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PULSE~ITALIAN FOOD~COOKIES

November 17, 2023 64 Comments

THIS HAPPENED TO ME RECENTLY AND I AM PASSING ON BECAUSE IT SADDEN ME SO MUCH I HAD TO LAUGH.ABOUT SIX WEEKS AGO I WAS FEELING WORSE THAN NORMAL……..AND THE COUGH CAME BACK FROM THE PAST THREE YEARS WHICH IS DUE TO MAC (NON-TUBERCULOSIS BACTERIUM) NOT COVID.IT SEEMS TO BOTHER ME MORE IN THE FALL/WINTER.

ANYWAY, I DECIDED TO GET THE OXIMETER OUT TO CHECK MY OXYGEN LEVEL AND MY PULSE RATE.A GOOD OXYGEN LEVEL IS 95, BUT IF YOU ARE IN HEART FAILURE THEY ARE HAPPY WITH 90.

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

PULSE FOR A 63 YEAR OLD like me SHOULD BE……….80 TO 136 BPM.

AT 65 YEARS OF AGE 78-132

AT 70 YEARS OF AGE 75-128

THIS WAS ON OCTOBER 19TH FOR THE NEXT FIVE DAYS MY OXYGEN AND PULSE NUMBERS.

MY OXYGEN AND PULSE READINGS:

PULSE BEING THE SECOND NUMBER.

OXYGEN THE FIRST NUMBER.

10/19/23 ~ 89/71

10/20 ~ 89/71

10/21/23 ~ 97/51 AT 5:00 AM TOOK IT AGAIN 3 HOURS LATER 97/51.

10/23/23 ~ 93/38 TOOK IT AGAIN 92/45

WITH A LOT OF PEAKS AND VALLEYS SHOWING ON THE SCREEN.A MOUNTAIN RANGE SO TO SPEAK SO AFIB IS GOING ON.

10/24/23. 97/43 (8 AM)

93/32 (8PM)

I SENT THESE NUMBERS TO MY HEART CARE PERSON.

SHE VERIFIED THE OXIMETER AND WHAT THE NUMBERS STOOD FOR AS I WAS A BIT FUZZY ON IT.SHE REDUCED MY HEART MEDS BY HALF A TABLET.ON OCTOBER 25TH,2023.

MY NAILS ARE LONG AND I HAD NAIL POLISH A DARK COLOR ON. I TOOK THAT OFF BY 10/29 because I had forgotten about that being a NO NO! AND MY READINGS THAT DAY WERE 90/34~98/44~93/91~97/30~97/45.

BY 10/30/23 THE PULSE WAS LOOKING A LITTLE BETTER.93/51~92/72~86/46

MEDICINE REDUCTION?MAYBE!

NOVEMBER FIRST I WENT FOR THE RECLAST INFUSION I HAD A YEAR AGO FOR THE OSTEOPOROSIS.THIS IS AN IV THEY PUT IN YOUR VEINS IN THE CHEMO ROOM.I TOLD THEM TO LOOK AT MY PULSE AS IT WAS A BIT LOW AT HOME AND I WAS THINKING THE CVS STORE BOUGHT EQUIPMENT WASNOT DOING ITS JOB. COULD THEY VERIFY PLEASE.

THE RN WAS DELIGHTFUL AND SHE TOO SAW THE NUMBERS LOW………..THE LOWEST THERE WAS 40 THAT I SAW SO THAT CONFIRMED FOR ME MY MACHINES WERE RIGHT AT HOME..AS SHE EXPLAINED IT MUST BE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WITH MY HEART.AGAIN SHE HAD NO IDEA I WAS IN HEART FAILURE OR HAD A LUNG DISEASE LET ALONE FOCAL SEIZURES!

SHE ALSO TOLD ME ONLY THE GEL NAIL POLISH TAKES A BAD READING SO MY NAIL POLISH PREVIOUS TO TAKING OFF HAD NO AFFECT.I HAVE NEVER DONE THE GEL NAIL POLISH FOR A RANDOM FACT!

I THE PATIENT, IS TELLING THE NURSE MY HISTORY………….AND SHE HAD MY INFO UP ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN.I GUESS UNLESS YOU GO LOOKING NO ONE KNOWS WHO HAS WHAT.I FOUND THAT ABSOLUTELY SCARY!

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE MY MEDICAL DOCTOR TOLD ME IN AN EMAIL ;I DIDNOT NEED THE RSV VACCINE AS I WASNOT 65 YEARS OF AGE!

