End of The Year Health Recap!

Here we are!  Another year!  Time for a Health Check!!!!

Age: 60 and aging (gracefully)

Height: 5'9" and shrinking

Weight: 186 lbs (and hopefully shrinking)

3 years since open heart by-pass surgery Dec 13, 2010 - Quintuple!

PVC's under control - irregular heart beat

Skin Cancer under control - had Squamous Cell & Basal Cell Removed Fall of 2013

Liver Disease diagnosed as Fatty Liver Disease - more of that to come in 2014!

Exercise - played over 60 softball this year!  Still gold once or twice a week (weather permitting!  And still walking 4-6 times a week (from 20-60 minutes a walk)

Diet - Trying to avoid baked goods (but they keep finding me!)  But, overall I am more disciplined!  Still have tons of Christmas cookies in the house!!!  And my sweet tooth - mostly dark chocolate if I have it!  Eat very little white bread!  Eat very little ice cream!

Mental Approach - still think I have a handle on the mental part go aging!  But, must admit, within the past three years it has been a constant focus!  Most of the issues are the new challenges - first heart issues, then irregular heart beats, skin cancer and now liver issues!  It is VERY important to stay POSITIVE and enjoy life - dates with wife, grandkids, the boys & their wires, etc!!  Golf, trail walking, & Packer Games!!!!

Next - what are my NEW YEARS HEALTH RESOLUTIONS!!!!

Basal Cell Removal - Location Top Of Forehead At Hairline!

Had my second skin cancer removed, a Basal Cell at the hairline on my forehead!  Again, the procedure used was Moh's Surgery - length of surgery was about 5 hours.

The method again takes you in, removes a section, sends the removed skin to be analyzed, and repeats until all cancer is gone.  I went back twice for skin removal & the third time to repair the surgical area.

Since the area was on the forehead, the doctor took a lot of time to repair the damaged skin.  The closing of the wound lasted about 15-20 minutes.

After 24 hours, I removed the bandage & cleaned the wound and took a shower.  The stitches were in the shape of an up-side-down letter "T".  Each line, about an inch & a half in length.

The day was spent keeping a cold compress on the wound to keep the swelling down.. The pain was a dull headache.  I took 2 aspirin every 3-4 hours.

Here is what I look like 24 hours after surgery.

Three Years After Open Heart By-pass Surgery!

December 13, 2010!!!  I was just waking from Open-Heart By-pass Surgery!!  Quintuple By-Pass!  Wow!!!  For 3 years I have experienced many things!  First, a look at my initial response!

Waking from Open Heart By-pass Surgery!  I was operated on early in the 13th & awoke that evening!  What  was my first reaction - my back was killing me!!  And my throat was dry!  That was it!  Sore back & dry throat, otherwise a blur!!!!

Operated on Monday, home by Friday!  I remember walking the next day!  Wow!! 24 hours later - up and walking!  I remember my first real meal - throw up!!  Removing my catheter, WOW!  And the Percocet - pain killing made my skin crawl!!!  Nurses were great, but walls were coming in on me!  And I remember the nurses removing my tubes, EVERY ONE!!  Wow!

And at home Friday!  My first shower!!!!  I was so tired after the shower I needed a nap!!  And many more recovery memories!!

I was a lucky guy!  I tried to ignore the symptoms (will cover more later)  and was blessed with prayers & friends that assisted me through it all!

What would I have missed, if I was not here?

I have TWO wonderful sons!  And the were married in 2011 & 2012!  WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!

I have TWO fantastic daughter-in-laws!  WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!

I have TWO gorgeous granddaughters!  WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!

I have retired!!!  WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!

I have been to see my Green Bay Packers 11 times since 2010!  WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!

Golfing, traveling, family & friends, weddings, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, vacations,….. AND

Three awesome years with my AWESOME WIFE!  (NOW 37 years & counting!!!!!

WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!  WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!  WOULD HAVE MISSED IT!

Truly blest!  More Memories to come!

Results Back From Fatty Liver & Fibrosure Testing

Results are back!  But, they were sent to my doctor and not posted on line.  So, I thought I would do my research!  Found a good article at:

Fatty Liver & Fibrosure Testing

The article started by grabbing your attention!

Two thirds of American children and adults are overweight and often have abnormal liver tests.

This number is staggering!   More:

30% of adults and 10% of children have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or NASH (non-alcoholic steatorrheic [fatty] hepatitis).

This number is also interesting!  And I know I have a sweet tooth & I think a little over weight!  Here is the truth, I weighed myself this morning - 5'9" - 188 lbs.  According to the charts - 

Here is a BMI Calculator

My BMI - 27.8, so and over 25 is overweight!  So, what should I be for 5'9"?  168 pounds!  TWENTY TO LOSE!

Some of the symptoms:

NAFLD means fat deposits in the liver with little to no alcohol intake. It starts with no symptoms but often involves fatigue, abdominal problems or gallbladder-like symptoms.

Well, some of this is me!  So, first lose more weight!  I have lost 10 pounds!  Let's try for 10 more!

One Week After PDT Blu-light Treatment

After the burning of PDT treatment for 4 minutes, red face for 2-3 days, skin peeling, the face is back!  One week and I feel the after effects are gone, now one more treatment in January!

The next procedure will be Basal cell removal in December!

And also, I am still checking out my liver & spleen!  The blood results for the liver looked good, but my doctor wanted another type of blood test, so today they took a little more blood!

