The research that supported this stated that two cups (500 ml) of beet juice lowered blood pressure by approximately 10 points and the effect lasts up to 24 hours.

I hope that helps and good luck!

Post from: Blisstree

A hearty question: Beet juice and hypertension

Just curious if roller coaster’s are out for all children with congenital heart defects? My son has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and is getting to the age where he is asking to ride the more adult, scarier rides. Let me know if anyone out there has HLHS or a child with HLHS and share your experience.

Thanks

Rita- Thanks for the question again. Roller coasters… ahhh! I personally find them very scary and the thought of my kids getting on them is even scarier, but for a parent that has a heart defect… I can not even imagine.

Yes, children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) have many of chronic issues and need to be on many medications and plenty of follow up visits following surgery. I searched and searched… I found a mixed bag of advice. There are many children that are living to live, meaning they ride the rides and do what pleases them. Personally, I think there is some truth to this way of life.

I also found some threads stating that kids with HLHS should not ride roller coasters and thrill seeking rides. I also found some indications of doctors and cardiologists stating that children with HLHS should not take such risks.

There is no strong answer and no definitive right or wrong. My advice is to speak with your cardiologist and follow up with all concerns and worries, as well as worries from your son, and come to a decision that both you and your son can live with. How is he doing? Has he had success? Thanks again for your concerns and your questions, hope you are having a great summer!

Thanks,

Kendra

Post from: Blisstree

Dear Kendra: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome and roller coasters?

Is resistant high blood pressure resistant to exercise and diet regimens and can it be genetic?

Resistant hypertension is high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment. It is defined as blood pressure that remains elevated above treatment goals despite administration of a three drug regimen usually including a diuretic. It can not be diagnosed in full until the treatment has failed.

The most common cause of resistant hypertension, and the most difficult to treat is non- compliance of the patient. The term ‘patient noncompliance’ refers to situations where the patient did not adhere to the treatment for whatever reason, and some are out of the control of the patient.

It is important to figure out the underlying reason behind the resistant hypertension. Is it overactive adrenal glands, secondary hypertension? Is it kidney insufficiency or fluid build up? The physician needs to explore all options and situations before finding a regimen hat would be acceptable for the patient.

Post from: Blisstree

Q&A about resistant hypertension

Dear Doctor,

Could you prescribe an anti-anxiety drug for my 80 year old father? I need him to start taking one to help relieve my anxiety about his health.

Jon

*ripping tearing sounds* Now that’s a Dear Doctor letter I’m not sending out!

Technorati Tags: doctors, physicians, letters, medicine, health

Post from: Blisstree

Dear Doctor #15: Take My Dad, Please

Dear Doctor,

Why don’t you listen to us? We are living in these bodies everyday. We are also watching our kids grow and learn. We know when something isn’t quite right.

One of my first bad experiences was when I was about 17 years old. I kept having dizzy spells (not the blonde kind). My mom took me to the doctor and I remember that she looked in my right ear and then checked my heart, chest, and all that. She couldn’t find anything wrong, so she sent me home. I kept getting dizzy spells and they were getting worse and I was starting to feel pretty bad. My mom took me back to the doctor and this time the doctor ordered a pregnancy test. My mom was so mad!!!! Of course the test came back negative and the doctor even acted upset about it. So, she looked me over again and this time she checked my left ear. Can you believe she found an ear infection? Duh!!!

About 10 years ago my husband had to have hernia surgery because he has a hole in his stomach. The doctor should have retired a long time ago. We were promised a one inch incision with a few stitches. My husband received a 4 inch long jagged incision with 9 staples. He was in a lot of pain for about two weeks. Because of the first surgeon not doing the procedure correctly, my husband has had to have the surgery 2 more times. One of those surgeries was this past weekend. He is recovering right now.

Another issue I had was after my second child was born. He was spitting up everywhere. I had it in my hair, on my clothes, sheets, etc. He was crying for hours each day and I knew something was wrong. I think I took him to the doctor about 5 times in 3 weeks. Each time I kept having doctors tell me that he was fine, he was gaining weight, and that some babies just spit up more than others. I kept suggesting that it might be his formula and they didn’t think it was. Of course, it couldn’t be . . . how could Enfamil possibly be wrong for my child? (Sarcasm.) These doctors must get some pretty good kick backs for acting like it’s the only formula out there. Finally, I’d had enough. I switched his formula on my own, without telling the doctors. The change was immediate! He immediately quite spitting up and the crying gradually decreased over the next 4 days.

Then we moved to a new area and switched doctors. I’m not too thrilled with this doctor either. He was pretty upset when he found out that I had my son on Good Start formula. He said that stuff about Good Start having comfort proteins was “BS”. He said it was junk formula. As if!!! Good Start has iron, DHA & ARA, and it has to be way better than the stuff I drank as a baby. He insisted that I put my son back on Enfamil. My son was older so I decided to give it a try. He wasn’t spitting up, but the crying started again. So, I switched him back to Good Start, despite my doctor’s wishes. I sure do wish someone would tell me what kind of kick backs they’re getting from Enfamil. I could go on for another 10 minutes or so about this doctor, but I’ll spare you. I’ve yet to find another pediatrician that I want to switch to.

