I feel like I'm dying :(

[NY Disney fan]

What did your doctor recommend?

I'm going to check in with my doctorin about 2 months. The blood test results came from a free evaluation they were giving me at my job. I really really really don't want to take drugs for this.

 

[Muushka]

You mentioned that your total cholesterol was excellent. Can I ask what it was?

That HDL is low, but if your total cholesterol is low, it might not be as bad as you think. The CHOL/HDL and LDL/HDL ratio or risk factors are important things to consider.

The total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is a number that is helpful in predicting an individual's risk of developing atherosclerosis. The number is obtained by dividing the total cholesterol value by the value of the HDL cholesterol. (High ratios indicate higher risks of heart attacks, low ratios indicate lower risk).

High total cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol increases the ratio, and is undesirable. Conversely, high HDL cholesterol and low total cholesterol lowers the ratio, and is desirable.

An average ratio would be about 4.5. Ideally we want to be better than average if we can. Thus the best ratio would be 2 or 3, or less than 4.

Another ratio is LDL/HDL. The LDL/HDL ratio is actually a purer ratio than total cholesterol/HDL, because LDL is a measure of "bad' cholesterol and HDL is a measure of "good" cholesterol, whereas the total cholesterol is the sum of HDL, LDL, and the VLDL. Adding up the values for the HDL, LDL and VLDL makes up the total cholesterol measurement.

Even though the total cholesterol/HDL ratio is not as accurate or pure as the LDL/HDL ratio, the former is more commonly obtained because the total cholesterol is easier and cheaper to obtain than the LDL cholesterol level.

It is important to remember that even with a favorable ratio; we have learned that it is still important to try to obtain an LDL of less than 80-100, regardless of the HDL value, especially in the presence of multiple other risk factors for coronary artery disease (genetic predisposition, tobacco use, hypertension, and diabetes). In patients with known coronary artery disease (history of bypass surgery, stents, or PTCA), an LDL of less than 80 is extremely desirable

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14631

 

[NY Disney fan]

You mentioned that your total cholesterol was excellent. Can I ask what it was?

That HDL is low, but if your total cholesterol is low, it might not be as bad as you think. The CHOL/HDL and LDL/HDL ratio or risk factors are important things to consider.



http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14631

My total cholesterol is 176.

 

[ols386]

I'm going to check back with him in 6-8 weeks and then we'll decided what to do. I refuse to go on medication I'm in my 30's and I don't think giving it a 2 month trial run will kill me. I'm super determined. If at that point I can't do it on my own then I'll re-consider.

Hope everything works out for you!

 

[ols386]

Nine months ago I got a phone call from our doctor. He told me that my husband's triglycerides (and everything else) was really bad. He said he was giving us 6 months to get things under control, and if things hadn't improved at the end of 6 months then we were going to discuss blood pressure medication.

My husband was a bit peeved that our doctor gave the test results to me, instead of to him, but I was glad because it meant I could be part of finding a solution.

My husband weighed about 265 lbs. I put him on the South Beach diet, and started packing lunches for him to take to work.

Meanwhile my husband started walking home from work. First he'd just get off the bus early and then walk the rest of the way. Then he'd get off a little earlier. Then he'd walk all the way home from work - a little over 5 k at a brisk pace. And eventually he started taking the long way home - 7 or even 8 k.

At one point he plateaued and had a bit of a tantrum of the "why even try!?" variety. So I suggested adding evening walks, together. Our dog loved it, and before long he was losing weight again.

Today my husband weighs 175 lbs. His stats are all back in the normal range, except for cholesterol, which is only wee bit high and our doctor thinks will eventually come down if we keep up the good work. I've learned to cook some tasty meals that are good for us. We've discovered that walking is a really nice way to spend time together, just the two of us, and we're now planning some serious week or two week hikes along old Pioneer routes, and someday maybe even in Europe. My husband has started sailing once a week with his brother. And... if I can just say, he's looking mighty sexy.

So, it CAN be done. Don't despair!

Wow! Now that's an inspiring story.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Just make sure it is fat free - I bought the one with fat by accident, and couldn't believe how much was in there!

Again, watch that fat free stuff, sometimes it is loaded with extra sugars and carbs. Not what you want to put into your body.

Exactly.

Most people believe the advertising that low fat or fat free is always better and it's really not.



From reading this thread, I think I need to cut out even more sugar (cut out most of my soda drinking a while ago) and cut out some of the white carbs. I eat a lot of white breads.

I try to eat salads more often, unfortunately, they always go bad before I can get them eaten and it ends up wasted. I do eat fruit quite often. Lots of apples and grapefruit especially.


You might also try a supplement called Cholest-Off. I dont know if it works well or not, but I take it every now and then.

 

[Tiana]

.

 

[NY Disney fan]

PS. Getting a nutritionist (along with moderate exercise) has dropped my Triglycerides from 205 to 137 and upped my HDL from 27 to 44 (which isn't up to "Good" yet, but it's better) in less than one year.

Wow! You just sold me on a nutritionist. Thank you!

 

[Tiana]

.

