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Eggplant Meatless Balls Recipe

I normally do not like eggplant.  Its texture puts me off. We were out for dinner last week and eggplant meatballs were on the menu.  We ordered them and I took a bite.  NOt bad.
This summer I began getting fresh local produce delivered.  In my latest box were two eggplants.  I decided to attempt to make eggplant meatless balls.  I served them with heirloom tomato sauce.  THey tasted pretty good. I find this is a great way to disguise eggplant!

Here is the recipe:
2 medium eggplants, cubed and peeled
1 TBSP olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1  12oz pkg Pacific Natural Foods Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese
2 TBLSP basil
2 TBLSP oregano
1 TBLSP parsley

Directions:
Heat oil in a large pan.  Add garlic and saute until light golden. 

Add onions and saute for 3 minutes.

Add mushroom soup combined with 1 c water and cubed eggplant to pot.

Cook for 10 minutes, or until onions and eggplant are soft.  Stir occasionally.

Strain the mixture with a sieve to remove as much liquid as possible

IN a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients with the eggplant mixture.  Mix thoroughly.

Preheat over to 375.  Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non stick spray.

Form the mixture into large balls.  Place on baking sheet.  (Mine made about 18 balls)

Spray the balls on the baking sheet with cooking spray

Place in preheated oven for 35 - 40 minutes.

Use them however you would use meatballs.  
I added chunky heirloom tomato sauce and spaghetti.  
Makes 4-6 servings of 3 to 4 meatballs 

SInce I was awake at 3 am anyway...

A few years ago for Christmas my hubby gave me an imac computer. Until then, I had only used PCs. For a while, trying to figure out how to use it, I felt dyslexic, because a lot of the things are in opposite places than I was used to. Next followed a Mac laptop, an ipod or two, a MacAIr and recently an iPad. I am officially a MAC now.

As far a cell phones go, I have had the same one for about 5 years. It does not do much except get calls and do text messaging. WHenever my family tries to talk me into trading it in, I tell them I am waiting for Verizon to get iphones. Well, last night it happened.

As is usual, I was awake at 3am when they went on pre-order. Just in case, I had put my credit card and my laptop next to my bed so I would not have to hunt for them. Sleep machine mask in place, I did not miss a breath as I ordered my very own iphone - to be delivered by February 10th. SO it begins...

PTL! It Is Nothing

Last October during a sleep test, an EKG showed I had one incident of 33 beats when my heart was racing.

The day I found out about this, my hubby was in Brooklyn at his job there. that night he was attending Brooklyn Tabernacle's prayer meeting along with several pastors from our church. He went forward for prayer for my heart situation. The person who prayed with him, said , "So you want this to turn out to be nothing?" Yes, my husband assured him, we want the heart problem to be nothing. That is what they prayed that night.

My sleep doctor informed my primary physician, who called me. When he spoke to me about it, he said, It is probably "nothing", but we need to check it out just to make sure.

I saw a cardiologist who put me on a Beta blocker . I had an echo cardiogram, which showed "nothing". I wore a Holter monitor for 24 hours which showed "nothing". Next I had a nuclear stress test, which showed "nothing".

The cardiologist, although they had found "nothing" in all of their tests, would not take me off the Beta blocker and sent me to see an arrhythmia doctor.

This doctor wanted me to have a cardiac MRI, which I did. It showed "nothing". At this point he did take me off the Beta blocker. But he said it was troubling that they could not find the cause of the serious incident I had. So I wore a cardiac monitor for two weeks. Today I saw him for the results. Can you guess? It found "nothing". (His exact words). He says my heart is fine, my blood pressure is good (116/61). He will see me in 6 months to check in about the blood pressure and make sure all is well.

From the time the prayer was prayed in Brooklyn, I believed that God had answered and there would be "nothing" found. Each time I got test results, the word "nothing" was used as confirmation that God had handled it. I am thankful for that "nothing" prayer and answer. God is good.

Heart Monitor - Day One

I got my heart monitor via UPS yesterday morning. It looked very intimidating when I opened the box and saw all of the parts, batteries, wires and packages. I took out the instruction booklet and it said I had to follow the steps in pages 1 - 3 prior to the instructional call later in the day.

First I had to set up the monitor's charging station in my bedroom, attaching the wires through my phone and into the electrical outlet. First try I hooked it up wrong, by trying to do it too quickly. My hubby helped me slow it down, and get it wired up correctly, placing the monitor in the stand to charge before the call later in the day.

Fifteen minutes before call time, the instructions told me to open one package of adhesive leads, and to attach one on my left side, three fingers below my collar bone, one on the right side, three fingers below my collar bone, and one on the lower left side, near the bottom of my rib cage. Prior to attaching them, I was to snap the wires from the sensor onto the adhesive leads. Black was to go on upper left, white on upper right and red on lower left.

When the call came, he asked if I had attached the leads and wires, which I had. He instructed me to put the battery in the sensor and then to turn on the monitor. We went through the process of activating the monitor and then sending a base line reading in. He explained when I need to turn the monitor off, when to change the battery in the sensor, and when to change the leads. I need to wear it at all times, except when showering or swimming as it cannot get wet. He said the adhesive leads are waterproof and can be left on during a shower. At the conclusion of the call, he told me if thee was any problem when they got the baseline readings, they would call me back within 30 minutes.

