The Beauty Around Us

Last year I had two doctor appointments, one on June 1st and the other on September 2nd. The June 1st appointment was held to discuss the results of two blood screenings, one done at the end of April 2009 and the second one done at the end of May 2009. In April my glucose reading was 147. In May my glucose reading had jumped to 157. Whenever a patient has glucose readings above 140 two times in a row, the doctor can classify the patient as diabetic. I was given a choice in June, to lose weight or to take medicine (and lose weight) to reduce my sugar readings. I opted to not take any medicine. I chose to lose weight.

During the September 2nd appointment, I learned that my glucose reading was at a good range, in the 120s. My A1C blood test was within a normal range too. The doctor was happy, as was I, that I has lost 11 pounds since June 1st. The doctor expressed concern, though, about my cholesterol readings. My good cholesterol level had decreased since late April 2009, whereas my bad cholesterol level had increased.

During today’s visit the doctor discussed my most recent blood screening, which was obtained this past Thursday. My glucose reading is at a good range, in the 120s. My A1C blood test is within a normal range too. The doctor was quite pleased to find that my good cholesterol level had increased by several points and that my bad cholesterol level had decreased. The only bad finding at today’s doctor’s visit was that I had put back on 6 of the 11 pounds that I had lost since the last visit. I need to put more effort into losing weight.

In addition to going over my most recent blood screening, I had my annual gynecological exam as well. As I was leaving the doctor’s office, I made my next doctor’s appointment — for one year from today. Much better than the 3-6 month appointment schedule that I have been on!

I recently underwent a mammography examination. Today I received a letter from the hospital radiology department. The results of my mammography examination are normal. I wasn’t expecting results other than normal. When I received this letter, however, I breathed a sigh of relief.

My baseline mammogram screening was performed in 1999. I was 43 years old at the time, 3 years past when it is suggested that a baseline scan be performed. It is recommended that a mammogram screening be performed each year after the age of 40. My second mammogram screening was performed today. I offer no excuse for my lack of regular mammograms. From this day on, though, I will make a yearly mammogram screening a priority in my life. Shucks, a yearly mammogram might just be the ticket to my having a long life.

My mammogram was scheduled for 8:30 this morning at our local hospital. I arrived at the hospital at 8:00 AM and registered in the Outpatient Department. From there I walked around the corner and into the Screening Center. Prior to the mammogram I had an ultrasonic heel scan performed, at no charge. The heel scan is a screening test that assesses fracture risk. The heel scan took less than 5 minutes. I placed my right foot on top of a small machine and two little sensors on either side of my heel pressed against my heel and read the bone density. I didn’t feel the pressure against my heel; I felt no pain at all. The results of my heel scan indicate that I have normal bones; therefore, my fracture risk must be low.

After the heel scan I was asked to undress from the waist up and put on a blouse-like gown, opened to the front. Then I headed into the next room and saw the boob squishing machine.

The radiologist placed markers on each nipple, and the screening began. Both front and side images of each breast were taken (two pictures of each breast). Overall, it was pretty easy. I experienced some discomfort from my breasts being compressed and stretched; however, it didn’t hurt. It wasn’t bad at all. I got dressed, remembering to remove the nipple markers (OUCH!). I was on my way back home by 8:50 AM. Now I just have to wait for the results.

I had a follow-up doctor’s appointment today. I last saw the doctor on June 1st. The June 1st appointment was held to discuss the results of two blood screenings, one done at the end of April and the second one done at the end of May. In April my glucose reading was 147. In May my glucose reading had jumped to 157. Whenever a patient has glucose readings above 140 two times in a row, the doctor can classify the patient as diabetic. I was given a choice in June, to lose weight or to take medicine (and lose weight) to reduce my sugar readings. I opted to not take any medicine. I chose to lose weight.

During today’s visit the doctor discussed my most recent blood screening, which was obtained this past Friday. My glucose reading is now at a good range, in the 120s. My A1C blood test was within a normal range too. The doctor was happy, as was I, that I lost 11 pounds since June 1st. My medical report is not all rosy though. The doctor is concerned about my cholesterol readings. My good cholesterol level decreased since late April; my bad cholesterol level increased. This change was not expected, as I have cut back on food that would cause cholesterol levels to increase. According to the doctor it is possible that my high cholesterol could be caused by family heredity, rather than caused entirely by what I eat. My cholesterol readings are not at a point where medication is needed, YET. The doctor will monitor my cholesterol readings. She wrote up another blood work order for February next year. In the meantime I want to continue to watch what I eat and loose additional weight. Wish me luck!