MY LUNG DOCTOR who works in CRITICAL CARE most days TOLD ME TO GET IT!

SO that tells me even my PHYSICIAN has no clue what is going on with me!

HIS LAST EMAIL BACK TO ME TOOK FIVE DAYS TO GET AN ANSWER.THE ONE BEFORE THAT ELEVEN DAYS.

I WOULD NOT WANT TO BE A DOCTOR IN TODAYS WORLD.MOST OF THE TIME IS SPENT TYPING ON THE COMPUTER RATHER THAN AN EXAM OR TALKING TO THE PATIENT.There are a few of us out there when seeing our doctors they never do a PHYSICAL EXAM ANYMORE!

IS THAT BECAUSE OF OUR AGE?

I WONDER………OR LACK OF TIME?

TWO WEEKS AFTER THE RECLAST I STILL HAVE THIS………..it did not hurt and she did not have to SEARCH for A VEIN!

I HAVE BEEN TOLD ON GOOD AUTHORITY THAT IF ONE IS HAVING HEART ISSUES ONE TENDS TO BRUISE MORE.

JUST SO YOU KNOW!

THIS AGING THING ISNOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

The answer I received about my PULSE rate was this…………Because I have an underlying heart condition PVC’s (premature ventricular contractions).My pulse will NEVER be accurate on medical centers machines or a doctors office.

“The home blood pressure machines are NOT accurate for pulse readings and neither are the finger monitors (pulse oximeter).”

THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!

I THINK THIS IS GOOD INFORMATION WE SHOULD ALL KEEP IN MIND!

“The only way to get an accurate reading is by wearing a HOLITOR MONITOR” which I will do on the 21 st of November.(I had to wait TWO WEEKS to DO THAT.)

My last HOLTER MONITOR reading was 76 which was done in June 2023.

SO, WHY AM I TO TAKE MY BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE AT HOME AND CHECK IN EVERY FEW WEEKS?

BACK TO assigned health care person and MY MEDICINE REDUCTION WAS BASED UPON HER THINKING I WAS GIVING BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS,WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN THESE………………A LITTLE LOW DON’T YOU THINK FOR BLOOD PRESSURE?
10/26 ; 89/59 
10/27; 97/37 (7:00 am)
97/66 (8:30 am)
92/44 (6:30 pm)
10/28. 94/40
84/46 AT 6 PM
96/26 (6:35pm)

HERE I GAVE THE BLOOD PRESSURE ONE TIME.


Blood Pressure was 120/51 pulse 48 at 6:35pm

My pulse that day was the same on the OXIMETER.

SO, I thought these home machines had to be correct!

THAT IS YOUR MEDICAL ADVISE FROM ME AND I AM NO DOCTORESSA!

KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS IF SOMETHING DOES NOT SIT RIGHT WITH YOU!

IT’S YOUR LIFE not THEIRS.

ANOTHER THING I FIND BAFFLING IS WHY I PAID $150.00 FOR 60 TABLETS OF ANTI-SEIZURE MEDICINE A MONTH AND COULD ONLY GET ONE BOTTLE EACH VISIT AND NOW I GET 200 TABLETS SO THREE MONTHS PLUS………..FOR FREE?!

OUR INSURANCE DIDNOT CHANGE.

THINK I WILL JUST KEEP QUIET ON THAT ONE!

IF you LIVE in the Los Angeles AREA; I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO TRY A SANDWICH IN VENICE, CALIFORNIA CALLED:

ALL’ANTICO VINAIO AT 1121 ABBOT KINNEY BLVD. VENICE, CALIFORNIA.

I KNOW THIS YOUNG MAN WITH THE BIG SMILE FROM OUR DAYS IN FLORENCE!

HIS NAME IS MATTEO and I bet if you mention the CONTESSA SENT ME his smile will get even BIGGER!

I would like to know what is in the TOSCANO PLEASE if anyone visits in the near future!

YOU CAN PRACTICE YOUR ITALIAN WITH HIM AS HE IS THE REAL DEAL!

BUT DON’T HOLD UP THE LINE!

I AM VERY EXCITED FOR HIM AND THIS NEXT CHAPTER……………..

A PIECE OF ITALY IS EXPANDING IN THE USA!

I REALLY NEED TO GET MYSELF BACK THERE TO THE BOOT!

SHHHH!

BUGSZY DOES NOT NEED TO KNOW WHAT GOES INTO THOSE SANDWICHES!