Ultrasound findings:

Liver: The hepatic parenchyma is increased in echotexture consistent with fatty infiltration. The right lobe of the liver measures 17.5 cm in length.

Gallbladder: Surgically absent.

Bile ducts: Normal in diameter.

Pancreas: Obscured by overlying bowel gas.

Spleen: Top normal in size measuring 13.2 cm in length.

Kidneys: The kidneys are normal in size and echotexture without focal solid lesions or hydronephrosis. The right kidney measures 10.4 cm in length. There is a simple cyst of the lower pole the right kidney which measures 13 x 12 x 17 mm. The left kidney measures 11.4 cm in length. There is a simple cyst of the upper pole of the left kidney which measures 12 x 12 x 12 mm.

IVC and aorta: No significant abnormality seen.

Waiting for blood test results to learn some more!!!!!!

3 Years And Counting For My Blog - My Heart Under Repair!

Today is the 50th Anniversary of the JFK assassination!  I was in 5th grade at the time and still remember my teacher crying!  50 years later, little did I know I would be sharing my medical experience with the world!  It has be 3 years since I started my Heart Blog!  I decided to do this for several reasons, and one of the major reasons was to share my experience with others!

I have added to my Open heart surgery experience with other medical issues the passed 3 years - PVC's after heart surgery, liver concerns, skin cancer and other smaller issues that come with the territory of aging!

Today, I will share some data that this blog allows me to see!

Audience

Views by country - out of the 46,198 total views, the top three - first of course the US had over 26,000, second Germany over 13,000, third Russia over 700.  The stats also look at browsers used & the operating systems.  

Traffic Sources

Referring sites?  Of course Google!  Google over Bing by about 7 times!  Then Yahoo.  One of the strange search words was cat hoarding?  What that has to do with heart health I'll never know!!

Posts

The top views of posts was interesting, by far the greatest was, "Running After Open Heart Bypass", then "How Does The Sternum Feel After Open Heart", and next "PVC's and Open Heart"

The statistical analysis is one of the strengths of BlogSpot!

48 Hours After PDT Treatment

It has been 48 hours and the sunburn & red blotch look is in!  Not much discomfort, just feels like a bad case of sun burn!  Applying the lotions for dry skin is helping!  Will probably not shave for a few more days!

After Treatment

• You may apply moisturizers as needed.
• The most common side effects are:
  • Burning/stinging, which could be severe, may last up to 24 hours after your BLU-U treatment
  • Redness and swelling which may last up to 4 weeks after your BLU-U treatment
  • Scaling/crusting which may last up to 4 weeks after your BLU-U treatment

Looks like this article has a longer recovery!

Also, sunscreen if I am outside!

Most patients are advised to try to avoid applying makeup or powder directly on a fresh or open wound unless the surface is fully healed. A nonirritating sunscreen such as zinc or titanium may be applied immediately after the procedure before leaving the physician's office. Sunscreens are ideally also applied twice a day after PDT. It is important to follow your own physician's instructions for wound care.

I have a zinc based lotion I will use if I golf next week!

Found this excellent article for care after PDT Treatment!

The New Experience - PDT Treatment From My Dermatologist!

OK, the medical experience continues for this 60 year old grand pa!  Almost 3 years ago, open heart surgery, PVC's after surgery, enlarged liver (still trying to resolve), skin cancer (Squamous Cell removed last month)  Now PDT Treatment!

PDT Treatment

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a drug, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of light. When photosensitizers are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, they produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells.

Each photosensitizer is activated by light of a specific wavelength. This wavelength determines how far the light can travel into the body. Thus, doctors use specific photosensitizers and wavelengths of light to treat different areas of the body with PDT.

Now, what was it like as the patient?  First, nurse cleansed the entire face & placed the photosensitizing agent on my face.  I was sent to the waiting room for one hour.  I had to sit away from light and florescent light.  After an hour back to the room!

Next, eyes were covered with special goggles to cover the eyes.  And the light turned on for exactly 4 minutes and 10 seconds!  And the pain begins!  It feels warm all over your face and something like little bees (or Yellow Jackets) stinging your face! That is 4 minutes and 10 seconds of bee stings!  WOW!  You have a little fan they give you and you hold it up close to your face - ON HIGH!

My strategy?  Keep talking and asked the nurse when we reach 1/2 way.  Then when are we at 1 minute, 30 seconds………….

Afterwards, cold compresses applied to face!  Home wearing a hat to avoid sunlight!  (FELT LIKE A VAMPIRE!)  Home, was told to avoid sunlight for 48 hours!

I am now out 36 hours and my face looks & feels like a bad case on sun burn!  The bad news, need a second treatment in January!  And I know how it feels!  Next, Basal Cell removal in December!

Found this photo, of an example of a patient - IT IS NOT ME!

My Health - The Latest News

It has been a long time since my last post!  Busy with my other blog - PackerBacker Blog!

Been to 3 Packers games and trying to keep my blog up-to-date!  Also, dealing with my own new health issues!  Here is the latest:

Heart - coming up on my 3 year anniversary for my open heart surgery!  The Ticker is ticking!

