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.
Recipe
Blue Cheese Butter Recipe (Easy Compound Butter for Steak)
Easy blue cheese butter with garlic and herbs. A simple compound butter that melts over steak, burgers, veggies, or baked potatoes for bold flavor.
Ingredients
• ▢ ½ cup butter (one stick) salted preferred or add ¼ teaspoon kosher salt if unsalted butter
• ▢ ½ cup blue cheese crumbs
• ▢ 1 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped
• ▢ 1 teaspoon basal
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic crushed
Instructions
• Allow the butter to come to room temperature. You can also microwave it briefly—about 15–20 seconds, flipping halfway.
• Combine the soft butter with ½ cup of blue cheese crumbles, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of dry basil, and 2 cloves of crushed garlic in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
• Spoon the mixture onto parchment or wax paper and roll into a log. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to firm up.
• Slice into 1-tablespoon pats and serve on steaks, vegetables, or anything hot.
Notes
Pro Tips
1. Use softened butter—it makes mixing easier.
2. Salted butter is preferred. If using unsalted, add ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt per stick.
3. Any blue cheese will work. Crumbles are easiest; ½ cup is about 2 ounces.
4. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze pats flat in a sealed bag for 2–3 months.
5. Great on steak, vegetables, burgers, potatoes, or stirred into rice or noodles.
Nutrition Estimate (May Vary)
Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 14mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 307IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
Adjust accordingly to fit your diet.