Thursday, August 13, 2009

Cholesterol Update

August 13th, 2009

I finally had all the data to post the 'Beginnings' that I wrote back in June.

Things didn't quite work out on getting the cholesterol bloodwork in July so I had to wait until August.

It's been exactly 3 months since I went to the doctor, got back on lipid lowering drugs, and started the plant-based diet, i.e. no fat vegan.

Just for comparison's sake here are the initial numbers:

May 4th, 2009
Weight: 194 lbs
BMI: 28.65 Overweight
 Cholesterol: Total: 471 LDL >350 HDL 49
Tryglercides: 149 mg/dL
CCS: 128 - LMA(17) LAD(78) LCX(18) RCA(15) PDA(0)

And here are yesterday's numbers...

August 12th, 2009
Weight: 164 lbs
BMI: 24.22 Average
Cholesterol: Total: 123 LDL 77 HDL 29
Tryglercides: 88 mg/dL
CCS: n/a (doubt there's much change yet)

These are the best numbers I have ever had in 10 years of testing...

Objectives:
  • Drop my total cholesterol below 150mg/dL
So we'll call this one achieved!
  • Drop my BMI to 22 (5'9'' x 155lbs)
I'm well on my way to achieving this... about 9 pounds to go. We'll see where my body stops.
  • Ween myself off of these pharmaceuticals as possible
We'll see how this goes. I think I am one of those unfortunate folks (<3%>
  • Avoid open heart surgery, stints, and angiograms like the coward I am ( :D )
    • Still the plan...

    My HDL is a little low and the doctor says that could improve with exercise. They were amazed at my weight loss yesterday, particularly when I mentioned that I wasn't exercising. What is a bit disappointing is that after getting my numbers back and calling me today, the doctor wanted to add yet another prescription to the regimine, Niaspan. I've taken Nicin in the past and the flushing side-effect is difficult to deal with. Hot prickley skin on the face, neck and shoulders, metalic taste in the mouth, ears popping. Not planning on sticking to that unless it's a precursor to removing a different medication from the regimen.

    Anyway... off to a good start. Now to follow through on objective 2 and work on objective 3.
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    2 comments:

    1. UnknownAugust 16, 2009 at 11:41 AM

      You are inspiring me, Marc! My hubby has a strong family history of heart disease and diabetes...we are having our own issues with cholesterol and triglycerides...and none of us (including our kids, unfortunately) is at a healty body weight.

      I know the right things to do, but we tend to have a lot of "back-sliding" around here. Hearing how hugely successful you've been is inspirational.

      And I also wanted to say I'm very saddened to hear about Erik. That must have been a huge blow to you and your family.

      Take care, and keep doing what you're doing!

      Yours truly,
      Lana Fisher Hicks

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    2. mahaAugust 23, 2009 at 12:05 PM

      Hi Lana,

      Thanks so much for the kind words. If I can do this, king of back-sliders that I am, anyone can do this. All it takes is for someone to lead the way, someone like yourself. =)

      Admittedly it seems like a big comittment at first. I had no idea how long it might take to improve the cholesterol and my forcast was six months to lose the weight, but what I've found is that the progress is its own reward and ends up being the real motivator.

      If you're interested, there are some links to some great books here on the blog. I started with "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease" by Dr. Esselstyn. That book changed the way in which I thought about my abilibty to control my cholesterol.

      Thanks for thikning about Erik. The world is definitely a different place without his humor.

      Don't hesitate to drop me a line anytime...

      Regards,
      Marc

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