 

[Tiana]

.

 

[NY Disney fan]

Just make sure you check reviews and get recommendations.... you want someone passionate about healthy lifestyles, not someone who will just give you some handouts and say count your calories.

Exactly!

 

[brerrabbit]

You can feel like your doing okay until they check the numbers and then you find out how bad you are really being. My numbers were really bad and I said yeah I'll work on that someday. Well someday came December 28, 2009 when I had a heart attack. Triglycerides were 865. After I got out of the hospital I knew things had to change. I read some things online, checked around and in the end I didn't go with any diet, or nutritionist, or anyone else. I do all the cooking at home and so I became the change agent in my life. Per a 20 minute discussion with the nurse at my discharge and my own knowledge of food, I built my own diet (really a lifestyle change because the word diet denotes you do it for a limited time, and I will be doing this the rest of my life). It starts with no ketchup, mayonasse, bar-b-que sauce, no processed type foods. To much sodium, to many sugars. Second, fresh food. This can be a hassle because I eat a lot of squash, onions, garlic, tomatos, brocolli, etc and that means several trips a week to the store because that stuff doesn't last to long before you cook it. Third, no red meat, have not had any since December. Next, cut the fats, and the sodium. That means I read every label on every product I buy. I note fat content, sodium content, and sugar content. Next portion control, As Americans we eat to much food, even if it's healthy we eat to much of it. My day is usually a bowl of cereal with skim milk for breakfast, either salad with a protien like chicken or a turkey sandwich on wheat for lunch, and a balance dinner of chicken or fish, with vegetables and a side salad for dinner. Snack of no fat yougart, or low fat sugar free cookies. It's boring sometimes but I has learned to spice things up where I can. Lots of herbs for flavor and little to no salt. Since December I have lost 60 pounds, my triglycerides are 160, my HDL's are up considerably and overall I feel much better. I walk, (can't jog or run due to three knee surgeries) swim and have a weight machine I use regularly.

Changes can be made and I strongly recommend you change those things while you can and not have to go to drastic forced changes the way I had to. I still enjoy wine occasionally, and a small shot of my favorite single malt scotch every once in a while but never more than two a day and only then once or twice a week.

 

[Muushka]

My total cholesterol is 176.

Ouch. That leaves you with a pretty high CHOL/HDL risk factor.

You have received some great tips here. If you can do it with diet modification, that would be better than going on drugs.

Best wishes

 

[cteddiesgirl]

I have sugar issues and my nutritionist said that salads weren't really that good for me b/c they don't have a lot of protein, but DO have a lot of fat, and will just leave me hungry (unless they are UBER healthy and loaded with beans and stuff (no cheese or croutons) and just oil/vinegar dressing). It would also cause my blood sugar levels to drop faster b/c no fiber and enough protein. It is better to eat a protein (like grilled chicken or steak) and a carb (1/2 cup mashed potatoes and lots of veggies.

Just another tidbit that fascinated me when learning about nutrition

I can't STAND the fact that most insurance doesn't cover nutritionist visits! SOOO many issues could be prevented with education.... knowledge is power and all that.

The fat in salads come from adding cheese and loads of dressing.

When I eat a salad, I usually buy the "greener" salads that has mostly lettuce. They do add some carrots and some purple cabbage. I will usually also add more carrots, green pepper, cucumber and grape tomatoes. Often I will defrost some peas and add that to the salad. Sometimes I will add either some almonds, soy nuts or sunflower seeds. I will top it off with a small amount of cheese, small amount of croutons and some dressing. Occasionally, if we have some sliced turkey, ham or chicken, I will add some meat. Occasionally, if I have some fresh broccoli and cauliflower, I will add that too.

At lunch, I often go get a chicken ceasar salad and take off most (if not all) the croutons and some of the feta cheese they add. And I get the dressing on the side so I can add as little or as much as I want.

If you limit the amount of cheese, croutons, bacon bits (the real stuff not the salt crap) and dressing, it's much better for you. We still need some fat in our diets. We just have to limit it.

 

[Magpie]

You can feel like your doing okay until they check the numbers and then you find out how bad you are really being. My numbers were really bad and I said yeah I'll work on that someday. Well someday came December 28, 2009 when I had a heart attack. Triglycerides were 865. After I got out of the hospital I knew things had to change. I read some things online, checked around and in the end I didn't go with any diet, or nutritionist, or anyone else. I do all the cooking at home and so I became the change agent in my life. Per a 20 minute discussion with the nurse at my discharge and my own knowledge of food, I built my own diet (really a lifestyle change because the word diet denotes you do it for a limited time, and I will be doing this the rest of my life). It starts with no ketchup, mayonasse, bar-b-que sauce, no processed type foods. To much sodium, to many sugars. Second, fresh food. This can be a hassle because I eat a lot of squash, onions, garlic, tomatos, brocolli, etc and that means several trips a week to the store because that stuff doesn't last to long before you cook it. Third, no red meat, have not had any since December. Next, cut the fats, and the sodium. That means I read every label on every product I buy. I note fat content, sodium content, and sugar content. Next portion control, As Americans we eat to much food, even if it's healthy we eat to much of it. My day is usually a bowl of cereal with skim milk for breakfast, either salad with a protien like chicken or a turkey sandwich on wheat for lunch, and a balance dinner of chicken or fish, with vegetables and a side salad for dinner. Snack of no fat yougart, or low fat sugar free cookies. It's boring sometimes but I has learned to spice things up where I can. Lots of herbs for flavor and little to no salt. Since December I have lost 60 pounds, my triglycerides are 160, my HDL's are up considerably and overall I feel much better. I walk, (can't jog or run due to three knee surgeries) swim and have a weight machine I use regularly.

