Extinguishing the swarming mind.
Earlier today, three burning questions came to mind as I prepared for my latest endocrinologist appointment. I feel better in some respects; in others, not so much.
To start, the good news – the A1C is back in “normal” range at 5.9%. To be honest, if it had been taken in May before I started WildFit and went off the anti-depressant, it likely would have been even higher than March’s 6.1%, so I consider this a huge victory.
Blood pressure measured at a healthy 100/72, if not a little low considering the issue lately with dizziness. No big deal for now, perhaps as simple as mild orthostatic hypotension. Maybe something will pop up on the next round of blood work which will include a full metabolic panel, maybe not.
Moving on to the night sweats and hot flashes. The doctor does want to check out the hormone levels that could signal a shift into perimenopause, in spite of continued regular menstruation. Most accurate on day 3 of the monthly cycle, even slightly abnormal FSH and estradiol levels could be contributing to the sweaty mess. (Or it could be thyroid related, adding TSH to the lab order. Or it might just be the sweltering apartment, though it would not explain such symptoms before I moved here.)
Taking a deep breath here.
The high sensitivity c-reactive protein test, a possible indicator of cardiac risk? It came back at 10 mg/dl, a level that signals high risk for cardiovascular disease. Coupled with LDL levels that are consistently in the borderline high area regardless of diet and exercise, this indicates that a statin might be prudent.
To be honest, I worry about the side effects of statins reported such as muscle weakness and brain fog. Not only that, right now is not a good time to be adding another prescription to the budget.
However.
If those female hormone levels come back with any indication of perimenopause, it changes things, even though the condition can last for years before the transition into menopause.
With the family history of early heart disease and knowing that a woman’s risk of heart disease rises significantly once she enters menopause itself, it changes things.
I still have work to do, places to go, nieces and nephews to watch grow. If a statin has the potential to help me do that, then yeah, I need to add it to the daily medication regimen once I know the full picture in November.
(And please do not argue with me on this right now. I saw what a heart attack looks like when I witnessed my father’s eighteen years ago. I then saw what recovery from multiple coronary bypass surgery looks like. Those two things? Scare the living hell out of me, even more than what I have already had the pleasure to experience myself.)
Posted on July 21, 2011, in Diabetes, Doctors and dentists, WildFit. Bookmark the permalink. 11 Comments.
I am also borderline high with my LDL regardless of diet and exercise. And I exercise A LOT and it doesn’t change anything. I am very uncomfortable about being put on statins as it is not a maybe but a definitely. It’s just a matter of when. It scares me a lot. I am interested to read more about it, thanks for writing about it.
and congrats on the major wicked rock your socks off A1C! I could only DREAM of having one that sweet.
For me, I think the family history factor outweighs anything I can do. Sigh…
You have to do what works for you and you are comfortable with. I was so statins for a number of years before I had a reaction to them. (That’s supposed to be “on statins” above. My iPad won’t let me go back and correct it.)
Thank you for reminding me of “what works for me and what I am comfortable with”. The second part, “what I am comfortable with”, is the part with which I struggle.
You’re doing what you need to do. My belief is take the information, do your research, and do what is best for you and your overall health. You’re not taking this lightly and you’re not just following doctor advice blindly. You rock!
Aww, shucks…:)
First off, well done on the good parts! You are taking good care of yourself and it is showing. As for the other parts, since you are taking care of yourself – how that turns out depends on what is suggested by your dr & what is right for you. No one wants to take medicine but if it’s going to help you in the long run why wouldn’t you go for it? I hope all works out with everything else too.
Thanks, Stacey :)
You are amazing! I can’t believe how on top of everything you are. Will you join me for my next Dr’s appt, you would be a great liaison to understand Doc speak. I always feel so overwhelmed.
Being an empowered patient is so important with multiple chronic conditions. It wasn’t always this easy, but I have good examples out there in the diabetes and chronic illness communities.
For what it’s worth, my hub and rents have all been on statins for quite some time. Those side effects don’t happen in all people, and not with all types. There like any other medication – you just have to see which ones work for you – or don’t. But you’re a smart, savvy, super aware gal. You’ll do your research and know what to watch for and be your own advocate. Trust you. I do.