Sure enough, I got a call in 30 minutes that the baseline reading came back rejected. He had me check that the color of the wires were in the correct positions. It turns out I had the black and white wires reversed. I corrected that. Then he had me lie in bed and gave my hubby the directions over the phone how to perform the baseline readings again. It worked this time.

The sensor which I wear around my neck is not a problem at all. I do not even know it is there. Remembering to take the monitor with me wherever I go is more difficult. At night the monitor charges in its cradle while I sleep, so that is easy enough.

At the gym today, I carried the monitor in a case my son gave me at Christmas to carry my cell phone to the gym. I can hang it around my neck so I won't forget to take it from machine to machine.

I am also able to wear my heart rate monitor to count calories and keep track of my heart rate during exercise, along with this monitor. I am happy about that.

When I got home from the gym and got ready to shower, I had to turn off the monitor, remove the battery from the sensor and unsnap the lead wires. Although I was told the adhesive leads were water proof, the two top ones fell off during the shower. Even though I dried them off, and they seemed like they were going to re-stick, they fell off when I snapped the leads wires back in, so I had to change them.

SO my first 24 hours with the monitor has gone well. The adhesive is not at all itchy or irritating so far. One day down, thirteen more to go.

I Can't Make This Stuff Up!

Just an update to my last blog about my heart. About 5:45 pm on Monday my arrhythmia doctor himself called me to tell me he got the results of my cardiac MRI. It showed no heart problems or disease. PTL!!! He reminded me to wear the monitor for two weeks and I would see him in 4 - 6 weeks.

I am celebrating no heart problems and being off the Beta Blocker!

Tuesday afternoon I got a call from his office saying they had been contacted by the company that provides the two week heart monitor. They told my doctor's office they cannot give me the monitor because my phone number has been disconnected. Mind you, this is the very number SHE was calling me on!!! It is unbelievable to me how many problems and issues I have to constantly deal with. Anyway, she said she would call them and try to straighten it out.

I guess they figured it out, because they did call and leave a message on Wednesday afternoon and I will be calling them back today.

On a side note, I am loving my new Shape Ups. They are so cushioned when I walk. I am sure hoping that, after losing no weight for the past month, that between being off the Beta Blocker and wearing my new shoes, I will finally lose some weight this week!

ANy Heart News?

On February 3rd I had a cardiac MRI. Almost 2 hours in the cramped MRI machine with the loud banging. They told me when it was completed that the images came out clear and that my doctors would have the results in three business days. I had requested they send the results to three of my doctors, including the one who ordered it.

This morning I had my appointment with the arrhythmia doctor who sent me for the cardiac MRI to discuss the results. He had told me at my last visit that if the results came back showing no problems, he would take me off the Beta Blocker. I want to get off the Beta Blocker as it is keeping me from being able to lose weight, as well as inhibiting my heart rate.

When I arrived at the office for my appointment, I could hear the receptionist on the phone asking someone about my MRI. When she hung up, she asked me where did I have the MRI done, because U Penn hospital had no record of me there. Probably because I had it done at Robert Wood Johnson. So she called RWJ. Neither did they had any record of me. Probably since I had it done in New Brunswick and she called Hamilton. Finally she called RWJ in New Brunswick. Yes, they had the results, but would not send them along unless they had a signed authorization from me.

This was craziness and out of control. This is the office of the doctor who ordered the test to be done. How can they refuse to give that doctor the results? If doctors cannot have access to results of tests they ask for, how can patients get treatment? But I signed the form and she faxed it on over.

My question in my own mind was , Why did they wait until I was at the office for my appointment to check on the MRI results? This should have been done last week when they called to remind me of the appointment. Hearing the results was the entire reason for my appointment today. And they had no results.

No wonder when the nurse took my BP it was 140/76. When the doctor came in, of course he did not want to take me off the Beta Blocker as we had no MRI results, although he is confident there will not be a problem in the results. He also wanted me to wear a heart monitor for two weeks. He mentioned this to me on my last visit, but I told him I really did not want to do that, as my skin is sensitive and reacts to the adhesive on the leads. When I wore monitor for just 24 hours back in November, I still have the scars from where the leads got all gooey and itchy.

He replied that they have some different leads that maybe I would not be allergic to, that I have to remove it when I shower and to call his office if I cannot tolerate the leads. He asked me to at least give it a try, as the incident of my heart racing was a serious one and they need to try and discover the cause. Then he told me I could stop taking the Beta blocker for now. IF the cardiac MRI show some kind of problem we may have to discuss this issue again. He told me they would call me when the finally get the results.

I like this doctor in that he listens to what my concerns are, he treats me with respect by explaining why he thinks I need to do what he is requesting. I asked if he could be my heart doctor instead of the first one I saw in November. He said he would be happy to see me anytime and as my heart doctor, he would begin to monitor my BP since I was going off the Beta Blocker.

Bottom line, I was hoping my visit today was going to put an end to the heart problem situation. But it didn't. There is always another test to be done. No results from the last one were available. In that respect I am feeling frustrated. But I am happy to stop taking the Beta Blocker. I believe that God has already taken care of the heart problem. I just wonder how many more hoops I have to jump through in order to get confirmation of that.

