Ross
Well-known member
Post away Harpoon. Nancy's been trying to get that thing going and I'm afraid none of us has had to deal with much like she has with her husband. She keeps us in check, but it wouldn't hurt to add some tasty tid bits.
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Nancy
Well-known member
There are some more recipes if you change the setting at the bottom of the page from "last 30 days" to "from the beginning".
Not everyone here has CHF or needs to be on a low salt diet. But most of the recipes I've posted are for extremely low salt/sodium. My husband has had CHF for many years, and it has been very severe at times, last December, it almost cost him his life. He also has Pulmonary Hypertension, and those with PH have to stay extremely low sodium. Fluid retention is a big issue with Phers.
Joe can eat absolutely no salt, and I do my best to wipe out all sodium from his diet. I bake his bread and other baked goods from scratch, and even use calcium carbonate baking soda and baking powder. I just made him some very low sodium fruitcake. Never even missed the salt, there's so much going on there, and the fruits are low sodium.
In the recipes section, if you go back far enough, there are some references and links to the Healthy Heart Market, and Mr. Spice Salt-free Sauces. I regularly order from these two wonderful resources. They are nice to deal with and fast. The Mr. Spice sauces are exceptional, even if you can eat salt, and the Healthy Heart market has some terrific things.
A few of us have tried to get the recipes section going, but low-salt isn't all that popular, except for those who have CHF.
So post a few recipes. Love to see them.
Not everyone here has CHF or needs to be on a low salt diet. But most of the recipes I've posted are for extremely low salt/sodium. My husband has had CHF for many years, and it has been very severe at times, last December, it almost cost him his life. He also has Pulmonary Hypertension, and those with PH have to stay extremely low sodium. Fluid retention is a big issue with Phers.
Joe can eat absolutely no salt, and I do my best to wipe out all sodium from his diet. I bake his bread and other baked goods from scratch, and even use calcium carbonate baking soda and baking powder. I just made him some very low sodium fruitcake. Never even missed the salt, there's so much going on there, and the fruits are low sodium.
In the recipes section, if you go back far enough, there are some references and links to the Healthy Heart Market, and Mr. Spice Salt-free Sauces. I regularly order from these two wonderful resources. They are nice to deal with and fast. The Mr. Spice sauces are exceptional, even if you can eat salt, and the Healthy Heart market has some terrific things.
A few of us have tried to get the recipes section going, but low-salt isn't all that popular, except for those who have CHF.
So post a few recipes. Love to see them.
H
Harpoon
Well I got some good stuff here....
My family actually let me run wild in the kitchen this year for Thanksgiving. I had been to my aunts back in October for birthday parties (mine is the 22nd and my grandmother turned 93 on the 21st) and she made up a "low sodium" dinner for me.
Blech...
Basically took the salt out of recipes that called for it. You can't really do that.
The trick as I've learned is to use other ingredients to fill in the flavoring where salt is taken out. Stuff like lemon and garlic and ginger and other spices can make for a whole other level of flavoring and you'd hardly ever miss the salt. There is one thing I'll add salt to, potatoes, but now I use potassium chloride instead.
Mrs. Dash makes a line of salt free seasonings and McCormick does a few salt free ones too. Most basic spices don't have sodium, just have to watch the spice blends and such.
I'll only post the stuff I like and that's past muster among my family. My son is an EXTREMELY fussy eater (ah the joys of being three...) and there are a few low sodium things even he'll eat. He liked my french fries a lot.
Heinz makes a no salt added ketchup which is REALLY good and hass a very minimal amount of sodium in it, less if you cut portions in half. V8 and Campbells (I think) both make low sodium tomato juices now which are LOADED with other nutrients we all need. I've found I can add some spices to the tomato juice and pop it into the microwave for a simple and quick tomato soup!
I've also got a few asian style dishes, including stir fry variations and if you're careful, you can find low sodium shrimp and other fish, mostly farm raised I think. Starkist also makes a low sodium tuna fish now, I just saw it in the grocery store about three weeks ago, good stuff.
Just gotta keep the eyes peeled. I'm bad in a grocery store nowadays.....
My family actually let me run wild in the kitchen this year for Thanksgiving. I had been to my aunts back in October for birthday parties (mine is the 22nd and my grandmother turned 93 on the 21st) and she made up a "low sodium" dinner for me.
Blech...
Basically took the salt out of recipes that called for it. You can't really do that.
The trick as I've learned is to use other ingredients to fill in the flavoring where salt is taken out. Stuff like lemon and garlic and ginger and other spices can make for a whole other level of flavoring and you'd hardly ever miss the salt. There is one thing I'll add salt to, potatoes, but now I use potassium chloride instead.
