I seem to be slightly paranoid.
I did start using the recumbent bike.

I was reading a magazine in a waiting room yesterday and saw an ad for yellow kiwi fruit, and instantly thought of you. I don't know if they have the same beneficial properties as regular kiwi fruit, but I thought that it was pretty cool that they are out there.

I'm glad that you did go out with your friend. Was it Zeynep? I'm glad you enjoyed your food, and it didn't bother you. I really enjoy a good hamburger every now and then (I know Bizi does, too). I hope you had a nice time :)

I think that the grape juice is a great idea! I know you are not a big drinker, but you could always still have a glass of wine if you are in the mood ;)

I'm glad that Danny liked his presents! What did Robert think of the new leash? Does he think it will stand up to Danny's chewing?

Why are you scared about the visit with your caseworker? Mine just listens and offers to do things for me (most of which I decline).

Sometimes I do get a little paranoid about some things when if I'm stable even if there's no real reason for it.

I hope the visit goes okay (((HUGS)))

Are Green Kiwi Fruit & Gold Kiwi Fruit Nutritionally the Same? | Livestrong.com
there are only a few differences. Yellow is higher in folate and green are higher in fiber.
I had a very nice time with Zeynep. We stayed longer because it was raining.We ate about 2. My gas pains went away at eleven so I didn't cancel. She is quite beautiful and takes excellent care of herself but she doesn't like to spend the money on cabs. She is going to be 81 next week but she doesn't look more than sixty. She is very very bright and very well traveled. She is a Moslem and has been all over the middle east and knows so much about it.
she is
Turkish She reads the New York Times every morning. We often talk about politics and health. She is extremely liberal and has had a black boyfriend for over 30 years. She has three children, four grand children, and the most adorable great granddaughter. She slowed me a video clip of her eating peas. It was so funny. She is about one.
Robert didn't open the leash while he was here but he let Danny chew up a small bone. Robert had ice cream and wanted to go home fast.
I haven't told the case worker how much money I have. Alice has spent so much money on my rent for I think eight years that I want to leave her money if I die before her. Alice says it is not important.Also if Alice dies before me I will need that money to pay the rent. This way I am not payuing for meals on wheels or Marci who comes twice a week.
I am so scared of becoming totally paralysed from another stroke that I get so frightened when I have to talk about my high cholesterol. I don't want to die but I am not as afraid of a heart attack. Talking about it makes me so scared. My bipolar anxiety really kicks in and interferes with my antidepressant.
My laxative still doesn't much. I should get the suppositories and the stool softener today. I think I have to talk about that. That also really scares me. I hope the kiwis work..
The caseworker is a very nice woman but I don't know how deep she is.
love
bobby
what if he can't find a laxative that works?

The kiwiws may give you some bulk to your stools which would be great since you seem to have diarrhea when you do go. Is it still that way for you bobby?
bizi

I haven't been going now. It wasn't diarrhea. I had diarrhea when I drank magnesium citrate or had 7 Phillips caplets when the directions were to take only 4. That was the only way I could go. I expected diarrhea then.

Bobby

I hope you have a good visit with the caseworker.

I think you could also talk to her about the issues with the
feeling you are having with your constipation. She might
have other senior citizens that are having the same issue.
And I do know that my mother before she died last year
had some problems with it. She had IBS, and another issue
that I can't spell. But suffice to say she had it for over 30 years
couldn't eat seeds and much in salads and things like that because
of it. And those were things she liked.

All I can think of is seeds in tomatoes. She loved tomatoes, and just
ate them anyway sometimes, and then would say okay stomach I know
but I just had to have that tomato. So I'll take your pain.

Donna :hug::grouphug:

I don't think mine was related to age but instead all the constipating medicine I was on and still am on some.
FINALLY the kiwis and the laxative worked big time. I am always going to have kiwis. I feel so relieved and less anxious and my stomach feels much better.
fondly
bobby

Bobby,

It's good to hear that your stomach is better and you're feeling
less anxious.




M

thanks but I don't seem to be out of the woods. My stomach started bothering me again and I haven't gone again. At least I really went. I have no idea what to eat. I just turned on Josh Groban/ i guess i am depressed and anxious

I am sorry you are depressed...and anxious.
I can't sleep... :(
bizi

Thank you. I can't sleep either. Also my stomach hurt I think from gas all night.
I just took two kiwis and the laxative and drinking a cup of coffee. I hope it works. I have three cardiologists' appointments and have to have my teeth cleaned. If this continues I will call for a endoscopy in the beginning of september. I was so excited when I finally went big time. I took more kiwis at night and then read that I shouldn't take too many kiwis. I don't know if I am reacting to that.
bobby

I just went and feel better.

