Tuesday, March 22, 2011

All Clear on the Cholesterol Front

The cholesterol situation is NOT a crisis, according to my family doctor.

I was puzzled when she said that because my rheumatologist had referred me to her with the request that she send me to a specialist for my cholesterol since the Actemra (tocilizumab) infusions would likely increase my borderline levels.

But to quell my concerns, my family doctor showed my the handy-dandy chart she used to come to her quick conclusion.

Entitled the "10-Year Coronary Disease Risk Assessment," it took into account things like my age, bloodwork results, smoking, diabetic and blood pressure statuses, and added up all the corresponding points, charted a percentage and spat out (OK, not literally, but sounds fun!) a figure that clearly indicated I'm in the low-risk category.

Whew! Ben & Jerry's, here I come! (Just kidding! Or at least somewhat kidding.) My doctor says we'll check my cholesterol again in six months just in case and go from there.

Okey-dokey. I am good with that.

4 comments:

  1. It's nice to get some good news once in a while! Enjoy that ice cream :)

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  2. What a conundrum this cholesterol thing is eh? I have always had slightly high levels when I flare. When I find a reprieve, they lower a bit. I figure it this way, fiber one bars and oatmeal. I don't eat fried-EVER and I am careful about other foods. I'm not a salt person unless a medium well steak is in front of me which is maybe once a year. I don't partake of truly fatty foods. Yet, my numbers remain up. Genetics. That is the number contributor, in my case, for my numbers not coming down.

    I indulge once in a while in a parlor party and bring my hagendaz strawberry to it. What more can I do that I am not doing short of going on drugs. Yeah, that's a concept!! Like we are not on enough already eh?
    Hugs to you.
    Tammy

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  3. Great! Hoping this good news is a start of trend of good things headed your way.

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  4. WarmSocks and Carla: I am loving getting some good news for once – it is a good, good feeling!

    Tammy, that sucks! I hope your RA is well-controlled at least so your cholesterol levels don't go up because of that. Here's hoping you do well!

    :) L

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