Ugh. I got my test results back today....

[geetey]

I went for my annual physical with my Family doctor on Wednesday last week and I was really excited to get my cholesterol test results because I have worked my way off of the meds for six months now. Well, it appears that genetics has reared its ugly head and given me bad results.

Total Cholesterol (goal under 200). . .225 . . .Last test - 184
LDL (bad stuff - goal under 100). . . . 154. . . . . . . . . . . . 108
HDL (good stuff - goal over 40) . . . . . 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Triglycerides (goal under 100). . . . . . .92. . . . . . . . . . . . 110

The nurse said they can tell I am exercising and eating well by my HDL and Triglyceride numbers but the LDL and Total numbers keep going up!

I am SO mad!!!

I guess I just wanted to whine a bit. They are starting me on meds tomorrow.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Im honestly sorry to hear this
Good luck with your meds - hopefully they can help get your cholesterol numbers back under control
What do they say about your "diet"?

 

[LAWalz23]

That really stinks! I know how it is to have to take meds everyday and I hate it! I have the same problem with genetics and cholesterol, so does my mother and she weighs 100lbs less than me. Keep going with your diet because you did make good strides with your triglycerides and good cholesterol.

 

[geetey]

Thanks, Barb. Medication controlled it before, so I have no worries about it doing so again. Because of my weight loss and exercise routine, I was able to talk my doctor into letting me take some time off of the meds to see if it was what *I* was doing that made things better or if it was the medication (Zocor 10 mg). Well, it looks like it was the meds doing the trick. I am glad it can be controlled with such a low dose, but bummed nonetheless that I couldn't do this on my own!

My diet is fine. My doctor doesn't have any worries, nor did he have any changes I need to make.

I will be taking Pravachol 10 mg this time because it is supposed to be easier on the liver and kidney. Bleck. I hate aging!

 

[KathyTX]

Ouch- I'm so sorry about your numbers, Terry.

But, as you well know, genetics can have a MUCH bigger impact on these numbers that diet or exercise. You're doing everything that's in your control to be healthy, and those numbers really aren't THAT awful!

Now, if you were off your meds, plus eating the old way, plus not exercising, what do you think those numbers would look like? Not nearly as good as they are now, I'm betting.

It sounds like your cholesterol levels just need a *teensy little* med help to stay at a healthy level. We want you to do what you need to do to stay healthy for a really long time!

If that means taking a low dose of Pravachol along with your newly found healthy eating and exercise habits, then that's what we'll help you do! Let's keep all those pipes cleaned out and flowing strong for many years to come.

 

[tlgoblue]

Hey Terry,
I know right where you're at! I have a terrible genetic cholesterol problem too. So Far, I've been able to control with diet, but I've lost 2 close relatives (one at 30 yrs, and another at 40) to this particular genetic trait. Take your meds sweety! (I am scheduled for my bloodwork and I'm always nervous about it. Sometimes it's good news and other times, not so good. ) Take care! Stay on plan. You can only get better.
Oh yea! Thanks for the warm wishes! {{{{{{ }}}}}}

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[TigH]

Oh bother!!! (said in my best Pooh voice...)

Terry, you are doing an outstanding job! In some cases you just can't fight genetics! Time to be thankful that there are medications out there to help control these things so that you can just keep on enjoying that new body you are working so hard to build!

I'm really proud of all your accomplishments. I just have to pinch myself when I see the clippies like yours and Party of Six and Elise, you guys have all done something incredible!

Don't let those other numbers bum you out too long, my pal! You have alot to be proud of!!!!

 

[KarenNY]

Look on the bright side- good HDL and triglyceride numbers. Add a low statin dose and all your numbers should look fine. You can't fight genetics. But you've done a great job with healthy eating and exercise. You should be so proud of yourself.

 

[ohMom]

Terry I too am sorry to hear that you have to go back on your meds! pooey! BUT - i'm very happy that you are otherwise healthy and smart enough to monitor what you know is a potential health risk for you. You are far too important in my support group to take any type of risk involving your health!!

 

[geetey]

Thanks for your kind words, everyone. I am desperately fighting my family history against various health problems (diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, high cholesterol) so I was looking at this as a loss in that war.

Wrong!! I *am* doing what's right for me, and I am very healthy in every other way, so I am done pouting and will look at the bright side. I am doing pretty darn good.

Thanks for the . WISHers are the BEST!!!!

 

[nativetxn]

It's a blessing that they have medication now to control our lipids. Sorry you are unhappy about taking medication but I hope it gets those numbers under control.

 

[minniecarousel]

Terry, take solace in the fact that you are doing everything you can to control those numbers! Yes, we can't change our genetics!

Hang in there!