I am proposing a name change for MY PIGGY!SINCE BUGSZY is so CLOSE TO BANKSY our first PIGS name I am having LOTS OF SENIOR MOMENTS by NOT CALLING HIM BY HIS CORRECT NAME!WHAT if we changed the name to OLAF.Like the SNOWMAN in the movie FROZEN?I think he looks like OLAF and my GRANDDAUGHTER would like it TOO!

I AM WAITING FOR HER FINAL A-OKAY!

WHO SEE’S THEODORE IN THIS PHOTO ABOVE?

THE KING IN HIS THRONE!

SWEETNESS FOR ALL………….PIGS ARE VERY GENTLE AND WANT AFFECTION!

THEODORE LOVES TO GIVE AFFECTION!

MAYBE BETTY SHOULD BECOME ANNA?

LIKE IN THE MOVIE FROZEN!

OLAF & ANNA

I BOUGHT THE PIGGY A NEW BED AND HE RIPPED IT UP!

GUESS HE DIDNOT LIKE THE COLOR?

IT WAS BEIGE!

EVERYONE GATHERS IN THE KITCHEN!

ESPECIALLY WHEN WE MAKE COOKIES!

COOKIE MAKING!

MORE OF COOKIE MAKING ON INSTAGRAM BELOW……….

JUST KEEP SCROLLING DOWN AFTER THE COMMENTS.

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF VIDEOS YOU MAY ENJOY WITH SOUND!

YOU CAN HEAR THE ITALIAN SPEAKING!

KISSES FOR THEODORE.

THESE TWO ARE ALWAYS UNDERFOOT; EVENING ACTIVITY WHEN I AM DOING THE DINNER PREP!

GUESS IT COULD BE WORSE!

BE WELL AND TAKE CARE EVERYONE!

THIS WEEK I DID SOMETHING TO MY BACK AND COULD BARELY WALK!

AFTER TWO VISITS TO THE CHIROPRACTOR X-RAY WAS TAKEN………..

TWISTED PELVIS,CURVE IN SPINE AND A GAP IN MY LOWER SPINE!!!

HERE I GO……….

XXX

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  • Stephanie D
    · Reply

    November 24, 2023 at 2:22 PM

    Oh Elizabeth, I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well. You look so happy, healthy and beautiful making cookies w your darling granddaughter…but I believe you when you say that you’re looking better than you feel.
    I have been dealing with slightly elevated blood pressure for a few years and the more I concern myself with it, the worse it seems to be! Sending love and wishing you less stress and improved health as we head into the cooler, darker days of winter…
    xx
    PS Olaf is a charming name for your handsome boy

  • Stephanie D
    · Reply

    November 24, 2023 at 2:22 PM

    Oh Elizabeth, I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well. You look so happy, healthy and beautiful making cookies w your darling granddaughter…but I believe you when you say that you’re looking better than you feel.
    I have been dealing with slightly elevated blood pressure for a few years and the more I concern myself with it, the worse it seems to be! Sending love and wishing you less stress and improved health as we head into the cooler, darker days of winter…
    xx
    PS Olaf is a charming name for your handsome boy

    • Stephanie D
      · Reply

      November 24, 2023 at 2:24 PM

      Sorry about the double post. I apparently hit the SUBMIT COMMENT button twice!

      • LA CONTESSA
        · Reply

        Author
        November 25, 2023 at 8:52 AM

        NO PROBLEM!
        I THINK I CAN DELETE IT!!
        XXX
        STUPID COMPUTER SHOULD KNOW ITS THERE ALREADY!
        HA!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 25, 2023 at 8:55 AM

      THAT DAY I AWAKEN WITH A BAD BACK………..I still have it after three visits to CHIRO!YESTERDAY I COULD NOT MOVE…….PERHAPS TOO MUCH SITTING IS WHAT MY BODY IS SAYING!!
      BUT IT WAS WORTH IT ALL………..WHAT A LITTLE BUNDLE OF JOY!
      XXX

      • chris
        · Reply

        November 25, 2023 at 4:32 PM

        contessa i hope u had a lovely thanksgiving. sorry about the back. lol i threw mine out lugging a turkey up the stairs. hope your pulse is better. i do love those pulse-ox machines.

        • LA CONTESSA
          · Reply

          Author
          November 26, 2023 at 10:37 AM

          Those machines donot work on people with heart condition of PVC’s in heart failure!!!
          Isn’t LIFE GRAND?And now they tell me!!!
          Take CARE!I hope THAT TURKEY WAS WORTH THE BACK!

