Tony’s doctors appointment to get the results of his liver biopsy was at 3:00 p.m. At 3:05 we got called into the office and the nurse goes over the usual stuff – takes his blood pressure (perfect by the way), goes over all the medications he takes, etc. Then she said “okay, you can go back and wait until the doctor is ready to see you.” Huh. Usually once we are in the room we stay until the doctor comes in. So we wait in the waiting room. We watch Ellen, and at 4:10 we finally get called in.
Let’s get the news out of the way first, shall we? Tony has liver disease. Plain and simple. The good news? We have a plan! Because his liver isn’t functioning 100%, he has to be on a low protein, low sodium diet. It’s ironic that unknowingly, he’s been eating a low protein, low salt diet for the last couple weeks – fresh fruit, yogurt, dry cereal, rice, pasta, very little meat. The steak I made the other night – he may have had two or three bites of it – he’ll mostly be getting his protein from eggs and cottage cheese. I don’t think I can convince him to eat beans! But it will just be paying attention to adding salt to dishes and checking labels – luckily we don’t eat a lot of processed foods, but every once in a while Tony will eat a frozen dinner or a frozen pot pie – the sodium ranges from 750 – 1300 grams per serving! He has to be under 2000, but his goal is to be around 1,500 – and I don’t think he’ll have a problem sticking to that.
So thanks for all your continued support, good thoughts, etc. – we totally appreciate it!!
It was a tostada kind of breakfast and lunch yesterday. In the morning I ended up using the leftover steak Tony didn’t eat with leftover zucchini and potato and put that all on two corn tostadas with 3/4 ounce of cheese and put it under the broiler – so fricken good – these two tostadas are 415 calories and so filling.
Since I had a half day and was leaving at 12:30 – I thought I would hit up the gym straight from work. But then I realized if I did that, I wouldn’t get home until after 2:00 – and then to fix lunch, shower and get ready for the appointment in time seemed cutting it too close. I came home and did Speed 2.0 from T-25.
It went by super fast – and I was able to do about 90% of it – the other 10% I did the modifications.
Here’s a great grilling tip – the other night when I was grilling the steak, the coals were still perfect by the time I took the steak off the grill. I quickly grabbed a couple boneless, skinless chicken thighs and threw those on for lunches later this week. Don’t waste the coals! I also had a leftover of mixed beans from last weeks salads – chick peas, black beans and pinto beans.
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:41]
I haven’t figured out the stats yet on this, but I can’t imagine its too bad – and probably super high in fiber.
We went straight to the pharmacy after Tony’s appointment, so we didn’t get home until well after 5:00. I decided to make my spring time risotto with bay scallops – except without edamamme – I forgot about it and they were frozen. The only thing is that I had to dilute the chicken broth – I had regular chicken broth and it’s a sodium bomb. I also added pepper to the risotto since I wasn’t adding a ton of salt, and well, it was a bit too much for Tony sadly. He said “My Mom never puts pepper in her risotto!” True!
Turns out hard Parmesan cheese is a low sodium cheese – only 75 mg per tablespoon!
Even with the diluted chicken broth – each serving of this risotto is around 600 mg of sodium – but he was still well under 1500 mg for the day.
I never got my extra walk in yesterday – so didn’t hit my number – but not bad considering I sat for an hour and fifteen minutes waiting for the doctor.
Alright, time to get my shit together. AND THANK YOU for all your kind comments on my post yesterday – you guys continue to lift me up and I know this is only a minor set back in the whole grand scheme of things. Thanks for being the best cheerleaders! Hugs! Now go make it a great day!
Oh wow. Sorry to hear about Tony’s ongoing issues. Glad you have a diagnosis, though! My Mom suffered excruciating pain for three years before they finally diagnosed her with fibromyalgia. She is never going to be “back to normal” but at least now there’s some degree of management that goes along with the dx. I’ll be thinking of you guys!
