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FEELING BETTER!

August 11, 2021 135 Comments

     STUNNING FOLLY at MORRIS ARBORETUM.

PLEASE ITALIAN WILL YOU MAKE THIS FOR ME!

 

BETTY SAYS,”WE HAVE VERY GOOD NEWS………………BUT FIRST WATCH ME WEIGH MYSELF!”

MY PAPPA says I’m a STAR!

40 POUNDS!

 And I am only FOUR MONTHS old!

   MY MOTHER…….YOUR CONTESSA HERE ON THE BLOGGY has lost about 40 pounds over the last two years.Without even trying!She had ZERO APPETITE (how is that even possible)She gave up wine and alcohol as after a medication for SEIZURES it just did not taste good.She is a terrible walker as she would feel light headed and be OUT OF BREATH.No fun to walk with others as she couldn’t carry on a conversation without COUGHING!That still happens but at least we know why.

LADY WINDERMERE or MAC as it is called which was discovered in her lungs by an XRAY in 2014.However, no one told her until December of 2020.Maybe they were looking for something else?!!What has HAPPENED to the CARE in HEALTH CARE?

After changing my MD to a DO.I forget what that means……….and she yelled at me on the phone saying you have seen every SPECIALIST there is and I said,” YEP AND I’M STILL SICK!I then went to a FUNCTIONAL DOCTOR who worked with me by phone as I couldn’t drive the distance to her location which is 20 minutes away. Mostly freeway.No where to pull over if my EYES LOST FOCUS.

Those of YOU who have been with me for a long, long time know MY EPISODES consisted of LOSING VISION(no warning) and a feeling I would PASS OUT.Then came the HEADACHE for one to TWO DAYS.These Episodes have been occurring for years I would ignore them as it would be over in minutes.However, FIVE YEARS AGO I started writing them down and asking FOR HELP!

AFTER FIVE YEARS I THINK WE MAY HAVE A SOLUTION……………..

I was on ONE PILL for my heart.

I had heart surgery 11 years ago.A valve repair.

This medication was given to me TWO YEARS AGO which has these side affects.

Because two years ago they discovered from a HEART MONITOR; I wore as I was not FEELING RIGHT that I had ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA.

These are the side effects of an overdose to the same MEDICATION of Sotalol.

 

The only TWO SYMPTOMS I DIDNOT HAVE WERE COLD SWEATS AND CONFUSION.Although, I am ALWAYS COLD!

THE FUNCTIONAL DOCTOR FIGURED IT OUT AND SUGGESTED I SPEAK TO MY CARDIOLOGIST WHO WAS ON VACATION UNTIL AUGUST 9th.2021.AS I couldn’t wait to see if this was the CULPRIT since I had emailed and called there left messages seemed NO ONE WAS COVERING FOR HIM so I took it upon myself to STOP THE SOTALOL.

I know I know probably should NOT have done that but I could NOT WAIT TWO MORE WEEKS!I was ready to JUMP off THE GOLDN GATE BRIDGE!THIS WAS NO WAY TO LIVE………….it was all I could do to cook dinner and BELIEVE ME they were not  gourmet meals this past year.I could do (MAYBE) one thing a day!IT was hard to READ…….computer or BOOKS.Looking at my phone was NOT EASY as I would be light headed and the NECK would tense up!I WAS MISERABLE.

SO I STOPPED THE MEDICATION.

YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED almost instantly…………..I FELT SO MUCH BETTER!

ON JULY 27th,2021 I did not take the pill at dinner time.The next day I had a luncheon with other friends and I PANICKED so took the SOTALOL in the AM……..as the morning progressed I thought I would have to CANCEL the lunch date!I was feeling AWFUL.I pushed myself to go and I was fine once I got there.

That night I decided to STOP COLD TURKEY.By the 30th I felt GREAT!CANNOT even describe the difference that came over me.Outings did not seem like DAUNTING TASKS!I HAD MORE ENERGY!I was not NAPPING EVERY DAY FOR TWO HOURS after sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night!The most SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE to me was I could cross my legs at the computer and NOT GET LIGHT HEADED!Before I could only cross them for a couple of minutes!

I ALWAYS KNEW IT WAS HEART RELATED in my MIND AND KATHARINE didn’t the PHYSIC SAY THE CAUSE WAS IN THE HOUSE?!!