Liver - the levels has improved!  Here is the latest levels!
     Hepatic Function Panel

AST   11/13/13 - 25     8/9/13 - 34     3/18/13 - 64     1/9/13 - 67
(SGOT)

ALT   11/13/13 - 35     8/9/13 - 47     3/18/13 - 121   1/9/13 - 122
(SGPT)

Skin Cancer - removal of Squamous Cell & a Basil Cell to be removed in December
Plus, PDT Treatment on my entire face!

So, even though I haven't blogged in a while, I have been busy!!

One Week After Skin Caner Surgery - Mohs Surgery

It has been one week & my first shave!!  Last Tuesday, I had a Squamous Cell removed from my right cheek.  After  3 inch incision, the cell was removed, stitched up & glued & it amazing how fast I healed!!  It felt good to shave (my wife will love it!!)

Now, PDT treatment in November, Basal Cell removal in December & another PDT treatment in January!

Did my cardio workout today - walk & jogged 3 mile & felt good!  Heart rate to 112 & no PVC's!

One Day After Skin Cancer Surgery

It has been 24 hours after surgery!  The bandage is off & a 3 inch incision wound from my upper cheek, just below my right eye, down to a point between my chin & ear.  It really does not look too bad!  The main focus now is care for the wound & making sure no infection sets in.

The Squamous Cell is gone and now the focus will be the other spots on my face after all those years in the sun!  Again, the game plan is:

October - follow up on the surgery yesterday
November - PDT Treatment
December - Basal Cell removal
January - 2nd PDT Treatment

New Adventure - Skin Cancer

I'm sitting at the doctors office ready for my surgery - removal of a "Squamous Cell"!  My appointment is for 9 AM & the procedure may take from 3-5 hours depending on the extent of the cell.

The surgery is called - Mohs Surgery.  They go in and remove the cancer cell layer, by layer.  Take out a small section, analyze, and then go back again until there is not cancer left!

Here we go.........

OK, back from my first round!  Less than one hour and feeling light headed!  (This is always an issue for me, but it helps to be typing!)  First, they took my blood pressure and all the normal nurse stuff.  Doctor came in and started - seemed to last about 15 minutes.

First numbed the area.  Then, the doctor drew a circle around the problem area.  I heard a scrapping sound & a cutting sound,  NO PAIN!  The nurse then told me I would hear a few beeps & it felt like a burning feeling & sensation.

Went to the waiting room to wait for next step!

11:30 AM - Round 2 finished!
Had my second cut.  Feel better, as far as light headedness!  They found more and were concerned with more areas.  Doctor was happy I was having PDT treatment & will be looking for more cancer areas.  Will be going back again for more information in round 3!

The PDT Treatment will be on November 19th.  Here is what I found out about PDT:

What is photodynamic therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a drug, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of light. When photosensitizers are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, they produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells (1–3).

Each photosensitizer is activated by light of a specific wavelength (3, 4). This wavelength determines how far the light can travel into the body (3, 5). Thus, doctors use specific photosensitizers and wavelengths of light to treat different areas of the body with PDT.

This will be another way to treat the problem areas!

1:30 PM - Finished - stitches & glue
Finished the process, stitched under the skin & glued above the skin.  The incision was about 3 inchesin length.  Will keep the bandage in for 24 hours & remove tomorrow!  Anxious to see what it looks like! Of course, concerned about the incision, but hope for the best!

The doctor was a 1983 graduate of the school I taught at!  It is amazing how many ex-students I have run into in my medical adventures!!

Here are the next steps:
1 - Oct 24th - Follow up for this procedure
2 - Nov 19th PDT treatment of entire face area
3 - Dec 16th - surgery for the Basil Cell
4 - Jan 7th - 2nd PDT treatment

Results Are In - Basal Cell & Squamous Cell - Skin Cancer

The last few years have been eventful!  Open Heart By-Pass Surgery!  PVC's in my heart! Ultrasounds for Liver & Spleen!  A broken tooth & new bridge for my dentist!  And now, a new venture, the BIG C!

I always was one to "burn" in the sun.  As a kid, especially while coaching for over 30 years, and just being outdoors!  RED FACE & SUN BURN!  Now, at age 60, the results are a battle with skin cancer.

Fortunately, I do not think it is that bad!  Here is what I learned today.

One mark is "Basal Cell".  The other "Squamous Cell". The information seams to point to removal without to much of a problem.  Take a look at the website I have marked for more information.  The procedure that is most often used is called "Mohs Surgery" (this surgery is used for both Basal & Squamous Cells)

The numbers are interesting!  They say about 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime! (Any lottery I didn't want to win!)  Another good number is 99% cure rate!  I like that one!!!

Next week I find out when we will schedule surgery and more on the type of surgery I will have!

Stay tuned as we learn together!  There is more battles ahead for this 60 year old!!  And I'm sure, if you are ready this blog, you have stories too!!

From Heart Doctor to Liver Doctor to Dermatologist!

The journey of health for many people takes news twists & turns!  Some are very boring, your born and then you die. (MOST ARE NOT THAT WAY!)  My new venture was undertaken last year and continues.  Here is the latest.

Last summer I decided to visit a dermatologist.  Mostly, because stuff was growing on my face that looked weird.  After my first visit, my Dermatolgist, Dr. Mueller, started to work on the objects that decided to pop up on my face!

She froze a couple of things & suggested Picato Gel to be placed on areas attacked by the sun! This would help attack the - Actinic Keratosis.  That was last year.

