Cholesterol

Do you know your numbers?

By Annette Beach

For years, friends and family have jokingly made comments about me being abnormal and different. Growing up I was labeled, “the most stubborn child on the planet” (see blog “Help Wanted?”). As an adult, my daily habits and abilities often cause eye rolls, comical remarks and/or strange humor (multiple blog support this, starting with “Keeping a Sense of Humor”).

Since my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in 1986, people have used my extensive and not-so-common medical history to support their claims of my abnormalities. I’ve been in the operating room more than 30 times, literally being reconstructed from the neck down, having parts replaced, repaired and rewired, some with extreme complications. With all that my body has endured surgically, I have yet to undergo a common procedure. People find it medically amusing when they learn I still have my tonsils, appendix and gallbladder.

And now, after receiving my latest lab results, I can add Cholesterol to the list of medical amusements!

My quest for healthy living as I pass “over the hill,” has led me toward the testing grounds for life outside of arthritis care. Recently I visited my family doctor to discuss preventative tests so I will have the upper hand on what lies ahead as the inevitable aging process takes place.

For more than a decade, the word “cholesterol” has been a popular topic of conversation among the middle-aged and senior citizens. Knowing and understanding the numbers can greatly reduce the risks of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and even inflammatory diseases. Commercials, advertisements and health fairs emphasis the importance of treating high cholesterol and offer tips to lower it.

Recently I had my cholesterol checked and was very surprised by the results. In fact, if you were in my presence as I read the lab report, you’d have thought I won the lottery! Typically medical reports with my name at the top are not a cause for celebration, but this one had me spreading the news with excitement and joy. My numbers are record lows and all are within the very good to excellent ranges.   

It’s been more than a week since receiving the letter from my doctor and I still want to celebrate. Why am I so excited? I’m RELIEVED!

For years I have wanted to know the numbers, but at the same time, I’ve avoided the test because I feared the results would require another drastic change in my lifestyle, adding more negatives and stress to the challenges I face daily. If the results were not good, I would be advised to change my eating habits and told to exercise more (and we all agree that ‘exercise’ is the equivalent of two four letter words to anyone with arthritis). In addition, I’d likely be prescribed medication, which could lead to side effects or risks when mixed with my existing drugs. It’s the dreaded cycle that accompanies a new diagnosis.

Do you ignore symptoms or the possibilities of other illnesses out of fear because you do not want to add more complications to your life? If so, what caused you to seek medical attention and what was the outcome? Do you know your cholesterol numbers? What advice can you give to improve them?