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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: WillyWump on October 31, 2011, 07:18:17 pm

Title: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on October 31, 2011, 07:18:17 pm
My 'throw caution to the wind' diet has finally caught up with me. My Cholesterol is high for the first time ever in my life. I'm wondering if the meds have caused this, specifically the Epzicom.

Tri- 189
Chol- 230

Nothing drastic yet, but Doc is starting me on Fish Oil 2x/daily.

Regarding the chest pain and dizziness while jogging, She is sending me for an EKg, and then most likely will follow up with a stress test. In the meantime she says I can continue to exercise, but no jogging, only walking.

In other news, I am Ud with a CD4 of 812.

Guess I will go eat some celery. ::)

-Will

Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: denb45 on October 31, 2011, 07:30:44 pm

Great Numbers Will, I'm Jealous , now lay off the Fast Food, and that's an ORDER  ;D
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: phildinftlaudy on October 31, 2011, 07:43:42 pm
Great CD4s and VL numbers Will -

Suggestion that won't cramp your love of fast food too too much -

lay off the fried foods - get the burgers but no fries and throw in at least 2 or 3 salad dishes a week -

Also, don't add salt to anything.

I did just those few things above and cut my triglycerides from over 300 to 153 (just a few points above the high point of normal)

It may have also helped that doc put me on Lopid twice a day - but to be honest - I usually only take it 3 days a week, one time a day...

Let us know how the EKG and stress test go.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Miss Philicia on October 31, 2011, 09:36:12 pm
I'm wondering if the meds have caused this

That's right girl -- crappy diet and now you want to blame your meds.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Growler on October 31, 2011, 11:27:02 pm
I have one word to say, Bulimia.
You can have your chilli fries and eat them too!

100 million teenage girls can't all be wrong! (Ok, with the glaring exceptions of Justin Beiber and Twillight and ....oh shit, forget I spoke)

Growler
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: spacebarsux on November 01, 2011, 03:20:16 am
Congrats on the CD4 and VL though Will.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: wolfter on November 01, 2011, 04:36:59 am
Also, don't add salt to anything.



This is going to depend on your diet.  I absolutely hate the taste of salt and have never added it to anything.  My sodium levels have always been low and really bottomed out after switching to my new diet last year.  It was suggested to me to add salt to my vegetarian diet by my doctor.  It's important to review your electrolytes when switching diets.  Most people receive more than is adequate and therefore need to reduce the intake but there is the flip side.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: wolfter on November 01, 2011, 04:38:50 am
Great numbers Will.  Tofu and spinach should become your friends. ;) 

Wolife
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Buckmark on November 01, 2011, 09:33:05 am
Will,

It's time to cut up your Sonic card.  I'll send you a gift card for Sprouts markets instead.   ;)

Seriously, your lipid numbers should be easily improved with some changes in diet and exercise.  I don't know if Epzicom would influence your lipids.  But I did know that Philly would chide you for bringing that up.  Fortunately, your CD4 and viral load are excellent. 

I hope your EKG and stress test go well -- don't put them off!!

Cheers,

Henry
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: pozniceguy on November 01, 2011, 09:53:35 am
will  you have  seen some  great advice  here and from the Dr....TAKE IT TO HEART...... fat and salt  will definately have to go..... otherwise great numbers  ...you  granddaughter wants you to be around to spoil her


Nick
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: skeebo1969 on November 01, 2011, 10:30:33 am


  C'mon Willaye, time to tighten up that diet.

 
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 01, 2011, 11:15:10 am
This is going to depend on your diet.  I absolutely hate the taste of salt and have never added it to anything. 


I've never been much of a salt man, I dont add any table salt to my meals. Of course clearly I have been getting more than enough in my Big Macs and other such delicasies.

Will,

It's time to cut up your Sonic card.  I'll send you a gift card for Sprouts markets instead.   ;)

Henry

WTH?! Let's not go crazy.

I drowned my sorrows in a big plate of Pancakes last night (used the last of my Vermont Maple Syrup), but will get some fish oil today and start thinking about making some changes.

  I don't know if Epzicom would influence your lipids.  But I did know that Philly would chide you for bringing that up. 

Henry

I do this just to rattle her cage.

