Latest Blood tests

[chefjlu]

So after my CT Scan & Full Body Bone Scan it was on to my yearly checkup. There was an ulterior motive behind the CT Scan as it gives me a view of anything that may need attending to. I was having a bit of stiffness & soreness in my right leg and feet. The bone scan showed this to be Arthropathy. The CT Scan did show some Atherosclerosis of my Coronary Artery - calcium. I have a Mitral Prolapse/Regurgitation and naturally run a low resting heart rate (high 40s-low 50s). So off to the Cardiologist. My lipid panels are fine and I have an Lpa of 7. Lpa is Lipoprotein and is something everyone should have tested. I is a newer discussion in the heart health area. Lower is better. ---- My cardiologist put me on a low dose of statin to insure my LDL remains low as the calcium shown in the coronary artery can become a reason for heart attack. I also had a Nuclear Stress Test and showed everything in good shape, "passing" the test with excellent results.

Blood tests came out better than expected. My metabolic panel was excellent - lipid panel better than expected - PSA still undetectable - Liver function excellent.

I credit much of my ability to handle health issues to my adapting a Blue Zones Lifestyle over 7 years ago. My doctors (all 7) all see this as having assisted with my journey as well.

[GoBucks]

Sounds like you've developed a great recipe Chef! Keep it cooking!

[j-o-h-n]

Docs should give you a discount....(if they decline tell them I'll sic my ex-wife on them).

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Teufelshunde]

I'm like you. I test a lot. Remember lipoprotein (a) only has to be tested once since it is hereditary. You should also test ApoB which does change with time and diet. I think a low dose statin is good for those of us with PC to reduce one food for cancer. However, CT heart scans are very misleading. They only show calcified plaque, and not soft plaque. They also dont indicate blockage, as one can have it evenly spread, or in one or two spots. If someone does not want to have the CT Angiogram which uses an agent injected before the scan and then can show any blockage (the real issue), one can get an AI angiogram of the normal CT scan that looks at every slice the CT took and can map any blockages. Science is really progressing on this area which is really helpful so we dont take unnecessary high dose statins when that is not the issue. It is now tied more to sugar damage to veins that cause the cholesterol to do their job of repair.

[chefjlu in reply to Teufelshunde]

Yes, I have had a full blood test with ApoB and every kind of cholesterol. My dad (who I mirror in health, everything I’ve been diagnosed with in 3-5 years of the age my father was diagnosed) had triple bypass and at 90 passed from congestive heart failure. So I’m very on top of everything. On my mother’s side diabetes is throughout her maternal side. She passed of complications from it and both my siblings deal with it. Not only have I had genetic testing for PC but I have also checked for other possible mutations & issues. A research doctor I’ve met on a panel I’m a member of gave me the advice I live by: You can be pre-destined, but it doesn’t mean pre-determined. Lifestyle has impact, and medical research continues to deliver new information and “interventions” that can benefit our health and quality of life. Godspeed and always remember to enjoy every day!

[Teufelshunde in reply to chefjlu]

You are the example we all should follow about taking charge of our own health, finding competent medical professionals, which is not so easy these days in the hedge fund medical world, and not being the victim so many people resign themselves to be. A true role model!

[chefjlu in reply to Teufelshunde]

Knowledge is power in the Medical world. When I was younger I studied to be a heart surgeon although a change in my view of my life changed that trajectory, I completed about 85% before deciding against completing. However, it showed how medical study is a bit misguided as well. Doctors receive little to no study in nutrition and how it impacts health. Even their exposure to lifestyle is limited. It is more about treating after the diagnosis. A big factor is to make sure your team of doctors are included in all test outcomes and treatment. ---- I get as much information as I can and put it together. Some is from doctors, some from research individual, some from the internet and other from books. Having that knowledge gives you the discussion necessary to argue, get questions addressed and make decisions. Even doctors take notice when you have knowledge. It was pretty funny to be with my cardiologist and he tells me his cholesterol is totally out to lunch. He's in good shape, younger and his studies are based osteopathically. He's on a high level dose of statin to deal with it. I said he needs to change his lifestyle as well.

[Teufelshunde]

Yes they do. I remember way back had a conversation with my GP on a study (not article) that showed a huge reduction in heart issues for people who give blood every 6 months. He asked me to send it to him as it made total sense to him. Maybe that whole blood letting of way back was not that far off

[chefjlu in reply to Teufelshunde]

Yes, giving blood regularly can be healthy.