young & scared of health problems

sliceof_life
sliceof_life Posts: 13
in Motivation and Support
Ugh. I just got some results of blood work I had done 3 weeks ago, and I'm not happy at all. In fact, I'm scared. I just got a piece of paper mailed to me and no explanations of anything.

My triglycerides (186 mg/dl), cholestorol (251 mg/dl), & ldl cholesterol (158 mg/dl) are high. I know I'm over weight and don't eat as great as I should, but I didn't think anything would be marked as high :(

I can't help but think "omg I'm going to have a heart attack, stroke, etc. and die tomorrow" I'm truly freaking out and just looking for support.

I don't really know if my high numbers are terrible or just a little high. I've done some research and saw that I need to lower my sugar intake, saturated fat intake, & alcohol consumption, maybe start taking fish oil pills. And obviously exercise more.

Anyone in or ever been in this boat? Advice, words or wisdom, anything? Thank you for listening. It's just scary to see negative things about my health when I'm in my 20s.

Replies

  • ThatMouse
    ThatMouse Posts: 229 Member
    I didn't have high cholesterol, but I did have fatty liver and my family on both sides is strongly pre-disposed to diabetes.

    I'm 23 and learned about the fatty liver at... I think 21? It didn't mean much to me then, but reading up on it later and seeing images of what a non-alcoholic fatty liver looked like versus a healthy liver was definitely scary. When my grandma was hospitalized, I realized that if I didn't change something, I might be in a worse off position than her when I was older.

    I did my research and started to diet and exercise and soon enough got rid of fatty liver (halved my numbers in that regard - I can't remember what it's called, but it went from 66 to 33). Now, I'm on my way to the smack middle of the healthy BMI range for my height and excited to make sure I put diabetes farther away from me.

    I'm also a bit concerned regarding giving birth, as my mother's side of the family have a history of troublesome childbirths. I'm hoping getting fit and strong now will help offset any problems encountered later on.

    You're still young - hell, we both are - do you research, make sure you are methodical in your planning and do this for YOU. Let yourself be scared! Use that to motivate you and tell yourself that never again will you let yourself be in this position.
  • sliceof_life
    sliceof_life Posts: 13
    Thank you for responding. I appreciate it :) I'm just goi bf to use this fear and work hard to get healthier. I already workout 5 times a week. I just need to get my eating habits under control.
  • Wakeup2014
    Wakeup2014 Posts: 22 Member
    My blood work is okay but I found out recently that I have a fatty liver. I'm going after it full force and have lost over 20lb. I have really bad medical anxiety so I totally understand you! Hang in there and keep moving in the right direction. You are good for staying on top of your health before it becomes a problem! Good luck!!
  • nucgirl13
    nucgirl13 Posts: 56 Member
    I can totally relate to what your going through! Two years ago I had a blood test done at work for my promotion and found out my total cholesterol was nearly 350! Although my cholesterol ratio was good, my bad cholesterol was over 200 and I was 28 at the time and about 30 lbs overweight. I started watching what I was eating, especially with saturated fats and fast foods, ate a lot of fish, fiber and green vegetables and started working out. Lost 25 lbs and by the next year my total cholesterol was down 100 points and my bad cholesterol was down by 80. I'm actually excited to see what they are this year!

    Just remember this is something you DO have control of.
  • sliceof_life
    sliceof_life Posts: 13
    Thank you for the support everyone. I found this all out on Friday morning and I think I did well so far. I typically let myself drink & eat a little poorly on weekends but not this time. I really tried to make good choices & even exercised a bit both days. It's going to take time I'm sure but hopefully I can get this under control. Again, thank you all :)
  • cwoyto123
    cwoyto123 Posts: 308
    Probably genetic, I eat 400+ grams of sugar a day and my blood work is great.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Call your doctor and schedule a follow up appointment to discuss next steps with them. Please don't get medical advice from a bunch of strangers on the internet. We don't know your family history, any meds you might be on, etc etc.

    I have a good friend that's got super high cholesterol and even statins didn't help a whole lot. My Dad is almost the same way but meds control his levels well. And I'm at a slightly lower level where my total cholesterol is high but my ratios and all other test results are good so my doc doesn't feel meds are necessary. Point is, we're all different. What works for one may not work for another. Only your doc can tell you what's right for you.
  • sliceof_life
    sliceof_life Posts: 13
    Probably genetic, I eat 400+ grams of sugar a day and my blood work is great.

    Maybe. But I've had blood work in the past with perfectly fine cholesterol. I was active then & about 30 pounds lighter though. I definitely think my lifestyle is affecting my blood work. I can't exercise 5 days a week & eat like total crap and still expect to be healthy lol
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    It is never too early to start. You can change your numbers. I was on a bunch of meds and about to be put on more when I made up my mind that was not going to be my life. My medication now is real food and limiting take out and restaurant food and exercising at least 3 hours a week. My numbers are much better and am only taking my hypothyroid meds now.
  • Vune
    Vune Posts: 674 Member
    My cholesterol rocketed at 18 due to a new lifestyle, including a new boyfriend and ice cream dates. My FNP sent me to a dietician who limited me to no more than three of those days a week. I haven't had high cholesterol since. It can help to pinpoint your own eating patterns and adjust slightly from there.
  • BeckyD1105
    BeckyD1105 Posts: 444 Member
    You should really talk to your doctor about the results. They can guide you as to what you need to be doing. As somebody else posted we don't know anything about your family history or your meds.

    On a side note, I am really surprised that your doctor just sent that to you without any notes. My doctor always makes comments on my test results on what I'm doing okay with and what needs to be improved and if she wants me to do anything specifically such as increase my fish oil pills.

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