Mrs. Dash makes a line of salt free seasonings and McCormick does a few salt free ones too. Most basic spices don't have sodium, just have to watch the spice blends and such.
I'll only post the stuff I like and that's past muster among my family. My son is an EXTREMELY fussy eater (ah the joys of being three...) and there are a few low sodium things even he'll eat. He liked my french fries a lot.
Heinz makes a no salt added ketchup which is REALLY good and hass a very minimal amount of sodium in it, less if you cut portions in half. V8 and Campbells (I think) both make low sodium tomato juices now which are LOADED with other nutrients we all need. I've found I can add some spices to the tomato juice and pop it into the microwave for a simple and quick tomato soup!
I've also got a few asian style dishes, including stir fry variations and if you're careful, you can find low sodium shrimp and other fish, mostly farm raised I think. Starkist also makes a low sodium tuna fish now, I just saw it in the grocery store about three weeks ago, good stuff.
Just gotta keep the eyes peeled. I'm bad in a grocery store nowadays.....
K
Kenny F
Hey, I'm all for folks experimenting in the kitchen (especially men - seems few men cook).
Last year my PCP put me on low-fat & cholesterol (I think he actually over-reacted). It was the best thing that happened to us - we were stuck in the food rut most dual-income families with kids, which is to say whatever was easy and the same. It really got me outsdie the box, and of course now we eat healthier (most of the time - I still have 3 teens to feed on the run sometimes).
Fortunately, I do not have to eliminate salt. Fat and cholesterol are relatively easy to tone down, once you are aware. You just have to be prepared to spend a little more time shopping and prepping.
Last year my PCP put me on low-fat & cholesterol (I think he actually over-reacted). It was the best thing that happened to us - we were stuck in the food rut most dual-income families with kids, which is to say whatever was easy and the same. It really got me outsdie the box, and of course now we eat healthier (most of the time - I still have 3 teens to feed on the run sometimes).
Fortunately, I do not have to eliminate salt. Fat and cholesterol are relatively easy to tone down, once you are aware. You just have to be prepared to spend a little more time shopping and prepping.
Nancy
Well-known member
Those who are on Lasix and K-Dur, or potassium supplements, should avoid anything that substitutes sodium for potassium, like the Heinz ketchup, and salt substitutes.
Here are some other products that I have found in the market.
The Vermont Bread Compantymake s a wonderful salt free whole wheat bread. It is expensive, but they will ship to anyone who wants. They may have more, but that's what our market carries.
Parmalat makes a beautiful tomato product. It comes in a box, doesn't have the acid content of regular no salt added canned tomatoes, and has a great taste. It's goes by the name of Pomi. Just look for the low salt version of strained or chopped tomatoes.
It's far superior to regular canned tomatoes.
Chef Prudhomme makes "Magic Seasoning" which is salt-free, and is terrific.
Sylvia's makes a spice mix, salt-free which tastes great.
Here are some other products that I have found in the market.
The Vermont Bread Compantymake s a wonderful salt free whole wheat bread. It is expensive, but they will ship to anyone who wants. They may have more, but that's what our market carries.
Parmalat makes a beautiful tomato product. It comes in a box, doesn't have the acid content of regular no salt added canned tomatoes, and has a great taste. It's goes by the name of Pomi. Just look for the low salt version of strained or chopped tomatoes.
It's far superior to regular canned tomatoes.
Chef Prudhomme makes "Magic Seasoning" which is salt-free, and is terrific.
Sylvia's makes a spice mix, salt-free which tastes great.
G
Gemma
labguides
labguides
I would also suggest taking some magazines in for after your daughter has come out of ICU - my boyfriend Jim managed to read about 10, even mine which I left there at night! And also all the weekend newspapers. The nights can get very long if you're having trouble sleeping.
Gemma
labguides
I would also suggest taking some magazines in for after your daughter has come out of ICU - my boyfriend Jim managed to read about 10, even mine which I left there at night! And also all the weekend newspapers. The nights can get very long if you're having trouble sleeping.
Gemma
H
Harpoon
My cardiologist said I couldn't get enough potassium. he's all in favor of me eating high potassium foods.
I was having some real problem with leg cramps due to a lack of potassium in my system caused by the lasix and I take another diuretic, spironolactone, which helps my body retain the potassium expelled by the lasix.
While I was in the hospital I got megadoses of vitamin K every few hours or so....
