Forgot to ask?

[heartfelt77]

   I seen my PCP today and he said that I need to stay away from salt.  I forgot to ask the reason for this?    I know one reason would be because of swelling.  I'm I right on that? And is this the only reason.

    I was so worried about everything else I forgot to ask why, should I stay away from salt.  I'm sorry but I love salt.......   Lol.    He is like don't take away everything you like but some thing need to go.

     Any thoughts on this?   Sorry I'm always filled with questions at the last minute.  I try to think of everything leaving out nothing but, sometimes when u get to the doctors your mind goes blank......     Even though u have it pretty much straight on what to ask....   It never goes like that.   I think this has been one of the hardest things to deal with....   Because,  I have always been a very organized person.   And , now its no longer like that...    Which in turn leaves me stress because everything I'm going through can't be that way.  

  I don't know maybe nonsense but, just how I feel.

        Does anyone know this answer?

                  Thanks again
                          Misty.         Have a great day.

[heartfelt77]

    Thanks for your comments lu.  I continue to try.   I refuse to give up
    
     I care to much about my body, my health, my family, and friends.  And feel extrememly blessed to have him in my life.   I just keep telling myself it could be a lot worse.

     God bless,  Be positive
                     Misty

[Lulu54]

Misty,
There is a big problem as to how we approach PT - not we as in you and me but as to how the insurance companies (and medicare/medicaid) look at it.  PT is all goal oriented and once you reach those goals or are no longer moving toward those goals the insurance is often cut off.  

They don't assign any financial value to continued PT as a way to keep us stable.  Crazy way to do business..

Try your best to do some of those exercises on your own - every little bit helps.
best,
Lulu

[heartfelt77]

    Thanks for your comments and concerns...    A lot of my exersises that was showed to me was when I was walking.  Now I'm not even able to sit up in bed myself without my husband pulling me up.   I'm not able to even stand with assistance.  My husband has to lift me completely I'm no help.      I had home therpy which they showed my some legs exercises that I can do with my left arm and left leg as these are the only good parts of my body that's left.

     My body is just declining everyday.  I have feel it.  Very scary but, I will remain positive even though it can be hard sometimes.

  Wish u the best,  Take care
       Misty

[Sumanadevii]

Misty, didn't they teach you exercise sets that you continue after PT?  I know the problem given to me when I was first dxed is all done in my wheelchair.  It really does help my pain level.  I do walk about 30 feet but always with someone pushing a wheelchair behind me.  I am not strong enough to be safe without it.

Sometimes I think PT's don't explain to patients that their sessions are to teach us how to continue in our own homes.  My right foot doesn't move side to side but my husband slides an old skateboard under it and I am able to move those muscles as well as the PT did.  Didn't they help set up a program for you to follow?

Sometimes I think it is all about money.  PT isn't suppose to be like a gym class that you attend three times per week.  They should have been showing you a way to continue on your own.  Makes me upset that some are not receiving good care.

[heartfelt77]

     Thanks for you comments.  I try eating healthy I don't like fast food so, I don't eat that.    I'm not really eating like a use to but, I do put salt on things when my husband cooks .  I usually eat a lot of rice and chicken.   I don't have diabeties but they say I have prediabeties.    

     I was in physical therpy in the home they told me that they couldn't keep coming because my ins.  Needed to know that I was progressing.  I said I wanted them to come in to keep the muscles that I did have.  They stated they couldn't do that.

    I also had 5 months of outpatient therpy and they were unable to do anything else for me also.    I'm looking into Aqua therpy hoping that they doctor will ok for me.

    Thanks for your support & concerns.
          Have a positive day
                  Misty.                              I hope this makes sense to u.

[LisaJF]

I just read one of your comments that you're unable to walk. I'm sorry for putting that in there as a form of exercise when you can't do that.  Are you in physical therapy?

My other question is, do you have diabetes?

Lisa

[LisaJF]

The reason your doctor asked you to avoid salt is because your last visit your blood pressure was 140/95.  I think he meant to at least reduce your salt intake (read food labels and try not to add salt to whatever you may be cooking, but if you do, wait until after your food is cooked and add a pinch on top.

There are things you can do to try and reduce your blood pressure naturally before medication is reduced:

Try to cut back on fast foods like McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, etc. and eat more healthy foods including fresh vegetables, buy whole grain breads instead of white bread or potato bread, low fat milk instead of whole milk, increase your fruit intake.  Dont buy the vegetables that come in a can (contains a lot of sodium).  You're better off with fresh vegetables or at least frozen.  Take a closer look at the sodium content.  Increase your potassium intake naturally (not supplements) by eating bananas, melon, kiwi, fish like salmon or cod, broccoli or spinach.  Orange juice is also good with potassium.

Try to incorporate exercise in your daily routine if you can. Walking can be sufficient enough.  Start out small (like don't run a mile or walk a mile.  Instead go out for a 10 minute walk at least and work your tolerance up.

Try that for a couple of weeks and see when you return for your visit if your blood pressure went down.

Lisa

[Sumanadevii]

I would imagine if you are swelling that would be a good reason.  I would question...has he had your heart and vascular system checked out?  If not it is the first thing I would do.  Swelling can be caused from sitting (I understand from another post you are in a wheelchair) but you can't just decide that is the reason for it.  You should be checked for that along with blood tests for both kidney and liver fuctions.

I am not in the medical field ...This comes only from my experience.