Today, I had my first "total body" check!  This was the first time in almost 40 years I had another women's hands ALL OVER my body!  Of course, first was my mother, then my beautiful wife Sue, 40 years ago!  Well, it felt different this time around!!!

The body looked good!(At least the idea that I had no crazy growths or skin issues!)  But, Dr. Mueller still had some concern about the areas around the face.  She took two biopsies and will have me back in November for a new treatment!

More to come!

My Liver Doctor is HAPPY With My Test Results!

When I saw my results I was happy.  Then I visited my doctor and she was happy!!  What is next?

In 3 months -
     Another Blood Test
     Another Ultrasound
     Another doctor visit

So, what is my game plan?

1 - Continue to lose weight - lost 11 pounds - try for 10 more!

2 - Continue South Beach Diet

3 - Continue Exercise Program

HAPPY LIVER!!!!

Visit With My Liver Doctor!

Today is my visit with my Liver Doc - Gastroenterologist!  I had a chance to view my blood work before my appointment today and the two areas of concern look better!!!  Here are my two blood tests with the dates taken:

Hepatic Function Panel
Component               Reference Range            Date - 3/18/13        Date 8/9/13
AST (SGOT)                13-40 U/L                          64                            34
ALT (SGPT)                7-52  U/L                          121                           47

AST (SGOT)

UNDERSTANDING LAB TESTS

AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is 1 of the 2 "liver enzymes." It is also known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or SGOT. AST is a protein made by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, AST leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of AST in the blood becomes higher than normal. AST is different from ALT because AST is found in parts of the body other than the liver--including the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. When cells in any of those parts of the body are damaged, AST can be elevated.

Explanation of test results:

A high AST level often means there is some liver damage, but it is not necessarily caused by hepatitis C. A high AST with a normal ALT may mean that the AST is coming from a different part of the body. It is important to realize that the AST level in most patients with hepatitis C goes up and down. The exact AST level does not tell you how much liver damage there is, or whether the liver is getting better or worse, and small changes should be expected. However, for patients receiving treatment for hepatitis C, it is helpful to see if the AST level goes down.

ALT (SGPT)

UNDERSTANDING LAB TESTS

ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is 1 of the 2 "liver enzymes." It is sometimes known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT. It is a protein made only by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, ALT leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of ALT in the blood is higher than normal.

Scroll over image to see an animation of liver enzymes leaking into the blood.

Explanation of test results:

A high ALT level often means there is some liver damage, but it may not be related to hepatitis C. It is important to realize the ALT level goes up and down in most patients with hepatitis C. The ALT level does not tell you exactly how much liver damage there is, and small changes should be expected. Changes in the ALT level do not mean the liver is doing any better or any worse. The ALT level does not tell you how much scarring (fibrosis) is in the liver and it does not predict how much liver damage will develop.

http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/patient/diagnosis/labtests-ALT.asp

Cardio Workout! AND THANKS!!

It is amazing what medical miracles allow us to do!  Last night I played 7 innings in my over 60 softball league!  This morning I did my 3 mile workout & came home & mowed the grass!  I have not done this lately - THANK YOU!

Dr. Burlingame my Heart Surgeon, great quintuple by-pass!

Dr. Worley & Dr. Murwaha, my cardiologists!

What an amazing team!  And I am prove of your handy work!!!

Two & a Half Years After Open Heart Surgery!

Two & a Half Years After Open Heart Surgery! Looking in the rear view mirror, the operation at times seems like a dream!  Here are my observations:

1 - It is easy to go back into the "old"ways that made this happen!  Diet, exercise, & life style are all choices!  Especially in times of stress!  It is easy to give into the food that comforts you!  It is easy to sit in front of the TV instead of walking 3 miles!  Plan your diet!  Plan your exercise!!

2 - Genetics are relevant!  Know your roots!  Listen to older relatives!  Ask questions!

3 - Understand your meds!!  Take the time to research your medicines that doctors give for your health issues!  DO NOT think a doctor has all the answers!

4 - DO NOT assume your doctors are talking to each other!  EVEN IN THE SAME PRACTICE!  Keep notes after your visits & share with your doctors!  As you get older, your list of doctors grows - share information!

5 - Share your expertise with others & listen to others!  Your friends & relatives can be a BIG help!  I remember listening to older people talk about their health issues & saying, "Old people talk too much about their health issues!"  Now it dominates my conversations!

6 - Start your bucket list!!  If you search the internet, you will find MANY ideas!  Here is one:

What’s on Your Bucket List? 101 Things To Do Before You Die

The list is personal, but look for your ideas!  More ideas to come!

Healthy Heart - South Beach Diet - Cooking Veggies!

OK, staying healthy is going to take some work!  And since I'm semi-retired & my wife is still working, I am the main cook!  That is amazing!  But, exciting!

Since it is summer, I am grilling!  That is my main focus(even when it snows!)  So, today I found a great article to help me cook veggies!

A Guide to Steaming Vegetables

Some of the steps I already do! But what do I need?  A Steaming Basket!

Found some at my favorite store - Walmart!  Walmart Steaming Baskets!

Now, Microwave sounds easy, but we could use a new Microwave!  Let's go back to Walmart and look for a microwave!!! Walmart Microwaves!

So, the cook needs new toys!!

Two and a Half Years After Open Heart Surgery

Sometimes you forget.  Sometimes it seems like a dream.  But the scar down the middle of your chest does help you remember - YOU HAD OPEN HEART BY-PASS SURGERY!!  Quintuple!