Now why didn’t  ONE DOCTOR AND I HAVE SEEN MANY OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS plus a PHYSIC from ITALY. Plus, homeopathic doctors too many to name (again I have been on SOTALOL for only two years but before that metoprolol tartrate since I was 40.)I am 61. Why didn’t they THINK TO LOOK AT THE ONE MEDICATION I TAKE DAILY TWICE A DAY?

PUT YOUR OWN THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW LETS SEE IF WE ALL ARE ON THE SAME PAGE!

I ONLY SHARE THIS WITH YOU AS YOU ALL HELPED ME SO MUCH WITH SUGGESTIONS AND REFERENCES OVER THE YEARS.

Questions:BUT YOU WERE ONLY ON THE SOTALOL FOR TWO YEARS AND YOU STARTED HAVING THESE EPISODES WAY BEFORE.

ANSWER:YES, But I felt even worse on the METOPROLOL, however I did not lose my vision at that time!I had asked to go OFF the Metoprolol after the heart surgery and I did for awhile……….

Why didn’t your CARDIOLOGIST catch this as that is where I started asking for HELP?

Good QUESTION HE kept telling me MY HEART was FINE!Seems they only look at the TEST results and I would PASS them ALL with Flying colors!

Again I always LOOKED GOOD ENOUGH to the naked eye!

NOT SICK.

SO, people didNOT BELIEVE ME!

  IT’s been a TUFF FEW YEARS!

 

 

I was ABLE TO ATTEND A WEDDING in New Jersey last weekend!

I missed THE GROOMS brothers wedding in MAINE in JUNE as I was too sick to travel.

I couldn’t stand for more than 5 minutes before!

    The HYDRANGEA’s back EAST are OUT OF THIS WORLD!

    THESE EVEN HAD FRAGRANCE!

THE ALTAR

   Youngest SON……..32!

THE HAIR IS EXTRAORDINARY!

  THE TENT LOOKS LIKE THE BOTTOM OF MY CAFTAN!

 I LOVED HOW THEY DID THIS ON THE MIRROR and with the petals below!

  ANYWAY, I AM FEELING REALLY GOOD AFTER A RED EYE FLIGHT AND A DAY OF COMPLETE REST!

 

 Night of the wedding looking at photo album of BRIDE & GROOM!

  I did NOT get ONE PHOTO of the BRIDE AND GROOM TOGETHER!

  SHAME ON ME!

  I did get the BEST MAN WALKING DOWN TOSSING ROSE PETALS WHICH WAS ABSOLUTELY HYSTERICAL!

  HIS MOTHER THE MOTHER OF THE GROOM MISSED THE WHOLE THING AS SHE WENT BEFORE HIM!

 THE BRIDE!

    BEST MAN tossing rose petals from his pockets with ELAN!!

 THAT FOLLY WALL WAS THE BEST BACK DROP AND DON’T YOU LOVE HOW THEY DID THE FLOWERS STUCK INTO IT!?

  THE COMPOSITION OFF TO THE RIGHT WAS STUNNING.

I HAD THE PHOTOGRAPHER GRABBING THAT SNAP in front of me AND ON MY LEFT WAS MY ITALIAN TELLING ME TO PUT AWAY THE PHONE!

  GOOD THING I DO NOT ALWAYS LISTEN!

  TABLE SCAPE for the BRIDAL PARTY,

THE YOUNGEST SON.

    MY TEN POUND TWO OUNCE BABY BOY!

 

 CONGRATULATIONS YOU TWO!

 AS I SAID TO YOUR MOTHER’S IT was one of THE BEST WEDDINGS I HAVE EVER ATTENDED!

  SO HAPPY I COULD BE THERE!

THE NEXT DAY WE WENT TO MORRIS ARBORETUM outside PHILADELPHIA.

 

LOOK HOW THE BAG MATCHED MY OUTFIT & SHOES!

TOTAL FLUKE!!!!!

 I can recall WANTING these balustrades for my backyard garden on the TOP TERRACE!

I reminded THE ITALIAN OF THAT!

  Good for sitting and THEODORE TO PERCH and perfect for URNS OF DISTINCTION!

  I thought maybe we should copy the plants they have put inside!

Works well don’t you think?

THE LOOP de LOOP by PATRICK DOUGHERTY at the MORRIS ARBORETUM made with Willow sticks and saplings.

 MOTHER OF THE GROOM!

MY GIRLFRIEND DEVINE WHO HAS HER HEART FULL NOW!

  BOTH SONS MARRIED TO WONDERFUL WOMEN!

