Ken, I know we all have to find our own journey to health, and I have learned that I cannot simply rely on doctors to guide mine. Almost four years ago, I had a minor heart attack, bloodwork, and an angiogram. I saw four cardiologists and a nephrologist, and things looked bad. My experiences with the cardiologists were so discouraging that by the time the last one told me point blank that he would crack my chest open for heart surgery, I walked out and never looked back. I did learn that my body had created its own bypass, and I was very grateful for that. More than three years later, severe angina finally pushed me to find another cardiologist. I was fortunate to find one who is extremely skilled at treating full blockages with stents. He was shocked that I was still alive based on my test results from three and a half years earlier. He wants me on cholesterol lowering medication, specifically the two injections a year, and even got Medicare approval for it. That is not going to happen. I trust his skill when it comes to placing stents, but I personally do not want to take additional drugs. For now, I am taking prasugrel and aspirin, but beyond that, even over the counter pain medication is not worth it to me because of the documented effects these drugs can have on the brain. I trusted my body to take care of me, and it has. Now I am taking care of my body. I pay attention to how I feel and use that as my guide. I am also done stressing over every test result. For me, constantly worrying about what the next test might show is not healthy either. When my time comes, it comes. Until then, I am going to live my life and take care of my body the way I believe is right for me. I wish everyone here the very best in finding their own path to better health. We may not all make the same choices, but I hope we can keep learning, listening to our bodies, and supporting one another along the way.
In several locations around the world it's what is often referred to as 'the holiday season'. Here in the USA, you may have previously been caught in the autumn trap of all the delicious meals, treats, and overdrinking of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, only to kerplop into the new year heavier than ever, with yet another resolution to hit the gym and take off the weight.
Now most people who do the keto or carnivore diet correctly have built up a strong resilience to any cravings or temptations. And that's fantastic. But the holiday's add on an extra burden for many - peer pressure and tradition - and many who had been previously eating right get derailed, sometimes for weeks and months, once they slip up and have some pumpkin pie, cookies, or sweet potatoes, or whatever.
How about you?
Are you staying true to your good health convictions? Or did/do you allow yourself to veer off plan on these occasions?