I take 1250 mg of magnesium oxide to go regularly, have for quite some time.
I have not had hard stools in quite some time. I have been impacted in the past and have to strain and it hurts to pass the stool. I hate that and hope to never have that again. having to dig one self out is no fun at all, quite miserably actually!
When I saw my pdoc last she reviewed my supplements and said that I was taking to much magnesium..that the most I should take is 400mg.
I was sort of ****** about this....she has no right going there with me.
I did not say anything.


I won't be changing up this med because I am happy with the out comes.
IT SUCKS TO BE TRULY CONSTIPATED AND unable to pass stool when it is hard etc.
bizi

Bobby

Keep doing things the way you are your doing a good job right
now. I think it just takes time sometimes to go.

Donna :hug::grouphug:

but do look up the warnings of too much magnesium.
Love
bobby

thanks. right now no stomach aches
fondly
bobby

still no stomach aches. I am so scared about my cholesterol after that nurse told me I was at a such high risk for a heart attack or another stroke. She is trying to have me take an injectible medicine which a lot of people report having bad side effects. Can't wait to hear what the new cardiologist will say. My antidepressant can't handle this so it is not working. Nor can my anxiety pill handle it. I have almost convinced myself that I won't make it to 76. I have been talking to God a lot and trying to find comfort. Josh Groban is still playing.
Yesterday I talked to Zeynep about the violence in the country. I went over to Cecilia's to see Prince who had been fixed the day before. He gave me a huge greeting. He really is a special blissfully happy dog.
Bobby
Truth about high cholesterol - High Cholesterol Will Never Cause Heart Disease. Here's Why…

I just went and haven't taken the laxative or kiwis yet! This hasn't happened in years.
also reading a fun book.

That is good news bobby!
bizi

Kiwi: The Miracle Fruit to reduce Cholesterol!
Posted on November 25, 2013
A Taiwan study on 43 subjects with high lipid levels found that just two kiwis per day could significantly reverse lipid problems. HDL increased, as did vitamin C and vitamin E levels. What’s more, their LDL dropped as well.
This study confirms a Norwegian. In that trial, two to three kiwis per day dropped triglyceride levels by 15%. They also reduced platelet aggregation by 15%. Platelet aggregation clogs your arteries and places you at a higher risk of heart attacks and blood clots.
This is great news – but it gets even better. Kiwi and its vitamin C can do even more than drugs. Actually vitamin C can lower CRP levels. CRP is one of the few inflammation markers that accurately predicts an impending heart attack. If your CRP level is high, your risk of heart attack goes up significantly.
In a study out of UC Berkeley, vitamin C lowered CRP levels when they were high, but it didn’t affect them when they were normal or low. In fact, it worked better than statins in people with high levels of CRP!
Add all of this together and you get a miracle fruit that can significantly lower your risk of heart attack. So go ahead, eat two kiwis a day. It’s a delicious way to avoid a killer heart attack.

Additionally, the number of men in the kiwi who were considered hypertensive dropped significantly.

Plant-based foods like kiwi are cholesterol-free and contain compounds that may decrease your levels of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, and increase your high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol.
oh wow. kiwis are so wonderful. Later I went again. Just amazing.

Bobby

I would call your regular doctor and get a new chlesterol reading
after you have been doing the kiwi and other things for a while.

See if its changed the numbers at all. I would want to make sure
its current for the new cardiologist. Also it may be that with
the going regularly its changing the numbers and all.

Also the diet may have helped change the chlestorol
Donna :hug::grouphug:

there is a risk if you take a blood thinner which I do because of my stroke. I think it is worth the risk. I am not going to have an endoscopy because I stopped having stomach aches,
I see my gp in october and ask him to test my cholesterol again.
fondly
bobby

now I am really worried about the kiwis, spinach and leafy vegetables because they are all high in vitamin k which could make my blood too thin because of the blood thinner and I would just bleed.
Bizi thinking of you. just had some red wine and maybe I can sleep