  • Judith
    · Reply

    November 24, 2023 at 2:09 PM

    Dear Contessa,

    You will have a medical degree before all is said and done! But it’s good that you keep asking questions. As you said, it’s your health, not theirs. I loved the animal photos, but the real treat was your little princess visitor. This type of company is bound to lift your spirits and bring you joy. Have a wonderful weekend!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 25, 2023 at 8:51 AM

      I MISSED MY OPPORTUNITY YESTERDAY TO CALL………
      PLEASE FOrGIVE ME!
      TODAY IT WILL BE CATCH UP TIME ON YOUR CUCINA!!!
      XXX

  • Hilda Smith
    · Reply

    November 23, 2023 at 6:23 AM

    My dear Contessa. Sending you lots of love and wishes for better health. Love Olaf.. great idea and your gorgeous granddaughter must bring great joy. xxxx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 24, 2023 at 11:41 AM

      GRAND DAUGHTER APPROVED OLAF!
      WHICH MEANS ANCESTOR OR GRANDFATHER!
      OLAF IS GETTING INTO THINGS HE SHOULD NOT BE GETTING INTO LATELY!A GATE HAS BEEN ADDED TO CLOSET ENTRY!
      YES WONDERFUL JOY!
      NOTHING LIKE IT AS YOU WELL KNOW!
      XXX

  • PPP
    · Reply

    November 22, 2023 at 2:01 PM

    Ma Chere Contessa,
    So sorry to hear that your health problems continue unresolved.
    The pulse would indicate that you are perpetually tired! How awful is that?!
    And yet you’re up and creating fun and enjoying your darling granddaughter. Yay for you!!
    Have a happy Thanksgiving and get better!
    Much love PPP

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 24, 2023 at 11:38 AM

      YES PULSE LOW WOULD ADD TO TIREDNESS.
      I HAVE THE ITALIAN TO HELP!
      AND SHE STILL NAPS!
      WE GOT IN TWO HOURS!!
      ABSOLUTELY DARLING!
      XXX

  • Robin
    · Reply

    November 22, 2023 at 9:38 AM

    So sorry to hear of all the health challenges. I hope you have some relief soon. You have had way more than your share!!!!!
    You must get back to Bella Italia subito!!
    Your littlest mermaid is adorable. GP looks so happy making cookies with her. What a joy!
    We picked up our Olio Nuovo 2023 on Monday!! Wish I could send you a bottle .
    Hugs, R

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 24, 2023 at 11:36 AM

      ENJOY THE NEW OLIVE OIL…………VERDE I WOULD IMAGINE IN THE BOTTLE?WE CONSUME A LOT OF THAT STUFF!
      HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
      GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU!
      KISS THE DIRT FOR ME!!!!
      XXX

  • Fran
    · Reply

    November 21, 2023 at 10:42 AM

    CIAO BELLISSIMA!!

    I MISS YOU ALREADY!!

    I HOPE YOU ARE FEELING A HECK OF A LOT BETTER SINCE YOU WROTE THIS BLOG ENTRY!! IT JUST SADDENS ME TOO MUCH TO SEE YOU GOING THROUGH ALL OF THESE HEALTH ISSUES AND ON TOP OF IT ALL, YOUR DOCTORS ARE JUST CONFUSING – CONFLICTING MESSAGES FROM DOCTORS DO NOT HELP!! DON’T THEY GET THAT YET?!!

    ON A LIGHTER NOTE, I AM BEYOND THRILLED THAT YOU HAVE SUCH A SOUND AND WONDERFUL FAMILY & FRIENDS SUPPORT SYSTEM IN PLACE!! PLEASE NEVER FORGET THAT I AM STILL HERE FOR YOU IF EVER YOU NEED TO CHAT, VENT OR SCREAM!!

    TAKE GOOD CARE CARISSIMA CONTESSA!! I HOPE YOU WILL FEEL LOADS BETTER TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY YOUR UPCOMING HOLIDAYS!!

    I WILL BE THINKING OF YOU!!
    MANY MANY BLESSINGS YOUR WAY TODAY AND EVERYDAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!
    XX00 Fran

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      November 24, 2023 at 11:34 AM

      I hope to continue the BLOG!That is the plan now!
      BACK is a mess today!VERTABRA is off by 1 inch .22 in lower back…….
      Shooting pain in left leg.Hard to sit or stand!