I HAVE KNOWN JAN FOR OVER 35 YEARS!

 

This SIGN was MADE WITH BEER CUPS BY THE GROOM during the PANDEMIC for his FATHER TO LOOK OUT UPON!

It is now a part of the PHILADEPHIA WALKING TOUR!

I too have HOPE that THIS is the END OF ALL MY HEALTH ISSUES……………FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED!

   I WOULD LIKE TO THANK and HUG JENNAFER GRACE FOR PUTTING ME IN TOUCH WITH DR.SUZI LEE

Heart SONG HEALTH in ALAMEDA.

 A FUNCTIONAL DOCTOR who is COMPASSIONATE,LISTENS and KNOWS HER STUFF!

  Look at that she even has HEART in her BUSINESS NAME!

    IT WAS MEANT TO BE!

   I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH SUZIE LEE!!!!!!

    XXX

 

 

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135 Comments
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135 Comments

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  • CINDY
    · Reply

    August 25, 2021 at 1:25 PM

    I HAVE GOT TO GIVE YOU A CALL AND CATCH UP. I AM TRYING TO CATCH UP FROM BEING GONE FOR FOUR DAYS. WE CAN CHAT TOMORROW!

  • Claire
    · Reply

    August 21, 2021 at 6:18 AM

    So glad that you are better. I remember one time that a doctor gave me some meds that just made me feel worse. A friend and I went to he beach hoping that would make me feel better. I don’t remember the plane trip nor the drive to the beach house. Just remember waking up the next morning wondering where I was! We went for a walk down a long pier and I threw those bottle of pillks as far as I could! I know! I know! Some poor fish might have eaten those bottles of pills. But that is just how out of it that I was. Too possibly harm another living creature? That is just not me. Anyway, with in a few hours I felt so much better. The fog lifted, I didn’t drop dead, and thoroughly enjoyed my week at the beach with my friend. Sometimes no medicine is the best medicine.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 23, 2021 at 9:11 AM

      WONDERFUL STORY CLAIRE!!
      THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT!
      XXX

  • LA CONTESSA
    · Reply

    Author
    August 19, 2021 at 8:09 AM

    VIA EAMIL:

    Hi La CONTESSA,

    Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how happy I am to hear your health issues have been rectified, much thanks to your intuition. Also loved the wedding photos you took.

    I left a lengthy and enthusiastic comment on your post last week but I see that it didn’t publish. I seem to be having an issue on some sites. That’s why I just wanted to let you know I wasn’t ignoring you and that I did read your wonderful post! 🙂

    Sending much love your way!

    Sincerely,

    Lisa

  • PPP
    · Reply

    August 17, 2021 at 7:55 PM

    Ma Chere Contessa,
    So glad that you finally found the best doctor to help after such a struggle. She sounds very caring and things are working for you!
    You had the perfect dress for this wonderful wedding…fit right into the bride’s color palette. Aren’t you clever.
    PPP

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 18, 2021 at 12:31 PM

      I HAD NO IDEA THAT WAS THE BRIDES COLORS…………….
      I WAS AMAZED AS YOU WERE !!
      THE CANDLES ON THE TABLES MATCHED ME TOO!
      WE HAD A LOVELY TRIP…………….BACK TO SMOKE AND THE FEELING OF FALL HERE IN Northern California!
      ARE YOU GETTING THAT TOO THROUGH THE TUNNEL?
      XXX

  • Ms. Mary
    · Reply

    August 17, 2021 at 9:14 AM

    Late to reply, as I’ve been in St Louis! 🙂 Will text you a photo of our new family member. She’s amazing and my little dove is a great mother!
    I am glad you are feeling better, but so sad it’s taken this long. The thought that you could fly across the country to attend that fun wedding is FABULOUS! You looked so happy.
    Sending you continued happy, healing thoughts.
    <3

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 18, 2021 at 12:29 PM

      CONGRATULATIONS GRANDMAMA!!!!!
      SO HAPPY FOR ALL OF YOU!
      XXX

  • Vicky
    · Reply

    August 16, 2021 at 6:12 AM

    I’m thrilled to hear that your medical mystery may be solved. Interestingly enough my DH has previously been on both those meds as he had AF. Once he had the surgery he was able to stop taking any heart meds. Sometimes I think Drs keep patients on meds longer than they should be out of an abundance of caution rather than an ongoing need. Make sure your electrolytes are in balance as potassium and magnesium depletion will cause heart issues.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 16, 2021 at 8:36 AM

