Signed up for the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program

[barbly1]

I saw a post here several months ago about Dr. Dean Ornish's Lifestyle Medicine program to reverse heart disease, and his new book, "Undo It". We just sold our home, so decided to move to Honolulu for six months to complete the 9 week intensive program. It starts the first week of October, and has four parts: plant based diet; exercise; stress reduction and building a support system. My ablation was a year ago, and though it fixed my afib, I remain on Flecainide for constant dropped beats. A recent continuous monitor test showed that off Flecainide, my heart burden is 8.5, and surgery to fix the problem is considered at a level of 4. Not sure what all that means, but as long as the Flecainide is working decently, I thought I would wait for another ablation. This program meets twice a week for 9 weeks for two four hour sessions each week. I hope to reduce my cholesterol, lose a few pounds, get my blood sugar lower, get physically stronger, and generally give my heart a better chance. I'll let you all know how the program goes, once I get started. In the US, if you qualify due to various heart issues or risk factors, insurance and/or Medicare pays for the program.

[CDreamer]

How fabulous! I have got very into Lifestyle Medicine and help run a voluntary group here in the UK. This sort of programme is SO needed everywhere. Having a programme to go to regularly and a support group is so important. You are obviously very committed to sell your home and move so my very best wishes for a fantastic transformation. It will be very hard work - but absolutely worth it!

[Hidden]

Im so excited for you! I wanted to do that but the cost was prohibitive and I didnt meet medicares criteria. Keep us posted.

[barbly1 in reply to Hidden]

My husband met the Medicare criteria since he had two angioplasties and stents, though I did not with afib and ablation surgery. My BCBS covered it though, since I have high lipids and marginal blood sugars and take a statin drug. I hope to learn a lot and make a lot of changes in my diet and lifestyle.

[Glenn50]

Well done. Doctor John McDougall has a free website and works on the same sort of lifestyle. Have to restart again after slipping over to the dark side.

[Rubymurray25]

Amazing, wishing a truly positive experience.

[Tux18]

Very best to you. I will be most interested in how you do after the program. Enjoy Honolulu!

[barbly1 in reply to Tux18]

Thanks! I will let you all know how it is after we get going. The daytime program starts in two weeks, so that's the one we selected.

[100h]

How fantastic for you! I hope it all goes well. Please keep us updated.

Heather

[endoman]

I have had afib since 2006 (age 65). Was on Toprol XL until 2015. Still had episodes up to then and doctor switched me to Flecainide 100mg twice daily. Not one episode since then.

[HiloHairy]

Sounds interesting. You wouldn't happento know if Kaiser covers this would you? I'm already in Hawaii and this sounds very tempting.

I've tried to do this for myself through my own research. Workout five days a week, stopped eating mammals, cut salt from my diet, lost 80 pounds. End game: stopped taking prescription drugs except when I have occasional afib attacks.

Still, I'm sure the Ornish people know things I haven't thought of. It would be really nice to be able to reduce the frequency of events further.

[barbly1 in reply to HiloHairy]

I only researched Blue Cross, so I don't know. It's sure worth checking, and looking at the actual criteria for you plan. There is some confusion about who is eligible to attend, so having it in black and white helps.

[barbly1 in reply to HiloHairy]

Btw, if you have a friend or partner who is doing the program, you can go to all of it except the group support module for free. Might have to pay for the meal. You go as the wingman to offer support.

[Aprilbday in reply to HiloHairy]

Wait-there’s Kaiser in Hawaii????

[HiloHairy in reply to Aprilbday]

they're the most significant insurance resource in the islands.If you're on the out islands it's the only practical way to have availability of all specialties.

[dmjtanner]

That’s awesome news! I am a big fan of Dean Ornish....just finished chapter two of that new book, “Undo It”! Best of everything to you!

[Bambi65]

I just signed up on the website to get more info.

Im in Florida, US, and there is a site just 5 miles from me...