But I'm so "atypical" with everything that it's just not funny anymore. =Þ
It's probably very different for someone with a congenital heart defect such as mine. Almost a different class of heart patient all together because my heart's been screwed up from the beginning, the pumping rolls of the chambers are different. My left ventrical (I think, I always get these two mixed up) does most of the work while in a normal heart it's the right. In a nutshell, my plumbing is backwards, that was one of the problems in diagnosing the CHF. Most people have either water retention in the extremeties or in the lungs and chest cavity. I was having a little of both and for a long time no one really classified it as heart failure. My heart sounds different, always has. An "untrained ear" will pick up a murmor, I've had a number of doctors tell me I had a murmor and I should get it checked out. My usual response is a lengthy discourse on what transposition of the great vessels is. The "murmor" is actually a shunt and it's supposed to be there. Now there's the shunt, a click, and some various thumps. I'm just not normal....
Proud of that too! You gotta have a good sense of humor about these things, it will tear you up if you don't. =)
This is also how I ended up in the Children's Hospital at Cleveland Clinic and how I ended up with Dr. Mee. He specializes in treating congenital defects in newborns and children. I don't know if I'm his oldest patient, probably not, but I was the oldest patient in the unit at that time, by two years or more....
While all the other kids were watching Barney and Seasame Street, I was watching Monster Garage and CNN.
I was having some real problem with leg cramps due to a lack of potassium in my system caused by the lasix and I take another diuretic, spironolactone, which helps my body retain the potassium expelled by the lasix.
While I was in the hospital I got megadoses of vitamin K every few hours or so....
But I'm so "atypical" with everything that it's just not funny anymore. =Þ
It's probably very different for someone with a congenital heart defect such as mine. Almost a different class of heart patient all together because my heart's been screwed up from the beginning, the pumping rolls of the chambers are different. My left ventrical (I think, I always get these two mixed up) does most of the work while in a normal heart it's the right. In a nutshell, my plumbing is backwards, that was one of the problems in diagnosing the CHF. Most people have either water retention in the extremeties or in the lungs and chest cavity. I was having a little of both and for a long time no one really classified it as heart failure. My heart sounds different, always has. An "untrained ear" will pick up a murmor, I've had a number of doctors tell me I had a murmor and I should get it checked out. My usual response is a lengthy discourse on what transposition of the great vessels is. The "murmor" is actually a shunt and it's supposed to be there. Now there's the shunt, a click, and some various thumps. I'm just not normal....
Proud of that too! You gotta have a good sense of humor about these things, it will tear you up if you don't. =)
This is also how I ended up in the Children's Hospital at Cleveland Clinic and how I ended up with Dr. Mee. He specializes in treating congenital defects in newborns and children. I don't know if I'm his oldest patient, probably not, but I was the oldest patient in the unit at that time, by two years or more....
While all the other kids were watching Barney and Seasame Street, I was watching Monster Garage and CNN.
Nancy
Well-known member
It is possible to have too much potassium in your system, especially if you have CHF. When your kidneys are not functioning well, it can build. Joe has regular monthly bloodwork which also checks for potassium levels. He's on Lasix and K-Dur. Several times, he's had to stay on a restricted diet, and also had to reduce his potassium.
His is pretty tightly controlled by his cardiologist.
But everyone is different.
It's just a good idea, if you are on K-Dur or potassium supplements, to not upset the applecart with extra potassium. Low potassium AND high potassium can both cause problems.
His is pretty tightly controlled by his cardiologist.
But everyone is different.
It's just a good idea, if you are on K-Dur or potassium supplements, to not upset the applecart with extra potassium. Low potassium AND high potassium can both cause problems.
H
Harpoon
Yes, I know. When I went into the hospital I had waaaayyyyyy too much sodium and waaaaayyyyy too little potassium.
One of the first things they did was give me vitamin-k doses after the bloodwork came through.
Potassium is often used in open heart surgery and lethal injection. Enough of it will stop the heart.
One of the first things they did was give me vitamin-k doses after the bloodwork came through.
Potassium is often used in open heart surgery and lethal injection. Enough of it will stop the heart.
Nancy
Well-known member
What were the Vitamin K doses for?
H
Harpoon
Dunno.... I'm kinda trying to figure that one out now...
One possibility is that I was just getting it when they needed to do a proceedure they didn't want me bleeding out on, if it acts as an "antidote" to the coumadin.
I've been trying to place when I had shots against when I had various proceedures, even transfusions. I just don't know right now, I don't think the nurses ever really told me anyhting other than what they were putting in to me.
One possibility is that I was just getting it when they needed to do a proceedure they didn't want me bleeding out on, if it acts as an "antidote" to the coumadin.
I've been trying to place when I had shots against when I had various proceedures, even transfusions. I just don't know right now, I don't think the nurses ever really told me anyhting other than what they were putting in to me.