      I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF ALL OF THIS……………
      MILLLIe GRAZIE!
      XXX

  • Sheila from the luncheon
    · Reply

    November 19, 2023 at 1:48 PM

    An adorable granddaughter that reminds me of her grandma in style and looks.
    Happy Thanksgivings—always wishing you the best.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 24, 2023 at 11:31 AM

      THANK YOU SHELIA!
      HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!
      XXX

  • Maggie
    · Reply

    November 19, 2023 at 1:01 PM

    Elizabeth,
    So sorry to hear you’re experiencing these reoccurring health issues. It must be very discouraging. Thank goodness you have your beautiful family, and the four legged family too, to keep your spirits up.
    Sorry to hear you’re signing off the blog but you need a break. You always provide humor, beauty and good tips in many areas. Best wishes to you and happiest of holidays!!
    Maggie

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 5:20 PM

      Not the BLOG ONLY INSTAGRAM!The blog will still be here as long as I can keep thinking up stuff to say!
      Xxx

  • Mary James
    · Reply

    November 19, 2023 at 10:07 AM

    Grateful to get all this medical information, but wish you were not going through this. I learned so much. Thank you. Seeing you with your Grandaughter and the fur kids always makes me smile. Cookie making was simply marvelous….what a darling little girl. A style icon in the making for sure, jewels and all. Hugs to you my dear friend.
    Mary

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 5:23 PM

      Best of Luck to you!Let me know how it all goes.
      Cookie making was MARVELOUS !!
      Thank You big hugs coming your way!
      Xxx

  • Lorna.
    · Reply

    November 19, 2023 at 8:46 AM

    I hope you get to rest and your back will get better. You are always in such good spirits that it’s hard to believe you have so many health issues.

    Olaf sounds like a good name for a piggy. I had a book when I was little called Olaf The Fisherboy. He fell into the sea and fell in love with a mermaid. I can’t remember how it ended.

    I saw today that you are taking a break from IG. You will be missed, of course but do what’s best for you. It’s no longer fun like it used to be. But I won’t start complaining about that again.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 9:13 AM

      IT is fun to see what TRIGGERS OUR MEMORIES!
      YES, I AGREE…………after losing all my followers and building up again in the last 3 years and not receiving WHO I FOLLOW in MY FEED only reels of others that have no interest for me and the ADS;I too have LOST INTEREST.I need to give my brain a rest and my neck.
      HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO YOU!
      XXX

  • Mel Clancey-Dubienski
    · Reply

    November 19, 2023 at 3:47 AM

    Hi. So sorry to hear about your back. Keep us up to date.

    My past GP left practice as he invented a blood pressure device that help with taking the complete blood pressure once the cuff has been put on. Dr/ nurse leaves the room and it work with knowone doing it. Also helps with white coat syndrome ( Ian my husband has this). You should buy a professional device .

    Love Olaf’s name?

    Get well. ???? Mel ??

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 9:16 AM

      BLOOD PRESSURE has nothing to do with what I was talking about HERE!Except the HEART CARE person thought the reading were BP!Not Oxygen and Pulse as we discussed in previous email………..
      It was HARD TO FOLLOW I KNOW!
      I have to write for my own memory as there will come a DAY when we need it!
      THANKS for stopping by.
      XXX

  • April M
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 5:50 PM

    First of all, wishing you better health. Next, your grand daughter is just so cute. The 3 of you together is heartwarming. Thirdly…..Olaf must think he has gone to heaven. Can you imagine being a pig-leading a pig’s life and then being ousted from your “home” and you land with La Contessa and Giampiero??!! “Sure you can come into the house and live with us!” (maybe Olaf wonders if you know he is a pig? LOL!) I am tickled for this wonderful guy and all of you. I am rolling about the fact he didn’t care for his new bed.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones,
    A

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 9:18 AM

      THE CAT LOVES THE ENORMOUS BED!SO HAVE PUT UNDER MY DESK AT MY FEET FOR THEODORABLE TO RECLINE!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • lisa thomson-author
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 1:39 PM

    How frustrating are these doctors? LA CONTESSA, I continue to be impressed with your persistence in resolving mysterious health issues that come up. YOU are your own best advocate and that’s an important message.
    I like OLAF as Bugszy’s new name! Especially because he is a Frozen character.
    Your granddaughter is absolutely precious! How fun to bake cookies with her.
    Hello to all the four-legged friends, too. xoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 9:19 AM

      I thought the THEME of FROZEN was a bit HEAVY for YOUNG KIDS did you?
      XXX

      • lisa thomson-author
        · Reply

        November 21, 2023 at 8:41 AM

        I actually saw it so long ago that I can’t recall. My kids were grown and gone but I was recovering from a minor surgery and it was on the movie channel so I tuned in. I imagine for preschoolers and younger it would be overwhelming though.