-Will
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: bocker3 on November 01, 2011, 05:50:47 pm
......and start thinking about making some changes.

Listen Granny -- you either make changes or you don't -- what is this "thinking about" shit??

You know -- you need not go whole hog (pardon the pun) -- you can make one change at a time.  Like the suggestion already made -- skip fries with your Big Mac.  Then work your way to skipping the Big Mac.  Then cut up the Sonic card.

I know you won't do it for you -- so start the journey for your granddaughter.  Someone needs to show her the proper way to flirt with the young boys.........   

Seriously though -- your results aren't awful, but you should start changing your diet now, before things get even worse.  Remember, you aren't 29 anymore.

Hugs,
M
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Joe K on November 01, 2011, 07:02:45 pm
Will,

I won't chide you to change your ways, because if you don't, your body will not last.  It really is that simple, unless you plan to die before 50, now is a good time to change your evil ways.  If you won't do it for you, do it for your friends and family.

Joe
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: buginme2 on November 01, 2011, 08:22:49 pm
Will,

I won't chide you to change your ways, because if you don't, your body will not last.  It really is that simple, unless you plan to die before 50, now is a good time to change your evil ways.  If you won't do it for you, do it for your friends and family.

Joe

Thats a bit dramatic.  His Cholesterol is a little high and you peeps are arranginging who best can sing Ave Maria.  He lives in Texas for Petes sake.  Land of the big!! Not to mention Whataburger.

Will, hint on the fish pills.  Store them in the freezer and take them at bedtime.  It lessens the fish burp.  Oh an but enteric coated.  They sell enteric coated at Costco. 
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 01, 2011, 08:34:12 pm
Living in Texas is no excuse for gluttony.

Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers and the melons, and the leeks and the onions and the garlic
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Joe K on November 01, 2011, 08:50:12 pm
Thats a bit dramatic.  His Cholesterol is a little high and you peeps are arranginging who best can sing Ave Maria.  He lives in Texas for Petes sake.  Land of the big!! Not to mention Whataburger.

Will, hint on the fish pills.  Store them in the freezer and take them at bedtime.  It lessens the fish burp.  Oh an but enteric coated.  They sell enteric coated at Costco. 

Maybe it was a little dramatic, but he needs to be planning long term.  There is a good chance he has another 50+ years and if he changes some things now, his body will thank him later in life.  Nobody expects him to become a Vegan, but I also assume he doesn't want to have major health issues as he ages.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 01, 2011, 09:23:27 pm
All very good advice, and I WILL be making diet changes starting immediately.  ;) I also got my first bottle of Fish Oil today.


-Will (who is quite impressed by P's Bible quotes)
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 01, 2011, 09:24:24 pm
::wonders what Wumpy had for dinner tonight::
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 01, 2011, 09:37:30 pm
::wonders what Wumpy had for dinner tonight::

sigh.

OK! I'll start tomorrow.

, Spaghetti with Homemade sauce. then I had homemade Apple Crumble for Dessert. Also made Rapsberry Jello with a can of fruit cocktail in it. Washed down with several glasses of Dr.Pepper 10(of which I am not buying any more after this 2 liter is done)



Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 01, 2011, 09:41:04 pm
Jello with a can of fruit cocktail in it.


(http://i44.tinypic.com/143kxg3.jpg)
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: tednlou2 on November 01, 2011, 11:54:20 pm
Good luck with the changes to your diet.  I've got to make some changes, too.  I've tried to only eat at home through the week and eat out on the weekends.  I eat too much Chinese food.  Who knew it wasn't so good for you, even with the veggies?  But, as you said, your numbers aren't that bad. 

My friend and I were just talking about this---how we are at the age where we need to start making changes.  My cholesterol is in the normal range, but my triglycerides were 250.  I need to cut out fried foods and sugar.  And, my liver ultrasound showed a slight amount of fat developing.  So, that is a little worrisome.  It is time for me to stop using my elliptical as a place for clothes.  That is the biggest problem--not exercising like I use to.     
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: aztecan on November 02, 2011, 03:00:02 am
Hey Will.

As the reining que ... er, king of cholesterol battles, let me just say that making gradual changes is more likely to succeed than trying to change 30 years of bad eating habits overnight.

