Re: DASHing and other questions

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/10/06 10:24:01 AM, toniab_13@... writes:

Does anyone keep track of how much protein you get a day while

DASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, low

carbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required to

eat at least 60g protein a day.

Why do you need to do this?

Did everyone that is DASHing just

do it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/ do it on their o

started?

Most read the book and get going.

How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just not

eat out anymore and cut all the "bad" stuff out?

As far as I know all of us are emotionally and physiologically tied to food and eating.

It is possible to eat out and DASH.

You do not have to cut out all the "bad" stuff. Just enough to get your BP to goal without meds

Where are the stories on the group website? I can't seem to find

them and would love to read through them before my next dr. appt.

should be in the files.

I've realized through reading all these posts that I am seriously

under-informed about my condition. I guess it has to do with age

becuase I was 21 when all my troubles began and just thought the

meds would always take care of me. Well, they aren't (now 32) and I

am not taking care of me either, so something needs to change! I

visit my cardiologist in a month and want to make sure I ask all the

right questions to know where I am at with my PA. Here's the list

I've compiled so far. If Dr. GRim and others could help me ask what

I need to know that would be so wonderful.

1. What are my chetacholamine levels? Have I been checked for pheos?

2. What are my thyroid levels?

3. How are my K levels -- high or low?

4. What were my AVS results? (I had an AVS five years and don't

remember exactly, only that aldo levels were astronomical.

5. Is my renin high or low?

6. What are my calcium levels?

7. What were the results of my suppression test?

Here are the questions I would ask.

1. What was my plasma aldosterone and renin levels them? and the ratio of aldo to renin. You will also need the normal values for that lab.

2. What suppression test, if any, was done and what were the results.

3. Get all the Ks you can and drugs you were on.

4. What were the AVS results for aldo and cortisol and was ACTH given before the sampling?

5. Read my article on the evolution of PA and take to your Dr.

Thanks to all!

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

I use DASH as the basis - the low sodium version. I can add protein or

subtract carbs, but make sure to check they are " good " protiens or

" bad " carbs. In other words, that there is some evidence for

modifications and what exactly to modify.

I'd add ACTH on the bloodwork for aldo-renin, and do a 24-hr urine to

back up the plasma test.

Dave

On Nov 10, 2006, at 8:16 AM, toniab_13 wrote:

> Does anyone keep track of how much protein you get a day while

> DASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, low

> carbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required to

> eat at least 60g protein a day. Did everyone that is DASHing just

> do it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/dietician to get

> started? How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just not

> eat out anymore and cut all the " bad " stuff out?

>

> Where are the stories on the group website? I can't seem to find

> them and would love to read through them before my next dr. appt.

>

> I've realized through reading all these posts that I am seriously

> under-informed about my condition. I guess it has to do with age

> becuase I was 21 when all my troubles began and just thought the

> meds would always take care of me. Well, they aren't (now 32) and I

> am not taking care of me either, so something needs to change! I

> visit my cardiologist in a month and want to make sure I ask all the

> right questions to know where I am at with my PA. Here's the list

> I've compiled so far. If Dr. GRim and others could help me ask what

> I need to know that would be so wonderful.

>

> 1. What are my chetacholamine levels? Have I been checked for pheos?

> 2. What are my thyroid levels?

> 3. How are my K levels -- high or low?

> 4. What were my AVS results? (I had an AVS five years and don't

> remember exactly, only that aldo levels were astronomical.)

> 5. Is my renin high or low?

> 6. What are my calcium levels?

> 7. What were the results of my suppression test?

>

> Thanks to all!

>

> Tonia

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/11/06 2:22:30 AM, riothamus20@... writes:

I'd add ACTH on the bloodwork for aldo-renin, and do a 24-hr urine to

back up the plasma test.

Dave

I dont do ACTH or urine aldo till aldo renin back. Rarely do ACTH actually.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

Hi Tonia:In addition to the questions that you will be asking the doctor you should ask for a copy of all your lab works including the AVS results and have Dr. Grim and the rest of us look at it. Sometimes the doctors put you in a rush just to avoid questions or answer with non-sense comments.

