[pinchmorethananinch]

I've recently been diagnosed w/ PAH (peripherral arterial hypertesion) and couldn't find any threads related to this on your site.

BACKGROUNDhe disease causes hardening of the arteries, resulting in in vastly reduced ability to provide oxygen appropriately, and places tremendous strain on the heart. People diagnosed w/ this who remain untreated have a mean life span of 2 yrs. post-diagnosis and usually die from either heart failure or lung failure. Life expectancy post surgery is directly related to the span of the (non-rejected) organ. Exercise (even limited) is NOT recommended.

ISSUE: So I recently started taking Triclleer (presribed) which causes heartburn and nausea (at least with me). In an effort to combat this, I am eating constantly (marginally helps symptoms). Between the increase in my consumption and the complete lack of energy output I am gaining weight more rapidly than I ever have!

In addition, my doctor wants me to start two additional medications (essentially Viagra) and Cumiden (thins the blood) concurrently. Cumiden is a very hard medication to control properly and affects uptake of numerous nutrients (including vit K, folic acid, etc.), so I am to abstain from virtually all leafy greens once I start. I am also supposed to get an Rx for Chantrix (to quit smoking), which causes nausea, and some form of hormone based birth control (because Tricleer is a known taratigen). On top of this, if I don't get some form of antidepressant none of this will be worth a hoot.

Does anyone know anything about trying to maintain a subobese body under these kinds of constraints???
Thxs!

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

PINCH ~ your condition sounds very serious to me; so the best idea would to be talk all these things over with your DOCTOR at your next check-up. I might have suggested something for the heartburn and nausea symptoms, but again becuz of the seriousness of your health issues, you would have to see if that would interfere with the other meds you are on.

When a medication causes stomach irritation, it is usually recommended to take your meds WITH FOOD, to lessen that side effect; is that a possible solution? That may or may not help the nausea; but maybe very low-dose gravol could help a bit, BUT again, you would have to OK that with your DOCTOR first to make sure there are no contra-indications (interference with other drugs).

The other solution would be to watch the kind of food you are eating: focusing mainly on veggies, fruit, very lean meats, and natural whole grains. Watch how much 'perked' coffee you drink as well as spicey and acidic foods and beverages (like orange juice) as these can irritate the stomach a bit.

You said exercise wasn't recommended, so how about just going for a short stroll each day (starting with about 5 minutes at a time and working your way up to 3-4 times a day)? Again, make sure to OK this with your physician first, but walking is often the most recommended form of exercise for people recovering from heart attacks and strokes.

* Honestly, just *eating healthier* may be your best option right now. It is possible to lose weight or even just maintaining by eating better. I sincerely wish you the best and hope your health improves very soon. Again, check everything out with your DOCTOR FIRST ...

ROSEBUD

[pinchmorethananinch]

Yes, unfortunately it is progressively degenerative and terminal (not precisely what I was planning just yet - I'll be 40 tomorrow). I am being treated by one of the top-notch Cardiologists at UCSF, and she's doing everything that can be done to slow the progression of my disease state and its ultimate conclusion.

Thank you for responding - it's nice to know that my query didn't simply get eletronically circularly filed - and I do appreciate your suggestions. Regrettably, one of the reasons I sought medical attention is that very simple, minimal physical effort (getting dressed for instance) winds me to the point of almost fainting. I am not lazy and used to enjoy a fairly regular and rigorous exercise routine, but under these circumstances, even minimal walking isn't viable for me now.

I guess it's not brain surgery - since I can't increase my output, I'll have to decrease my intake - I just tend to be a cranky ***** (ask anyone) when I'm starving (I'm not particularly good at it) and I guess was hoping for some (***any?***) other solution. I'm already depressed and finacially insolvent - can't afford (on may levels) having to once again buy another wardrobe just so I can get my pants on. Uuggghh!

Wow, just reread what I wrote and boy do I sound like a self pitying whiner. Sorry 'bout that and I'm going to stop polluting the electronic environment now. Thanks again for your concern and support!

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

TO 3FC'S PINCH ~ noticed that you are new to this site; but, I had to come back and wish you ...






I hope you made a point of celebrating your 40th with your family and friends; that is a milestone in itself. Take good care ...


ROSEBUD