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.
Good morning, y'all. 🙂
I've been on the low carb/ultra low carb train before and have gotten good results in the past at bringing my blood sugar under control. Sooner or later I've fallen off the train. And been run over on the tracks. But here I am, back again. 🙄
Full disclosure: I will not be doing strictly 100% carnivore, but I came to this board because eating plenty of meat (and only a smidgen of dairy) is the foolproof way to bring my blood sugar down. And to lose weight. Those two things go hand in hand, although even if/when I lose 20-ish pounds, I will always have to watch carbs closely. (Mostly WATCH, as in stare longingly at without touching...).
I'll be 77 a week from today and it's now or never. (Hmmm...how many times have I said "It's now or never" in the past? I don't have enough fingers to total that up.) I live in a senior retirement community (totally independent living) where meals are provided, but I have a full kitchen and cook mostly for myself. I like to cook, but frankly, I'm not looking forward to beef, pork, chicken, eggs, bacon, etc., all the time and forever. Some video that I watched said that if hamburger or a pork chop or some meat thing doesn't appeal, then you aren't hungry enough. I think waiting until I am seriously hungry will help. I have been guilty of just grazing and looking for something to eat (even a low carb snack) out of boredom and idleness.
I became mesmerized by YouTube videos on the carnivore diet, especially the "steakandbuttergal." Is she for real? Watching her put several steaks and chickens into that slender figure is mind-blowing. I do believe she has straightened out her health with a carnivore diet. I also have skin problems and G.I. issues, not to mention the stuff that happens when you get...well... old.
For the last week I've eaten only meat and eggs, and my blood sugar has gone from almost 200 most of the time to under 120 most of the time. This exactly tallies with my experience with ultra low carb eating in the past. (I haven't done an a1c test, because that is not revealing for three months.)
People who say low-carb is fad or some kind of cult craze just need to get a glucometer and find out for themselves.
That's a little sketch. Hoping to find inspiration in this community, especially from others who live alone and plan their own meals.
Best,
Eve
Edited by Eve