I may possibly turn into a Smurf

[RoachBug 233]

I have some serious heart related problems. One of the main reasons I decided to have the sleeve done was to loose weight (which I needed to do regardless), which in turn helps bump me up on the transplant list. Since I have started loosing the excess weight (almost at 100lbs.), my Heart Failure Specialist has been monkeying around with my meds. I knew this would need to be done and the dosages adjusted. Main problem is that I get light headed way to often when standing up, it's getting a bit better though.

My rant is in regards to my "check-up" yesterday at OSU. I had been on Amaridion (Pacerone) several years back for about 2 1/2 years. When I switched over to the docs at OSU, the first thing they did was take me off of it. I was informed that Pacerone was a late stage drug and it has too many side effects to be on for extended periods of time. Time jump up to the present, yep I am once again on Amaridion. Due to the billion and a half serious side affects related to the drug, I have to go in for testing every 6 months. I had been on it before and was familiar with the associated risk to the liver, lungs, eyes, kidneys, blood cells, light sensitivity, to name but a few. I know a lot of meds have lists of possible side affects (just listen to the auctioneer at the end of any drug commercial) but this one is a doozy.

The doc commented on my tattoos and said that at least she can assume that I use sunscreen when outdoors. I told her that I knew the drug makes it extremely easy to burn. She said that it definitely does but she had meant about my exposed skin turning blue. Turns out another possible side effect of Amaridion is turning the skin blue from exposure to sunlight. She said that is is rare, though she does have patients whom it has affected. I Googled it when I got home, I will be wearing a ski mask and full body suit for my daily walks from this point on. I DO NOT WANT TO BE PAPA SMURF!

[shedo82773 1,236]

WOW!!! I wonder sometimes why they don't tell us all of the side effects on meds. That is sure a scary thing to just think you might turn blue. You could become "MURPHY" from Z-NATION. Instead of PAPA SMURF. All joking aside be careful the sun is NOT our FRIEND!!!

[James Marusek 5,244]

Congratulations on your weight loss thus far. I can't help with any advise on your meds.

Dizziness or light-headedness when standing up occurs as a result of abnormal blood pressure regulation. Normally, when people stand, gravity causes blood to pool in the veins of the legs and trunk. This pooling lowers the blood pressure and the amount of blood the heart pumps to the brain. Low blood flow to the brain causes the dizziness and other symptoms. To compensate, the nervous system quickly increases the heart rate and constricts blood vessels, which rapidly returns blood pressure to normal before symptoms can develop. The part of the nervous system responsible for this compensation is the autonomic nervous system. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/symptoms-of-heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/dizziness-or-light-headedness-when-standing-up

[RoachBug 233]

@@James Marusek you got the definition right. When you have a Pacemaker/Defibulator, you get to experience even more fun feelings as it tries to adjust things. My doc knows what's causing it (being my heart meds), the trick is finding out which medication needs to be adjusted as I continue loosing the weight. I am sure we will eventually get it right.