Wishing you guys the best! Thinking of you…
I have a question because I don’t know anything about liver disease. Do you think Tony may have gotten this disease because of his diet and being overweight? My husband is about 30lbs. overweight and I worry about him in the future. He puts salt on everything. Do you think if a few decades ago he would have adapted your healthy eating and exercise habits this could have been avoided?
Nikki,
I have a condition that is hereditary. On most people fat just stays wherever, unfortunately my fat attaches itself to my liver. I think being overweight was one of the factors, but its a disease.
Thanks for answering that Tony – I am a few days behind in responding to comments!
Hi, Now that you know about Tony, You can help him acheive his liver to get heathly. It is hard at our age to change your diet and maintain it. Good Luck.
Your looking good keep up the good work!!
Another Diabetic
Larry
That’s not great news about Tony but you already have your game plan on. I couldn’t read between the lines if a diet is the only thing he has to stick too or that he gets medication or if he can recover a 100% from it? As for the food he will be fine, he’s got you to cook for him.
Great idea about the chicken on the grill. I usually don’t grill spontaneously but when we will use it this summer I am going to remind to get some other meat to grill for lunches.
I am sorry to hear about Tony’s liver disease, but it sounds like you have a great plan of action in place!
I love your positive attitude about Tony’s diagnosis. You are such a great example of making the best of every situation. I’m so glad you have a diagnosis now and can move forward with your plan. It is lucky you are such a good cook!
I am also sending positive thoughts Tony’s way. It’s wonderful that he has you to support him through this. You have such a great attitude.
Sending good liver thoughts to tony!
I have been reading your blog for about two years now. You have inspired me so much. It sounds silly, but I feel as if I know you! My husband has health challenges too. Your positive outlook is something I need to aspire to. Hang in there!
Ugh so sorry about Tony! But sounds like you guys have a plan!!
Btw, the tostada’s look so good!
I’m glad you got some answers. At least now you can follow a plan and work on managing the disease. Hugs.
HUGS!!! I’m glad you guys have a plan, and I know that you are a PRO at working hard to keep yourself within your goals (Insulin-worthy, much!?) so that you will be a great support and help to Tony as he continues to eat for better health!
Also – those tostadas look like a major win! Have to make that recipe soon. And your tip for not wasting the coals is PERFECT.
I’m thinking about you guys and sending lots of love and support from NY!
Biz, sorry to hear about Tony’s diagnosis. He’s so lucky to have you – with you cooking for him, he’ll certainly do well with his special diet. Hope you can get Tony to eat beans – as one person commented, cottage cheese is loaded with sodium…
I love cilantro too!!
Sending BIG virtual hugs to both of you! Tony is in good hands with you taking care of him, and making amazing and healthy meals.
I’m glad you finally have some answers and that a plan is in motion. Still thinking of you both!
And hey, those tostadas look divine!!!!
I like how you immediately start with the news isn’t great but we have a plan! You guys rock and will make a great team to keep Tony’s disease in check. Other good news is the liver has the greatest regenerative capacity of any organ in the body. You guys have a huge head start since you already avoid most processed and boxed foods. Sending continual hugs and positive thoughts in your direction.
Oh bummers Tony. Keeping under 1500 mg of sodium a day is not very easy when there is sooooo much sodium in everything already. I’ve had to watch sodium content for years and it’s no easy accomplishment. That and when you watch the sugar content in everything……….it’s crazy!!!
God made everything good and healthy to eat. But man, thinking he knows more then God, botched our food up with all these chemicals and sugar and salt and what ever else is in the food we eat. I am beginning to believe, if I can’t pronounce it, I should not be eating it.
The body can heal it’s self if we eat right, you guys will be okay. You and Tony make a good team and I know you are up for the challenge!!!
Tony could not have a better person to help him with this way of eating, and I know you’ll do everything possible to keep him healthy. Best of luck with this diagnosis – not great, but not the worst, either.