This year I turned 60.  I've been retired from education for 2 years now.  I've had some bumps along the way, but I feel good!  What are some observations after 2 1/2 years?

Observation #1
Preparation for Open Heart By-Pass is a mental challenge!  The idea that you will have open heart surgery can be intimidating!  The night before the hospital trip was long!  Faith is critical!  And a supportive family is vital!  So, you make it to the hospital, then what!

Observation #2
OK, now you are put into one of those lovely hospital gowns!

Shaving you body is interesting!  As a teacher, seeing some old students, some that are working on you is humbling!(I hope the liked me!)  And what was my focus?  Two things: 1- To relax, I played 18 holes of golf, visualizing each hole!  2 - Visualizing God's hand guiding my surgeon's hans during the operation!

Observation #3

Waking up!  The first thing a tube in my throat and my back was killing me!  All kinds of wires, tubes, and monitors!  Nurses all over the place!  But - I'M AWAKE!!!!!!

Observation #4

Rehab!  I remember my first walk!  My first meal!(I threw up!)  My first tube pulled out of my belly!  The catheter removed - oooohhh  baby!  My first shower! My fist workout!  

Observation #5
Back to work!  Back to coaching!  My first round of golf!  And retirement 6 months later!

The journey is amazing, but many people have done it!

One Month on South Beach Diet

Down 12 pounds and getting better at selecting foods that fall into my diet plan.

Here is a list I found that suits my taste buds:

1. Wild salmon (and other omega-3-rich fish) Fatty cold-water fish such as wild salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, play a positive role in mood, memory loss, and other brain functions, and reduce inflammation. 
2. Broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables) Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale are antioxidant powerhouses that can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, promote normal eyesight, improve gastrointestinal function, and reduce age-related memory loss. A sulfur compound called suforaphane found in broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables may increase the activity of cancer-fighting enzymes in the body.
3. Sweet potatoes (and other bright orange vegetables) An outstanding source of carotenoids (including beta carotene), as well as vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron, sweet potatoes (and other orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, and butternut squash) can help reduce high blood pressure, fight cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, and boost your resistance to colds and infections.
4. Blueberries Ranked as one of the healthiest fruits for its antioxidant capacity, blueberries are packed with pectin (a form of soluble fiber) as well as vitamin C. Blueberries have been shown to improve cholesterol levels and protect against stroke, and also may help prevent the short-term memory loss associated with aging.
5. Beans Whether you choose black, navy, kidney, white pinto, garbanzos, or some other legume, beans are loading with filling protein and soluble and insoluble fiber. Beans can help lower LDL cholesterol and improve digestion. The fiber in beans also helps reduce blood glucose levels, making them a good choice for people with diabetes.
6. Whole grains Recent studies have shown that eating high-fiber whole grains (wheat, wild rice, barley, quinoa, oats, millet, barley, spelt, and rye, for example) can actually lower the risk of diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar and insulin production. Whole grains also help prevent artery-clogging atherosclerosis by decreasing cholesterol absorption. 
7. Nuts and seeds Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, macadamias, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds are all excellent sources of protein, heart-healthy monosaturated and polysaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When substituted for saturated fat in the diet, nuts and seeds can help lower total cholesterol as well as bad LDL cholesterol without affecting levels of good HDL cholesterol. Since nuts and seeds are calorie-dense, limit your total intake to about 1 ounce (1/4 cup) per day.
8. Extra-virgin olive oil Monosaturated olive oil contains a potent mix of antioxidants (polyphenols in particular) that can help lower LDL cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats in the diet. Some research suggests that the cholesterol-lowering effects of olive oil are even greater if you use extra-virgin olive oil, which is less processed and therefore contains more polyphenols.
9. Reduced fat and fat-free dairy products There is mounting evidence that something in dairy foods (milk, yogurt, and cheeses), perhaps the calcium, not only strengthens bones but also protects the heart, reduces high blood pressure, and fights breast cancer. The jury is still out about whether dairy can help improve weight loss. Always choose fat-free or reduced-fat products.
10. Dark chocolate Several studies have shown that eating dark chocolate in moderation (about one 1/45 ounce bar a week) can lower blood pressure (probably due to the beneficial effects of its polyphenols on blood flow) and reduce levels of CRP, a substance indicative of inflammation in the body. Select brands of dark chocolate that contain at least 70% cocoa powder and the least amount of sugar.

Now need to focus on 10-15 more pounds!

One Week & The South Beach Diet

Looking for websites & purchased a book!  Getting settled in with the South Beach Diet!

Found two good websites:
South Beach Diet
South Beach Diet Food Lists

The first week big changes were"
1 - Lunch time sandwiches, NO WHITE BREAD
2 - No Baked Goods - Pies, Cake, Cookies (ohhh baby I miss these!)


Still trying to keep to my exercise routine!
1 - Walk 4-5 days a week, 2-5 miles
2 - Gold once a week
3 - Softball twice a week

Need to go for blood work this week for my Liver doctor!

First Week on South Beach Diet!

With my Heart Issues, Liver Enzyme Issues, Slightly Large Spleen, Dermatology Visits, & Dental Work, this retirement thing is a FULL TIME JOB!

