blood workup

[rhiannonwins]

I went last week for a full workup and found out today that my cholesterol is high for the first time ever. I have been on Atkins since 8/1. I don't know exactly what my number IS since they didn't CALL me...they just sent me a card that said that my labs were NOT normal. I had to call them and beg them to tell me what was wrong so I didn't have to wait over the weekend. They said to make an appt. ugh! So I go in on Tuesday to discuss but they would tell me that my cholesterol was high. I said, "Like SCARY high, or just over 200"...they said over 200. ok...so I'm seeking advice but know you can't really tell me too much until I see the doctor.

He's not pro Atkins at all but knows I've made lots of great progress. I think he will probably advice me to cut back on red meat and the usual "culprits"...

I am a tough stick...they always have to do blood work in my hands and it took them 3 tries with a butterfly needle (and I wasn't even bleeding well then) to get a stick this time. I had only had a about 32 ounces of water that morning. My question: Could this have given me a bad result?

I'm not kidding myself...I know it's conceivable that I may have high blood pressure.

Are there better sources of fat I should be eating? I eat a fair amount of butter and mayonnaise, and I eat lots of eggs. Should I switch over to egg whites?

Any help for this worrying mind would be appreciated!

I'm making such good progress and I don't want to mess anything up. And I was having a problem getting enough calories the past few weeks so I've been ADDING fat just to help in that so this just adds a new level of complication to that. But I don't want to start on a slippery slope with my health.

thanks!

[Barb1965]

I'd heard it is not uncommon for your cholesterol to rise temporarily in the early stages of Atkins as your body adjusts to its new fuel source.

I know for me, mine was dropping well after about 6 six months on this woe, and when I quit, next visit was Lipitor for me. So right now my goal is trying to get off of the Lipitor by staying on this woe for life.

[sallyseachange]

Did you ever get details of your cholesterol? Your total can be high and it can mean very little. What you need to go by are the LDL and HDL numbers individually, and the ratio between them... which gives your risk ratio.

If you read some of the threads in this forum, you'll get a good picture.

If you want to add a so called "good" fat, add uncooked EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). Delish on veggies.

Keep us posted.

[rhiannonwins]

I did, Sally - I got my results and posted them but forgot to come back here...

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...tor-makes.html (What a difference a good doctor makes!)

It was a very good visit...so encouraging! Total was high but my HDL was good...LDL a bit high but overall, they just want me back for a 2 month check and I'm starting fish oil capsules, continuing the garlic I was already taking and I've switched to mostly olive oil rather than butter but she said I was doing SO well that she didn't want me making any other changes for now. The rest is in the other forum post. SO encouraging to me!!

[sallyseachange]

Great news! Tks for the link!

[Peytonn]

I'm in a similar situation.. (triglycerides I think)

my total was 216.. doc put me on meds... on tricor.. it went up to 248...

put me on lopid.. made me sick

she read the riot act about meat and all that.. so I left this plan... started eating fruit and veggies and all that good stuff... my weight jumped so high from the 130's to 188!!

now... I'm back down to 155.. and finally willing to admit AGAIN that this is about the only plan that really works for me!

my last blood work .. she told me my total was 203.. and I did remember to ask the hdl... and it was 45.. not good.. but good grief... being 188 isn't exactly healthy either!

I've recently had a couple of surgeries for melanoma that has put my running/walking on hold.. (it is a long vertical incision on my calf.. in an extremely stressful place).. and now I have glaucoma testing coming up...

I just get so frustrated...

I'm happy you found a medical person that understands and approves!

I've got to start asking more questions... ask for a copy of the numbers...

I was walking/jogging at least 20 miles a week (until I've had to have melanoma surgery)