. I am 72 I never even knew that to his fish had so many milligrams of sodium. But with three major illnesses I have to watch everything
On 11/12/21 I passed out. Woke up in ICU. Doctor told my husband he could not do surgery that I was not making off the table alive so I ended up with five stents in my heart. I also have diabetes and stage three kidney disease. When I came home I put myself on a very strict diet and have lost 54 pounds. I am terrified to eat anything with sodium in it. I am 72 I never even knew that to his fish had so many milligrams of sodium. But with three major illnesses I have to watch everything. My question is is anybody deal with all three of these illnesses and if so how do you do it? Thank you Penny responses I will get
Thank you for sharing your personal experience with us. I do know that there are others dealing with all three of these illnesses in this community, and I do hope that you receive responses from one or more of them. It will be neat hearing what they have to say. In the meantime, I do have something to add. First, I want to say sorry that you have to deal with all of this. I understand how frustrating and challenging it must be. I have had a patient with heart failure at the hospital I work for have a flare-up after eating fish. The doctor said she probably got to much salt, and that triggered her flare-up. Is this similar to what you experienced? John. heart-failure.net community moderator hi Jon so sorry for the delay in answering you I’m having problems getting online. I don’t have flareups but there’s not much I could eat because I have to watch everything that pertains to my three illnesses very depressing for me what’s the low in sodium might be high in carbohydrates
I did not know fish had sodium. I am 67, with heart failure and diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure,depression. I eat fish maybe oncebin a month. It does not bother me. I try to walk a short walk as much as I can. I cook without adding salt, but use garlic powder and pepper and other spices at times. So far I feel much better and not getting dizzy or out of breath. I eat more fruits and vegetables and very little red meat. I feel better now than I have for years. So glad to hear you are feeling better. Sounds like you have a great strategy down that works well for you. Thank you for the update. John. heart-failure.net community moderator
I am feeling better I certainly don’t have a strategy. I eat next to nothing every day for instants breakfast is one rice cake with 1 ounce of tunafish with white mayonnaise in it one golden delicious apple lunch is usually a salad iceberg lettuce cucumber red onion dinner is either chicken or fish with either cauliflower rice or cooked zucchini With some red and yellow cut up peppers in it. 9 o’clock I have a sugar-free Jell-O with Cool Whip and then I cry myself to sleep because I’m hungry and I’m scared and I’m depressed
Hi again. So sorry you are feeling depressed. I just wanted you to know I have been thinking of you and trying to think of ideas for you . Of course, as you probably know, we cannot offer medical advice over the Internet, for your own safety of course. That said, I am curious how you are feeling today? Are you feeling better? After reading through our conversation above, I am wondering if you would benefit by seeing a dietitian. These are people who are specialized in helping people find a diet that is right for them. Considering you have three diseases you are dealing with and are trying so hard to avoid salt, a dietitian may be able to help you find foods that you will enjoy and that are best for you -- and of course they may even have other ideas. So, this is definitely something to talk to your doctor as they can refer you. Also, a doctor may also have ideas to help you overcome your depression so you feel better overall. What do you think? John. heart-failure.net community moderator Well, I am just catching up here after a few days of vacation. After posting my comment above I see you gave an update below where you answer my question about seeing a dietitian, and that you even recommend to others in a similar situation to see one - good advice by the way. Wishing you all the best. John. heart-failure.net community moderator
I lived through all the stages of renal failure. Get a copy of Bowes and Church “Food Values of Portions Commonly Used.” The column for NaCl will give you the values for salt. At some point here talk to your nephrologist (kidney doctor) about when you need to start restricting protein and dairy products. Ask to see a dietician, that person will help you create an eating plan that will help your body do well even though you have diabetes, renal failure and heart issues.
Boy, I agree with you how scary it is (and lonely) when you fear what you eat! Food is such a huge part of the way we live, celebrate, grieve, make milestones in our lives. I missed my easy relationship with food terribly.
Good luck, Pamela1. It’s time for you to take charge and leave fear behind.
