Medical issue. Again. Sigh
@1creekgirl (44560)
United States
July 13, 2021 11:10am CST
This isn't actually a new medical problem, but one that I finally have to bite the bullet and address.
My cholesterol levels are a little high (total is 213), but not so bad. But my Triglycerides are extremely high. Really high.
I've worked on it over the years, but gradually got a little complacent, although I do cook relatively healthy over all. And it's better now that I cook gluten free.
But my doctor's nurse called me yesterday after they got my labs from my annual checkup. My doctor is putting me on a medicine that along with less sugar, low fat, more fiber, and MORE EXERCISE should help.
It's not a cholesterol med, but specifically for high triglycerides.
It's very expensive, but I'm going to check with my insurance company and see what they say. I don't know if this will be a lifetime drug or until I can get the levels down.
I'm getting rid of my Pepsi and drinking more water. I'll join the local gym again and try to go at least three times a week. I hate going to the gym. But I'm at high risk for stroke, heart attack, pancreatitis, and liver problems.
So if that doesn't motivate me, I don't know what will.
Any good advice on how to tackle this? Thanks, y'all.
13 people like this
12 responses
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
13 Jul 21
Yes, go to the gym. Find one with a pool. Workout in both the pool and fitness center. It will help you feel better about yourself, especially as you get your triglycerides under control. I don't even know what those are.
If the medication is expensive, check with GoodRx and see if you can get it for less.
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
13 Jul 21
Thanks Valerie. Triglycerides are checked at the same time as cholesterol levels, but it's a fat that causes heart problems and can lead to stroke, which scares me. I'm checking now with my insurance company and GoodRX also.
3 people like this
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
13 Jul 21
@1creekgirl I hope you can get it under control with the medication.
1 person likes this
@paigea (36143)
• Canada
13 Jul 21
Follow doctor's orders.
My only suggestion is find exercise you love. Hubby is 77 and he can play hockey every day because he loves it.
I love other, outdoor activities to keep active. If I joined a gym I would have to force myself to go
Wishing you the determination to tackle your health issue.
Wishing you the determination to tackle your health issue.2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
13 Jul 21
I'm not a sports or outdoor person and I hate working out. I worked at Curves for Women until it closed and loved it. The workout was fun and everyone saw results. But I hate a regular gym. I walk some in good weather, but I need more than that. You're right about finding something you enjoy so you'll stick with it.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
13 Jul 21
@paigea I loved Curves. I was a member for about a year, then worked there for almost four years. I always said I thought it was one of the best things to ever happen to the average middle aged woman.
1 person likes this
@paigea (36143)
• Canada
13 Jul 21
@1creekgirl As far as gyms go, Curves was the best!
2 people like this
@prashu228 (37518)
• India
14 Jul 21
Good lifestyle, healthy food, do what you enjoy more..that helps to maximum extent..all the best
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56282)
• Canada
14 Jul 21
I'm sorry that you were given this latest bill of health.
I find that meal planning in advance really helps me.
That way I do not have anything that I should not have in the house here to tempt me.
You're family needs you healthy, you've got this.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (56282)
• Canada
14 Jul 21
@1creekgirl One item at a time, replace it with something nice.
I found that a few drops of essential grapefruit oil in a pitcher of water gives it a nice refreshing taste, to the point where I will drink more of it. Hint hint hint. 
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
14 Jul 21
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I took my Pepsi's out, they're a temptation.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
14 Jul 21
@Juliaacv Since I really don't like water, I need all the advice I can get. I like a little lemon in it, but I'll try the grapefruit. Thanks!
1 person likes this
I am so sorry, I know that exercise helps to lower triglycerides, the only exercise I like is to walk, this is what I do. I hope you can find an exercise that you like. Take care, those fats can cause blood cloths.@LadyDuck (502491)
• Italy
16 Jul 21
@1creekgirl I hope you can find exercises that you like.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
15 Jul 21
I'm planning to join our local gym. Again.
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (17039)
• United States
16 Jul 21
I hope the new medicine will be covered by your insurance. Check with Good RX, you may be able to get it cheaper with it.
I don't care much for gyms either. I do like to take walks and hike when I can. Are there other places near you that offer other types of exercises? We have a pilate and yoga place near us along with our local YMCA.
Praying you get it under control with some diet changes and exercise. 
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
16 Jul 21
Thanks. I checked with my insurance and after I meet my deductible ($445) it will only be $43 a month. Until my deductible starts over again in January. I looked at GoodRX, and the cheapest was almost $150.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
17 Jul 21
@Dena91 I used GoodRX one time that was much cheaper than my insurance.
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (17039)
• United States
16 Jul 21
@1creekgirl Wow normally good rx is better than insurance, but I understand it isn't on all medication.
1 person likes this
@Porcospino (31365)
• Denmark
13 Jul 21
You already mentioned the things that I would suggest so I don't really have anything to add. A combination of medicine and life style changes sounds like a good plan. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86713)
• United States
13 Jul 21
You’re doing the one thing I’d recommend: checking with the insurance company.
One suggestion: like weight, the numbers didn’t get high overnight, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t instantaneously get back to normal.
Best of luck.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
13 Jul 21
I know it sure won't be an overnight improvement, but I have to stick with it. I'm not overweight, although I'd like to lose about five pounds, so this might happen. My mother was skinny and had this same problem, so it's partly genetic. But that doesn't stop the problems that come with it. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
14 Jul 21
I'm on meds for my high cholesterol. With attention to what I eat and the meds it's under control. Just follow what your doctor tells you; and hopefully with the meds you will get your numbers under control. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
14 Jul 21
Thanks, Linda. Glad to hear you're doing well.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
13 Jul 21
I try to drink more water, but I really don't like it. I pretty much don't have processed foods since I cook gluten free, but I do need more exercise.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
13 Jul 21
@1creekgirl We all have things to work on I guess. Good luck with yours.
1 person likes this
