Thirteen Months After Open Heart Surgery

What a difference a year makes!!  Today I get reading to leave to see the Green Bay Packers play the New York Giants.  This will be my FOURTH Packer game this year!

What a difference a year makes!!!!!

Last year, I not able to attend any!  Because of my open heart surgery, I was out to Green Bay to see the Broncos, travel to Kansas City to see the Chiefs, and up to New York to see the Giants!  Now game four, again the Giants, but now the march to the Super Bowl!

What a difference a year makes!!!!!


This year, I'm able to walk 5 miles, I walked my son's new wife Erliza down the aisle, I walked up to the top row of Giants stadium, and walked & DANCED at Sue & my 40th year class reunions!

What a difference a year makes!!!!!


This year I was back to coaching track and field!  The Boys won another PIAA State Title!  My pole vaulter Ty, won the League title in the pole vault and the girls, Kayla & Dani took 2nd & 3rd at Leagues! I introduced my first Hempfield Hall of Fame inductee - Jeff Fritz!

What a difference a year makes!!!!!


So, as I travel to Green Bay, 13 months from my surgery, I am again very grateful!  Grateful for my friends & family, the doctors & nurses, and awesome wife, and a AWESOME God!


What a difference a year makes!!!!!

Health Update

OK, where is Albright 13 months after open heart surgery?  Here is the latest:

Tuesday - Cardiologist Appointment

Blood Pressure - 120/80
Blood Work - everything was great, did not do a cholesterol, but did a Basic Metabolic Panel

Glucose   -   97   -   Range (65-100)
Sodium   -   139   -   Range (135-145)
Potassium   -   4.2   -   Range (3.4-5.4)
Chloride   -   104   -   Range (98-107)
CO2   -   31.0   -   Range (24.0 - 32.0)
Anion Gap   -   4   -   Range (5-15)  (Low)
BUN   -   12   -   Range (8-22)
Creatine   -   0.9   -   Range (0.7-1.2)
BUN/Creatine Ratio   -   13   -   Range (10-20)
Osmolalality Calculated   -   277   -   Range (275-300)
Calcium   -   9.0   -   Range (8.5-10.0)

So, what does all this mean?  Everything was in range except the Anion Gap & what is that?

Anion gap is an 'artificial' and calculated measure that is representative of the unmeasured ions in plasma or serum (serum levels are used more often in clinical practice).


SO, mine is LOW, that means?  Found some interesting discussions on Low - Anion Gap


Low Anion Gap Symptoms


Low Anion Gap

Low Anion gap result in my latest blood tests?? and iron question.

Cardiologist Appointment

Today I had a meeting with my cardiologist (the one that specializes in PVC''s - my electrical issues)  All went well, he was happy with my progress!  He checked my blood tests & listened to my results when I exercise.  Here are some of my questions & answers are in red.

Questions:

1 – Heart Monitor – now PVC’s will happen at 110-115?

            OK, keep an eye on the monitor & if I have any symptoms – light headed?

2 – Did not start potassium?

            OK, level was 4.2 – average is 3.4-5.4

3- Continue Meds?

            OK, Plavix (75mg, Amlodipine 5mg, & Metoprolol 25 mg

4 – Generic for Lipitor, is it OK to take (saves bucks!)?

            Atorvastatin – is OK

5 – Any danger with exercise?

            No, just be smart.

6 – Heart Cath area is felt when sitting or driving?

            Checked & seems ok, could be scar tissue.

7 – What was blood pressure?

            125/80

8 – Next appointment?

            January 2013 – all tests – blood & stress test.

So, moving on to my 13 month after by-pass things are looking good.  Just need to keep track of PVC's and maintain a heart healthy lifestyle!!!!

Heart Exercise - Rails to Trails

One of my favorite exercise is the old "Rails to Trails"  PA has a lot of old rail beds that make AWESOME trails to walk, bike or run!  Right now I'm still walking (and sneak a run once and awhile)

Today I did one of my closest & favorite - Lancaster Junction Trail!

Take a look at the overall website for the places in Lancaster County to walk!

ExplorePAtrails.com

A lot of choices and a great way to exercise!!!

Cholesterol: Fact or Fiction

How is you knowledge about Cholesterol?  Take a look at this article and serif you are up on the latest!

Cholesterol: Fact vs. Fiction

How did you do?

1- 20% of cholesterol comes from your diet!

2 - Focus on LDL

3 - A tablet of lipitor will not cancel a BIG MAC!

How about HIGH Cholesterol Foods!

Here we go:

1 - Cheeseburger (have had one since my operation!)
2 - Mac & Cheese (one bite in one year)
3 - Ice Cream (OK, once a month)
4 - Steak (Not one in a year!)
5 - Muffins (had a couple no saturated fat-no cholesterol)
6 - Sea Food - NO LOBSTER!
7 - Chicken, but NO Fried Chicken!
8 - No liver

It is difficult, but I have tried to stay away from problem food!  Doctor visit this week, we will see how I'm doing!