I’m at a vulnerable stage in life where changes have to be made. I will be real and raw about it all.
Last month I seemed more irritable, stressed, had more frequent mood swings (I didn’t notice them so much as my husband, son and co-workers did), and my sleep patterns were crazier than normal. I knew I was peri menopausal since my gynecologist confirmed this back in August of 2021. He prescribed me Mimvey, I took it 1 week and said no more. I gained 5lbs and had some other not so pleasant side effects with it.
My Goals:
- Wear my wedding ring again
- Lower my cholesterol levels
- Be more cautious of the food I put in my body
- Exercise more
- Lay off the sugars – No More Dr. Pepper Cream Soda’s, Ugh
- Drop at least 40lbs
I’m sure there’s more goals but these are the main ones right now.
Time To Get Some Help Before I Truly Lost My Mind
So, I would continue with over-the-counter meds and trying to push it to the back of mind. Some things helped but not all and the night sweats got continuously worse as well as the moodiness. I’m sure Justin wanted to stay away for a week or two. Mind you I haven’t had a menstrual cycle since 2008 after I had an ablation. I had the ablation because of a constant battle with endometriosis. The weight gain and tiredness kept getting worse too. Not to mention, the swelling in my hands, wrists, feet, and ankles. I couldn’t even wear my wedding ring anymore and that depressed me a bunch too.
So, July 25th I made an appointment with, HerKare, https://herkare.com/, had blood work drawn and went over my concerns and worries. That 7 days of waiting for results had my emotions all over the place. Like I said I knew something wasn’t right but didn’t know what and my PCP (who I love) would just tell me go here or everything is fine, eat better or drink more water.
The Results Were In
With my momma in tow, we went back for my appointment on August 8th for the blood results. I asked my mom to go for support and if needed she could ask questions for herself as well. (A Girl Is Never Too Old for Her Momma.) I was shocked with some of the results and then some I knew were going to read bad before we walked in. I just wanted answers and HELP!
- Triglycerides should be between 0-149, mine were 420
- HDL Cholesterol (Good cholesterol) should be >39, mine was 29. Not horrible but good be better.
- VLDL Cholesterol is a bad cholesterol because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries, should be between 5-40, mine was 74. It could be worse but can be better.
- LDL Cholesterol – collects in the walls of your blood vessels raising your chances of a heart attack or stroke. Should be 0-99, mine was 118. Could be better, right? At this point I’m feeling defeated.
- Hemoglobin A1c (determines if your diabetic) – should be between 4.8-5.6, mine was 6.3.
- Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4
- Diabetes: > 6.4
- Vitamin B12 should be between 232-1245, mine was 312. Not bad but explains why I’m so tired all the time.
- Perimenopausal – I knew this but was leaning more towards menopause. Let me tell you the hot flashes ARE NO JOKE! So basically, my ovaries are gradually going to stop working which is normal. This also has goes hand in hand with my cholesterol levels being high. Getting old sucks!!
Normally when seeing a doctor and they ask for my family medical history, I say “I’m f*ck*d!” All jokes aside I know I need to make my health a priority but of course I always have to include humor in some of the darkest times.
With all this said and sharing everything I have; it was hard for me to post the picture above. I figured no better way than to hold myself accountable then posting worldwide about what’s going on with me and that horrible picture. I won’t be able to do this alone so yes, I have been prescribed medications to help with this and hoping that eventually I won’t need them anymore. This won’t be a temporary fix but a permanent one. I want to see my son get married, play & spoil my grandkids one day, and retire healthy with Justin so we can travel without any ailments holding us back from enjoying retirement.
I as well experienced many of your symptoms, however at the age of 47 I had my first stent placement and now 12 years later, I have 7! It’s part hereditary and lifestyle.
Being a woman is extremely hard, because we have a unique body. With that being said we go through so many changes monthly and as we age, eventually that comes to an end, either naturally or surgically. Mine was surgically and a year later was heavier than I’ve ever been. I sought help though my PCP and tried Victoza, for pre diabetes, made lifestyle changes nutritionally and started exercising (walking 10,000 steps a day at least 5 days a week and gym 2-3 days a week, increased protein and reduced carbs. It made a world of difference faith all of my blood work, weight and my heart is healthier.
It was not easy and still isn’t , but I did it and continue to keep trying!!
I’m in no way perfect, but I’ve got to at least try, right?
Christy we all got to start some here. I will continue to pray for good health for you.
Go do keto girl I lost and been keeping it off it I do need to try it again to keep those levels down but you got this I believe in you love you ❤️
Thank you.
Girl you got this! First step is recognizing which you have done! Keto has worked for me gotta get back on track since vacation but it does effect everyone differently start low carb and keep getting rid of carbs but get blood work done to make sure you aren’t hurting in others areas! I got recipes I can send just let me know some of them are just screen shots and I add to it! I will keep you in my prayers, stay strong though you will have bad days just pick back up the next day it is worth it, especially if you want to spoil your grand babies! Chin up and smile you are beautiful and you got this I promise!!!
Thank you. I did loose 40lbs on keto in 2018 and then the weight came back plus some but yes I’m lowering my carbs and sugar intake for sure.