Here is an example of a yummy yet nutritious dinner I made yesterday:

Grilled tofu served with gluten free, reduced sodium, teriyaki sauce, served with steamed beet greens drizzled with balsamic vinegar, brown rice and a seaweed salad, served with my own homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and honteri sauce.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: bocker3 on November 02, 2011, 07:46:32 am
Grilled tofu served with gluten free, reduced sodium, teriyaki sauce, served with steamed beet greens drizzled with balsamic vinegar, brown rice and a seaweed salad, served with my own homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and honteri sauce.

Ummm, Mark -- why are you trying to scare Will all the way to Sonic??   ;D

I love me some vegetables, but beet greens and seaweed salad???  Not too sure about those dear.

Hugs,
M
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 02, 2011, 11:26:18 am
Here is an example of a yummy yet nutritious dinner I made yesterday:

Grilled tofu served with gluten free, reduced sodium, teriyaki sauce, served with steamed beet greens drizzled with balsamic vinegar, brown rice and a seaweed salad, served with my own homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and honteri sauce.


Tofu. Beet Greens. Seaweed Salad.  uhh, no. Isn't this the Welcome dinner they give you when you arrive in Hell?

This morning I nixed my normal 2 breakfast tacos and had Quaker Oats.  ;D

-W
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: buginme2 on November 02, 2011, 11:37:11 am


This morning I nixed my normal 2 breakfast tacos and had Quaker Oats.  ;D

-W

Baby steps!  A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: GSOgymrat on November 02, 2011, 12:33:06 pm
I'm right there with you, Will. It is a struggle to eat healthy all the time.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: J.R.E. on November 02, 2011, 08:05:25 pm
Will,

Believe me, ... Anything you can do, to get this under control through diet and exercise, is the way to go.  Nobody wants to have to take another pill if they can avoid it. And changing diet is never easy. One step at a time. my suggestion is to get  a journal started, of two weeks, ( or longer) of everything you eat and drink, and present it to your doctor or better yet a nutritionist, and go from there.


Good luck---Ray
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: skeebo1969 on November 02, 2011, 08:30:10 pm
Tofu. Beet Greens. Seaweed Salad.  uhh, no. Isn't this the Welcome dinner they give you when you arrive in Hell?

This morning I nixed my normal 2 breakfast tacos and had Quaker Oats.  ;D

-W

Good job Willy!
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Growler on November 03, 2011, 01:27:40 am
WTF is a Breakfast TACO ???

BTW I defend any Man's right to eat tinned fruit in jelly.....In Australia it's tradition!!

In fact, on the occasion of our her Majesty the Queen's wedding in 1947 Australia sent 500 cases of tinned pineapple as a wedding gift!

GROWLER (who always stands to attention when the Queen enters the room)
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Buckmark on November 03, 2011, 09:14:35 am
WTF is a Breakfast TACO ???

Breakfast taco = tortilla + eggs + bacon or ham or sausage or potato + salsa

Breakfast taco = delicious

Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 03, 2011, 09:25:33 am
WTF is a Breakfast TACO ???

fake gringo food not actually encountered in the principal parts of Mexico... think of a fajita
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: wolfter on November 03, 2011, 10:05:33 am
Mark's meal sounds delicious except for the seaweed salad.  You can substitute a fresh spinach salad spritzed with heated vinegar.  Delicious! 

Tofu really is versatile and can be substituted in many meals.  I've reduced my carb intake but on occassion make a tofu spinach lasagna which tastes like the real fat laden version.

Wolfie
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 03, 2011, 08:28:57 pm
fake gringo food not actually encountered in the principal parts of Mexico... think of a fajita
\

oh great, there goes the uppity-yank splitting hairs again  ::)

Wolfie and Mark, I really cant do Tofu- I like it cubed in my hot and sour soup but thats about it.

I jazzed up my Oatmeal this morning with Splenda brown sugar blend and some cinnamon. Yum.

-Will
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: phildinftlaudy on November 03, 2011, 09:56:13 pm
Don't forget --- no white bread.... go whole wheat!!!

Also, take the skin off the chicken!!!  And if you must do KFC - go grilled, not fried!