This is what I am working on:

Heart - back on my statins.  Trying to lose weight & exercise more & with more effort.  My PVC's seem to be around 400-500 per day and cardiologist says they are not bad - (NOT a lot of runs!)  More cardio & maybe even a few more jogs!  Lookout Senior Games!

Liver - Trying to lose weight & see if that helps.  Using the South Beach Diet to control carbs & sugar! May have a Liver biopsy in August!  Another new adventure - Liver tissue for my Liver doctor!

Spleen - was a little large, doctor will check on it, she did not seem concerned. It was on the "upper" level for size!  I told her "So was my brain!"

Dermatologist - did that Picato cream & things went well.  Will get a full body check, "OH BOY" in August!  From my cute female doctor!

Dental work - my 30 year old bridge was demolished!  Will have a new, more complicated bridge built!  I think the design is from NASA!  Looks like my son's retainers when they were little!

And playing OVER 60 softball - so, my right hand is black & blue from hitting, my hamstring is sore from chasing flyballs, and my shoulder is aching from throwing!

BUT OTHERWISE I FEEL GREAT!!!  I love the aging process!!!

Visit to Gastroenterology

The Family Doctor sent me to the Cardiologist! The Cardiologist sent me to a Surgeon!  The Surgeon sent me back to the Cardiologist! And, the Cardiologist sent me to a Gastroenterologist! So, .........

Vist to RGAL - Gastroenterology Specialists

After looking at my last blood panel test, my Liver was sending crazy signals!  The results on the Hepatic Panels, to review:

AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) are sensitive indicators of liver damage or injury from different types of diseases. But it must be emphasized that higher-than-normal levels of these liver enzymes should not be automatically equated with liver disease. They may mean liver problems or they may not. For example, elevations of these enzymes can occur with muscle damage. The interpretation of elevated AST and ALT levels depends upon the entire clinical evaluation of an individual, and so it is best done by physicians experienced in evaluating liver disease and muscle disease.

That take me to a liver specialist!  Here are her concerns:

AST & ALT Levels
Hepatitis
Fatty Liver Disease
Spleen size slightly enlarged?

Here is the plan DIET - lose 10-15 pounds & see if that makes a difference!  See her in 4 months!

If things do not change we will go for a liver biopsy!

Let the diet begin!!

Ultrasound of Liver

Had my liver looked at today!  Ultrasound lasted about half an hour.  Here are the results:

Narrative

Ultrasound abdomen, complete

History: 59-year-old male with elevated liver function tests. Previous cholecystectomy.

Comparison: None.

Findings:

Liver: Diffusely increased echogenicity compatible with fibrofatty change. Liver is of normal size measuring 16.9 cm longitudinal dimension.

Gallbladder: Surgically removed

Bile ducts: No dilatation. Common bile duct measures 2.2 mm.

Pancreas: Not well seen

Spleen: Upper limits of normal for size. 13 cm longitudinal dimension. No focal abnormality seen.

Kidneys: Limited views show no hydronephrosis. There is a 1.5 cm cyst in the right kidney and a 1.2 cm cyst in the left kidney.

IVC: Intrahepatic portion normal

Aorta: Visualized portions normal.

Dictating Workstation: HMINWKS10

Impression

Ultrasound findings compatible with fibrofatty change within the liver. No focal abnormality.

Status post cholecystectomy.

Small bilateral renal cysts.

Borderline splenomegaly.

The new reporting system by MY LG Health is great and fast!  The test was this morning and I had the results tonight!  Bad news is the patient sees the results & I do not understand the results!  My research!
Meet with the doctor next Tuesday!

Starting on Fatty Liver Disease! and Kidney Cysts!

Great Three Mile Cardio Workout

Trying to stick to my cardio with a "brisk" walk for 3 miles!  Here are my splits:

Mile 1 - 16:50

Mile 2 - 16:42

Mile 3 - 16:44

Total 3 mile Walk - 50:16

Found an article on - How Fast is Brisk Walking

Rule of Thumb

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that brisk walking is at a pace of three miles per hour or more (but not racewalking) or roughly 20 minutes per mile. That equates to about five kilometers per hour or 12 minutes per kilometer.

It looks like I'm under the "20 minute" per mile pace!!

The article goes on to state:

However, fitter people still will not be in a moderately intense exercise zone at that pace. A pace of 15 minutes per mile, or four miles per hour, is more likely to put fitter people into a moderately intense exercise zone.

That will be my goal! 15 minutes per mile!!!

From My Heart to My Liver!

As I mentioned in early posts, the Liver has been a bad boy!  Here are some of the blood test results from the past few years!

The problem area is the AST & ALT readings!  Notice the fluctuations from 2007 to 2013!

What is causing the Liver issues?  Here I found some ideas - What Do Elevated Levels Mean?

AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) are sensitive indicators of liver damage or injury from different types of diseases. But it must be emphasized that higher-than-normal levels of these liver enzymes should not be automatically equated with liver disease. They may mean liver problems or they may not. For example, elevations of these enzymes can occur with muscle damage. The interpretation of elevated AST and ALT levels depends upon the entire clinical evaluation of an individual, and so it is best done by physicians experienced in evaluating liver disease and muscle disease.

Moreover, the precise levels of these enzymes do not correlate well with the extent of liver damage or the prognosis (outlook). Thus, the exact levels of AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) cannot be used to determine the degree of liver disease or predict the future. For example, individuals with acute viral hepatitis A may develop very high AST and ALT levels (sometimes in the thousands of units/liter range). But most people with acute viral hepatitis A recover fully without residual liver disease. Conversely, people with chronic hepatitis C infection typically have only a little elevation in their AST and ALT levels while having substantial liver injury and even  advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).

