Pre-AVS advice/Tips? What is the 4 weeks without Spiro like?

July 23, 2012

I just got a call to schedule my AVS procedure on August 23rd. This 4 1/2 weeks

from now. Before everyone lets me know about the 6 weeks off spiro, the Wash

U/ protocol is to wait 4 weeks. My endo at Mayo did not seem to think

this would be a problem and told me that many publications state 4 week waiting

period.

Anyway, I am wondering what are the rules or tips to live by during the weeks

leading up to the AVS? I am wondering about the following:

Exercise

I love to exercise and run 3-4 times per week. I lift weights off and on and

play basketball after work throughout the work week. Is exercise off limits

without meds? Do I need to take it easy? What have others been told? What

have your experiences been like?

Potassium

I kind of DASH (eat enough servings of veg and fruit), but tend to eat more red

meat, poultry, and nuts than prescribed by the DASH serving sizes/daily

requirements. Do I need to have my potassium checked frequently? Do I need to

up my intake of my tasty Low Sodium V8?

Spiro

Do you have to taper Spiro like a beta blocker? Or is it best to stop cold

turkey? Any doctors tell you to taper?

Post AVS - Surgery

This is more selfish than anything, but I have a golf trip scheduled for

September 19th. I am wondering if my AVS is conclusive and I am a candidate for

surgery, if it hurts anything to postpone surgery after AVS. My plan would be

to go back on the Spiro after AVS and have surgery in December if I am a

candidate. Any disadvantages to this? Any danger in this? Any advantages to

doing surgery right away?

Risk of Stroke/Heart Attack

Before I was diagnosed I had crazy, out of control, anxiety! The Spiro and

exercise has eliminated this to the point that my former psychiatrist (now

friend) told me I didn't need to visit her anymore after on the Spiro for 3

weeks. My attitude changed and anxiety subsided. Well, I have to admit that I

am having some anxiety issues with being off the meds for 4 weeks. I am

wondering if my BP will sky rocket. I am wondering if I am going to have a

heart attack while running, lifting, or playing basketball.

Thank you in advance for anyone who has experience dealing with the weeks

leading up to AVS. This site is so valuable.

35yr old male. Diagnosed 04/2011. 50mg Spiro (25 morning/25 night).

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