They're holding a Blood Drive this week at the building where I work. It always makes me feel guilty to see the donors walking in and out, since I don't donate. I can't remember if I've ever actually been told I can't donate blood? It just seems like common sense though, since those of us with MVP already are prone to having a low blood-volume. We feel dizzy normally, so to donate blood would seem like we're literally giving away the very last drop.
But according to http://www.giveblood.org/index.php?page=faqs (click "I have a circulation or heart - related disorder, can I donate?"), as long as we are "stable," meaning we have not had chest pains in the past six months, we're ok to donate -- otherwise you need a physician's letter of approval. I'm assuming that means most of us would need to have a physician's letter of approval, because I don't know many of us who can go six months without chest pains.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New obesity drug
I just saw on AOL news today that there's a new obesity drug coming soon. It's called Tesofensine and it works by making you less hungry and when you do eat it makes you feel full faster. In the study, those on the drug lost twice as much weight as those on other approved weight-loss medications -- and none of them were even watching what they ate. If you combine this pill with a healthy diet and exercise, they say it's possible this drug could allow results like those seen with gastric bypass. A non-surgical way to get a surgical result? This is music to my ears.
The side effects listed were simple things like difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, and constipation. That doesn't sound all that much different from what I experience on a daily basis anyway, so hey -- sign me up!
The report did say it caused a slight elevation in heart rate, so for those of us with MVP I'm not sure how that would make our situation worse than it already is (my heart rate already races just as a normal state of affairs).
I'm excited by any new options to help fight obesity, so I'm anxious for it to be released. They're starting the last phase of clinical trials early next year, so it may be a while before it's even submitted for approval before the FDA.
Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/22/AR2008102203059.html
The side effects listed were simple things like difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, and constipation. That doesn't sound all that much different from what I experience on a daily basis anyway, so hey -- sign me up!
The report did say it caused a slight elevation in heart rate, so for those of us with MVP I'm not sure how that would make our situation worse than it already is (my heart rate already races just as a normal state of affairs).
I'm excited by any new options to help fight obesity, so I'm anxious for it to be released. They're starting the last phase of clinical trials early next year, so it may be a while before it's even submitted for approval before the FDA.
Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/22/AR2008102203059.html
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