Next game plan is:

April 2 - Ultrasound of liver and April 9 meet with the "Liver" doctor!!!

Another Brisk Walk!

Had another great walk today on the Lancaster Junction Trail!  Fives miles at a brisk pace!  Thought I would do some research on what is considered a brisk pace!

What is a Brisk Walking Pace?

Couple of points from the article:

1 - SPEED _ Brisk walk is about 3 mph.  That is about 10 minutes for 1/2 mile.  The trail is marked every 1/2 mile & today I averaged about 8:40 per mile.  So, I was brisk!

2 - BREATH - Need to catch breath?  Nope!  Was breathing fine!

3 - HEART RATE - Did not wear my heart rate monitor, but I usually will be in the 95-105 range.

Check out the graph below:

What is your age & what is your Target Heart Rate?

I'm 60 and I am hitting between 95 - 105 on average.  My goal will be to get closer to my upper range of 120-128!!

Cardio Workout Goes Well

Did my 5 mile cardio this morning and things went well.  I wore my heart monitor and had no obvious PVC's!  Mix in brisk walk & little jog during the 5 mile trek!  Here are some details:

Total time of workout - 72 minutes
Heart Rate Start - 76
Heart Rate High - 113
Heart Rate After 5 minute warm down 79

Did my workout on one of my favorite trails - Lancaster Junction Trails

One Week to Go on Experiment of Meds

Next week I have another blood test to see what the results will be after two months without my statin - Atorvastatin!  I have been on Lipitor, and the generic Atorvastatin for over ten years, and my liver results on my latest blood test were high:


Hepatic Function Panel       Your Value  Reference Range  Units       Flag
Protein Total Serum               6.9               5.6-7.9                 g/dL         None
Albumin                                 4.5               3.5-4.9                 g/L           None
Bilirubin Total >21 Days       0.9               0.2-1.2                 mg/L        None
Bilirubin Direct                      0.2               0.0-0.2                 mg/L        None
Alkaline Phosphatase            67                 34-104                 U/L          None
AST (SGOT)                        67                 13-40                   U/L          High
AST (SGPT)                         122               7-52                     U/L          High
Gamma GT                           49                 9-64                     U/L          None

Notice the AST (SGOT) & AST SGPT) results are on the high side!  So the past two months no Astorvastatin!

As I have mentioned earlier, one thing I have noticed is my legs feel great!  During exercise & normal daily routine, the legs feel great!!

Entering Second Month Off of Atorvastatin

The experiment continues!  This will be my second month off of Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor).  I will be anxious to see what my cholesterol levels will be at the end of the month!

Again, the reason my cardiologist took me off was my last blood test - Liver readings not good!  Apparently, taking statins & Liver issues are common!

Check out the article on Web MD - Cholesterol Management 101

In the article it was stated:

“Outside of measuring liver biochemistries for the purpose of periodically updating a patient’s medical history, we can find no scientific or medical basis for monitoring aminotransferase levels during long-term statin therapy as a measure to enhance patient safety. We acknowledge that the Panel’s recommendations are at odds with current prescribing information for marketed statins; however, we are optimistic that the regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical industry will update their recommendations to be consistent with evidence-based data cited in this article.”

Well, they think it is not an issue!  Especially if statins help with heart disease!  Futhermore:

Well what does this mean? In a nutshell it means that for too long many people have been denied life saving statins. There is solid evidence that they markedly decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. I was actually stunned when I looked at the package inserts for all the statins that are sold. The recommendations for liver testing were all different, yet the class of drugs’ effect on the liver is the same.

Another article states:

Two liver enzymes in particular (alanine aminotransferase or ALT, and aspartate aminotransferase or AST) may be mildly elevated, but it is safe to continue treatment unless they rise by three times the upper limit of normal.

I will continue to research and ask questions!  Here were my results in question:

More to come!

Posting After a Blogging Vacation!

Been a long time - 2 weeks - since I blogged on my Heart blog!!!  Trouble is I started two NEW blogs!!  One dedicated to my Green Bay Packers - http://packerbackerspanj.blogspot.com

And one dedicated to my years of coaching track & field:

Hempfield Track & Field - http://blackknightstrack.blogspot.com

So, I have been busy & trying to stay healthy - here has been my focus:

1 - Not red meat

2 - Not sweets ( THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT!!!) No chocolate for a month!

3 - Exercise - 4-5 days a week at 50 - 70 minutes

Next cardiologist appointment at the end of March!!

Great Cardio Workout Today

Went to one of my trails (Lancaster Junction Trail) & had a great 5 mile walk-run (mostly run).  The weather was great(45-50 degrees) & there was not much traffic on the trail.

My workouts still consist of a brisk walk & a few runs of 30 seconds to one minute runs.  Hope to build the jogging up the next few weeks.  Did not wear my heart monitor today, since my last stress test I feel fairly confident with my workouts.

Next cardiologist appointment is March 22 & I will wear the heart halter for 24 hours that week.

Three Days After Using Picato Gel

I have taken a little vacation from my focus on the heart to focus on skin!  As I mentioned earlier, my generation was never that good at skin acre & sunburn!  So, the treatment of Picato Gel has been my next medical adventure!

