Professor Flanders's Journal of Nerdy Observations and silly camaraderie

[Sweeney_]

Good to hear Aaron and I can almost feel your relief. My doctor and I are at constant loggerheads over the heart disease stuff. He cries cholesterol, I cry inflammation.

My total cholesterol was at 220 last physical and he tried to put me on statins. I says "No way Hosea, I've done my research and you do not touch the mevalonate pathway!"
Now I just take niacin for a month before my checkup so he doesn't go bonkers over a few numbers.

At 63, I consider myself fortunate not to be on any prescription medications.
I suppose all those prayers and sacrifices at the Temple of Fortuna paid off. Hail Ceasar!

 

[LRod]

No pills!

Excellent visit with the doctor, excellent news. Apparently they aren't just automatically pushing pills based on numbers anymore. The short answer is: my stroke/heart attack risk is between 1.5% and 3%, pills aren't even considered until 7%.

This is really affirming for me because the amount I have done to take care of myself counts for something and my sky high cholesterol isn't a problem by itself. I do need to get back to doing cardio though, I am getting on it immediately.

No news on the intestinal distress, but I do have a referral to a gastroenterologist. The doctor did ask some questions to try to figure out whether more testing for parasites might be necessary, but right now I agreed that we will wait. Since I am negative for H Pylori and most other parasites don't stick around for months, they think it still might be food related. I am slowly accepting that this might be it, but that's not great news for me. I have spent the last three months trying to figure out what might be causing me trouble and haven't come up with anything definitive, I am going to have to keep trying unfortunately. It may well be dairy, I am lactose intolerant to some degree, but have tolerated it occasionally. I haven't had dairy, for the most part, this month and so far I haven't had as much trouble. Maybe that's it, maybe it's something else or maybe it's multiple things.

There was one other thing that came up on the labs, but I got a thorough explanation why it wasn't a problem so no further testing on that one. Pretty great news for me, now I can go back to doing stuff and not thinking about this!

As much as I love eating, I'll take cutting back on certain foods over intestinal discomfort any day.
We can all adapt!
And about the pills: Congratulations man, that's wonderful. I'm very happy for you.
Best news I've heard all day!!

 

[Flanders]

Good to hear Aaron and I can almost feel your relief. My doctor and I are at constant loggerheads over the heart disease stuff. He cries cholesterol, I cry inflammation.

Thank you for understanding, you get it. 220, my number laughs in your general direction! I am not boasting, grabs chest, false alarm(joke). I really enjoyed this post. I still have to get going on the cardio to prevent plaque accumulation, no free ride here!

And about the pills: Congratulations man, that's wonderful. I'm very happy for you.
Best news I've heard all day!!

Thanks for being as excited as I was Larry. Now I think we can stop talking about this... until after I talk to the gastro!

 

[cajunrph]

Congrats on the good results. As far as cholesterol goes, there's plenty of leeway in interpreting it. I have elevated total cholesterol numbers but my HDL(the good cholesterol) is very high, if it was normal then my numbers wouldn't look too far off. Good luck with figuring it all out.

 

[Flanders]

Congrats on the good results. As far as cholesterol goes, there's plenty of leeway in interpreting it. I have elevated total cholesterol numbers but my HDL(the good cholesterol) is very high, if it was normal then my numbers wouldn't look too far off. Good luck with figuring it all out.

Thanks John. That’s basically what I have, all numbers are high. The hereditary part, from my understanding, is the elevated LDL when everything else is good.

 

[huck1680]

Hail Ceasar!

Yeah, you better take care of yourself or else it'll be "Hail Seizure". BADABOOM! I'll see myself out.

 

[BigAlVista]

No pills!

Excellent visit with the doctor, excellent news. Apparently they aren't just automatically pushing pills based on numbers anymore. The short answer is: my stroke/heart attack risk is between 1.5% and 3%, pills aren't even considered until 7%.

This is really affirming for me because the amount I have done to take care of myself counts for something and my sky high cholesterol isn't a problem by itself. I do need to get back to doing cardio though, I am getting on it immediately.

No news on the intestinal distress, but I do have a referral to a gastroenterologist. The doctor did ask some questions to try to figure out whether more testing for parasites might be necessary, but right now I agreed that we will wait. Since I am negative for H Pylori and most other parasites don't stick around for months, they think it still might be food related. I am slowly accepting that this might be it, but that's not great news for me. I have spent the last three months trying to figure out what might be causing me trouble and haven't come up with anything definitive, I am going to have to keep trying unfortunately. It may well be dairy, I am lactose intolerant to some degree, but have tolerated it occasionally. I haven't had dairy, for the most part, this month and so far I haven't had as much trouble. Maybe that's it, maybe it's something else or maybe it's multiple things.