      THANKS VICKY WILL DO…………..it was actually me who wanted the medication as a racing heart was waking me up daily.But so far so good…….I do not feel that now!
      XXX

  • Stephanie
    · Reply

    August 15, 2021 at 1:32 PM

    Wheeeee!! I’m giddy with your good news!
    Dr. Suzie sounds like an angel in disguise…I only wish I lived closer as she would certainly be my new doctor, too.
    Warmed my heart to see you looking resplendent in that beautiful gray caftan, enjoying a gorgeous wedding with the Italian. You’ve missed so much…time to enjoy life again.
    Caio Bella !!
    Stephanie
    Tendrheart4

    PS can u tell me where to find those darling white pants for wearing under caftans? They are the perfect bohemian touch!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 16, 2021 at 7:57 AM

      Bryn Walker!
      IN BERKELEY!
      BET SHE WOULD WORK WITH YOU BY PHONE AS SHE DID ME FOR A FEW MONTHS!
      XXX

  • Janice
    · Reply

    August 15, 2021 at 11:50 AM

    So glad you are feeling better now and sometimes we have to doctor ourselves, my grandmother told me this years ago.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 16, 2021 at 8:34 AM

      TRUE!!
      XXX

  • Ginger
    · Reply

    August 15, 2021 at 6:43 AM

    Elizabeth this is the very best news! I’m so relieved and thrilled that you’re finally feeling better. Thank goodness for your tenacity in seeking answers and so grateful for your competent medical practitioner. How wonderful that you could attend your friends beautiful wedding. Such joy!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 16, 2021 at 7:55 AM

      MANY THANKS GINGER IT WAS GOOD TO GET AWAY!
      XXX

  • Pipistrello
    · Reply

    August 14, 2021 at 6:17 PM

    Darling Contessa, this is wonderful news!! I’m so surprised that no-one, even your loyal readers, figured this out sooner. For my shame, I’m only too aware of the side-effects of medication, and feel rather dense for not piping up at some point. Just google the “Pfizer Circle of Hell” to see a natty little diagram to illustrate the ridiculousness of the state of approved medications.

    Meanwhile, will you be able to eat proper food again?? You do look rather ravishing in your slimmed down form but you’ve been missing out on so much of what makes life fun, viz. delicious foodstuffs!!

    Baci bella. xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 16, 2021 at 7:53 AM

      I DO NOT THINK I CAN EAT PROPER FOOD FOR AWHILE…………..BUT WILL ASK TODAY!
      THANK YOU SO MUCH!
      ALWAYS HERE WITH GOOD ADVISE AND COMMENTS!
      XXX

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    August 14, 2021 at 8:02 AM

    Fingers & toes!! Oh, I hope this is it. How it would change your life!! Do catch up with your cardiologist about stopping the Stall. You and I have talked many times about our similar problems. I, too, am taking Sotalol, 2 x a day. It was given to me after wearing a heart monitor three times. They finally discovered I have A-Fib and A-Flutter caused by chemotherapy. In the beginning I was tired and had low blood pressure, but eventually with going to the gym, it stopped. Now I have other problems and I’m inclined to think are caused by carbs, which I’ve limited. Aging is difficult, isn’t it? xoxox, Brenda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM

      A TAD DIFFICULT YES BUT BEATS THE ALTERNATIVE!
      I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED!
      XOXO

  • No Fear of Fashion
    · Reply

    August 13, 2021 at 10:27 PM

    Oh Elizabeth, I am so pleased for you. It must indeed have been awful two years. I saw you dropping weight overtime and I was worried for you. I wonder what your cardiologist is going to say. As I guess you will contact him after his holiday.
    Greetje

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 14, 2021 at 11:02 AM

      CARDIOLOGIST SAID,”FINE WE CAN STOP IT IF YOU ARE FEELING BETTER.”
      THANK YOU GREETJE…………I WAS WORRIED TOO………….XXX

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 14, 2021 at 11:04 AM

      YES< HE SAID FINE TO GO OFF IF I AM FEELING BETTER.
      I WAS WORRIED TOO GREETJE……………THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • Cara (S. FL)
    · Reply