It is better to have a copy of all lab works and have those who have had similar experience help you with the right diagnosis. Then go back to your doctor and tell him how you want him to treat you instead of having him tell you.

Take Care,

Farah

On 11/10/06, toniab_13 <toniab_13@...> wrote:

Does anyone keep track of how much protein you get a day while DASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, low carbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required to eat at least 60g protein a day. Did everyone that is DASHing just do it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/dietician to get started? How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just not eat out anymore and cut all the " bad " stuff out?Where are the stories on the group website? I can't seem to find them and would love to read through them before my next dr. appt. I've realized through reading all these posts that I am seriously under-informed about my condition. I guess it has to do with age becuase I was 21 when all my troubles began and just thought the meds would always take care of me. Well, they aren't (now 32) and I am not taking care of me either, so something needs to change! I visit my cardiologist in a month and want to make sure I ask all the right questions to know where I am at with my PA. Here's the list I've compiled so far. If Dr. GRim and others could help me ask what I need to know that would be so wonderful.1. What are my chetacholamine levels? Have I been checked for pheos?2. What are my thyroid levels?

3. How are my K levels -- high or low?4. What were my AVS results? (I had an AVS five years and don't remember exactly, only that aldo levels were astronomical.)5. Is my renin high or low? 6. What are my calcium levels?

7. What were the results of my suppression test?Thanks to all!Tonia

[Guest guest]

Lowering sodium by itself was my first step. Reading all the labels

made it hard - I had to locate low sodium bread, soups, etc., and start

cooking more. But it helped so much (I could cut my meds dose in

half), I was encouraged. I started at 1500mg / day, and ended up at

about 2400mg, the DASH level. I had to test watching my K levels and

BP 4 x day. The taste of salt wasn't missed at all, which surprised

me. I thought I wouldn't like food without much. i was wrong. Within

a few days everything I used to eat tasted way too salty. The low

sodium bread had a naturally sweet taste - not like sugar, but subtle.

Switching to DASH was easy then. Getting the protein, fiber, etc. is

easy if you follow the directions and use oily fish like Salmon and

sardines for omega 3's. The only supplement I needed was an extra fish

oil capsule (1G). Its amazing how fast I developed a taste for these

things when I tried it. Even the fiber (veggies - I love raw ones,

dipped).

I thought the BP meds would work too, but as Dr Grim points out, they

don't work (except the aldo-blockers, aldactone & inspra) because renin

is low. They even cause problems, especially in combination, for some

PA folks. Sure did for me. Diuretics especially (low K, arrythmia).

If you look for DASH titled messages, you should find some stories.

Dave

On Nov 12, 2006, at 12:07 PM, Farah Rahbar wrote:

> Hi Tonia:

> In addition to the questions that you will be asking the doctor you

> should ask for a copy of all your lab works including the AVS results

> and have Dr. Grim and the rest of us look at it. Sometimes the doctors

> put you in a rush just to avoid questions or answer with non-sense

> comments.

> It is better to have a copy of all lab works and have those who have

> had similar experience help you with the right diagnosis. Then go back

> to your doctor and tell him how you want him to treat you instead of

> having him tell you.

>  

> Take Care,

> Farah

>  

> On 11/10/06, toniab_13 <toniab_13@...> wrote: Does anyone keep

> track of how much protein you get a day while

>> DASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, low

>> carbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required to

>> eat at least 60g protein a day. Did everyone that is DASHing just

>> do it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/dietician to get

>> started? How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just not

>> eat out anymore and cut all the " bad " stuff out?

>>

>> Where are the stories on the group website? I can't seem to find

>> them and would love to read through them before my next dr. appt.

>>

>> I've realized through reading all these posts that I am seriously

>> under-informed about my condition. I guess it has to do with age

>> becuase I was 21 when all my troubles began and just thought the

>> meds would always take care of me. Well, they aren't (now 32) and I

>> am not taking care of me either, so something needs to change! I

>> visit my cardiologist in a month and want to make sure I ask all the

>> right questions to know where I am at with my PA. Here's the list

>> I've compiled so far. If Dr. GRim and others could help me ask what

>> I need to know that would be so wonderful.