There was one other thing that came up on the labs, but I got a thorough explanation why it wasn't a problem so no further testing on that one. Pretty great news for me, now I can go back to doing stuff and not thinking about this!

Glad to hear the (mostly) good news!

I have a different philosophy about medication: "Better living through Chemistry"

 

[Flanders]

Glad to hear the (mostly) good news!

I have a different philosophy about medication: "Better living through Chemistry"

Thanks Mark. I don’t disagree, it’s more about timing(age). All these pills have some side effect and I would rather avoid experiencing that as long as possible, without being stupid about it. I am lucky that I grew out of my severe seasonal allergies as those meds were worse than the condition!

 

[BigAlVista]

Thanks Mark. I don’t disagree, it’s more about timing(age). All these pills have some side effect and I would rather avoid experiencing that as long as possible, without being stupid about it. I am lucky that I grew out of my severe seasonal allergies as those meds were worse than the condition!

Don't rub it in, Aaron. I know I'm old (I turn 62 next week).

 

[Guido75]

 

[Star_Wahl_Clipper_Treker]

The names Jon Luc Picard, I've ordered your message to be displayed at maximum warp, Geordi Laforge's opinion be dammed, your right to be heard, shall not be infringed. Now head on over to Beverly Crushers office, and get your daily dose of, make me feel better in this dystopian world now please, and put a pep in your step number 1. Tell Guinan I'm ready for that Romulanale now, Starfleet laws be dammed. I raze my glass to you fine sir's, for you are all gentlemen in my eyes. Starfleet Selute!

 

[BigAlVista]

The names Jon Luc Picard, I've ordered your message to be displayed at maximum warp, Geordi Laforge's opinion be dammed, your right to be heard, shall not be infringed. Now head on over to Beverly Crushers office, and get your daily dose of, make me feel better in this dystopian world now please, and put a pep in your step number 1. Tell Guinan I'm ready for that Romulanale now, Starfleet laws be dammed. I raze my glass to you fine sir's, for you are all gentlemen in my eyes. Starfleet Selute!

View attachment 1919016​

Live long and prosper.

 

[Flanders]

I guess it’s been a few days since I have posted. Honestly, I have been too busy exercising!

Cardio Thursday, weights Friday, swimming Friday, hiking yesterday and more cardio today shortly. It was a bit chaotic starting last week, but this coming week I have a schedule worked out. No more two in one day attempts again for awhile! I had some difficulty in the pool after that workout.

 

[eSteve]

I guess it’s been a few days since I have posted. Honestly, I have been too busy exercising!

Cardio Thursday, weights Friday, swimming Friday, hiking yesterday and more cardio today shortly. It was a bit chaotic starting last week, but this coming week I have a schedule worked out. No more two in one day attempts again for awhile! I had some difficulty in the pool after that workout.

Happy to hear the good news Aaron. And about these activities. I don't have advice. I find that the most accessible activities are the ones that work over time; the ones on my doorstep that don't require a ton of travel time, gear or other expense or maintenance. Motivation is key, I'm compelled to do stuff that is beautiful and fun; and beneficial. I try not to eat out, I don't order in. I try not to eat packaged or processed foods, or food with lots of ingredients. I find fermented foods very helpful for gut health. I was given Kefir grains some years ago, it was a gut game-changer. Have fun out there.

 

[Flanders]

Happy to hear the good news Aaron. And about these activities. I don't have advice. I find that the most accessible activities are the ones that work over time; the ones on my doorstep that don't require a ton of travel time, gear or other expense or maintenance. Motivation is key, I'm compelled to do stuff that is beautiful and fun; and beneficial. I try not to eat out, I don't order in. I try not to eat packaged or processed foods, or food with lots of ingredients. I find fermented foods very helpful for gut health. I was given Kefir grains some years ago, it was a gut game-changer. Have fun out there.

Thanks Steve. You're right, these things need to be convenient and close by, that's what held me back for many years where I was previously. I had to look at my schedule and think about what I could fit in long term before committing. The once a week hike was already a thing and I was feeling good enough afterwards that next week I am going to do an arm day in the evening as well! The gym is a 6 minute drive down the street so that was a given and the pool is about the same a different direction. I used to swim a lot so three times a week may be a bit much for some people starting out, but not me. I used to make my own kefir when I had a farm milk source, I just buy it now because it's more important that I get it one way or another. Definitely yes to the fermented foods as well! Cheers.