After applying the Picato, it felt like a bad case of sunburn!  I put the gel above and below my eyes.  After three days I am now peeling and I have a few blisters.  And just like sunburn, I am at the stage that my skin area is beginning to itch!

I am glad that I made that trip to the dermatologist!  If anyone out there is age 50 and above, get your skin checked!  Just like the heart, it is time!!!

Detour From Heart Discussions to Skin Cancer

This entry in my blog is dedicated to a discussion on treatment for skin cancer.  I do not have skin cancer, but I am being treated by my dermatologist for the pre-cancer marks on my face.

Picato gel is:

Results of a new study suggest that Picato gel (ingenol mebutate, LEO Pharma) is efficient and effective in treating actinic keratosis (AK).

Now, what is actinic keratosis?

An actinic keratosis, also known as a solar keratosis, is a scaly or crusty growth (lesion). It most often appears on the bald scalp, face, ears, lips, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders, neck or any other areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun. You’ll most often see the plural, “keratoses,” because there is seldom just one.

In the beginning, actinic keratoses are frequently so small that they are recognized by touch rather than sight. It feels as if you were running a finger over sandpaper. There are many times the number of invisible (subclinical) lesions as visible ones on the skin surface.

Most often, actinic keratoses develop slowly and reach a size from an eighth to a quarter of an inch. Early on, they may disappear only to reappear later. Most become red, but some will be light or dark tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as your skin. Occasionally they itch or produce a pricking or tender sensation. They can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare instances, actinic keratoses can even bleed.

If you have actinic keratoses, it indicates that you have sustained sun damage and could develop any kind of skin cancer – not just squamous cell carcinoma.

This is from my propensity to burn easy in the sun for 60 years!!  Plus not using enough sun block!  The first 20 years of my life I never heard of sun block!!!

Hear are some discussions on the use of picato gel.  I just finished my third & last day and I look like a "red" racoon!  I put the gel around the top & below my eyes & on my nose.

Discussion on the use of Picato Gel .015%

Test Results Are In From Stress Test!

Here we go.  Results are in.  I need to look up some new vocabulary to understand results!
Here is the summary from the stress test:

TECHNOLOGIST STRESS SUMMARY
The patient underwent an exercise sestamibi imaging study. The patient 
exercised for 10 minutes 56 seconds reaching 139 beats per minute which is 
86% of the predicted maximum heart rate. This is the equivalent of 13.2 
METs. The blood pressure ranged from 138/104 to 169/101. The test was 
terminated secondary to fatigue. The patient had no symptoms during 
stress. The patient was imaged on the CZT camera. The patient received 
5.6 mCi of sestamibi IV at rest and 15 mCi of sestamibi IV at peak stress.

Now, first what is "exercise sestamibi imaging study"?

 This test requires the intravenous injection of a radioactive blood flow marker followed by imaging of the heart.   The test is a well-established noninvasive method of assessing coronary blood flow.   The test is capable of identifying regional abnormalities in coronary artery blood flow and determining their physiological relevance to myocardial function and viability.

So, the radioactive marker (I now glow in the dark) allows the doctor to view the blood flow!

The test lasted 11 minutes & the final 2-3 minutes were "butt kickers!"  Had to get my heart rate to 139!  And with my beta blocker this is difficult!!!  I did it, but was huffing & puffing!!!  139 is 86% of my maximum heart rate.  I had no symptoms, but still had some PVC's.  Good news is the most I had was 3!!

The rules have changed with my stress test.  In the other tests I had, if I had 3, they stopped the test - know the person giving the test said the new rules say 10!!!!  Need to ask my cardiologist about this!

Other comments were:

IMPRESSION 
1. Good functional capacity with patient exercising for 10 minutes and 56 
seconds on the Bruce protocol. 
2. Normal hemodynamic response to exercise.
3. Patient did not have any chest pain on the treadmill.
4. No ST depressions diagnostic of ischemia were noted with exercise.
5. The patient had frequent PVCs including ventricular bigeminy, 
ventricular couplets, and two 3-beat runs of nonsustained VT at peak 
exercise.
6. Uniform perfusion was noted. There is no evidence of ischemia or 
infarction.
7. Septum is hypokinetic, likely related to postop state. Ejection 
fraction is 50%.

This added some new concepts!

What is the Bruce Protocol?  According to wikipedia:
The Bruce protocol is a diagnostic test used in the evaluation of cardiac function, developed by Robert A. Bruce.

ST depressions?  Again Wikipedia:
In a cardiac stress test, an ST depression of at least 1 mm after adenosine administration indicates a reversible ischaemia, while an exercise stress test requires an ST depression of at least 2 mm to significantly indicate reversible ischaemia

And ischaemia?  Ischaemia is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism (to keep tissue alive).^[3] Ischemia is generally caused by problems with blood vessels, with resultant damage to or dysfunction of tissue. 

Well, how about infarction?
infarction refers to tissue death (necrosis) caused by an obstruction of the tissue's blood supply, which leads to a local lack of oxygen

What is ejection fraction?   This is a test that determines how well your heart pumps with each beat.  Mine was 50%, Below Normal!

Overall not bad!  That is the highest I had my heart rate in more than 3 years!!!  After my heart surgery I have been afraid to "take it up a notch".  Now these results go to my cardiologist and I meet with him in March!!