  • Peggy Wurzbach
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 1:32 PM

    Hi – Just wondering if you have a pacemaker and on blood thinners such as Xarelto-to prevent blood clots from a-fib? Good luck with your health! Olaf is a great pig name!?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 9:21 AM

      NO PACEMAKER.
      YES TO BLOOD THINNERS.BEEN ON THEM FOR 30 PLUS years or MORE!
      THANKS!
      XXX

  • Dee Black
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 12:34 PM

    Well Blah Blah back to the email. This has been my experience. Defensive health workers if we question as we are understandably confused or frightened. Health threats are scary. Could all healthcare workers and vets. just assume the only thing we want is to understand how to get better. And if we are doing all we can to do just that. What happened to do no harm. My BP rises just going to the doctor, and that’s before I ask the questions.
    I know it is taking a toll on you. Probably why you dream of Italy more. Pat is correct. Dream you are in Italy. Because you have created it. We all look for that place of peace and joy. You are the best at creating yours. Of course, you get weary. Who wouldn’t.
    It is brave to face days when we feel threaten with our health. We do not want to lose what we spend a lifetime creating. So many things people carry we never see. Thank you for sharing all this. I know it helps me feel not alone. I’m so grateful you share real life. Sprinkled with cookies and little girls and pets.
    Olaf I like, but I have German origins. My grands change the cats name, as do we monthly.

    Blood thinners (the arm mark).
    Someone once told me I was paranoid. ( taking my BP can do that) sometimes have to put machine away too, like reader above. The doctor said, well paranoid doesn’t mean you are wrong! FFT
    Thanks for the videos / pictures of your Italians in the Kitchen.
    Your granddaughter looks like both her grands. Too adorable.
    A bit disjointed but I know you followed it.
    Hugs

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 19, 2023 at 9:22 AM

      GOT IT!
      CHAT SOON!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 8:28 AM

    While we need to stay on top of our health…we know when something’s not right… I’vecdiscovered if I took my BP frequently and obsessed about it, I made the numbers worse. When I would put the BP machine away and do guided imagery, my BP was immensely better. Which tells me, as my mother liked to say, “Thoughts are things.” From personal experience I know I have the ability to influence my health, even serious conditions like both of us have. Your family is adorable! Four legs or two! xoxox, Brenda

  • rena.spain
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 8:13 AM

    That’s why I plan to never see a doctor again. Incompetent, not interested, perhaps too uneducated in his field… only when I am admitted to a hospital will the white gods see my body.
    To Bansky and Bugzy or whatever they should be called, please just not Olaf.
    Olaf is an old-fashioned German name, it is also used for many gays (nothing against them). Since the pig is so sluggish, call her lazy.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:20 AM

      THANK YOU FOR THE DEFINITION AND WORD ORGIN!
      THIS POOR GUY HAS HAD A BAD TIME WITH NAMES!
      YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD POINT ON THE DOCTORS TODAY………..thats why I thought YOUNGER was the way to go but not in my case!I like my older doctors better……………and GOD knows I have a FEW!
      SOMEONE mentioned LOAF on instagram………….that might work!
      GRACIAS………….XXX

  • Brenda N
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 8:11 AM

    Good Morning Elizabeth! Thanks as always for sharing the ups and downs of your health challenges. I understand your frustration with juggling ever-changing multiple conditions and trying to keep the doctors up to speed, when they can’t seem to follow along. Once again, you are (and have to be) your own best advocate! I didn’t know the pulse reading could be affected by nail polish, good info!
    I love the photo of Theodore seeming to sprout out of Bugszy’s head! Olaf gets my vote for his new name, it suits him just perfectly!
    I so enjoyed the cookie baking videos with your granddaughter, you and your husband. She looks like a future Contessa, with her pearls and leopard under her blue Elsa costume..
    Love that new cobalt blue caftan, beautiful!
    Take care!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:25 AM

      YES, THAT NEW CAFTAN CAME ALL THE WAY FROM MOROCCO VIA AN INSTAGRAM FRIEND!THIS WAY I FEEL I’ve BEEN THERE TOO!I WAS AFRAID HE WOULD NOT HAVE ROOM IN HIS LUGGAGE BUT HE DID!
      I’m running OUT of steam to be my one and only ADVOCATE!
      XXX

  • Diana Amato
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 6:27 AM

    Buongiorno Contessa,

    Numbers are but one piece of this crazy puzzle for you. My biggest question is why the medical community is not being proactive about getting you the answers you NEED! This is a situation where there is solid evidence of years of health problems that they seem only willing to scratch the surface of. I can’t imagine that there are not real answers for them to give you and act upon. This is goes beyond insurance protocol. It is obvious to all that they are not addressing your needs effectively. I can understand and empathize with the frustration on your part. This is not how the medical system should work!
    I am delighted to see your granddaughter in the mix of family fun, all animals included! “Frozen” and all of its characters are the “IT” thing!

