This time a year ago I was on 3 different medicines for BP. Over the year we had reduced it down to 1 (40 mg pill). My BP Tuesday was 101/64. I am now reduced to 20mg and we are watching to see if I even need that! My HDL and LDL are within 2-3 points of the goal.
Just had blood work a couple of weeks ago. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL are improved. However, BP is still a bit high, HDL is low (36), and fasting glucose is a bit high (103).
I will be honest that I am discouraged. My "improved" numbers were not terrible to begin with, and I am really discouraged about the fasting glucose. Like kaplods, my real motivation was to be healthier and any weight loss is a nice by-product. I've really cleaned up my eating, but see I need to make more adjustments. I walk a lot, but guess I need to move more, too.
Retesting at the end of September, so I'll see what happens with my next round of adjustments.
Unfortunately... I haven't lost any weight... (stupid plateau!!) BUT... seeing as how BETTER HEALTH has been a long-time goal for me, I do feel "successful" in that I have lowered my cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. This has been since March.
Had my BP checked again the other day, three weeks later, and my diet modifications and increased exercise seem to be working. Am now looking forward to having blood work done again in September as I expect improvements everywhere else.
kaplods wrote: I started with HEALTHMINDER Personal Wellness Journal (a.k.a MemoryMinder Personal Health Journal) Health Diary and Symptoms Log
After reading your post and checking this journal, I ordered one on Monday. I received it today, and it's what I've been looking for for years!
Long story short, my weight has doubled following a circus of health problems over the past 16 years (with my pregnancy, then with thyroid cancer, and now inflammatory breast cancer). I have a lot of time to focus on my weight control journey right now as I'm on extended leave, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the posts on this site. It's particularly encouraging to read about all the positive changes to BP, etc. that you are reporting following your focus on healthier foods and exercise. You're showing me the light at the end of the tunnel!
I feel it is the way of eating and exercise that I'm doing to get the weight loss rather than the actual loss itself ...
I agree, as my BP went up without a significant weight gain and it is now on its way down without any significant loss. The only change is a bit more exercise and a much better diet. I am at 110/70 now, whereas my upper number was about 140-150 (don't remember the lower number).
Edited to add: I checked my records and this is the lowest my BP has been in four years. What you eat really does matter.
