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DittoDan's Blood Work Results 6-18-2015
DittoDan
Posts: 1,850 Member
If you remember last time I posted the blood work numbers, they had improved, but my lipids were still off. That was three months ago and when I was 20 lbs heavier. So, this morning I went to my family doc and reviewed the numbers. My doc was so happy, he was happy about the numbers and that I had lost more weight. He kept saying I am looking good. Even the P.A. (nice looking) lady couldn't believe how I looked. Of course all this made my day. My doc shook my hand and congratulated me in parting.
So, below are the numbers. Please note that there are three numbers on three different dates. The %'s are calculated from the pre-keto date to now (not from the middle date).
I only take Metformin & magnesium citrate. That's a far cry from what I used to take:
How I got Off of Diabetic Prescriptions Drugs Since I Started Keto
The lipids are slowly falling in range. I suspect the numbers will improve as I lose the final 35 lbs.
You'll have to interpret the Lipids, as I am no expert.
For those that are new and don't know me, I've lost 90 lbs since Aug 31st, 2014 on a Keto diet and I water fast regularly. Here's the numbers: (red is no good, green is good.) (I accidently copied the calcium result twice)
I hope this helps,
Dan the Man from Michigan
It's Ketogenic or Bariatric! How I Found the Ketogenic Diet
Blog #10 Keto: Abbreviations, Acronyms & Terminology Used on the LCD & Keto Discussion Groups
Blog #13 DittoDan's Milestone's, First's And Good Changes Since Starting the Ketogenic Diet
DittoDan's Keto Blogs
Blog #11 Really Good Keto Websites
Low Carb Discussion Group on MFP (LCD)
Ketogenic Diet Discussion Group on MFP
So, below are the numbers. Please note that there are three numbers on three different dates. The %'s are calculated from the pre-keto date to now (not from the middle date).
I only take Metformin & magnesium citrate. That's a far cry from what I used to take:
How I got Off of Diabetic Prescriptions Drugs Since I Started Keto
The lipids are slowly falling in range. I suspect the numbers will improve as I lose the final 35 lbs.
You'll have to interpret the Lipids, as I am no expert.
For those that are new and don't know me, I've lost 90 lbs since Aug 31st, 2014 on a Keto diet and I water fast regularly. Here's the numbers: (red is no good, green is good.) (I accidently copied the calcium result twice)
I hope this helps,
Dan the Man from Michigan
It's Ketogenic or Bariatric! How I Found the Ketogenic Diet
Blog #10 Keto: Abbreviations, Acronyms & Terminology Used on the LCD & Keto Discussion Groups
Blog #13 DittoDan's Milestone's, First's And Good Changes Since Starting the Ketogenic Diet
DittoDan's Keto Blogs
Blog #11 Really Good Keto Websites
Low Carb Discussion Group on MFP (LCD)
Ketogenic Diet Discussion Group on MFP
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Replies
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Amazing amazing results! Hard work. Good job!0
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You're inspiring Dan! I was just learning more about intermittent fasting, as you practice. Sounds like there's a LOT more benefit than just the loss of caloies - it really helps to reduce insulin resistance, which in turn helps reduce obesity. I think I'm going to give it a try. This guy Dr Jason Fung is very interesting: https://intensivedietarymanagement.com/caloric-reduction-vs-fasting-part-9/
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Looking good, two things. I would supplement with vit D, and take in more salt. I am not sure why HDL didn't gi up.
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My HDL has been super stubborn too. The drop in Trigs and the continued awesomeness of the A1C makes me really happy to see, congrats!
As much as I've worked to get off meds and figure out what I don't need to take, Vitamin D is one thing I continue to take without questioning it or worrying about it, seems like a lesser deal than many of the other things, to me at least.0 -
Great job! You really have taken control of your health! I bet your doctor wishes he had more patients like you!0
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Amazing results! You're an inspiration Dan!
::flowerforyou::0 -
Good for you, Dan! kcko!0
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Really well done!0
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Those are some great results, congratulations!0
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Good job!0
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Sunny_Bunny_ wrote: »Great job! You really have taken control of your health! I bet your doctor wishes he had more patients like you!
Thank you Sunny,
Yeah, but both my family doc and endo want me to come every 3 months. The day my sugars fall below 6 (they're at 6.3/6.5 now) ~ I'm going to tell them ~ I'm done with the the 3 month visit thing. (loss of income for docs)
It costs me $30 to show them how well I am doing. 4X a year, that's $120 (not to mention what it costs my insurance company ~ I think a routine visit is $170ish and all that blood testing, IDK how much that is).
