Big Thick Envelope

On Tuesday I broke down and went to the Dr. for my lab work that was to be done a year ago, for the cholesterol profile. The last three times it was done, the numbers were too high, I’d get a phamplet in the mail about how to lower your cholesterol, along with the bad news. I was then to watch my diet and go back in three months and have the test done again. I'm ashamed to say, all three times I did not go back, then when I’d be in for something else, the doctor would make me take it again. The numbers would be high again. I saw the doctor the middle of February, complaining that I was very tired all the time. He did all the tests except this one, because this one you must fast for. He then made an appointment for a month later, to check on a med I am taking, and to have the test for cholesterol done then. It was for the week my husband was in the hospital, so of course I cancelled it without re-scheduling another appointment.

I am starting now to think more about my health, especially after the Feb. tests that showed no medical reason for me to be so “tired”. So, I’ve been trying since then, to exercise more and eat healthier. And of course, the number one thing I must do to get healthier is the big one “lose weight”. Everything is blamed on being overweight. So, with thinking about my health, I went in on Tuesday for this test, hoping that it would be alright, or at least better than last time. Yesterday in the mail I received a very thick envelope from the doctor’s office. Uh oh… as soon as I saw how thick it was, I knew it was bad news. Yep, there was the familiar red phamplet telling all about how to handle my cholesterol! And the first line in the letter from my doctor was “Your cholesterol profile is too high (specifically the LDL). He went on to say that he encourages me to consider a referral to a nutritionist to discuss dietary measures to lower cholesterol. Well, doctor, my problem isn’t knowing what dietary measures I should be taking, the problem is taking them. I’ve been given another wake up call, reminding me that I must take care of myself. Ok, doctor, I’m serious now, I am going to take this serious! I really don't want to get a heart attack or heart disease. I really must start listening and taking care!