The Echocardiogram... It's Actually Pretty Chill

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Echocardiogram
Last week, I had the echo done on me. It was a very relaxing experience. They kept me well covered and gave me a warm blanket during the procedure. The results came back quickly, and everything was normal. 

What's Next?

I have several doctor's appointments coming in the next few months: natural doctor, GI follow-up, cardiologist new patient appointment, and the table tilt test appointment in that order. I created this blog to keep family and friends updated on my health, and possibly to help others who have ulcerative colitis like me, but lately I haven't had many issues as far as GI stuff goes. Which has been awesome! I may flip flop between ulcerative colitis and whatever else is going on.

Low Blood Pressure

I still have a while to go before I figure out whether I have POTS or not, but in the meantime, I have been taking propranolol to help with the POTS-like symptoms. I was instructed to keep track of my blood pressure because of it being low last time I was at the doctor. Today, I checked my blood pressure with a borrowed blood pressure cuff, and it was pretty low. The first measurement the numbers showed 90 over 69, the second showed 84 over 65. I'll admit, I had to look up what numbers were considered low. From what I saw, those are pretty low numbers for blood pressure. 

The odd thing is that my heart rate is normal. So, I sent my doctor a message and what will happen next is still to be determined. I know that is normal for someone taking propranolol though. Luckily, I don't have any serious symptoms along with the low blood pressure besides shortness of breath. That has been a little worse lately. 

Electrolytes and Compression

Lately I have been drinking electrolytes in a big tumbler each day. The electrolytes I have been using lately are called LMNT. It seems to be helping at least a little along with compression socks. After starting both of these, my dizziness has been much better. If anyone has any other electrolyte recommendations, please leave them in the comments! I prefer something with no sugar since I have to drink it so frequently. 

Ulcerative Colitis

As far as my ulcerative colitis goes, I have been doing really well and am coming up on two years being flare free. I have still been relatively careful with what I eat but have been giving myself a lot more freedom on what I can eat. If I ever feel off again, I eat carefully for a few days (no greasy or oily foods, no raw veggies) and usually bounce back quickly. I am hoping the remission continues, but it is a bit disconcerting knowing I could flare at any time.  

Energy and Exercise

About two weeks ago, I began to exercise again to build up my strength and to lose a little weight. Ideally, I would like to be 115 or 120 pounds but am currently 127 pounds on average. I am hoping the exercise will help me lose a little weight and get back to where I was before the flares. I feel like my body was never quite the same after the past flares. I never had an issue with weight before that. I was actually underweight! Those steroids did a number on me. 

I have been able to keep up with consistent exercise for 15-20 minutes a day. It definitely leaves me feeling worn out, but I push through it. My energy has been the same despite my efforts to keep moving. I feel very low on energy all the time no matter how much sleep I get or how much exercise I do or how well I eat. It makes going to work more difficult, but I have a very easy job that I love, thankfully.

Chronic Pain

For a few months now, I have been dealing with hip/ lower back pain mainly on the lower left side. It is worse with movement and standing. There is a supplement that I have been taking that makes it much better or nonexistent called Boswellia. I missed a few days of doses, and the pain has been back with a vengeance lately. Laying or leaning against a heating pad helps a lot, but if the pain is ignored for long enough it gets bad enough to make normal activities difficult. I am not sure why this is happening. It's another mystery!

If you have read this far... Thank you! If you have any questions or suggestions, leave a comment. :)


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