I'd rather go eat steak and prime rib.... with the money I'll save in co-pays....
Dan the Man from Michigan0 -
ihatetodietalways wrote: »Looking good, two things. I would supplement with vit D, and take in more salt. I am not sure why HDL didn't gi up.
Thank you... My doc said the same thing (on vit D).
On the Vitamin D, I used to take a prescription D, but I think I read the Rx is D3 (not sure). I think I read bad thigs about it and I should take D2, which is over the counter. Since I am low calcium (not sure why, the week before I ate cups and cups of bone broth and I eat sugar free jello...both have good calcium) so maybe I can buy a multi calcium D2 vitamin, any recommendations?
Thank you...
Dan the Man from Michigan
P.S. I eat so much salt (I lick it every day all day long because I love it so much):
Lets Talk Salt
~ that something else is wrong with my body or the test is wrong. I suspect the latter.
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Yay You!
Nice to see hard work and dedication pay off like that
Congrats and well done!0 -
Excellent, Dan the Man! Your commitment and perseverance are reaping great results!0
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Looking great Dan! And no surgery!!!!0
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Dan, I think it's the Vitamin D3 that is the good one. I take a liquid vitamin D3 in the winter only. It's suspended in oil and has a graduated dropper. I take 5,000 I.U daily in the winter. In the summer I am soaking up the rays.....0
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Kitnthecat wrote: »Dan, I think it's the Vitamin D3 that is the good one. I take a liquid vitamin D3 in the winter only. It's suspended in oil and has a graduated dropper. I take 5,000 I.U daily in the winter. In the summer I am soaking up the rays.....
Yes, D3 is the OTC. I take 5000 I.U. daily. I was taking more, but I started getting headaches and found out it can do that. Also, I strongly recommend the drops in oil There is one the brand I use carries I will be getting next time that has K2 in it, which helps with D3 and calcium absorption (into the bones, etc.), which is also found in grassfed butter - I think it is @GaleHawkins has more info on why this works...ihatetodietalways wrote: »Looking good, two things. I would supplement with vit D, and take in more salt. I am not sure why HDL didn't gi up.
Thank you... My doc said the same thing (on vit D).
On the Vitamin D, I used to take a prescription D, but I think I read the Rx is D3 (not sure). I think I read bad thigs about it and I should take D2, which is over the counter. Since I am low calcium (not sure why, the week before I ate cups and cups of bone broth and I eat sugar free jello...both have good calcium) so maybe I can buy a multi calcium D2 vitamin, any recommendations?
Thank you...
Dan the Man from Michigan
P.S. I eat so much salt (I lick it every day all day long because I love it so much):
Lets Talk Salt
~ that something else is wrong with my body or the test is wrong. I suspect the latter.
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Great job!0
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Sunny_Bunny_ wrote: »Great job! You really have taken control of your health! I bet your doctor wishes he had more patients like you!
Thank you Sunny,
Yeah, but both my family doc and endo want me to come every 3 months. The day my sugars fall below 6 (they're at 6.3/6.5 now) ~ I'm going to tell them ~ I'm done with the the 3 month visit thing. (loss of income for docs)
It costs me $30 to show them how well I am doing. 4X a year, that's $120 (not to mention what it costs my insurance company ~ I think a routine visit is $170ish and all that blood testing, IDK how much that is).
I'd rather go eat steak and prime rib.... with the money I'll save in co-pays....
Dan the Man from Michigan
"Rather eat steak and prime rib with that money"
I like the way you think!0 -
Well the fact is you took control and aside from getting your numbers checked, the doctors have no more influence on how well you're doing, right? No meds, you are autonomous as far as your diet goes.. But as long as you keep going back they probably pat themselves on the back about how *they* turned your life around. Anyway, great work, to you!0
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Question about coming off the meds. How did you convince your doctor that it was your diet that brought things down so that he would take you off them? I am certain that as my numbers improve my doc will probably credit the meds and not the diet, and therefore insist I keep on taking them! I don't think I can quit them cold turkey - might be dangerous. I have already had one doc say 'why would you want to stop taking them if they are working?' SIGH. If the meds were working I would have had better numbers BEFORE I changed my diet!
Anyway, congrats on your numbers, and it is Vitamin D3 that is best to take to increase serum levels. I take 10000 IU a day, and up it to 15000 IU when I am fighting a cold in the winter (haven't needed to do that since going LCHF, tho).0 -
You are amazing. Your determination is inspiring.0
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greenautumn17 wrote: »Question about coming off the meds. How did you convince your doctor that it was your diet that brought things down so that he would take you off them?
