Just got a health surprise

[taabru45]

Just had a blood test done, I don't go to doctors unless I 'need' to....but this last time the Dr. said to get the usual tests done.... my cholestrol level is too high....6 and it shouldn't be more than 4, and the LDL I think he said was 2 and should be about 1...I forget the exact figure because I was too busy being surprised....I'm about 5'10" these days and about 160 lbs... so you don't have to be a big person to be at risk... I'm going to be put on cholestrol reducing drugs and having to see a cardiologist to be checked out...I know I'm not active enough...that's easy when you have had compression fractures in your back....and I don't eat badly or over indulge in.....anything....It might be inherited..but for whatever reason it has me thinking of my mortality....my heart rate was 'a little low', at 58. and my blood pressure was around 100/70.... that is why I'm surprised....so....the moral of the story....maybe get checked out...I'm not ready to check out ....yet....Steffan

 

[Frosty]

Gee - that heart rate and BP is positively athletic, I can imagine you were surprised! Well... take care of yourself Steffan. About check-ups, yes, I agree - particularly over the 1/2 century mark. Even if you feel great, it's wise to assume that the decades have put so wear and tear on the body.

 

[taabru45]

Thanks Frosty....there are no symptoms for high cholestrol....and in 50% of heart attacks the 1st symptom is sudden death....time to get serious......I'm about to walk to the drug store....2 10 minute walks a day for
me starting now....! Steffan
I guess the American reading would be somewhere around the 235-240 level...different numbers in Canada
about 38-40 healthy cholestrol and it should be around 80.... :shock: :shock:
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/pu ... hart.shtml

 

[dapmdave]

Steffan, you don't have to just lay down and accept the drugs. They all have side-effects and can be pretty expensive. You sound like a guy who's in pretty good shape. A bit of exercise and some dietary supplements can do a lot. I'm 58 and still take no meds, but do I hit the gym a few times a week (I am not a workout "nut" I just do a basic cardio routine) and take two supplements. This knocks my cholesterol numbers down pretty effectively. I see my Doc often and he approves of my plan, as long as it continues to work.

And, yes, see your Doctor more often. It's important.

Dave

 

[walrus]

Yeah, I'm on a lot of meds for kidney problems, but I make sure I take only what I need. Steffan, I wish you well on your quest toward better health!

walrus

 

[adorshki]

Steffan, you don't have to just lay down and accept the drugs. And, yes, see your Doctor more often. It's important.
Dave

Hearty agreement. I manage a couple of issues with diet and moderate excercise.
How IS the diet? A big culprit is all the hydrogenated oil prevalent in ready-to-cook or eat foods these days, the body can't knock 'em down to disposable elements, THAT'S what starts clogging the arteries. Which leads to another point, just because your cholesterol seems high, doesn't automatically mean YOU are in danger, especially with those BP stats. Everybody's different, those numbers just might be genetically appropriate for you.
Consider Eskmos who sometimes eat pure fat, or the indiginous Indian tribes who evolved to tolerate diets high in concentrated proteins and fibers but very little carbohydrates, in a feast/famine cycle. THAT'll make your hdl/ldl numbers look pretty bizarre, just ask my mother and her father. :wink:
Still, like Dave said, AEROBIC excercise is a big plus. I like to bicycle, it's low impact and really gets the heart rate up. Does that work with the spinal probs?

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

While we are on the subject.

There were 2 people that I admire, that died from colon cancer in the past 2 years. One was someone that I know locally and the other was Dan Fogleberg.
The families of both of these men said that they didn't need to die from this horriable cancer.
A simple colonoscopy could have saved both of their lived.

I heeded their warnings and had the test last year.
I'm fine but I only know this because I took the test.

If you are over 50, get er done!

 

[taabru45]

While we are on the subject.

There were 2 people that I admire, that died from colon cancer in the past 2 years. One was someone that I know locally and the other was Dan Fogleberg.
The families of both of these men said that they didn't need to die from this horriable cancer.
A simple colonoscopy could have saved both of their lived.

I heeded their warnings and had the test last year.
I'm fine but I only know this because I took the test.

If you are over 50, get er done!

You're tellin' me to take your advice and stick it up my.........
I will be taking up riding bike, and rebounding to help the heart and circulation....have been health conscious for years, that's why the surprise..ok.... more red grapes omega 3s fiber etc....and lots of Guild therapy.... Steffan

 

[adorshki]

You're tellin' me to take your advice and stick it up my.........

Or at least where the sun don't shine. :lol:

 

[dapmdave]

....and lots of Guild therapy.... Steffan

Yeah, baby! Use the brain and the fingers. It'll go a long way.

