Bood work - need your opinion

I finally got my 3 month blood work back today, sort of - its a barely legible thing from my family doctor instead of the the actual NUMBERS like asked for, so I am going to call them tomorrow, but anyway here's what he said (and I don't think this is all he tested for...) Calcium normal PTH normal B6 and B1 normal - he doesn't say B12 value?  Sugar 91 (normal) Total cholesterol 232 - high, should be below 200 (and went up since surgery) Triglycerides 109 - normal, should be below 150 (and went down a lot since surgery - 35pts) HDL (good cholesterol) 72 (should be above 40) my value is good LDL (bad cholesterol) 138 (should be below 130, and is up since surgery - was 126) Iron saturation low - I am supposed to start iron He didn't give me the results of any of the other tests, like Hb1Ac or prealbumin... grr.. but he did send a prescription for Zocor - a cholesterol drug. I feel like the mild cholesterol elevation doesn't warrant a prescription, especially since my HDL number is really good and makes up a large portion of my total.   He wants me to take the prescription and retest in 6 weeks.  I don't think I am going to fill the Zocor, which is what I wanted your opinion on.. would you take it if you were in my place? 

hi dunny, I think I would ask my surgeon, I can see where your coming from though I wouldnt want to take it either. I would guess that you pcp is not as aware of the changes that your body is going through as your surgeon my pcp pretty much admits to that fact. Maybe you could just call them to ask.      I wish I was 3 months out lol  E 

Hi Jenn, I agree on getting copies of the actual lab results. I always keep copies of mine. Believe it or not, I even have a spreadsheet to compare quicker for variations. Labs do mess up, right??? I have a web site I go to that explains what the tests are for, too. I agree that checking with your surgeon is important. He knows what your nutritional changes are doing to your blood chemistry, and what to be concerned about. He can also have you speak to the nutritionist about ways to change things that your PCP may not know or even want to consider. There is a new product in the dairy section with the yogurts that is supposed to help with cholesterol, e.g. Have a great time with your tv. I'm so jealous!! -Julie

I was supposed to meet with the surgeon yesterday, but it got moved to the 30th.  I'm sure we'll just talk about blood work there.  I honestly am not too surprised that my cholesterol went up.  I mostly eat meat and dairy (and a lot more cheese than I ever used to).  I just finally started salads and whole grains are pretty limited.  You'd think though, with the significantly less food the numbers would go down anyway.  I was glad to hear that my iron was low though, because I've been really tired and had a lot less energy than I did even a month ago.  I worked from home almost all of the last two weeks, and I was physically pretty lazy - working out left me tired instead of feeling energized like it did for a while.  I've also been bruising a lot.  Its good to know I'm not just a lazy person and that I may feel better after my iron levels come back up and I'm not anemic anymore. 

Jenn, I would wait and talk to my surgeon as well. If it was something else like the iron I think you are right in starting, or like my Potassium, I started that right away too without my surgeon knowing until after the fact. But I don't think I would take the cholesterol meds. The liver is working hard enough with all the weight we are losing so rapidly. I would really check with my surgeon first. I will see if I can attach my spread sheet for my bloodwork to a pm to you.

Nope doesn't work. PM me your email address if you would like the spread sheet.

Two things.  First, I'd talk to your surgeon before deciding about whether to start a cholesterol medication.  Try not to be resistant to taking the medication if your surgeon is in favor of it.  Keep in mind that the goal is to keep your cholesterol in a healthy range.  Although your numbers may eventually come down on their own, using medication to keep them down in the interim is a great idea and in the best interest of your health.   Second, regarding the iron, keep in mind that iron can cause constipation.  This was the most difficult supplement for me to deal with, since the high-protein diet also causes constipation.  I eventually resolved my problems by taking my iron with 3 stool softeners gelcaps (I think it's ducosate sodium - I just buy the generic brand from Target).  Anyway, just wanted to give you a heads up that you may need to be proactive about managing this particular issue.  Although perhaps you'll be lucky and won't have the same problem!   I look forward to reading an update after your appointment with the surgeon on the 30th!   Kellie

Oh my goodness, I knew iron caused constipation and I was already taking fiber to help with constipation but it still happened.  I had to take some milk of magnesia today and I think I am traumatized from the whole experience!    That and my rear is so sore, I don't want to sit down!  I'll have to look in to those stool softeners because I CANNOT keep doing what I did today.  I'll cause permanent injuries or something.