I Have High Cholesterol
“Can you drop by the clinic today? I have your blood test and urine results already”, the doctor’s voice on the phone drowned the noise around me. “Your cholesterol level is high and bla bla bla hepatitis bla bla bla..”. I couldn’t hear his voice anymore as I became overwhelmed by my thoughts.
I have diabetes, high cholesterol and now hepatitis? A, B, C, D or E? Doesn’t matter – I googled them all. But I don’t fit the symptoms.
(Rewind 2 days earlier)
I keep waking up in the wee hours of the morning, to wee and it went on for over a week. I must be aging. So, as most normal people would do, I shared it on twitter in an attempt of denial.
“You might have diabetes and not know it, better do a blood test.” I tried to brush it off but panicked as time ticked by. I googled diabetes. “Oh no!” I think I might suffer from it as I ticked yes in most of the symptoms.
“It can’t be. I come from a family of heart attack and high blood pressure sufferers, and there was only one person who had diabetes,” my brain attempting to make me see logic.
(Fast forward)
I arrived at the clinic.
“Your cholesterol level is bad on all counts”, the doctor said as he briefed my results in his clinic. “You have zero immunity for hepatitis A & B and should jabs immediately”. Without hesitating, I said yes as the doctor jabbed my right arm and left arm – one jab each.
“I thought I heard you said I have hepatitis”, I laughed a big relief. I got worked up for nothing.
My cholesterol results however, painted a different picture:
Total Cholesterol: 5.5 mmol/L (normal < 5.2)
Triglyceride: 1.81 mmol/L (normal < 1.68)
HDL Cholesterol: 0.92 mmol/L (normal > 1.03)
LDL Cholesterol: 3.75 mmol/L (normal < 2.58)
Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio: 6.0
“Doc, my dad died 2 months shy of his 37th birthday, and my dad’s side has a family history of heart attack”. He said, “Good thing you told me, with your readings, you must start medication immediately.”
So there I was, poorer by RM210 (blood test and consultation) and RM184 (2 jabs and heart pills) at the dispensary.
“Come and see me at the end of the month”.
“OK doc.” 25 April. Counting down.
Alamak. I suddenly feel like going for a check-up myself.
Yes, better safe than sorry
Take care Dan. You should be doing this type of check up every year (I’ve been doing it for years.. especially when old age is catching up :p). You can at least know what’s your problem and try to fix it at early stage.
I’ve never had high cholesterol until 1 year when there’s a sudden change of diet (due to limited food to eat at the cafeteria and all the food there were really oily). I’ve stopped eating that and brought my own food to work. The following year, the readings were back to normal again.
What also help is, I’ve been having oats everyday for breakfast (sometimes for other meals of the day – somehow.. i love oats :p), had wholemeal bread, cereals, etc.. and having supplement like fish oil tablets (or anything rich in Omega) will really help. While you have to be on medication, it’s also wise to have a change of diet too.
Yes, I have most of it in place already. I’m only guessing that my cholesterol level was higher before. Will re-check.
Just had blood test too. My total cholesterol is 6.3 (high), LDL cholesterol is 3.8, HDL is 2.13, Triglyceride is 0.9, ratio is 3.0.
According to my mom and also confirmed by many docs (we asked), once you’re on cholesterol medication, you’re on it for life. Coz if you stop taking, the cholesterol will shot up again.
My mom had high risk cholesterol too but she declined the medication. Instead she chooses healthier food to eat.
I just checked, no such thing as once on meds you’re on for life. Each people respond to it differently. When you get off meds, you need to make more adjustments to your lifestyle, that’s all.
I will consume meds for a couple of months, then go off it once I’m in a healthier shape.
Hey Dan, its been awhile since we last catch up
I know you’ll be doing everything that you can to stay healthy and just wanted you to know that I’m doing the same too.
Let’s work hard together
Yes, I am trying to reignite the passion that made me lose 6kg. Still trying!
Gosh I hope it’s nothing serious. I’ve been controlling what I eat these days. I have a series of muscle pain from overworking my body
But I’m fine now. Anyways, take care.
If I don’t watch what I eat and also exercise, it will be. Food is only 20%, mostly it’s hereditary. And yes, don’t push yourself too hard, ensure a day breather in between workouts.