I did have one really good experience with a doctor. When I was pregnant with my first child I fell down in a parking lot. My good buddy Kelly was there for that one. It didn’t seem like I hurt myself, but the next morning I did not feel my baby move at all. I got scared and went in to see the doctor on call. He was not my regular doctor, but he was so nice. I just couldn’t get over it. He was encouraging and truly concerned. He wasn’t just faking it. My husband even liked him. The doctor even snuck me into the ultrasound room for a free ultrasound to make sure the baby was ok.

I know all doctors are not bad. It just seems like I’ve had more bad than good. I hope to run into some more nice and caring ones.

Karen

PS I forgot to mention that my daughter had a few pediatricians that I trusted. This was where we used to live, unfortunately.

Whew! I hope Karen feels better after venting. You might too. Email me your Dear Doctor letter!

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Post from: Blisstree

Dear Doctor #14: Is anybody listening?

To my dentist:

Thanks for nearly 20 years of dental care, for recommending a good oral surgeon (wisdom teeth), and for being someone my wife and daughter actually look forward to seeing.

To Kerri’s obstetrician:

Thanks for being someone I can trust with my wife and the birth of all my kids. There’s a reason we’ve told all our friends you’re the best in town.

Group hug!

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Post from: Blisstree

Dear Doctor #13: A Pat On The Back

When the hospital gives you one of those skimpy gowns, you know the end is in sight.

And I’m sure Kim of Blog Fabulous agrees. Here’s her Dear Doctor letter with a fantastic suggestion.

Dear Doctor,

Is it too much to ask that you provide patients with less humiliating and warmer office robes? I hear that Ralph Lauren is coming out with Polo MD…I hear they are Fabulous.

Kim

I’m bringing my own next time. Ha!

Technorati Tags: hospital gowns, heart, heart disease, doctors, letters, diseases, illness, health

Post from: Blisstree

Dear Doctor #12: Hospital Gowns

Dear Doctor,

Why were you happy when your simple blood test diagnosed my hyperthyroidism? Why didn’t you take the time to explain to me what hyperthyroidism is and what it meant for my health and probable course of treatment, instead of just referring me to an endocrinologist with a one-month wait time for an appointment? Why did you ask me to fill out your HMO review form (you are lucky I didn’t because I would have given you a very bad review)? If you’re wondering why you’re no longer my primary care physician, wonder no more.

Angela

To learn more about breastfeeding, hyperthyroidism, and taking medication while breastfeeding, visit Breastfeeding 1-2-3.

Do you have a Dear Doctor letter to share? Email me!

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Post from: Blisstree

Dear Doctor #11: Hyperthyroidism

Doctors: What They Say & What They Really Mean

Says: “Let’s see how it develops.”
Means: “Maybe in a few days it will grow into something that can be cured.”

Says: “How are we today?”
Means: “I feel great. You, on the other hand, look like hell.”

Says:: “I’d like to prescribe a new drug.”
Means: “I’m writing a paper and would like to use you for a guinea pig.”

Hope these jokes don’t get me into any trouble!

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Post from: Blisstree

Dear Doctor #10: Hearty Laughter

Dear Doctor,

Growing up, my family always put doctors on a pedestal. You know, the whole hero syndrome. Whatever the doctor says, goes. I believed that for years. You go to school for years to become experts on our bodies so why shouldn’t we treat you differently? We would never dream of questioning anything you say and always do what you tell us. After all, if someone else makes $1million+/yr, we usually treat them slightly different as they hold some sort of prestige in society.

I work with cardiologists all week long in the cath lab at my local hospital. They can be right on target one day and up for 48 hrs the next. They are human just like the rest of us. I have a whole new respect for them now. Recently, one of my favorites made a statement to me that encourages me that there are STILL good guys practicing medicine.

I was talking to him about a family member not being comfortable with something their doctor said. My doctor said that they should get a second opinion. I asked him if that would have offended him. He said that if a physician gets offended when you sugggest getting a second opinion, then you don’t want that physician anyway. My doctor would welcome a second opinion anytime as this would hopefully just confirm that his diagnosis was correct.

This got me to thinking. We, as a society, don’t even want a second opinion from another hair stylist much less offend our doctor with one. Maybe we should get second opinions when we don’t feel exactly comfortable with our first doctor. Just keep in mind “if they get offended, you don’t want them anyway!”

Now that is the mark of a great physician if you ask me.

Kelly

I agree. Never be afraid to do something to improve the health care you deserve.

Do you have a Dear Doctor letter to share? Email me!

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Post from: Blisstree

Dear Doctor #9: On or Off a Pedestal?