Finally - something tangible to do

Although yesterday was busy, it was very productive.  First, at 8:00 a.m. I met with Dr. Patel and reviewed the Health Diagnostic Laboratory Report for which reported cardiovascular risks.  Very interesting and a little concerning all at the same time.  Just a few surprises.

Overall my cholesterol is not bad but the makeup of my cholesterol is what I need to work on.  I have more small granuale particles like sand and fewer large particles.  So I will take nonflush Niacin to try and improve that ratio.  If the OTC Niacin does not make much difference she will give me a prescription strength.  Then it reveals I am Vitamin D deficient which is strange because I feel like I am out in the sun at least every day so now I will take 2000 mg daily and strive to get 15 minutes a day of sun.  I also am low on Omega-3 so now I have fish oil (ugg) 1-2 grams a day.  Plus she wants me to take calcium regularly which I should have been but didn't.  So, I went to Sams Club and bought Centrum Silver for women over 50, calcium with Vitamin D, Fish Oil, and Niacin (nonflush) to keep my face from turning bright red.  I must say 3 of the 4 pills look like horse pills and the thought of swallowing these every day is not a happy one.  I also am a little overweight and she would like to have me lose 15 pounds in the next three months and I have an appointment to return for follow  up labs to check my levels again.  So, this should be the motivation I need to get back to what I know to do.  Losing weight, eating more healthy, becoming moderately active every day will help in so many ways. 

As if that was not enough information to absorb, I went to my physical therapy evaluation in Mishawaka.  It was very interesting and not a much of a surprise either.  Many of the stretches and abs strengthening exercises she gave me were yoga poses and/or I have done on my balance ball.  She did give me some specific things to do, how often to do them, and what to watch for and how to increase intensity.  I will go back in two weeks and she will re-evaluate.  She said I have tightness over an underlying weakness so I need to work on improving my ab and lower back strength in balance while working on strengthening and opening up the diaphram and abs and my quads are very tight - not so much my hip flexors.  I will get the blue room cleaned up and set up my yoga spot and put all this to work.

I feel like I am finally on a better road to recovery and appreciate all my doctors and medical providers.  I also appreciate my insurance - I have my deductible already met and have been approved for up to 90 PT sessions in a calendar year.  Hopefully, that is more than I will ever need for anything.

Off to do my "bird dog" stretch!