Changes can be made and I strongly recommend you change those things while you can and not have to go to drastic forced changes the way I had to. I still enjoy wine occasionally, and a small shot of my favorite single malt scotch every once in a while but never more than two a day and only then once or twice a week.

This is so true! "Diet" in our house now means an overall approach to eating, not a way to lose weight.

I said I put my husband on the South Beach Diet, and that's true. But it was more a lifestyle change than anything else. We're committed to choosing whole grains and vegetables over white bread and processed food. We cook our own food, whenever possible. We stopped salting everything, and pretty soon we didn't miss the salt anymore. And yeah - you do have to keep going back to the grocery store. I usually go once a day now and only buy as much as I need for the next day. It helps keep our eating under control, when there just isn't a whole lot of snacky foods lying around the house.

A short cut - frozen veggies and frozen fruit are just as good as the fresh kind, and often cheaper. Also, a splash of low sodium soy sauce can be added to meat or veggies while they're cooking and it makes them taste a LOT better. Don't be afraid to use up extra bits of veggies, meat or cheese in salads and in omelets. Even cooked veggies will work in an omelet! I waste a lot less now that I've figured out that I can dump all the leftovers into a breakfast omelet.

 

[bicker]

I can't STAND the fact that most insurance doesn't cover nutritionist visits! SOOO many issues could be prevented with education.... knowledge is power and all that.

The problem is that there as many quacks as there are good nutritionists, if not more, and they have the exact same credentials so there is no objective way for insurance companies to efficiently tell them apart.

 

[eliza61]

]She has never told him to do this, she has told him to eat like we did 100 years ago, with wasn't vegetarian, it included meat. However it wasn't fill of processed foods, while carbs and all that crap. She told him no to do anything white. (bread potatoes pasta). He could have whole wheat bread but make sure it was a good whole wheat bread with tons of fiber. Also no instant oatmeal, the real stuff only.[/B]The sugar is most likely what is driving up your triglycerides.



Anyway good luck, I am right there with you today about changing my habits and lack of workout habits.

This is becoming a very common "movement" for lack of a better description.
Basically my doctor told me the same thing. If your grandparents would not be able to recognize it, don't eat it.
We're big canivores in my house. LOL we just try to do it as healthy as we can. I try to find steriod and antibiotic free meats and cut back on red meats.
We still enjoy "white" pasta but do more wheat and whole oats when eating breads.

 

[NY Disney fan]

Since finding out these results, this is what I have eaten today:

Breakfast: Yogurt and fresh fruit parfait with a little granola

Mid-breakfast: small apple juice

Lunch: Salad with assorted veggies, a small roll and fruit

I'm so upset about these blood results I can't relax until my numbers adjust. I look at food differently now. I have two categories for food: REAL & FAKE. Fake foods are processed foods that I like: ie: Captain Crunch. I'm trying to eat more REAL (ie whole) foods over the next few hours/days until it becomes second nature.

 

[mhsjax]

Wow! You just sold me on a nutritionist. Thank you!

Oh that reminds me, with that Berkley test, they provide a nutritionist to get on an eating plan tailored to your specific test results.

 

[MommyMcQueen]

You can make big changes with diet and may not need medication, my husband is an example of this. He is also more genetically predisposed, his moms has high Tri and she is on medication. Last year his triglyceride was at 330. His total cholesterol was not bad, just over 200, and he was a few pounds heavier than he had been, about 15. After getting his results he was very determined to make a change - he drastically reduced his junk food and suger intake, we started getting all whole wheat everything we could find - no more white pasta, switched to whole wheat bread from the refined wheat bread. We started eating much healthier in general, much more fruit and veggies. He really watches his sugar intake - even things like yogurt have a ton of sugar, we started buying all reduced sugar items we could find, comparing labels on everything....you get the picture. He also did start taking fish oil supplements - he did a lot of research online first - there are some that are much better than others.

He just had his bloodwork redone and his tri is at 193 one year later and he's lost those 15 pounds. Although it is still a little high, his doctor is not recommending meds, just to continue doing what he's doing. It definitely is a lifestyle change and we too limit our fast food to once a week, limit desserts and things like cookies to once a week, if that. I do my part and don't bake things like cookies or brownies anymore like I used to. I use many diabetic-friendly recipes that are lower sugar as well. Now if I could just get him to exercise or run with me it would probably be lower!

It will take time to get used to the new diet but you can do it!