Well, he did it again, and solved a problem for me. I started having nose bleeds, at first just a little, and then it would keep going on for quite a long while. I was using saline nasal sprays at night and that had been working, and then it wasn’t. I quit using it in the mornings and was just using at night after my rehab days in Jackson, Ga. So, I went back to twice a day … nope. I wanted to go to the doctor, but not while I was bleeding, so I kept putting it off.
I’ve been taking blood thinners for a few years so I decided I’d just drop back to one a day for a week or so and maybe that would solve my problem. Nope, it didn’t even ease up a tad! So I decided I’d make an appointment, so I got out my list of phone numbers, but couldn’t get through to anyone as I was calling too early. Sigh. As I played a few games of Solitaire on my laptop, it occurred to me I might find out if I was doing the right thing by cutting my daily blood thinner. I entered the name of the prescription and then saw a wide range of information, including foods that might make my meds over-do their job. And I found it!
Not too long ago, my kidney doctor asked me why my protein numbers had gone up and so I confessed I’d been snacking on hummus, which contains a good amount of protein. So, I backed off on my meat consumption and actually began enjoying even more hummus. Well, the Web MD article gave me some sad information about hummus and my particular prescription. Another ‘sigh’ for me. I had to give up my latest addiction, and the bleeding went away the very next day!
I still completely trust all of my medical angels and will mention this latest amazement at my next appointment. I’m glad some family members mentioned ways to stop the bleeding as had my chiropractor when I had a big bleeding in their office. I had no idea that food could change the way medications work, but it’s good to keep learning.
My diet is already rather strict, but so far, I’ve been able to keep everything under control. I’m glad that I was raised military, and also with the Barney Fife lesson – obey all rules. I always watch the speed limit as I’m driving, and that habit saved me when three deer decided to cross Highway 81 East as I headed home from Mount Bethel. I took the adult driving test and learned something that kept me and some grandkids safe. I always look left, then right, as I’m pulling out of a side street, but, then look left one more time. Yep, saved again, thanks to the internet. Web MD has given me some interesting hints so I always read their e-mails. Now I always put half a paper towel over the bagged salad I keep in the fridge. This makes the salad last a lot longer as it collects any excess moisture. I’m glad we have the internet and all that it has taught us. It’s also a good way to check on recent blood work, and for reminders about upcoming appointments. We get to see the latest news via the computer too. I didn’t want to watch all of the president’s long chat, but I was able to check in and get an update on the highlights.
The thing that I like best about the internet is seeing the latest pictures and news from family and friends. We truly are lucky to be living in this era.
Beverly Wittler has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She lives in McDonough.