Oh, and Corona ---- lots of it  ;D
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 03, 2011, 10:47:14 pm
fyi Wumpmaster Flex -- the McRib is back ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_t8phybHHY
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 04, 2011, 10:35:09 am
fyi Wumpmaster Flex -- the McRib is back ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_t8phybHHY

HOLY SHIT! Im going to start eating lots of butter :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByfO4tIzcSs&feature=related


btw, I am starting to get the disgusting fishy belches. Its not cool at all. I am going to try freezing the capsules as previously suggested.

Also, has anyone tried the MeEga-Red Krill Oil? its supposed to not give you the burps.

-W
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 04, 2011, 10:46:32 am

btw, I am starting to get the disgusting fishy belches. Its not cool at all. I am going to try freezing the capsules as previously suggested.


I think it did that to me at first and then went away after a while.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Jeff G on November 04, 2011, 10:49:59 am
Good luck with you lipids Willy . You didn't say if its the prescription fish oil you are taking but I have found that the prescription Lovasa didn't give me the fish burps . It also was covered under my insurance so it was the better deal . I cant take Lovasa any more because of some side effects but most people have no problem with it . Lovasa cut my high lipid numbers by half , wish I could take it again .    
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 04, 2011, 10:58:45 am
Good luck with you lipids Willy . You didn't say if its the prescription fish oil you are taking but I have found that the prescription Lovasa didn't give me the fish burps . It also was covered under my insurance so it was the better deal . I cant take Lovasa any more because of some side effects but most people have no problem with it . Lovasa cut my high lipid numbers by half , wish I could take it again .    

No, it's just an otc bottle from Walgreens, Natures Bounty Brand.

-W
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: denb45 on November 04, 2011, 11:02:41 am
My GI-Doctor took me off of the 1,000 x 6 a day fish oil caps, and said that it wasn't a good fit for you, as you already have GI-disease, my ID-doctor also agreed w/ him  ???
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: buginme2 on November 04, 2011, 11:37:09 am
Will,

Fish burp suggestions for ya.  Buy the "enteric coated" brand at Costco.  The shell of the pill is thicker so it takes longer to disolve.  Its only a few extra dollars and well worth it.  Also try freezing them.

Krill oil is supposed to be less fishy however, ive heard some issue about their environmental friendliness.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on November 04, 2011, 06:32:34 pm
Will,

Ditto the others....try the enteric coated fish oil.  I use Natures Bounty also, but buy the pharmaceutical grade triple strength version.  You use less of it...two a day is a full dose.  The coating prevents most of the fish burp which you will most likely adjust to anyway.  Your trigs numbers are nowhere near high enough to be prescribed Lovaza (my doctor won't let me have it either.)  You will adjust to the fish oil...it does work along with diet and exercise.  There are medication options (Lopid or TriCor) if these methods don't work.  There has been lots of discussions on this forum about this phenomenon (excessive lipids.)  No doubt our American diet contributes to this (and so much salt is hidden in processed food) but I am convinced our HIV+ status is an additional contributor.  Take it a day at a time...there's plenty of reasons to believe these steps will lower your lipid levels.

Gary
Title: Re: Lab Results & Chili-Cheese Fries and Ice Cream have come home to Roost
Post by: WillyWump on November 04, 2011, 08:57:56 pm
Will,

Ditto the others....try the enteric coated fish oil.  I use Natures Bounty also, but buy the pharmaceutical grade triple strength version.  You use less of it...two a day is a full dose.  The coating prevents most of the fish burp which you will most likely adjust to anyway.  Your trigs numbers are nowhere near high enough to be prescribed Lovaza (my doctor won't let me have it either.)  You will adjust to the fish oil...it does work along with diet and exercise.  There are medication options (Lopid or TriCor) if these methods don't work.  There has been lots of discussions on this forum about this phenomenon (excessive lipids.)  No doubt our American diet contributes to this (and so much salt is hidden in processed food) but I am convinced our HIV+ status is an additional contributor.  Take it a day at a time...there's plenty of reasons to believe these steps will lower your lipid levels.

Gary

Thanks Gary. Also, I still think it is some component of my meds or the HIV itself as you suggest (queue the rolling eyes of MissP). I've never had a prob with my lipids, matter of fact several years ago I had a doctor remark that he couldnt beleive how low my chol was considering how I ate.

But "it is what it is".

-Will