Cardiac MRI and 120

It is a blizzardy, snowy, cold day here. What better kind of day to update my blog. Christmas has come and gone. A new year has begun. The big news of the year so far is I have reached the 120 pounds lost milestone. It has been a long journey since August to get the next twenty pounds off. I am sure being on the Beta blocker has made it that much more difficult. I am working out harder and longer. I am eating less. But very little results.

When I saw the arrhythmia doctor at the end of December, I asked him why I need to take the Beta blocker. He agreed that looking at all of my test results to date there is no reason for me to be on it. But the fact that I had the one serious incident of rapid heart beat, and no cause having been found is still worrying. He ordered a cardiac MRI for me. He assured me that if this test does not find any hidden disease or problem with my heart, he will take me off the Beta blocker. But cautioned me that I may have to return to the original dosage of my other blood pressure medication.

OF course scheduling the cardiac MRI was difficult. His office could not schedule it. They could only contact my insurance, who issued an authorization number.

The doctor wanted me to have it done at U Penn hospital, but the insurance wanted me to have it done in NJ. While on the phone with me they contacted several radiology groups, but none of them do cardiac MRIs. they all informed us it is only done at certain hospitals.

We tried St Mary's but it is not done there. Next we contacted Princeton. They perform the test there, but the scheduling person was so rude to me, I cancelled the appointment there.

The other hospital the doctor recommended was Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick. My doctor faxed them the order for the test and I was told when they received it, someone would call me to schedule the procedure. 6 days went by and no call. I had no phone number, only a fax number. SO I faxed them my information and asked them to contact me. Someone called and left a message. I called back and left a message. 2 days and no return call. I finally talked to a person, who was very courteous and helpful and got the test scheduled. I will note that when I faxed them and when I made the appointment I gave them the insurance authorization number.

The day before the test, I got a frantic call from the doctor's office saying RWJ was going to cancel my test because they never got my authorization number. So I gave it again.

I arrived for the test and had to fill out paperwork at admissions first. Then I went to a cardiology waiting room for an hour.

When they took me to have the MRI done, they could not get the IV for the contrast into my veins. After trying two different places, they decided to inject me when the time came.

I was told to lie completely still for the duration of the test. They inserted ear plugs to help dull the banging noise. At intervals throughout the test, I was given instructions of how and when to breathe and hold my breath. This went for two hours. Lying still in a cramped small space, with loud banging.

The only break was for about two minutes when they took me out to inject the contrast.

I needed a Tshirt saying I survived a cardiac MRI. It was exhausting.

The only thing I was told was that the images came out clear and the doctor would have results in three business days.

My appointment is near the end of the month. But I am thinking that if a problem is detected, hopefully they would call before then. I am believing that God has already taken care of the problem.

Heart and Lungs

Christmas is almost here. This year the goose is not getting fat - I have lost 114 pounds so far.

I saw the cardiologist last week to find out results of all of my heart tests. I am not happy with that office. They refuse to call me Ruth, and insist on calling me Mary. Yes, Mary IS my first name. But I have NEVER been called Mary. When people refer to me as Mary, I do not know who they are talking about or to. When phone calls ask for Mary, I tell them she does not live here, because obviously the caller is someone who does not know me.

When the woman tried to call me in for my appointment with the doctor, she was calling "Mary", I did not answer. Finally I said do you mean Ruth? She said No, Mary. I replied I think you mean Ruth. She finally asked what is the last name, when I said Sullivan, she said right. I told her I do not go by Mary, but by Ruth. Her response was "Well, in this office you will go by Mary!" Not a good start.

When the doctor came in, he told me all of my tests came back normal. There were no incidents of rapid heart beats. The echo cardiogram showed a healthy heart, with no blockages. The nuclear stress test was normal. There is no reason for any treatment on his part, come back in a year. I asked, since all tests were normal, no incidents of rapid heart beat, since I have never experienced any symptoms, could I stop taking the Beta blocker. He was offended and became condescending. The bottom line is I must continue to take it, it is a small dose and it is preventative. I argued for several minutes, but he was insistent. He did say if when I see the arrhythmia doctor next week, if HE says I can discontinue it, he would be all right with that.

I left there with mixed feelings. I was happy the tests were all okay and that my heart seems to be in good shape. But I also felt some uncertainty, since he wants me to continue to take this medication.

When I discussed the particular Beta Blocker I am taking with my dietitian, she informed me because it slows down the heart rate and metabolism, it makes losing weight very difficult. Neither of us are happy about that.

Today I saw my primary care doctor. We discussed the results of the CT scan I had done of my chest back in November. The nodule in my lung is GONE!!!! Thank you Lord! And thank all of you for your prayers!

When I talked with him about the Beta Blocker, I asked since it is an additional blood pressure medication, if I could cut back the dosage on one of my other BP meds. He said yes! My BP has been good - today it was 120/60. I will see him in 8 weeks to check it again at the lower dosage.

SO that is the latest health update. I see the arrhythmia doctor next Monday. I am hoping he does not want to put me through another battery of tests.

I am in the process of trying to get all of my Christmas "stuff" finished. I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Friendly Packages

It is almost Christmas. When I was a child, it seemed like forever between Christmases. Now I feel like I blink and it is December again. It is the time of year we all do a lot of shopping.

Over the years I have evolved from catalog to online shopping. This means I have received a lot of packages. These packages have come via UPS, FedEx and USPS. As a result of the large number of packages, I have become familiar with the delivery guys.