    Un forte abbraccio,
    La Zingara Diana
    XOX

    • Pat
      · Reply

      November 18, 2023 at 7:36 AM

      Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth, What else can go wrong? Twisted pelvis? I can’t even imagine what that looks like on an X-ray!

      Okay, I have a radical, and undoubtedly wrong, suggestion…but that never stopped me before. But first, Banksy…
      Olaf? Hmmm, I once was told that pet names should have a hard consonant and end in a y sound because it catches their attention best. Maybe Ollie?
      And, of course he didn’t like a beige bed. He is YOUR pig, after all! What were you thinking?

      Lottie is adorable and looks more and more like he’d daddy. And, the Italian looks so happy. He’s a natural with kids!

      Now for my (probably bad) suggestion. Stop measuring your pulse and blood pressure. I know the doctors tell you to keep track, but they also said the home machines don’t give a good reading. These crazy numbers are probably making things worse by causing anxiety. It would sure make me anxious!

      Then, get yourself to Italy for a relaxing stay. No touristy stuff, just relax and pretend you lived there.

      I’m not a doctor, so my advice is free. ; )

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:33 AM

      JUST ONE BIG BUILDING WITH NOT ENOUGH TIME NOR THE DESIRE TO DIG A BIT MORE!I LOVE THE FACT THE MEDS WERE REDUCED THINKING THEY WERE BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS WHEN IN FACT THE NUMBERS WERE OXYGEN AND PULSE!THAT WASNOT ADDRESSED!
      THEN WHEN I AM IN HERAT FAILURE ITS LIKE NO BIG DEAL……..so from here you go to a HEART CARE TEAM.NOT ONCE will I CHECK IN WITH YOU OVER HOW MANY MONTHS HAS IT BEEN?EIGHT!I didnot mention the part when I got a scathing email telling me that my heart care team lady was 100% correct and by the way she is very good at what she does!
      WHAT MAKES ME LAUGH OUT LOUD IS HE SIGNS OFF WARMLY,BLA BLA and then adds if you have any questions or concerns let me know!
      WHY DO YOU THINK I AM WRITING AN EMAIL TO YOU?
      I HAVE A FEW CONCERNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      THANKS BELLA AS YOU CAN SEE THIS PUT ME THROUGH THE ROOF!
      XOXO

  • Michelle Foley
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 6:00 AM

    Ok Girlfriend…. You and me, between the two of us, we are train wreaks. Your heart, my joints. Holy cow. But hey we look great!!!! I see that adorable little girl is the sweetest most amazing! And Mister Italian is really is heaven with that babygirl. I love seeing that. As I mentioned last night..yes Kyle an DIL are expecting twin BOYZ! They have NO idea what is ahead of them….ignorance is bliss. Love you and talk soon. Happy Turkey Day. I am Thankful I have you in my life…XO. M

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:35 AM

      I AM THANKFUL I HAVE YOU SHOPPING FOR ME!
      AND EVEN THINKING ABOUT ME!

      TWINS!WHAT A GRAND MAMMA YOU WILL BE!
      CONGRATULATIONS……….
      XOXO

  • Karen Persson
    · Reply

    November 18, 2023 at 4:28 AM

    Hi Contessa,

    So sorry to read you’re dealing these health problems. I sure hope things improve soon. Your spirit always remains so inspiring and positive which makes a huge difference.