M
medtronic of borg
basics
basics
Itook only a robe and tooth brush. I sleep in the nude (which is best when hooked up to a hundred things.) I only took one pair of clothing to come home in. I do not like sitting up in bed with undees reaching for the sky!! Also as for the salt? ...do not forget to start checking toothpastes! and mouthwashes. PM me if you want to know about a diet I designed and I'll explain it to you.
Med
basics
Itook only a robe and tooth brush. I sleep in the nude (which is best when hooked up to a hundred things.) I only took one pair of clothing to come home in. I do not like sitting up in bed with undees reaching for the sky!! Also as for the salt? ...do not forget to start checking toothpastes! and mouthwashes. PM me if you want to know about a diet I designed and I'll explain it to you.
Med
M
Marge
This may be a frivolous inquiry -- but was wondering, does anybody know whether nail polish is a no-no when going in for surgery?
I was telling some friends about how the technicians admired my toenail polish at my cardiac catheterization.
A friend who was a nurse was surprised--she said the cath instructions should have told me not to wear polish. She said that normally in any hospital procedure the patient would be instructed not to wear any nail polish and it would be removed if you did wear it. I forget what she said the reason was.
I was planning to try to look my best (such as it is) when I go into the hospital --for the sake of my own morale, & because I think I'll probably not feel like doing much along that line for a while afterwards. Have my hair done (cut very short so I won't need a cut for a while). Pedicure, manicure. But should I get polish?
I was telling some friends about how the technicians admired my toenail polish at my cardiac catheterization.
A friend who was a nurse was surprised--she said the cath instructions should have told me not to wear polish. She said that normally in any hospital procedure the patient would be instructed not to wear any nail polish and it would be removed if you did wear it. I forget what she said the reason was.
I was planning to try to look my best (such as it is) when I go into the hospital --for the sake of my own morale, & because I think I'll probably not feel like doing much along that line for a while afterwards. Have my hair done (cut very short so I won't need a cut for a while). Pedicure, manicure. But should I get polish?
Hi Marge,
Things are changing in some hospitals regarding nail polish. A long time ago it was really important to see the nail beds to assess whether or not someone was getting enough oxygen. If they weren't they would start turning blue. Later when pulse oximetry was introduced (the little clothes-pin like device put over the end of your finger) nail polish was thought to interfere with the readings on oxygen levels. Now I think the policy varies from hospital to hospital.
Years ago cardiac caths were pretty much considered a type of surgery and people stayed at least overnight. As they became more common-place many were done as outpatient procedures but all the preparation was the same as for surgery. I know our local hospital now gives out a handout that specifies that a cardiac cath is not surgery and that preparation requirements are less stringent. Nail polish is allowed to remain on the nails.
I think for cardiac surgery though it should be left off. A pilot might fly by instruments but he still likes to have a window. I'm sure most health professionals still automatically look at the nail beds (as well as lips and a few other spots).
Things are changing in some hospitals regarding nail polish. A long time ago it was really important to see the nail beds to assess whether or not someone was getting enough oxygen. If they weren't they would start turning blue. Later when pulse oximetry was introduced (the little clothes-pin like device put over the end of your finger) nail polish was thought to interfere with the readings on oxygen levels. Now I think the policy varies from hospital to hospital.
Years ago cardiac caths were pretty much considered a type of surgery and people stayed at least overnight. As they became more common-place many were done as outpatient procedures but all the preparation was the same as for surgery. I know our local hospital now gives out a handout that specifies that a cardiac cath is not surgery and that preparation requirements are less stringent. Nail polish is allowed to remain on the nails.
I think for cardiac surgery though it should be left off. A pilot might fly by instruments but he still likes to have a window. I'm sure most health professionals still automatically look at the nail beds (as well as lips and a few other spots).
H
Harpoon
I suspect, though this is only from infering what I've read here since I became a member and what I've seens elsewhere about vitamin K is that it might have been given to me as an "antidote" to the coumadin before having had surgery for bleeding episodes.
I'm not sure. I remember getting it a few times and it's possible that the nurses were using the wrong terminology, like I had been, but I don't really know.
I'm still here so it's not a big issue for me, just kind of "academic" at this point. There are some other issues regarding my experience that are more important to me in figuring out.
I'm not sure. I remember getting it a few times and it's possible that the nurses were using the wrong terminology, like I had been, but I don't really know.
I'm still here so it's not a big issue for me, just kind of "academic" at this point. There are some other issues regarding my experience that are more important to me in figuring out.
Nancy
Well-known member
Harpoon-
Why don't you request a copy of your discharge summary and any notes that are pertinent to your hospitalization? You should be able to receive those from your surgeon and cardiologist.
Why don't you request a copy of your discharge summary and any notes that are pertinent to your hospitalization? You should be able to receive those from your surgeon and cardiologist.