>>

>> 1. What are my chetacholamine levels? Have I been checked for pheos?

>> 2. What are my thyroid levels?

>> 3. How are my K levels -- high or low?

>> 4. What were my AVS results? (I had an AVS five years and don't

>> remember exactly, only that aldo levels were astronomical.)

>> 5. Is my renin high or low?

>> 6. What are my calcium levels?

>> 7. What were the results of my suppression test?

>>

>> Thanks to all!

>>

>> Tonia

>>

[Guest guest]

uncle dave,

it would be nice to have products already marked as DASH ready on

supermarket shelves.

david 2

Does anyone keep

> > track of how much protein you get a day while

> >> DASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, low

> >> carbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required to

> >> eat at least 60g protein a day. Did everyone that is DASHing just

> >> do it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/dietician to get

> >> started? How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just not

> >> eat out anymore and cut all the " bad " stuff out?

> >>

> >> Where are the stories on the group website? I can't seem to find

> >> them and would love to read through them before my next dr. appt.

> >>

> >> I've realized through reading all these posts that I am seriously

> >> under-informed about my condition. I guess it has to do with age

> >> becuase I was 21 when all my troubles began and just thought the

> >> meds would always take care of me. Well, they aren't (now 32) and I

> >> am not taking care of me either, so something needs to change! I

> >> visit my cardiologist in a month and want to make sure I ask all the

> >> right questions to know where I am at with my PA. Here's the list

> >> I've compiled so far. If Dr. GRim and others could help me ask what

> >> I need to know that would be so wonderful.

> >>

> >> 1. What are my chetacholamine levels? Have I been checked for pheos?

> >> 2. What are my thyroid levels?

> >> 3. How are my K levels -- high or low?

> >> 4. What were my AVS results? (I had an AVS five years and don't

> >> remember exactly, only that aldo levels were astronomical.)

> >> 5. Is my renin high or low?

> >> 6. What are my calcium levels?

> >> 7. What were the results of my suppression test?

> >>

> >> Thanks to all!

> >>

> >> Tonia

> >>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/13/06 12:55:59 AM, bayabas76@... writes:

uncle dave,

it would be nice to have products already marked as DASH ready on

supermarket shelves.

david 2

You would think that Mrs DASH might take this up but they have not. The AHA could do it to but there would not be much to label and It think they charge for their labeling.

Perhaps we can talk to our new congresspersons and add this to the nutrition label???

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/13/06 8:06:33 PM, riothamus20@... writes:

It sure would be nice.  Hmm. . .wonder of some of the mfgs are gearing

up for that already.    Many are offering new, reduced sodium versions.

  A Congressperson could become a hero also, suggesting a mandated DASH

version on most things.  A BIG hero.

Dave

Certainly we should be feeding this in the prisons to decrease HTN and other health issues that are costing us billions in BP and strokes and dialysis, and heart attacks and bypasses. Remember that all prisoners are guaranteed health coverage in contrast to the rest of us.

And if you are a good Republican the prisoners will live longer and suffer more psychologically than if they died earlier.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

It sure would be nice. Hmm. . .wonder of some of the mfgs are gearing

up for that already. Many are offering new, reduced sodium versions.

A Congressperson could become a hero also, suggesting a mandated DASH

version on most things. A BIG hero.

Dave

On Nov 12, 2006, at 10:55 PM, bayabas76 wrote:

> uncle dave,

>

> it would be nice to have products already marked as DASH ready on

> supermarket shelves.

>

> david 2

>

> Does anyone keep

> > > track of how much protein you get a day while

> > >> DASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, low

> > >> carbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required to

> > >> eat at least 60g protein a day. Did everyone that is DASHing just

> > >> do it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/dietician to

> get

> > >> started? How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just

> not

> > >> eat out anymore and cut all the " bad " stuff out?

> > >>

> > >

[Guest guest]

Maybe it is a good idea to start a new line of food business with the

brand name " Mrs. Dash " or " Mr. Dash " for DASH-appropriate preparations.