One day the FedEX man, who had no package for me, stopped by the house. He had a killer headache and wondered if I could give him a glass of water and some tylenol. Since over the years he had made me very happy by the packages he had so promptly delivered, I was glad to oblige him. I did wonder why he chose me to ask. Then I figured maybe I am one of the few people actually home when he brings his packages.

But more recently, I became aware in an almost amusing way, how well those delivery guys know me.

I was on my way to the gym. I had turned the corner from my street on to the neighboring street. Halfway down this street, the FedEx truck was coming towards me. The driver beeped and waved. SO I waved. Then he stopped, and motioned to me. I pulled over. He had a package for me, which he delivered to my car, on a street that I do not live on. Not only does he recognize me, know what house I live in, he also knows my car (which is usually in the garage). Go figure.

In the past year, I have joined Facebook, a social networking site. Imagine my surprise when one of my UPS delivery men made a request to be my friend on Facebook! That is when I began to wonder, do I order too many packages?

Now to be fair, I must add that I found out the UPS guy goes to my church. That is actually the context in which he asked to be my Facebook friend. But when he told me how much he loves my house, and I knew he had never been there as a guest, it all came out that he delivers UPS packages to me on a regular basis.

So that is my story of friendly packages. Can you say that your packages are as friendly as mine?

Matters of the Heart

For those of you who are not followers of my blog, Recently I had another sleep test. During that test, I had one incident when my heart was beating fast for 33 beats. I was awake during the incident, but was not aware it was happening. My sleep doctor informed my primary doctor, who sent me to a cardiologist. When I met with the cardiologist, he set me up with a number of tests to see what is going on.

The first was bloodwork to check my ACE and magnesium levels. The scale for normal for ACE is 12 - 68, mine is 11. Magnesium range is 1.6-2.6, mine is 2.0.

He put me on a new medication which is a Beta blocker/ACE inhibitor. When I exercise, this keeps me from being able to get to my target heart rate anymore. I also do not understand since my ACE level is low, why I need a medication to inhibit it more.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I had to go to the cardiologist's office to get hooked up to a heart monitor for 24 hours. I told the nurse that I have sensitive skin and adhesives do not stick well. She prepped the areas for the leads to be attached by rubbing the skin with sand paper to help them adhere better. By the time I got home. two of the leads had come off. After several phone calls, I was told to return to have them re-attached. She taped them on this time.

When I removed them the following morning, my skin was all red and itchy, and the areas were "gooey". A week later, the areas are still red.

Wednesday morning I was back for an echo cardiogram. I waited over 30 minutes past my appointment time to be called back. I had to remove my shirt and bra, and wear an open-fronted gown top. I was told to lay on my left side, facing away from the person doing the sonogram. Although he had to prod me all around the left breast area, it did not hurt. What was upsetting was after he had begun to do the echo cardiogram, another woman came into the room and asked was he almost finished. He said no, he had just started. She asked him to come with her and help her with her patient. He did not want to , but she kept pressing him until he left.

Now I was already nervous about having all of these tests on my heart. To have him leave in the middle of it, for several minutes, and hearing him in the next room performing the test on another patient was not helping my nerves. I was becoming a bit angry, thinking why is that patient more important than me? Then I decided to be thankful I had the more competent technician doing my test.

He returned and finished my test, apologizing for having to leave me.

Bright and early on Monday, I had the nuclear stress test. I had been given no instructions about my medications. Knowing the new prescription inhibited my heart rate, I opted not to take it before the test, but brought it with me, in case they wanted me to take it. I could not eat before the test, nor have any caffeine, decaf, or chocolate for 24 hours prior to the test. I had to drink plenty of water.

First a nurse looked over my forms and medication list. She told me it was okay for me to take the beta blocker after I went on the treadmill. She hooked me up so I could get the injection via IV during the testing. Then another nurse came in and gave me my first injection of nuclear stuff. They told me it is like having a CT scan. But I can honestly say, I felt nothing throughout the testing, from either injection.

Next I had to go to the waiting area, drink 4 small glasses of water and eat a package of graham crackers. IN about 30 minutes I was taken back to a dark room, had to lie on a narrow machine, and had pictures of my heart taken. I had to lie still with my hands over my head for ten minutes.

Then back to the waiting room for another half an hour.

The treadmill was next. A nurse practitioner cardiologist began the hookup and looked over my chart. IN passing she commented that I had a sonogram of my heart and "it looked good". I know she was not giving me results, but I was happy to hear that. I asked her what was the target heart rate she was aiming for me. She said for my age 136 is 85% and that would be the minimum needed to conduct the test. Maximum is 160.

After the nurse finished hooking me up, and taking my blood pressure, I stepped onto the treadmill. There was a beautiful autumn scene on the wall in front of it. It looked like the canal path behind my house.

As I started walking, they asked what levels I usually walk on the treadmill. I told them the fastest I have gone is 3.6 and the highest incline is 6. They told me they start me out at incline of 10. Every three minutes the treadmill increases speed and incline a little more. As I was walking, they told me it was a good thing I had not taken the beta blocker or they do not know how high they would have had to make me go to get to the target heart rate. Every two or three minutes, they checked my blood pressure, which was steadily increasing. They told me not to get upset by how high it was, as exercise always does that.

