In the meantime, we have found out that my mom (not my dad who has been the designated “gifter” of the cholesterol and heart disease in my family) has been diagnosed with heart disease, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and cardiac insufficiency, whatever that might mean. She is still to undergo more tests, but basically – it’s all bad. Since her mom died of hear disease as well, I gotta wonder - did it really come all from dad, or … both?! It doesn’t really matter, of course, but just wondering. Plus, given her history, with her mom, this makes me very worried for her!
In the spirit of “I am sick of all this being sick, I’ll do something about it NOW”, I am determined to improve my exercise regimen, even if it’s the last thing I do! I am so saddened when I realize every day that I am a lard butt and do little to get my heart rate going! So, my priceless husband has bought a treadmill for me for Christmas, and I am determined to use it! Effectively and regularly! I live in a part of the world where winter is long and cold! I have no excuse now not to walk! I have a basement and although not finished, it’s never really too cold down there! I want to move. I want the rust to peel off my joints and arteries, and I want to be able to breath normal when I climb up one flight of stairs! I am determined! I will try to keep sort of a journal here, or somewhere to keep me motivated! But I – need – to – move!! Big time!
An interesting piece of news today was this article: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/coldflu/story/2011-12-14/Study-Statins-reduce-flu-death-risk-by-half/51914122/1. I knew they called them “miracle drugs” but I didn’t know they did everything! Also, all the doctors I have ever seen have ambushed me into a flu shot – and I have always managed to say “no, thank you” and gotten away with not having one – heart disease and all. And, thank God, I never get the flu! Sure, an occasional sneezy cold here and there, but almost never ever the flu! Of course, not sure whether the Lipitor does anything to it, but thought the article to be interesting, nonetheless.
Hope everyone is well and healthy and with ALL the numbers in check!
Trying out the new treadmill this weekend - my husband couldn't help it and snapped a picture with my phone. It shall be used. I promise you! The treadmill, not the phone, that is. :-)
Hi there, I've come across this blog recently. I have very high cholesterol as well. I've had it since birth, but only recently (I'm 22) I've started taking some medication for it. I have my first appointment with a specialist in December. Do you have any contact details that I can contact you with? I really want to get to grips with this condition and minimise my chances of an early death!
ReplyDeleteHi, Aadam,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you have been diagnosed with this affliction. But be not desperate - there is hope! Depending on what part of the world you are in, there are a number of methods available to manage to live with it! Anything from pills, life changes, apheresis, whatever is needed - you can manage this, for the most part - if you can afford to go through with what is available, of course. Of course, it's important to know what kind of FH you have, what treatment works for you, and definitely always know your numbers.
Some resources that I found helpful are the Facebook group, as well as the FH Foundation - both of which have links on this page (to the left hand side of the blog).
I hope this helps, and thanks for being here, and GOOD LUCK!