EECP Therapy

Hubby and I had decided last spring before we left AZ he would complete another round of the EECP treatments this winter. He had learned while doing the treatments in 2020 that some folks did two treatments a day, shortening the time and driving miles for the 35 sessions. He discussed it with his AZ cardiologist in December and with the Legacy (now FLOW) staff when he met with them. The general consensus was if his body could handle the back-to-back one hour treatments, then he could do all 35 in January. Legacy/Flow research shows two treatments a day does not impact the final results...if the patients can handle it. So that was the plan starting on January 3rd.

The first week (while recovering from the stomach flu) he did one session each day so his body could adjust to the Enhanced External Counter-Pulsation program. He did well and other than being a bit tired in the afternoons which happened after the other two sets of treatments, he was happy to be back in therapy. Starting week two, he had a strapped in session at 9 followed by a short break of 10 minutes and then climbed back on the table/bed for a second pulsating hour. Week two went very well. No afternoon naps. The Legacy/Flow staff were somewhat surprised at how well he did. WE think the difference is because he still has good blood flow from the 2020 treatments. WE know these treatments work for him. He was in better cardio health when he started the 2022 treatments. So on January 28th he completed his 35th treatment.

a new brochure for a new name

images of improved blood vessel 'growth'

There has been some research in Texas showing people with respiratory issues as a COVID-19 side effect have found relief/improvement/help from EECP treatments. Not a scientific study, but a respiratory improvement for some folks. 

one of the eight beds at FLOW and

the three sets of pressure cuffs

with monitor on the left

I think the main reason he goes is because of the staff

most of them were there in 2020

Since Legacy is now FLOW Therapy, he got a treat bag upon completing the 35 sessions, as well as the certificate. Shopping bag, pen, and water bottle. He was to wear a single use mask each day rather than the cloth masks he prefers.

On Friday afternoon/evening we celebrated the month of treatments by going to our favorite steak house.

Bill and Donna from Watertown joined us as did friends, Rod and Joan from Fargo. Rod and Joan taught with us in Hosmer in our early teaching years and Rod and Bill coached in rival communities in those early teaching years. Good food and wonderful conversations.

There was one more treat in celebration of the month long quiet mornings, allowing me to sleep in if I wanted, or to do whatever I pleased (sort-of) for 28 days.

As much as I love Lemon Meringue pie, I do not make it. EVER. But last year I did attempt a Lemon Supreme pie. It was a success so I attempted it again on Thursday.

It is a 3 step process and I find baking the store bought crust the most challenging. The first couple of times, the crust shrunk significantly and the edges were very done. With practice I am getting better.

Some volunteers in the park pick oranges and other citrus and then 'sell' it for a donation which is given to the local food bank. Some lovely large lemons were included in the January picking and I snagged three of them, with the intent of a lemon supreme pie.

cream cheese, powdered sugar, a bit of lemon juice and whipped topping 

for the supreme layer

Oh so good!

I forgot to take a photo of our first slices from this baking, but I can assure you it looked just like this photo from last January. And maybe even tastier! There will be another pie this week as I need to use the lemons and share it this time with the neighbors.