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.
I didn't see this a couple of days ago when I joined. I'm not much with the computers.
I'm Scott, 54, from North Carolina. At 6'2" and 306 I have been overweight most of my adult life (post military anyway). I work rotating 12 hours swing shifts that manage to be 13+ most every shift. Any change in lifestyle is hard based on work schedule alone.
First time on any diet in 15+ years. I would describe mine as 'dumpster diet'. I started every day with a Mountain Dew and a Little Debbie cake, almost like it is the gospel. Mostly I ate healthy meals but the in between stuff has always been trash.
I got the first thirty days done without reading the instructions other than 'consume only meat/animal products'.
I'm shooting for 30 more days now.
I have lots of questions.
Scott