Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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Hey Every One,

Last week I had a couple of problems with my dialysis, one day my pressure dropped during treatment and my oxygen saturation dropped to the point my skin started to turn blue.  Thankfully my daughters were there to respond immediately.  They tested my vitals, turned on the oxygen machine and had me lay down with my legs up.  I was able to recover and continue the treatment.  I was amazed at how fast they responded and were able to perform under pressure.  This got me thinking about what they go through and what the family of the ill person goes through.

We never think about the stress level which our husbands, mothers, daughters go through when we are ill.  And I think that medical professionals don't take the time to address this either.  I hear there might be one or two support groups out there for caner survivors and their family members.  But there really should be support groups for those who are helping a family member deal with any illness.

I for sure know that dialysis and renal disease can take a tole on the person who has it, but it also takes a tole on the family.  A lot of times the whole family had to make adjustments to their diet, life and even work schedules.  The stress level in the home can be elevated to a point where relationships can start falling apart.

How do we deal with it, well that all depends on the person.  In our family we try not to sweat the little stuff, we only sweat the big stuff.  And the trick is, there is no big stuff.  We deal with the situation and try to move on.  We try to laugh things off and enjoy every minute with each other knowing that time is precious and tomorrow is not a guaranty for any one.  And most of all, we leave it up to God knowing that it does not matter how ill you are, if it is not your time to go, its not your time to go.

So having said that, if today you run into some one who is rude to you, or just plain mean, don't get mad, don't lash back, you don't know what trials they might be going through  They might not be feeling well, or one of their loved ones might be ill, or they just might be having a bad day.


So for today I wanted to share my lean chorizo recipe.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean pork.  (I had my butcher ground pork loin for me)
2 table spoons dried California chile
2 table spoons dried Chile ancho
2 tsp. garlic salt
2 garlic clove grated
2 tsp menudo mix crushed
1 tsp. cracked pepper
1/4 cup good apple cider vinegar

In a bowl mix all the above ingredients until well incorporated.  Allow to marinade at least 1 hour.  It will be better if you leave it for the next day.   When you decide to cook the chorizo you may need to use a non stick pan or add a table spoon or two of oil to the pan so it can fry properly and not stick.  Cook till crispy and serve.

Serving ideas:  Tacos with chopped cilantro and onion.  Use your favorite salsa verde and crispy potato.   You can do this by cubing the potatoes, tossing with olive oil, salt and pepper.   Lay the potatoes on one even layer on a sheet pan and bake on 350 till golden brown.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Hi every one,

It's been a few weeks since my last blog.  I have to apologize for that, but since then I had a couple of health trials.  I had one more hospitalization as a result of chest pain.  It turns out I was not getting enough dialysis even though I dialyse  on almost a daily basis.  But since I am on Prednisone and had been taking Cytoxan, this actually changed my blood chemistry and increased my weight.  I had to adjust my treatment time, the speed we ran the machine and also the amount of dialysate that we use.  So having said that, I think we finally have the treatment under control.

These last few weeks have been a real learning experience.  I have also learned that not every one who is in health care is in it to help patients.  So if you find yourself on the side of the patient and the people who are suppose to be taking care of you and looking out for your health are not.  Then just speak up.  As a patient you are responsible for your own health care.  Your doctor, nurse or technician can only do so much.  If you feel you are not getting the appropriate treatment or if you feel more can be done, then it is your responsibility to your self to go out there and get it.    If you feel you are not being treated with the respect or compassion you as a patient deserve, then fire those health care professionals.

 Having said that, I am currently looking to transfer home hemodialysis treatment centers.   Davita Simi Valley here we come.


Recipe for today will be our Chicken Burger Patties

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
6 button mushrooms
1 small onion cut in 4 pieces
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp.  seasoning salt
1 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning
2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried
2 tsp. fresh  thyme
2 tsp. parsley
1 egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a food processor place the mushrooms, onion,  garlic cloves, oregano, thyme, parsley and chop into small pieces.  They should be small but not pure.   In a bowl add your chicken, bread crumbs, egg, seasoning salt, Montreal seasoning and your mixture from the food processor.    Mix together and form a small patty.  You might want to grill a small bite size patty to see if seasoning is right for your taste.  If seasoning is right you can start making your patties.  If you like a little more seasoning adjust and re-mix.  

You might want to refrigerate your chicken mixture for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.  Ground chicken can get a bit sticky when you work with it.   Once you can form your patties you can cook on a non stick pan.  Allow your patties to properly brown on each side and be sure to cook fully since it is poultry and you do not want to eat raw chicken.                                                              

 *  You can serve with your favorite burger toppings and burger buns.  This also goes well with pitas and your favorite Greek pita toppings.   We like tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and yogurt sauce.

If you want the recipe for my yogurt sauce email me at alejandrvelasco@yahoo.com

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hi every one,

Yesterday was my first day at the gym.  Having all the health issues that  I do,  required extra planning ahead.  Aside from packing my work out clothes and bathing suite for the swimming pool, I had to pack an extra bag with medical supplies.  I had to pack my sugar tester, insulin pen, needles, alcohol swabs and snacks.  I also took my portable oxygen tank just in case I need it.  And lastly a frozen water bottle with extra juice for low blood sugars. And off we went to the gym.

I first  tried the elliptical machine, that was tough.  I was only able to do it for 5 minutes and then I had to stop because I felt that I was going to pass out.  I took a small break and went and changed into my bathing suite.  I was so tired at that point that it felt like I ran a marathon.  But I pressed on.   I went in the pool and was able to swim 4 laps.  If you can call doggy paddling swimming.  I rested and them was able to walk/swim the pool for 8 more laps.  I might say this is quite impressive.  If you think that just 2-1/2 weeks ago I was discharged from the hospital with oxygen for home use.

I am determined to get my lungs and heart healthy again. So I will be swimming 4 days per week.  I find this is easier for my body and puts less stress on my non existing muscles.  When we came  home we grilled some delicious shrimp and vegetables.  Great way to finish the day before my daily dialysis.


Here is the recipe for grilled shrimp.

2 pounds peeled medium size shrimp.
juice of 2 lemons
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1/2 tsp.  fresh ground pepper
1 tbsp olive oil.
the leaves of 3 large sprigs of fresh thyme chipped

Mix all the above ingredients and grill until shrimp are pink and cooked.

You can also use these shrimp to make tacos.  You can find the recipe for taco toppings on one of my previous blogs.   Enjoy....