The nurse practitioner kept her eyes on the electrocardiogram and the nurse kept checking the BP. They were constantly asking how I felt. When the target heart rate was reached (145), the second nurse came in and gave me another injection. I had to walk one more minute with the nuclear stuff in me.

When I came off the treadmill, they kept checking my BP until it was back to normal - which was quickly. They said it is a sign that I am fit because my heart recovered quickly. She also told me I had no incidents of racing heart during the test.

I was sent back to the waiting room and told to drink a small can of apple juice and eat a nutrigrain bar. After about 45 minutes, I returned to the dark room for one last set of pictures of my heart. The entire process took about two and a half hours.

At no time did I experience any discomfort. The treadmill workout was more strenuous than I usually do at the gym, in that because of my back, I do not set the incline that high. But I had no trouble completing the test. I was sweating and winded, but that happens every time I go to the gym.

Now the waiting begins. I do not see the cardiologist again until Dec 15th to find out results. Then I see the arrhythmia specialist at the end of the month.

Thank you to all who have been praying. I have been upset and nervous about having these tests. I have wanted so bad to turn to food for that comfort as I was not finding it elsewhere. I continued to seek God and He has sustained me and kept me from overeating.

Please continue to pray for me as I await results.

A

Baby, Baby, Can You Feel My Heartbeat?

Tuesday I saw the cardiologist for the first time. I admit, I felt nervous, wondering what he would find.

I had filled out all of the paperwork I was sent. I brought copies of the sleep test EKG, recent blood work and list of my medications and supplements.

First stop was in a room with a nurse. She filled out some information on the computer, then hooked me up to do an EKG. It surprised me how quickly it was done. When she left, she said the doctor would be in. My usual experience is that it is at least 15 minutes or more before the doctor shows up, so I came prepared with my ipod. I had barely got the earphones in, when the doctor came in.

He asked me what medical issues I have, asked about family history of heart problems/disease, and how do I feel in general. He looked over a thick file my primary doctor had sent to him, especially wanting to know about my granumolotus (SP?) disease - he asked several times during the appointment if I have (Or had) diabetes or tuberculosis, of if I have ever smoked. He went over the EKG and told me that I had 33 heartbeats that were too fast. He said because of that he wants me to see a heart specialist - an arrhythmia doctor.

He said although I do not have a lot of risk factors for heart disease, the ones I have are big ones - good cholesterol too low, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and granumolotus disease.

He asked if I could walk on a treadmill for a stress test. I assured him, as long as I can hold on, I walk on a treadmill at least five times a week.

He said there could be many causes of the heart issue of not beating properly. With granulomotus, the growths from the scarring which I have on other organs could also be found in my heart. With sleep apnea, the stopping breathing can cause heart rate difficulties.

I asked him what about me continuing to exercise. He said I could walk. I told him I cannot walk far because of my back. He then conceded that I could go on the treadmill to walk, but no faster than 3 miles per hour. But I can do nothing to stress my heart until we get the results of all of my tests.

After he was finished, he showed me to the desk of a scheduling person. I met with her for about 20 minutes to set up all of the tests. I was confused because he instead of a treadmill stress test, he ordered a nuclear stress test for me, which takes 3 or 4 hours. I have to have an echo cardiogram of my heart to see if it is healthy. I have to wear a heart monitor for a 24 hour period. I have to see him again after all of the tests and she also made my appointment with the heart specialist for the end of December. IN addition, he prescribed a beta blocker for me to take to slow my heart down. ( I was not aware it was too fast). Finally he sent me for (more) blood work, to see my magnesium level and do and ACE panel. My arm is still bruised from when I had blood drawn last Thursday, but at least she knew what spot she could find a vein.

When I went to the appointment, I was not feeling too bad. After hearing all of the possibilities, scheduling all the tests, having to see a specialist, getting an additional medication (I have been hoping to get off some of my meds, not add more) and being told to cut back on my exercise, I am extremely nervous.

I know I need to be careful until all the information is in, but I have been exercising for many months now. I am not willing to back off and lose all of the good I have gained. I am going to continue doing what I have been doing at the gym, just not as much or as intense.

I took the beta blocker this morning. I do not know if it was the effect of that, but I noticed at the gym while walking on the treadmill, I could not get my heart rate up like I usually do - and it took a lot longer for it to increase. I also noticed it kept at a steady rate for longer periods, instead of hopping around like it does sometimes. (I wear a heart rate monitor when I go to the gym every time - I do not rely on the machines to monitor my rate)

I thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue to pray and believe with me. My tests should be completed by the end of November and I see the regular cardiologist the second week in December to discuss results.

The Good News (for a change)

I saw the sleep/pulmonary doctor yesterday. The purpose of the appointment was to go over test results. Again, she spent a lot of time with me - over 30 minutes.

First she went over in great detail the results of the breathing test. As she was showing me the numbers, she wondered aloud why she has wanted me to have this done. I reminded her about the two CT scans of my chest. She turned to the reports and reviewed them affirming that is indeed what prompted her to ask me to have this test.

The results of my breathing (pulmonary function) were all great. My lungs are functioning excellently. On one of the tests that determines the function of the smallest tubes in the lungs, the result was 85. They repeated this after having me inhale some medication. Now 85 is an excellent reading of functionality. After inhaling the medication, it increased to 98. Also excellent. She said it shows there may be congestion in the airway, but that it did not impair breathing or function.