Does anyone keep

> > > > track of how much protein you get a day while

> > > >> DASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, low

> > > >> carbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required to

> > > >> eat at least 60g protein a day. Did everyone that is DASHing

just

> > > >> do it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/dietician to

> > get

> > > >> started? How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just

> > not

> > > >> eat out anymore and cut all the " bad " stuff out?

> > > >>

> > > >

>

[Guest guest]

There is a line with the name " Mrs DASH, but it is limited to

seasonings and marinades. Still, I have enjoyed them, particularly the

table blend and garlic herbs, and the BBQ sauce. They are in the links

below, and associated with American Heart Assoc. " Choose to move "

program, including low sodium diet.

http://www.mrsdash.com/

http://www.mrsdashrecipes.com/home.cfm

http://www.choosetomove.org/

If I were in their marketing dept, I'd fearlessly suggest co-op with

some of the big mfgs, and also with at least one of the prepared-meal

providers - maybe one for fitness and one for dieters. Also with

school districts and mass suppliers like SE Rykoff. There could be a

giant success. . .the word is spreading in supermarket shelves, and it

is picking up pace. Juices, soups, frozen foods and other processed

products are starting to de-emphasize fats and highlight low sodium.

Big ones - not just the boutique lines or " healthy choice " ones. And

this appeals to one of humanity's most embarrassing traits - laziness.

Dave

On Nov 13, 2006, at 7:38 PM, bayabas76 wrote:

> Maybe it is a good idea to start a new line of food business with the

> brand name " Mrs. Dash " or " Mr. Dash " for DASH-appropriate

> preparations.

>

>

> >

> > > uncle dave,

> > >

> > > it would be nice to have products already marked as DASH ready on

> > > supermarket shelves.

> > >

> > > david 2

>

[Guest guest]

Hahahah. . .psychological suffering to the fore of penology!

Dave

On Nov 13, 2006, at 6:15 PM, lowerbp2@... wrote:

>

> In a message dated 11/13/06 8:06:33 PM, riothamus20@... writes:

>

>

> It sure would be nice.  Hmm. . .wonder of some of the mfgs are gearing

> up for that already.    Many are offering new, reduced sodium

> versions.

>   A Congressperson could become a hero also, suggesting a mandated

> DASH

> version on most things.  A BIG hero.

>

> Dave

>

>

>

> Certainly we should be feeding this in the prisons to decrease HTN and

> other health issues that are costing us billions in BP and strokes and

> dialysis, and heart attacks and bypasses.  Remember that all prisoners

> are guaranteed health coverage in contrast to the rest of us.

>

> And if you are a good Republican the prisoners will live longer and

> suffer more psychologically than if they died earlier.

>

>

>

> May your pressure be low!

>

> Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

> Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

> and the Physiology and History of Survival During

> Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

Hi Group

Well it does appear that a Brand called Boar's Head and Boarshead.com has lots

of low salt things to choose from condiments to beef, hams, bacon, chickens,

franks, cheeses one of the swiss cheess has no salt added. Large AMA labels are

all over all this food. A new and the only supermarket around here was built

this summer and opened last week. Boras Head is the line they carry and passed

out pamplets of all their foods with the Nutritional facts label of all their

products. I was surprised and impressed to see so much low salt stuff. I bet

they do charge for the label.

ita

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/14/06 2:07:21 AM, riothamus20@... writes:

Maybe it is a good idea to start a new line of food business with the

>  brand name "Mrs. Dash" or "Mr. Dash" for DASH-appropriate

> preparations.

Would love to work with someone with millions to get started. MR DASH or just DASH for Heart Health would be good.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

Indeed a very sensible idea...DASH line. I do not have the millions

but I would like to join a team if this goes real.

>

>

> In a message dated 11/14/06 2:07:21 AM, riothamus20@... writes:

>

>

> > Maybe it is a good idea to start a new line of food business with the

> > > brand name " Mrs. Dash " or " Mr. Dash " for DASH-appropriate

> > > preparations.

> >

>

> Would love to work with someone with millions to get started. MR

DASH or

> just DASH for Heart Health would be good.

>

>

>

> May your pressure be low!