    August 13, 2021 at 4:26 PM

    Elizabeth,
    I am so happy to hear you finally found a competent medical practitioner. I don’t recall your mentioning you were on this drug when you were describing your symptoms. Probably you, too just didn’t think it could be the problem. If anyone is feeling bad and on a drug, the first thing she should do is check the undesirable effects. I once heard a physician say that “side effects” is a misnomer because, although undesirable, they are just as predictable as the desired effects: they are just “effects.”
    Again, I am relieved that you are better and feel embarrassed that a fellow homeopath did not figure this out!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 14, 2021 at 11:07 AM

      A FEW OF THEM DIDNOT FIGURE IT OUT AND A FEW MEDICAL DOCTORS………..
      WHATS A GIRL TO DO!!!
      THANK YOU YOU HAVE ALWAYS HAD WONDERFUL ADVISE FOR ME!
      XXX

  • Lorna
    · Reply

    August 13, 2021 at 2:18 PM

    No issues today.
    I am so happy for you Elizabeth. It’s wonderful to hear you’re feeling better but please make sure you go on some other medication for your heart if you have a condition. Unfortunately, most doctors never think it’s the medication that could be causing issues and they often prescribe another medicine to counteract the side effects – which makes to sense at all.
    It looks like it was a wonderful wedding and so happy you could attend.

    • Lorna
      · Reply

      August 13, 2021 at 2:19 PM

      I meant no sense

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 14, 2021 at 11:10 AM

      HE DIDNOT SEEM CONCERNED!
      BUT THEN NO ONE HAS BEEN IN THE MEDICAL FIELD EXCEPT SUZI LEE!
      XXX

  • Dr. Suzie Lee
    · Reply

    August 13, 2021 at 1:08 PM

    Elizabeth! Contessa! You know how thrilled I am that you are finally getting to enjoy the benefits of all of your hard work. And you have worked SO HARD! Changing your diet and being disciplined about your food choices, making sure you’re getting all the nutrients and phytochemicals to support healing, and following the guidance of a whole team of doctors from different specialties…. like so many with chronic health issues, you had to become your own researcher, advocate, and case manager. I really commend you for your perseverance!

    Also, an apology on behalf of the healthcare system: it is NOT OK for any doctor to yell at you, shame you, or cause you to doubt your own experience. Your relationship with your body is the most precious gift that you have, and healthcare needs to do better at protecting that relationship by listening to you and believing you. I will do my best to make up for the trauma you have experienced by being questioned and dismissed by those you had entrusted with your health.

    A point I want to emphasize for your readers: The main reason to suspect that your medication might have been contributing to your symptoms is that you were doing everything “right” but not seeing any changes. Anyone else following your diet and lifestyle, and getting the quality and diversity of care you were receiving should have felt some kind of changes — maybe not a full recovery but certainly something. The human body is, by nature, dynamic. Everything we do as an “input” (what you eat, how you move, how you sleep, etc) should result as some sort of change in the “output” (how you feel). If your output is the same day after day no matter what the input, that’s when we suspect that something is blocking the normal dynamic processes of the body, keeping you stuck (static) in an artificial pattern. In your case, it was a medication. But there can be other blockages as well. I encourage your readers who are struggling with similar health issues to investigate the relationship between their own inputs and outputs.

    Congratulations on breaking through a major health threshold, and here’s to ongoing health and happiness!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 13, 2021 at 2:06 PM

      MANY MANY THANKS DR.SUZI!
      ONWARDS AS YOU SAY!!!
      SEE YOU MONDAY!!!
      XXXX

  • Rosemarie
    · Reply

    August 13, 2021 at 12:16 PM

    Hi there CONTESSA
    I just have to comment one more time – so happy your days are now filled with JOY!
    What has been amazing thru these years of XXXX is that you have always given your readers such interesting blog topics – beautiful pics – replied to all the comments. We appreciated this immensely.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 13, 2021 at 2:03 PM

      YOU ARE A DEVOTED READER ROSEMARIE!!!
      THANK YOU FOR THE SUPER COMPLIMENT!!
      APPRECIATE YOU!
      XXX

  • Pat
    · Reply

    August 13, 2021 at 10:32 AM

    Glad to hear you are feeling better. Loved the purse you took to the wedding, any chance you purchased it this year, therefore I might be able to find it?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 13, 2021 at 2:01 PM

      SORRY NO HAVE HAD FOR THREE YEARS MAYBE FOUR.MADE BY A WOMAN ON INSTAGRAM IN ITALY!
      HER NAME THERE IS: HUSH HUSH HANDMADE
      YOU can ask her there if she has a similar one!!!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

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