Maybe the melatonin is finally kicking in....I slept 2 nights in a row really well.
I take 20mg of the combination long acting and short acting. and then chew a 3mg short acting one that I picked up at my pdocs office. I believe it helps too.
hope the wine helped you bobby. I took a klonipin in desperation the other night....need to save those for when I really need them as I don't have a script for any more.
Do you take the klonipin to help you sleep?
bizi

great. I take 2mg in morning and 2 at night for anxiety. I bought melatonin 3
I had tried it before and it did nothing but I will try it again.
the wine helped this morning.
I just spent an hour trying to figure out what was wrong with my computer.
that also meant that my phone wouldn't work. I finally plugged and unplugged the linksys and then it worked.
I am so confused about kiwis and plavix. I see the new cardiologist on the 14th and will ask him. Since the stroke I really am brain damaged and have a hard time understanding unless it is straight forward.
love
bobby

While certain foods and medications increase the effectiveness of your blood thinner, vitamin K actually decreases its effectiveness. However, you only need to be concerned with vitamin K in your diet if you are taking either Coumadin or Warfarin. Vitamin K helps promote blood clotting, counteracting the medication. You do not need to avoid foods with vitamin K, but it is recommended that you eat the same amount every day. Consuming too much or too little vitamin K on any given day can cause your blood to become too thick or too thin.
I TAKE PLAVIX

maybe the foods only effect coumadin? If I am reading that right?
bizi

or warfarin. a woman just called me from aarp and said I was approved of that cholesterol medication. I told her I am getting a second opinion about it. I am so anxious. kiwis sound so good. I have no trouble going now.
love
bobby
People taking this drug must have their blood monitored to measure the time it takes to clot, which can result in frequent adjustments of their dose. The use of warfarin is considered "full anticoagulation" and is felt to be more effective (a higher level) than other oral blood thinners.

Plavix is a drug known as an anti-platelet drug. This drug works on the platelets in the blood stream by causing them to be less "sticky". When clots form, platelets stick to each other as part of the clotting process. Other medications in this class of drug are aspirin, persantine and aggrenox. Unlike warfarin, monitoring blood levels or activity is not necessary.

Different situations require different levels (and types) of anticoagulation. Each case has its particular circumstances that influence a physician's choice, and in some cases, medications are combined to provide the optimal therapeutic benefit.

just called bristol myers squibb and was told they didn't have any reported bad incidences with kiwis and plavix

Bobby

My mother took comadin and you are correct her blood had
to be checked every few days. When she was in hospital or at
home. At home a home health nurse came when she was house
bound. When she was well enough to go out she went to the
clinic thanks to one of my sisters taking her. And they monitored
the K foods. I never understood what it meant. So thank you
for explaining it so elegantly.

But I think you are in the clear to at least enjoy some of it.

Donna :grouphug::hug:

I definitely feel relieved
fondly
bobby

eat your kiwi!
bizi:D

I just did! Why don't you try some?
Last night I ate too much. I still feel stuffed. I am also going to start having sweet potatoes. They are good for a lot of things.
Yesterday I went to ebay and saw a tunic I liked that was cheap. I didn't buy it! what a relief. I am hoping my spree is over. I have been addicted to buying tunics, went to ebay this morning and saw two cheap tunics I liked but thank goodness didn't buy them.
Yesterday I went to the bank with an aide. It was so nice.We talked a lot. Her mother had a heart transplant eight years ago. Yesterday I used her arm for support going to the bank and then coming back. We chatted at the bank for 15 minutes. The bank is only two blocks away. Everything seemed to be hurting. I think part of it was from using my recumbent bike. I will use it today! Marci came and she was so good to me. I told her my tops were a mess because when danny came over and robert let go of the leash, he leaped over the pile tops to get on the bed for goodies. The clothes got scattered. Marci had arranged them neatly last week. She wants robert to bring him over so she can see him again. I forgot if I wrote that I read that Basenjis are more like wild dogs than domesticated ones. You should see him chew!
Love
bobby
!
Sweet potatoes help regulate blood pressure
One cup of sweet potato baked in its skin provides 950 mg of potassium. That’s more than twice the amount in a medium banana. Potassium essentially sweeps excess sodium and fluid out of the body, which lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart. Potassium also helps regulate heart rhythm and muscle contractions. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, less than 2% of Americans meet the daily recommended potassium target of 4,700 mg.

They may help support weight loss
About 12% of the starch in sweet potatoes is resistant starch, a filling, fiber-like substance your body doesn’t digest and absorb. One study found that replacing just 5.4% of total carbohydrate intake with resistant starch resulted in a 20 to 30% increase in fat burning after a meal. Resistant starch also prompts the body to pump out more satiety-inducing hormones.

Thanks for the info about sweet potatoes!

bizi