jppe

I guess that is a good thing??

Recently did the annual physical thing and asked for a more detailed blood panel that included thyroid functions. I moaned and groaned about how heavy I was and how hard it was to lose weight and wondered if my thyroid was functioning properly. She looked at the charts and said "Well, you ARE 10 pounds lighter than last year this time........". Oh well, so much for that complaint. But I am about 10 pounds heavier than I'd like and need to be.

Anyway she sent me a long list of the blood test results and her basic overall conclusion was "I'm normal". So overall that's really not so bad.

There were some items either just outside the high or low range which of course I went to the web to see what they meant. Some seem related to the prednisone I was taking. The LDL is the really frustrating item. While it's normal it's not Optimum. Seems like if you rode a bike like I do and eat decently it would be much better but I can just thank my Mom and Dad for that one. However it is only okay with the meds I've been taking for a long time-along with overall Cholesterol and HDL/LDL rations, triglycerides, etc.

Another item that was high was probably related to the auto immune issue I've battled with viruses that can cause my joints to swell uncontrollably. Fortunately that only happens every 30 years.....

I've also asked for the carotid ultrasound just to get a baseline on the baseline on any plaque build up in the arteries. I had a Heart Cath a number of years ago and it was completely clear. We'll schedule the ultrasound early next year on the new med plan.

The blood pressure and heart rate DO show the effects of riding for hours at a time. And of course I was a little dehydrated when they tried to take my blood so it took 2-3 sticks to break through the vein wall.....normal for me.

I can't imagine if I'd still be normal if I didn't do all the exercise from cycling.........

DnvrFox

[h=2]The Doctor Says I'm Normal[/h]

I shall resist . . .

(but, any way, that's good)

overthehillmedi

Jppe, congratulations on the results.Keep up the good work.

Denver, I'm resisting too, but I think somebody should define normal, it varies according to who is defining it.

stapfam

100 milers up mountains and you are normal???

I'd stay with that doc if I was you.

David Bierbaum

keeping. snark. in... gut. hurting. from. suppressed. laughter...

freedomrider1

Anyone who rides a bike is ...normal?

Rowan

Oddly, 20 years ago, when the doctor said you were normal, you likely would have accepted the statement at face value and got on with living.

GeorgeBMac

I too shall refrain from commenting on the 'being normal part'... It's just too easy...

And Congratulations on passing your tests... As you say, without the biking the results may not have been as good.

And I think it is a good idea to get the carotid artery ultrasound. That can warn of any real problems (things like cholesterol on show a tendency to clog your arteries -- the scan will tell you if they are (or hopefully not!).

But I would also caution you to view the results with some skepticism. The accuracy of that test is known to be highly dependent on the skill of the operator... When I had it done a couple years ago a supervisor was there while the technician did my right side. The supervisor ripped the probe out of her hand saying "You need more gain on that" and proceeded to do the right side herself. She adjusted the machine and also pressed MUCH harder. And, the results of the two sides were in fact different. Fortunately, neither one was particularly bad, but the supervisor did get different results.

But, it's good to have the test. It is increasingly becoming a standard.

Looigi

Obese with insulin resistance and high cholesterol IS the new normal.

Bikey Mikey

Is that really necessary?

gcottay

About ten pounds heavier than you need and want to be seems pretty thin and fit compared with the emerging US normal which would likely demand something like a five or ten pound gain between checkups. Your cycling and careful eating sure seem to be making a difference.

Leukybear 

It was just a general statement.
Unfortunately in these days, the national atmosphere of convenience has created a general sedentary lifestyle in a great number of the population which has caused the bar to be lowered.

David Bierbaum

I switched from using electric can openers to the manual kind... and all the cans nowadays have these pull-tab tops! We're conveniencing ourselves to death, I tell you! *shakes cane, while my long unkempt beard quivers in rage*

Rowan

Except when you haven't got a can opener handy. Then for some reason the can is of the traditional design with no way to get into it.

Now where's that screwdriver...