First , every med I took myself off of, was after hours and hours of reading for years. I understand how they work and know what they do to your body. Google is my friend.
Secondly, I ALWAYS tell my doc's what I am doing and they all agreed with me. They love the fact that I know what I am talking about. Most patients trust everything their docs say. I am a skeptic and I have my own built in second opinion because I have done the research.
If you blindly trust your doctor, I want you to watch this video, and tell me what you think:
First Do No Harm, A video that shows how the Ketogenic diet cures epilepsy. Meryl Streep
Diabetic doctors know that lo-carb diet will cause their glucose level to lower. Its a medical fact that if you don't eat the carbs, you HAVE to eliminate your diabetics meds or you will go low on your sugars levels, you could die, especially if you're on insulin.
Doctor's also know that if you lose weight, your blood pressure will go down.
Doctor's may not know how bad Statins are (just google it). They may help carb eaters, but once you stop eating the carbs, Statins are a waste of money.
Diabetic doctor's use an approach that if the patient improves (even if the patient doesn't follow the doc's advice), they'll back off. Everything I have done with my diabetic med's are sensible and work, don't eat carbs, watch your sugar levels = don't need meds. Diabetic meds do not cure the cause, they cure the effect of eating too many carbs. So if you go to the root cause of elevated blood glucose levels (eating carbs) your body doesn't need the diabetic meds ~ don't eat the carbs.I am certain that as my numbers improve my doc will probably credit the meds and not the diet, and therefore insist I keep on taking them! I don't think I can quit them cold turkey - might be dangerous. I have already had one doc say 'why would you want to stop taking them if they are working?' SIGH. If the meds were working I would have had better numbers BEFORE I changed my diet!
Well I can't tell you what to do. But it depends on the med you're taking. What are the exact meds you are taking? Are you a diabetic?Anyway, congrats on your numbers, and it is Vitamin D3 that is best to take to increase serum levels. I take 10000 IU a day, and up it to 15000 IU when I am fighting a cold in the winter (haven't needed to do that since going LCHF, tho).
I just ordered some, I don't think they are that high. That sounds pretty high. I am a "minimalist" when it comes to medicines. In other words, I don't take mega-doses. I also only take meds I show a deficiency in. I am going off the Metformin this week and I will check my blood glucose levels. If they bump up 25 or more points, I'll keep using it. But, if it makes no difference, it's history....
I hope this helps,
Dan the Man from Michigan
How I got Off of Diabetic Prescriptions Drugs Since I Started Keto
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The toxic levels of D3 are over 40,000 IU a day, but lower levels such as what I take could become a problem for folks under 200 pounds. However, I still have a ways to go before I am under 200! Anyway, I am feeling no ill effects at this level (I also drink no fortified milk so I am not getting any D from there) Apparently I have never had my serum D levels tested, I just read that MOST people are D deficient. I suppose to be safe, I will see if I can have it checked and lower my dosage. My pills are 5000 IU (liquigels - so they cannot be cut) and I take 2 a day, so I basically would be dropping by half if I cut one out.
Anyway, looking over my past blood work, I realize my cholesterol that I have been told is TOO HIGH, never went over 239! Too me, that is not too high. If I remember correctly, that was acceptable before the PTB decided 200 was the new upper limit!
As for my meds, I am on metformin 1000mg, 2x a day and Lisinopril 5mg 1x a day. I have lost a little over 25 pounds since April and I saw my doc in May, where we made no changes to my meds. I see him again in August, by which time I hope to have lost over 10 pounds more. My morning BG readings are hovering around 120-125 most days, but during the day I know they drop below 100 (at least on my meter) so I hope to see an A1C of less than 5.6 (it was 5.7 in May).
Sorry this is so long.
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greenautumn17 wrote: »Anyway, looking over my past blood work, I realize my cholesterol that I have been told is TOO HIGH, never went over 239! Too me, that is not too high. If I remember correctly, that was acceptable before the PTB decided 200 was the new upper limit!
I was hesitant to tell my mother when mine was over 200. I just told her it was high, and she told me not to worry unless it hits 300! Apparently most people in our family have high cholesterol, but nobody ever dies from cardiac issues. I maintain that everybody's cholesterol is high because we've all been eating crap we don't do well with and the cholesterol is trying to fix that, but that's just my theory...