Her conclusion was that if at some point I require surgery to remove the nodule in my lung, the lungs are healthy and functioning perfectly to withstand surgery.

Next we looked at the results of my sleep test. Again, she showed me the graphs and numbers and explained it all in great detail. I wonder if she is this thorough with all of her patients. I wonder if this approach is because she is part of a teaching hospital. Or perhaps it is just because I am such an excellent complier using my machine 100% of the time that she is so thorough.

During the period I slept without the machine, I did not not ever get into deep sleep. I had about 24 apneas per hour. My oxygen level never dropped below 88%, but did hover there while I had no machine. This is a huge difference from my original test, where I stopped breathing 100 times per hour and my oxygen levels dropped to the heart attack zone.

For the portion of the night where I slept with the machine, I also had about 25 apneas per hour. I did get into the deep sleep three times, twice on my side and once on my back. My apneas were no more frequent on my back than on my side ( this is a positive). They kept me at a steady pressure of 8, with no exhale help, the entire time. My oxygen levels stayed high.

Her conclusion is that I have a mild case of sleep apnea now. Although she does not guarantee losing additional weight will completely cure it, she says there are skinny people who have sleep apnea too, she thinks my chances are good, in the amount of improvement I have shown so far.

Another issue was I had a certain amount of leg movement, which cased me to wake up. She said it is not a lot, and could be caused by low iron, low B12, so she sent me for blood work to check my levels.

There was a lab in the next building, so I went right from her office to have the blood drawn.

Unfortunately, she did not have the results of the CT scan of my chest which was done on Monday. She said if I do not hear from her by the middle of next week to call the office so they can follow up on getting the results.

All in all I felt happy with this appointment. The news was all good for a change. The health issues discussed were all improving, which is one of my main goals on this healthy lifestyle journey I am on. As long as I can see some light at the end of this long tunnel, I can continue on with determination. Thank you all for your support and prayers.

Breathing and My Name

This week has not been a good one. My dietitian left the area, I found out I may have a heart problem, I lost no weight and John was extremely busy, and not available. With all that was going on, I wanted to fall into my old bad patterns and turn to food for comfort and security. I thought I had overcome that issue, but apparently not. Because I plan all of my meals and snacks the day before, I was able to stop myself from giving in to that kind of eating. But it was a struggle. It was on my mind.

Thursday I had to go for a breathing test, or Pulmonary Function Test. Of course there is paperwork to fill out first. The woman registering me asked for my driver's license as ID. There are two problems with my driver's license: First, I have lost over 100 pounds since the picture was taken, so it does not look that much like me; second, in NJ, Motor Vehicles will only put your first name on the license with a middle initial. Those of you who know me, realize I have always been called by my middle name. All of my official documents, my checks, my accounts etc either have Ruth or M Ruth. Our medical insurance just has Ruth. When I made the appointment it was as Ruth, no mention of an initial or first name. After I was registered, she put a wrist ID band on me for the test. From there, I went into the ladies room, where I noticed the name on the wrist band was Mary. I returned to her and told her if she wanted the insurance to cover the test, she needed to put it in as Ruth, not Mary. But, but, but she tried to say. I told her do what she wants but my insurance does not recognize me as Mary. (and neither do I).

When I got called in for the test, the respiratory technician, of course had more paperwork to be filled out. When she tried to pull up my file on the computer, she could not find it. Of course, not, she was looking for Mary. I told her to try my actual name, Ruth. She said she could only go by what the woman had registered me as. I told her that she would not find it under Mary. Somehow she managed to pull up Ruth, and she wrote on the file Mary Ruth. She advised me to change my name officially to Ruth Mary. It would make things easier.

I did the test - breathing a lot of different ways, inhaling some medicine, and breathing some more. I will find out next week, when I see the sleep/pulmonary doctor, the results.

Friday I picked up the heart reading from the doctor to take with me to the cardiologist.

Next I went to CVS and got a flu shot (my doctor has been all out of it). Then I wanted to go to the radiologist, as it is a new one for me, and make the appointment for a CT scan of my chest. My doctor's office had called me with the number I thought I needed as approval from my insurance company. But I found out it was just a reference number and I had to call the company for the approval number. But, at least I found out exactly where I have to go to have it done.

When I got home, I called the insurance, and the person I spoke to was extremely helpful (for a nice change). At the end of the conversation, she even connected me to the facility so I could make the appointment. I will be having the CT scan on Monday morning. Hopefully the results will be available in time for my appointment withe the doctor on Thursday morning.

In the afternoon , I went to the gym and also worked with my trainer for half an hour.

Last night I felt awful. I ached all over, my eyes hurt and my stomach hurt. I never sleep well and I was exhausted. Even so, I did not sleep well again last night. I wonder if the flu shot was making me feel sick.

SO that is the latest. I'll update after I have some more information to report.

Medical Update

After the sleep test last week I was feeling pretty good. I was encouraged that finally, after all of this hard work, eating healthy and exercising, having lost over 100 pounds, I was seeing some positive benefit. My sleep apnea was less severe.

Now two things have happened to discourage me again.