    Much love to you! Sending healing wishes.

    xoxoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:38 AM

      NOT SO POSITIVE TODAY BUT I HAVE TO LAUGH………………..
      IT KEEPS ON KEEPING ON…………….make a good movie!
      Don’t you think!
      BUT THE ENDING HAS TURN OUT BETTER THAN WHERE THIS IS HEADED!XOXO

  • chris
    · Reply

    November 17, 2023 at 11:56 PM

    sorry about the numbers. but numbers are just numbers. how are you feeling? that’s the main thing. hope the reduction works ??
    re pig name, i dont know whether pigs are like dogs & cats, but dogs/cats like names w explosive consonants (like B, D, G, P, T). so mine are baby, bébé, bubba, boobookitty, Blue, Bunny, Eddie, taddy, ziggy. they seem to like it. the only exceptions were mclovin, snickers (named by original owner). years ago i saw a show w a british dog behavior expert, & she suggested that. when she met an animal for the 1st time, she’d call it baby or puppy, so they’d like her

    • chris
      · Reply

      November 17, 2023 at 11:58 PM

      pls delete my original comment. got error message, so i edited & reposted, but 1st one ended up being posted

      • LA CONTESSA
        · Reply

        Author
        November 18, 2023 at 8:44 AM

        DONE!
        THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS!!!
        XXX

    • Linda
      · Reply

      November 18, 2023 at 8:24 AM

      Your information is so interesting. Thank you

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:42 AM

      GOOD TO KNOW!
      THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS!
      I HAVE TAKEN AWAY THE OTHER comment!!!
      HOW MANY ANIMALS DO YOU HAVE?
      XXX

      • chris
        · Reply

        November 19, 2023 at 10:42 AM

        i have 4 cats, 1 dog, one adult foster squirrel, & 1 betta fish, but have had many others over the years. i also work in wildlife rescue.
        regarding the name thing, bugzy and banksy fit that perfectly!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:45 AM

      I AM NOT WELL CHRIS.EVEN IF THE PHOTOS SHOW A DIFFERENT STORY BUT I THINK YOU CAN SEE IN MY FACE A CHANGE with the photos that are here.
      XXX

      • chris
        · Reply

        November 19, 2023 at 10:49 AM

        i’m so sorry, elizabeth. praying for good health ahead for you.
        i had brain trauma, & if i’d listened to my drs i’d never have recovered. as soon as i basically said screw them, i dont believe them, i know what i need, i started to get better. not 100%, but so much recovered. we need our drs for prescriptions and diagnostics but theyre just as fallible as anyone. they need to be our partners, not our bosses or benevolent dictators. have to trust your gut & your soul. ((((((((((hugs))))))))))

  • Karen
    · Reply

    November 17, 2023 at 9:33 PM

    Love all your cookie baking photos with your adorable family Elizabeth! Precious time creating wonderful new memories with your darling granddaughter~
    Olaf is perfect!
    Wishing you to better health poor love & less stress with all the monitoring!
    Please visit soon!~ X

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:46 AM

      ITALIA here I COME IN MY DREAMS AT LEAST!
      XXX

      • Donna
        · Reply

        November 18, 2023 at 9:18 AM

        Elizabeth…..I wish you could get back to Italy even if for a short time! It would do a world of good for your health and well being! You are going through so much …. a nice break would be so, so good for you.

        Thinking of you…we need a nice long gab.

        • LA CONTESSA
          · Reply

          Author
          November 19, 2023 at 9:24 AM

          WE DO…………I’m here most days if I am not meandering the halls of the medical center!
          Yes, I have a sister in law in ITALY I told her I would move in with her for a month!
          THAT MIGHT FIX ME!
          XXX

  • Katherine
    · Reply

    November 17, 2023 at 7:48 PM

    E-Beth,
    So sorry about the medical issues and the monitor readings must be frightening. I like the name for your piggy and the granddaughter is adorable.
    Xo
    Kathe

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:47 AM

      THANK YOU KATHE…………you are way a head of me in the grand baby department!Hope you are spending THANKS GIVING with them!
      XOXO

  • Celeste
    · Reply

    November 17, 2023 at 5:21 PM

    I cannot believe how darling and grownup your nipotina is already! And GP must adore having her in the kitchen.
    Olaf is a fine name for the piggy. I approve.
    I am ill with Covid for the first time. It is dreadful. I used my Apple Watch to check my oxygen levels and now I wonder if that is trustworthy as well. I know the home blood pressure cuffs are notoriously wrong. Mine is always high (even on medication) so I don’t check anymore. The results just raise it more!
    Be good to yourself and have a terrific thanksgiving!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      November 18, 2023 at 8:51 AM

      OHHHH NO COVID!!! JUST STAY IN AND CARE FOR YOU!
      I would imagine the oxygen is right with THAT WATCH.IT would be interesting to see if you did it with a finger OXIMETER as well and if the numbers matched!
      MY PULSE is off because I have a heart reality of PVC’s…………
      Other wise it should work for YOU!
      I’ll call you in the next few days!
      BIG HUG
      XXX

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