(Anyway, guess who's now on statins? MOM. And complaining about all the side effects of them, but won't believe the statins are causing them because she's taking a very low dose. Grrrrr.)0 -
greenautumn17 wrote: »The toxic levels of D3 are over 40,000 IU a day, but lower levels such as what I take could become a problem for folks under 200 pounds. However, I still have a ways to go before I am under 200! Anyway, I am feeling no ill effects at this level (I also drink no fortified milk so I am not getting any D from there) Apparently I have never had my serum D levels tested, I just read that MOST people are D deficient. I suppose to be safe, I will see if I can have it checked and lower my dosage. My pills are 5000 IU (liquigels - so they cannot be cut) and I take 2 a day, so I basically would be dropping by half if I cut one out.
Anyway, looking over my past blood work, I realize my cholesterol that I have been told is TOO HIGH, never went over 239! Too me, that is not too high. If I remember correctly, that was acceptable before the PTB decided 200 was the new upper limit!
As for my meds, I am on metformin 1000mg, 2x a day and Lisinopril 5mg 1x a day. I have lost a little over 25 pounds since April and I saw my doc in May, where we made no changes to my meds. I see him again in August, by which time I hope to have lost over 10 pounds more. My morning BG readings are hovering around 120-125 most days, but during the day I know they drop below 100 (at least on my meter) so I hope to see an A1C of less than 5.6 (it was 5.7 in May).
Sorry this is so long.
Lisinopril: I used to take that stuff, but dropped it. Please note about Blood Pressure (BP). My best friend is a Physician Assistant. Talking to him AND Google, its a well known fact that a person should sit still for (5) minutes prior to the test. Every doctor I have had (many) ~ do not follow this basic procedure. They cuff you the minute you walk into the room. Did you notice that I didn't include my BP in the results? I did this purposefully because, as usual, the PA at BOTH my doc's office (family & endo) did not let me sit still for 5 minutes. I'm not going to scold them. I have a BP meter, and I used to check ALL the time. If I set still and was relaxed watching TV, my numbers would be in the normal range. If I walked to the kitchen and back, they would go to the "borderline" high or on the low side of the High range. So, at my last doc visits, as usual, they cuffed me the second I sat down. Then the PA says I am a "little high", I say, "yeah I know, if you were to take the reading after I set still for 5 minutes it would be in the normal range." They then agree...but they don't want to delay the doc visit, they want to make money shuffling through as many patients they can each day.
Metformin. I take 800 2X @ day. Metformin helps your cells become less insulin resistant. Glipizide (another very popular diabetic med I was taking) causes your pancreas to excrete more insuline. Insulin is the hormone in your body that lowers your glucose level and causes your body to store excess glucose as fat. Since the purpose of my diet was to lose weight, I didn't want more insulin, I wanted less. So to take meds that increase insulin what counterproductive. So that was a "no brainer" to stop taking ~ along with the two other insulin's I was taking in large amounts daily.
As you further lose weight, everything will improve. I hope that happens for you...keep us posted....
I hope this helps,
Dan the Man from Michigan
It's Ketogenic or Bariatric Surgery! How I Found the Ketogenic Diet
Blog #10 Keto: Abbreviations, Acronyms & Terminology Used on the LCD & Keto Discussion Groups
Blog #13 DittoDan's Milestone's, First's And Good Changes Since Starting the Ketogenic Diet
DittoDan's Keto Blogs
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greenautumn17 wrote: »Anyway, looking over my past blood work, I realize my cholesterol that I have been told is TOO HIGH, never went over 239! Too me, that is not too high. If I remember correctly, that was acceptable before the PTB decided 200 was the new upper limit!
I was hesitant to tell my mother when mine was over 200. I just told her it was high, and she told me not to worry unless it hits 300! Apparently most people in our family have high cholesterol, but nobody ever dies from cardiac issues. I maintain that everybody's cholesterol is high because we've all been eating crap we don't do well with and the cholesterol is trying to fix that, but that's just my theory...
(Anyway, guess who's now on statins? MOM. And complaining about all the side effects of them, but won't believe the statins are causing them because she's taking a very low dose. Grrrrr.)
One BIG reason I stopped taking Statins, was that one of the side effects was memory loss. Being 58 years old, I was experiencing this to a large degree, so much so, that I actually looked up online "Alzheimer" tests. It was ridiculous. I was losing my mind. Since on Keto and off statins, my memory is improving to a noticeable level. But please note, that it isn't like I was when I was 20 years old. I still struggle ~ as do all over-50-years-old do.
For a frightening list of the side effects of statins, look at this website:
Mayo Clinic ~ Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks
I hope this helps,
Dan the Man from Michigan
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This discussion has been closed.