Here’s the bright side. You’re more prepared and able to deal with this than many other people would be. You’re aware of what’s in foods and how to make modifications. You’ve been doing that for a long time for yourself! Some people would be totally overwhelmed, starting from scratch, trying to learn all this for the very first time. I can’t think of a better person to be there for Tony. He’s blessed to have you. I’m keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. I can’t wait to give you a big hug.
Glad to hear there is a plan for Tony. Keep reading labels. 2 years ago I had renal failure, but conquered it by following the renal diet. I stayed away from red meat, could eat pork, chicken, turkey & fish. I don’t know many recipes that use the good beans that are healthy for all of us. Good luck with this new challenge.
I am so sorry to hear about Tony . . . but relieved to know there is a plan! What a blessing that you are in his life to help him with his dietary changes!
Possible ideas that he might like for beans: chili and Chipotle-like “burrito bowls” (I use quinoa, black beans, and all the other fixin’s, and my husband loves it).
I’m sorry to hear the news, but it sounds like you guys have a good game plan going forward! I will be continuing to pray for you both!!
Wow! sounds like you guys have a plan and that you are working it. If positive thinking truly works than you’ve already won the battle. I’m pulling for a successful outcome and believe you can do it! Be strong and I’m with you in spirit. Virtual Hugs!
Sorry for the bad news, but it’s good that you have a plan. Thinking of you.
Sorry to hear about the liver disease. Glad you have a plan of action. I will keep you guys in my prayers.
I’m sorry for the tough news! I will be praying for you guys.
Shit and damn about the diagnosis, but I think it’s wonderful that you have a plan and are taking such an active and supportive role in the management of Tony’s condition. You two are an inspiration.
So sorry to hear that it’s liver disease but glad you already have a plan in action to deal with it and take care of it! Biz, you’re so creative in the kitchen that Tony will never miss the protein or salt!
I knew I shouldn’t have read this blog before lunch but I wanted to hear about the test results. So..now I want tostadas and risotto and not my boring turkey sandwich! lol
Hugs and prayers to you both!
Sorry i havent been commenting much. We are on a mini vaca. When i saw this post pop up, i knew i had to read it. SO glad yall have a plan. Hes lucky youre so aware of food labels- you will do a rocking job keeping him under 1500! So much love
Oh so sorry to read this Biz. You guys just keep getting hit with one punch after another. My thoughts and prayers and best wishes with you both as always.
Hey Biz
I have been waiting ALL day for your post!! And it’s almost 5 pm here!! So glad to hear you guys have a plan and I wish only the best for you.
Sending you lots of love and prayers! xoxox Heather
Tony’s lucky to have Nurse Biz watching out for him 🙂
I’m super sorry that Tony has liver disease but glad that now you know and also have a plan in place! I hope that the dietary changes and the meds help and that he feels better and better every single day!!
Way to still get that Insanity done!! You are amazing!
It’s good to find out what’s going and to develop a plan. Hope all goes well for Tony.
Best,
Bonnie
Years ago when i was first diagnosed hypertensive, the doctor put me on the DASH Diet, which is low sodium. There are tons of resources, meal plans, etc. on this diet because so many other diseases require low sodium as well. Here are a couple you can check out:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf
http://www.dashdietoregon.org/resources
I’m sorry that you guys are going through this but I’m glad you know what you’re dealing with.
Thanks for the links Helen – I appreciate it!
I’m sorry the news isn’t great. With your attitude and abilities to plan, you’ll manage and Tony will probably be even healthier at his next appointment:) I guess I was all wrong suggesting he eat more protein when he was feeling so poorly a few weeks ago. Low sodium is tough – watch out for cottage cheese, it’s full of sodium but that are some that are lower. Marinades and sauces are the other big culprit that I find. With such a great cook, Tony probably won’t even notice that salt is missing from his diet 🙂
Have a great day!
Well. That news sucks, but I’m glad you guys have a plan!