Dave

 

[silverfox103]

When I retired 4 plus years, my wife made me get a physical. I was like Steffan, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Well, probably like a lot of males, you think you're in better shape than you actually are. I was having the going the bathroom problem all the time. I definitely had a few extra pounds and both cholesterol and blood pressure were right on the edge. I lost 30 pounds and both cholesterol and blood pressure are good. I am due for another physical but am trying to loose the 10 pounds that have snuck back on. I would kill to be Steffan's weight.

One other test Steffan did not mention is the prostate test, very important. I avoided and avoided that, it probably was the fear of the unknown more than anything. I avoided until one day I couldn't pee and landed in the hospital for 4 days. I have had every test known to man in that department, I fear nothing anymore. I'll never forget when the doctor told me we have to look at your bladder with a camera. I didn't like the sound of that, as I knew only one way up there. Turned out, not bad at all. All test were negative other than I have an extremely large prostate, but manageable. Boys, don't put it off, if I didn't, things would be a little better for me.

While we are on the subject.

There were 2 people that I admire, that died from colon cancer in the past 2 years. One was someone that I know locally and the other was Dan Fogleberg.
The families of both of these men said that they didn't need to die from this horriable cancer.
!

TMG, Dan Fogleberg died of prostate cancer at a young age, I think 56. I guessing he didn't get checked early, as I remember asking my doctor about him dying so young with it. He said he must have had it for a very long time. Anyone have any questions, just Pm me.

Tom C.

 

[taabru45]

I had the invasive prostate exam and its fine.....The only thing about my health that really bothers me is the ongoing discomfort from a broken back, course that limits other activities too.... no stiffness where it shouldn't be :roll: ...everything works...feel and look pretty good for 66 almost...that is why I was taken aback....just bought 10 cans of sardines,; bunches of grapes, carrots to juice...etc.....so we'll have at it....if all else fails I should die healthy.........in about 30 years... :lol: Steffan

 

[davismanLV]

Yes, Dan Fogelberg died of prostate cancer. Good reason to get that checked. It's fast and easy. Not fun, but necessary. I had my first colonoscopy this year. You gotta get those done as well. The prep is the difficult and tedious part. The actual procedure I don't even remember.... which is FINE WITH ME!! Get your sh*t checked, boys, we're not kids any more!! :lol:
Tom in Vegas

 

[elasticman]

why does this thread feel like an episode of "Men of a Certain Age"?

 

[West R Lee]

I have no risk factors whatsoever. My dad had quad bypass surgery, my dad's brother dies in his 30's of a heart attack, dad's other brother died not long ago of a heart attack. I don't eat right. I'm in a high stress, very time demanding and very physical job......but somehow, I keep getting decent reports from my checkups.....for a 54 year old anyway.

But everytime I think of heart attacks, I think of Guildmark......months ago and my wife and I are still in disbelief. Here one minute and gone the next. Mark had confided in me that he had started on cholesterol lowering medication about a year before his death.....I only wish he had stared earlier.

Then there's David "California".........one of those guys in life that you can say with certainty that you bonded with the moment you met him. Again.......a heart attack.

Don't put off getting your ticker checked guys......life is already too short.

Follow doctor's orders Steff.

West

 

[Ian]

Ooh this is just like Cholesterol rehab isnt it ? Sorry to hear your news steffan, only advice I would offer is "take the drugs ". Yes Statins do have side effects but you adjust to it and the alternatives are'nt much fun either. I'm 51 always lived reasonably healthily, but over the last few years have had more sedentary jobs resulting in less activity, result: one year ago Quadruple bypass and stroke. Now I watch the diet pretty carefully, take the drugs, (5 in the morning, 2 at night), keep up the exercise... Dont have to worry aboput the sedentary job either as they laid me off after the stroke..... There's a messge in there for all of us :lol:

Cheers, Ian

 

[12stringer]

Hi Steffan
Here is something to consider...
If wheatgrass is taken on a regular basis it will not only help in lowering cholesterol but it will also help in preventing diseases like Cardiac ailments and hypertension which are associated with high levels of cholesterol in blood.
Just put some in your carrot juice.
Also...the Guild therapy you mentioned is fantastic!
Wishing you well.
Randy

 

[Ross]

An early warning can be a very good thing, Steffan. It sounds like you're on the right track

 

[taabru45]

Reinventing my life.....again.....you guys are the best .....Steffan

 

[fronobulax]

I'm glad the colonoscopy discussion (two different LTG links, folks) continues. It can't hurt to be reminded that most geezers should have one.

As for cholesterol, take the time to sort out the advice - here and from your doctor - because it's not as simple as the aggregate HDL and LDL numbers and sometimes your liver will do what it's gonna do no matter what drugs or supplements you take.

Stay healthy, Steffan.