 

[Eric_75]

I used to make my own kefir when I had a farm milk source, I just buy it now because it's more important that I get it one way or another. Definitely yes to the fermented foods as well! Cheers.

Publix has Lifeway kefir BOGO right now. I picked up two bottles this afternoon. I always get the plain low fat one.

 

[eSteve]

Thanks Steve. You're right, these things need to be convenient and close by, that's what held me back for many years where I was previously. I had to look at my schedule and think about what I could fit in long term before committing. The once a week hike was already a thing and I was feeling good enough afterwards that next week I am going to do an arm day in the evening as well! The gym is a 6 minute drive down the street so that was a given and the pool is about the same a different direction. I used to swim a lot so three times a week may be a bit much for some people starting out, but not me. I used to make my own kefir when I had a farm milk source, I just buy it now because it's more important that I get it one way or another. Definitely yes to the fermented foods as well! Cheers.

Man you're doing fine. Sorry, I read pills and tests and I think: whoa, brother down. You totally know what time it is. Regards.

 

[Osyri]

Thanks Steve. You're right, these things need to be convenient and close by, that's what held me back for many years where I was previously. I had to look at my schedule and think about what I could fit in long term before committing. The once a week hike was already a thing and I was feeling good enough afterwards that next week I am going to do an arm day in the evening as well! The gym is a 6 minute drive down the street so that was a given and the pool is about the same a different direction. I used to swim a lot so three times a week may be a bit much for some people starting out, but not me. I used to make my own kefir when I had a farm milk source, I just buy it now because it's more important that I get it one way or another. Definitely yes to the fermented foods as well! Cheers.

Way to go Yellow Wingnut!

On the weekends, I started hiking as a cheap method for a date and it has soon became a weekend routine and I've learn to love it. Even going as far as driving quite a distant to find different trials.

Most of the time I get off late from work, but I always make an effort to hit the gym on M-W-F, it helps that my roommate is also my gym partner, its a great way to destress from work.

I want you to be an old geezer like 100+ before I take your razors from you!

 

[eSteve]

Way to go Yellow Wingnut!

On the weekends, I started hiking as a cheap method for a date and it has soon became a weekend routine and I've learn to love it. Even going as far as driving quite a distant to find different trials.

Most of the time I get off late from work, but I always make an effort to hit the gym on M-W-F, it helps that my roommate is also my gym partner, its a great way to destress from work.

I want you to be an old geezer like 100+ before I take your razors from you!

Trails. Yeah dude.

 

[cranewarrior]

Thanks Steve. You're right, these things need to be convenient and close by, that's what held me back for many years where I was previously. I had to look at my schedule and think about what I could fit in long term before committing. The once a week hike was already a thing and I was feeling good enough afterwards that next week I am going to do an arm day in the evening as well! The gym is a 6 minute drive down the street so that was a given and the pool is about the same a different direction. I used to swim a lot so three times a week may be a bit much for some people starting out, but not me. I used to make my own kefir when I had a farm milk source, I just buy it now because it's more important that I get it one way or another. Definitely yes to the fermented foods as well! Cheers.

@Flanders

Aaron, I am just now catching up on your journal and I am sorry to hear the bad news, but I am also 'heartened' to see the turn in circumstance for the good.

I'll share a bit about my personal health. I'm in generally good shape, always have been due to most of my hobbies being sports-related. But when I was 38 and a relatively new father, I had a medical event. I make a habit of taking the stairs when I can, an artifact of both wanting the cardio activity as well as past work history with a firm heavily affected by the 9/11 attacks. Well, I noticed all of a sudden I was really out-of-breath just going 3 floors. Very unusual for me.

I went in for a health check up on a Friday and expected the lab results the following week. Instead, the doctor called me on a Saturday and told me I had a 98% blockage in my widowmaker artery and pretty heavy build up in the other passages as well. They hospitalized me that day and I had a quadruple bypass. All without experiencing a heart attack to begin with! You can have heart disease without being visibly overweight or having other apparent health issues.

The whole experience was surreal, but I'm still ticking 13 years later. I am glad I am around for my wife and son, and of course for myself. The main point in me telling this story is to affirm that you did great seeking medical attention when needed. I know too many people that didn't get help when the warning signs were there, and intervention was too late for them. Keep up your spirits and stay on the path!