Not a cure–but maybe a reprieve

Sawadee Khrap

Due the the infection in my eyes, the stent operation had to be canceled for last Sunday – maybe another blessing in disguise.  So here’s the latest with my Blood Pressure and blocked arteries.

I was having problems with the Madiplot I was taking to lower the BP and Dr. Mongkol recommended that I try taking Valpress and eliminated the Madiplot medicine.  What a difference, Madiplot caused edema in my lower legs and didn’t really control the BP – Valpress, – now my BP has steadied at 125 – 140/66 for the last 2 days, eliminated the edema and other than some tinnitus everything seems OK.  I do have to take 200 mg twice a day, but hopefully that can be reduce to 180 when my body gets used to the stuff. 

Valpress relaxes the arteries and let them expand so effectively lowering the blood pressure – I my case, I believe that if the BP is lowered and is controlled than it could be possible that I need not fuck with the stent – but not sure about this and therefore on Monday I will be taking another blood test for Creatinine and BUN levels to see if the kidneys are functioning as normal now.  Wouldn’t that be a blessing.  Slowly the meds I am taking are being reduced, now I take only 3 a day  – Baby Aspirin, Valpress, and Apolets for blood thinning. They don’t fight each other and I am amazed how good I am feeling the last few days.  20 min exercise each morning – walking around the building – also helps keep my cholesterol in check – so far I don’t need the Bestatine either.

Now, I think all I have to do is exercise at least a minimum of 20-30 min every day – stay away from processed foods, mostly vegetarian diet (I do sometimes have have eggs and some occasional chicken), and fish at least twice a week – that should control the cholesterol levels to stop future blockage and then continue to take my  BP medicine.  Sounds simple and effective.  Should have done this years ago.

Ciao

Buddha – Wat Phrathatsutonmongkonkiree

Sawadee Khrap

IMG_7834-Edit-EditHere is my painting of the enormous statue of Buddha (female looking) at Wat  Phrathatsutonmongkonkiree Just outside of Phrae near Den Chai, before you come into Chiang Mai.   Above is the link to my article posted  2/7/2008.  I have a slideshow posted there and this photo was one of my favorites so I thought I would make this 16×20 inch  painting of it. 

Ciao