First my dietitian has decided to change jobs. I do not blame her. The company she works for is not good with either client or employee relations. If it had not been for her, I would have given up on them a long time ago. SO I am happy for her, but sad for me. She has been my rock in my healthy eating/weight loss battle. I had to say goodbye to her today for our last appointment. I would like to think we could stay in contact. She would like to think she can continue to support me. But I realize how life gets busy and time gets out of control. SO now I have to figure out what I am going to do about finding a new dietitian. I do not like the thought of starting over from scratch. Having to catch someone up on all I have been through and tried. All of the frustrations and victories. I feel like I have a team of people who have been helping me with all of my medical issues and now thee is a hole in that team.

Monday I saw my primary doctor. We went over the information from the sleep doctor. She wants me to have another CT scan of my chest. We got that approval process in the works. We talked about my blood pressure and he agreed for me to go off of my water pill for two months to see how I do. Part of this decision is to see if I will not wake up so often at night and thus sleep better.

Yesterday when I returned from the gym, I had two messages on my phone from the sleep doctor saying she needed to speak to me and call her right away. I left a message and she called back within a few minutes.

During my sleep test last week a heart issue surfaced that was totally unrelated to the sleep apnea. It happened only once during the night and it occurred during a time I was awake. I was not having an apnea. My heart started to race at 130 beats per minute and it was triggered in an area of the heart that was not usual. She said I needed to see a cardiologist, that she would fax the information to my primary doctor and I should get the name of a doctor from him. I asked if there was any concern about my continuing to exercise. She said she had no idea.

Since it was already late in the day, I figured I would give my primary doctor a chance to get and read the information from her, and be in touch with him on Wednesday.

This morning I had my appointment with the dietitian, said a sad goodbye and lost no weight. Then I went to the grocery store. After lunch, the doctor called me, saving me the trouble. He told me about the report from the sleep doctor. He feels looking at the "strip" it was just a one time incident and nothing to worry about. But he said it is better to get it checked by a cardiologist to make sure. He referred to it as possible "vtach". He gave me the name of a group of doctors.

I called and have an appointment on November 10th. My primary doctor said I should continue to exercise and do what I normally do.

Please continue to pray for me. At first I felt disappointed that here is yet another medical issue popping up after I am doing so much to regain my health. But I had to remind myself of all of the years I was not making healthy choices and there will be consequences for that. I do not feel worried, but have the peace of God, knowing it is all in His hands. And really it is a blessing I had the sleep test and this showed up, so I can get it checked out before it presents a bigger problem.

Sleep Test #4

Last night I had my fourth sleep test. This one was done at a different hospital than the first three. Having had the previous tests, I pretty much knew what to expect.

When I arrived, I was shown to my room. Of course there was paperwork to fill out. I changed into my jammies and read a bit, while they "hooked up" another patient.

This is a teaching hospital so there was a trainee observing my "hookup". Wires were attached to m y head, my legs, my chin, my side, - well, you get the idea. I had a band around my chest and one around my waist. These were attached to heart monitors - EKGs. I had an oxygen reader on my finger and tubes attached to my nose. I guess I looked like something from outer space with all of the wires and tubes.

The hookup takes about 45 minutes.

Before the testing can begin, I have to lay still for five minutes, so they can get "calibrations". After the five minutes are up, they ask me to look left and right, up and down, only moving my eyes; to make a snoring sound, to hum, to blink, to close my eyes, to breathe through my nose, to breathe through my mouth and to move my legs.

During the first part of the test, I had to try and sleep without a machine. I had difficulty getting to sleep. IN addition, some of the wires on my chin were coming loose and the technician had to come in twice to re-attach them.

Of course at some point, I had to make a pit stop. When she came to unhook me for that, she told me to put my sleep mask on, she was going to put me on a regular sleep machine to see how I would do.

Once we got going with that, she realized one of my leg wires was no longer attached and had to come back to fix that. I finally did get some sleep, but woke up several times.

She saw I was awake at 6:45 and told me to do all of those eye, breathing and leg things again, then told me to remove my mask. In a few minutes, she came in and unhooked me.

She said she'd check my sleep machine while I got dressed to leave.

Although she is not a doctor, she did tell me a couple of things.

During my original sleep test in February, 2008, my oxygen levels dropped into the dangerous zone, 50% or less. Last night, even without the machine, my levels did not drop below 88%, which is not bad.

Without the machine, I only had 9 episodes of apnea.

During my first test I had over 600 in 6 hours.

My sleep machine is set at pressure 18 (inhale) / 12 (exhale).

Last night I did not use the type of machine I have. I used only a regular sleep machine and the pressure was 8 (inhale). I did not require help with exhale.

Her conclusion is that I have only mild sleep apnea now. She is sure that as I continue to lose weight I will be complete apnea free and not have to use a machine! Again, she is not a doctor, but I liked her positive attitude!

When she checked my machine, she said it shows that it is giving me a pressure of 8, which affirms what she found in the test last night. She also said my mask is working perfectly and not leaking air at all, even while I am asleep.

I am encouraged by this news. I will see the doctor in two weeks to find out what her recommendations are. But what great news to go from severe sleep apnea, the worst case my previous doctor had ever treated, to mild sleep apnea is awesome! Thanks to all of you who prayed!