>

> Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

> Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

> and the Physiology and History of Survival During

> Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply back to these messages. I have been really busy with work (deadlines), school (projects due) and spending time with family and friends. Thanks to everyone who responded. I will have a detailed dr. visit for sure next month! I do have to say that I love my cardiologist. He has suspected from day 1 that I have PA. I remember them talking to me about tumors on my adrenals when I was in the ICU ten years ago. I've been tested for everything (it seems) and he is never satisifed with where I am. He knows I could be doing better, but without a tumor to be seen, he can only help me with meds and weight loss. I feel very fortunate to have had him on my case

and feel he cares about my well being. He has shared with me the details of my tests, but at my age (mid 20s) I didn't care to remember becuase all I wanted to know was "Is there a tumor to be removed?" I just didn't retain any of it, but now that I am in my early 30s I want to know more. It is all there for me to get and I will get those details next visit and share with the group.

To answer Dr. Grim's questions:

I need to eat a high protein diet becuase I will be having gastric banding next spring to bring about a dramatic and permanent weight loss. I have trouble controlling portions and eating emotionally and the band will be a tool to help me control the amount of food I can eat. I expect to lose 70-90 pounds from the procedure and get off most of my bp meds (if not all) and not have to start taking insulin to control my sugar. I have lost weight on my own, but gain it back slowly. My cardiologist, pcp and ob/gyn are in favor of the surgery. I feel I can be successful and live a healthier life.

I will go through another adrenal scan prior to the surgery just to make sure tumors aren't visible now, as its been a few years since my last scan.

Tonia

Re: DASHing and other questions

In a message dated 11/10/06 10:24:01 AM, toniab_13 (DOT) com writes:

Does anyone keep track of how much protein you get a day whileDASHing? I need to change to a lifestyle of high protein, lowcarbohydrate. Does DASHing meet this need? I will be required toeat at least 60g protein a day. Why do you need to do this?

Did everyone that is DASHing justdo it on their own, or did some use a nutritionist/ do it on their ostarted? Most read the book and get going.

How does someone who is emotionally tied to food just noteat out anymore and cut all the "bad" stuff out?As far as I know all of us are emotionally and physiologically tied to food and eating.It is possible to eat out and DASH.You do not have to cut out all the "bad" stuff. Just enough to get your BP to goal without meds

Where are the stories on the group website? I can't seem to findthem and would love to read through them before my next dr. appt.should be in the files.

I've realized through reading all these posts that I am seriouslyunder-informed about my condition. I guess it has to do with agebecuase I was 21 when all my troubles began and just thought themeds would always take care of me. Well, they aren't (now 32) and Iam not taking care of me either, so something needs to change! Ivisit my cardiologist in a month and want to make sure I ask all theright questions to know where I am at with my PA. Here's the listI've compiled so far. If Dr. GRim and others could help me ask whatI need to know that would be so wonderful.1. What are my chetacholamine levels? Have I been checked for pheos?2. What are my thyroid levels?3. How are my K levels -- high or low?4. What were my AVS results? (I had an AVS five years and don'tremember exactly, only that aldo levels were

astronomical.5. Is my renin high or low?6. What are my calcium levels?7. What were the results of my suppression test?Here are the questions I would ask.1. What was my plasma aldosterone and renin levels them? and the ratio of aldo to renin. You will also need the normal values for that lab.2. What suppression test, if any, was done and what were the results. 3. Get all the Ks you can and drugs you were on.4. What were the AVS results for aldo and cortisol and was ACTH given before the sampling?5. Read my article on the evolution of PA and take to your Dr.

Thanks to all!May your pressure be low!Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressureand the Physiology and History of Survival DuringHard Times and Heart Disease today.

Check out the all-new beta - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/20/06 10:31:27 AM, toniab_13@... writes:

I expect to lose 70-90 pounds from the procedure and get off most of my bp meds (if not all) and not have to start taking insulin to control my sugar.  I have lost weight on my own, but gain it back slowly.  My cardiologist, pcp and ob/gyn are in favor of the surgery.  I feel I can be successful and live a healthier life. 

 

I will go through another adrenal scan prior to the surgery just to make sure tumors aren't visible now, as its been a few years since my last scan. 

 

Tonia

You might want to look at ricediet.com

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.