Knowledge and the unknown

They say knowledge is power. I guess to an extent this could be true. Sometimes, knowledge… sucks. I now know and fully understand the saying “ignorance is bliss”. For if I were to not know everything I have so adamantly needed to know about all that has to do with James’ condition, I may be more at ease and less terrified today. One thing that is powerful about knowledge is the ability to expect and navigate this journey which would of been the unknown, otherwise. I have always been a knowledge seeker, in my own way. I was never good in a classroom setting but, on my own… I can find info on anything I put my mind to. As I told you earlier in the blog, the day James was diagnosed was the day I began this crazy knowledge quest. To know as much as I possibly could, to better assist James in this. To better help, support and care for him.

Among my many readings lately I came across quite a few articles and case studies on the role of Vitamin D3 in open heart surgery patients. Most, if not all the studies have been confirming that D3 levels significantly decrease during this type of surgery. For those of us that dont know much about Vitamin D3 and what it does in our bodies, here is what I have found on some fact sheets.

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced by the body as a response to sun exposure; it can also be consumed in food or supplements. Having enough vitamin D is important for a number of reasons, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth; it may also protect against a range of conditions such a cancer, type one Diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body, helping to:

• Maintain the health of bones and teeth.
• Support the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous system.
• Regulate insulin levels and aid diabetes management.
• Support lung function and cardiovascular health.
• Influence the expression of genes involved in cancer development.

these are all good things! Further in my research also uncovered this case study on open heart surgery patients (there are many)

“Stress of Open-Heart Surgery Significantly Reduces Patients’ Vitamin D Levels, But Supplementation Before and After Surgery Helps, Study Finds”

so what does this mean for us? Further in my reading this is what they say:

The Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute study showed that giving heart patients vitamin D3 supplements before and after surgery reduced those deficiencies. Patients who were given the supplement had normal levels of vitamin D shortly after the surgery.

“This connection is important since a deficiency of vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, according to Brent Muhlestein, MD, lead author of the study, and cardiovascular researcher at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute.”

good to know for me and add this to the list of cant hurt to try for James. Pending surgeon approval, of course. Now, on to the next thing.