New Sleep Doctor

For the past several months I have been looking for a new sleep doctor. If you have followed this blog, you know I was having many issues with the former doctor. I was looking for a couple of things in the new doctor. First I wanted a sleep/pulmonary doctor, who could also deal with my breathing-lung problems as evidenced in the CT scans I had done. I also wanted someone who could read the Smart Card in my sleep machine. this was the most difficult of the list to fulfill. In addition, of course, I needed a doctor who took my insurance.

I am happy to say I finally found such a doctor, (thanks to the help of Audrey). I had my first appointment yesterday. I went armed with my Smart Card, reports from my xrays and CT scans, copies of my blood work and information about my medical supplier.

The receptionist took my Smart Card and downloaded the information. She came back and told me I win the prize for the best report they have ever seen. She said my line was all green and green is good. (Later when the doctor showed me the report, green means I use the machine every night).

I had more paperwork to fill out, besides what I had already received in the mail and brought with me.

First I had to watch a short video of the doctor explaining what sleep apnea is. At first I thought this would be nothing I needed, but it was very informative and explained sleep apnea very clearly. I have to admit, after seeing it, I really did not understand it previously.

I was disappointed when the doctor came in, that she was not the doctor who I thought I was going to see. But this doctor was very nice, and very thorough. She questioned me in great detail. She answered all of my questions. She was knowledgeable.

When she took my blood pressure, it was 124/58 and she asked was the bottom number always so low. After about 40 minutes with me, she told me that I was to watch another video and she was going to consult with another doctor about my pulmonary issues and then return to discuss the plan of treatment.

The second video concerned treatment options for sleep apnea.I thought it was interesting that her first option was weight loss. She said, if this will not work for you, then there is surgery, which has a 50% success rate for curing sleep apnea, or using the machine, which has a 100% correction rate.

After the video, the doctor who I thought I was going to see in the first place returned with the other doctor. They spent another 40 minutes with me, discussing my case.

My first question was since seeing the video, I wondered having lost over 100 pounds already, did she foresee a point when I would have less severe sleep apnea or even not have it at all anymore.

She replied that she wants me to have another sleep test - this time a split night test. For the first part of the night I will sleep without a machine to see if I still need a machine. If I am still having apnea episodes, they will put me on the machine and monitor pressures to see if I can reduce the high pressures I am currently using. That will take place on October 20.

Another concern this will address, is the fact that it takes me so long to get to sleep, and once I wake up during the night, it takes me so long to get back to sleep. She thinks the pressure may be contributing to that.

She is reporting to my primary doctor that she would like another CT scan (he has to order that) to see if there have been additional changes to my lungs.

IN addition, I am having a series of breathing tests done on October 29th, to determine lung function and breathing capacity. My oxygen level yesterday was 96%, which she said at my age is good.

I will see her again in three weeks to go over all the results and hear her treatment plans.

I felt good about this visit. I felt like my concerns were heard. I felt like my needs were addressed. With this doctor, I am a more informed patient and can ask better questions. They gave me a lot of information I never had in the past.

Please continue to pray for me as I have these tests to give the doctors wisdom in making right choices for my treatment.

The BIg Sixty

It has been a while since I blogged here. First let me say I had a birthday since then. I am now 60 years old. I am thankful to be able to say, I am healthier at 60 than I was at 50.

I realized this year that John and I have become the older generation our family. With the passing of his Dad in January, it became official. Then this summer one of my cousin's husband passed away and I felt it again.

I have lost 105 pounds. I was feeling discouraged because I had been losing so well, then last April it seemed to come to a halt. My dietitian tried switching a variety of things, each of which worked for two weeks, then nothing. Since the beginning of April (5 months) I have lost 21 pounds. My goal was to reach the 100 pound mark by my birthday and I am happy that I accomplished it.

Reaching that milestone was a lot of hard work and I was disappointed I did not see progress in other areas. I am still on all of my meds, my back still hurt and the sleep apnea is still going on.

Then the weekend before my birthday we went to Regent University in Virginia Beach. We go every year. Last year when we went, I could not walk very far without having to stop to sit and rest my aching back. This year, I saw a dramatic improvement. I was able to walk everywhere without having to stop without terrible pain. For me to see that contrast from last year was so encouraging.

Last time when I saw my chiropractor he treated me in an entirely new way than he had ever done before, concentrating on my lower back. I believe this is what finally made the difference. Yes, all of what I have been doing is helping, but that is like the final push I needed to see improvement. He says we will continue that line of treatment.

I am still going to the gym five days a week. I work with a personal trainer twice a week. On the day I work with her alone, we concentrate on my back, abs and core. The day I work with her with a friend we do arms and legs mostly.

I saw my primary doctor this week and my blood pressure was 124/68 - the lowest it has been in years. I am hoping if it is low again when I see him in December he will let me decrease some of my BP medications.

I have finally found a new sleep doctor. I see her on October 8th for the first time. She can read the Smart Card in my sleep machine, which is one thing I was looking for in a sleep doctor. I am hoping she will work out for me. I am still having trouble sleeping, even with the machine. I get up once or twice a night for a pit stop and have trouble getting back to sleep - sometimes for hours.

I think that about catches things up with me and my health.

My precious grandson had his 6th birthday and is now in first grade. We saw him open his gifts and took his family to dinner. Guess where he wanted to eat? The Sushi place!!!

Bombay Hook Birds -8/09 Herons

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Bombay Hook Birds -8/09 Egrets

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