The results are in

[aztecan]

And they suck.

Well, most of them, anyway.

AST 66 (which I am told is high)

ALT 127 (again, high I'm told)

CPKs 936 (since this is supposed to be in the 200s or so, I guess that is high as well) The good news is the inflammation indicated by this test apparently doesn't involve my heart. That part of the test was clear, which made me happy.

Triglycerides 213 - actually, this is better. It is down by 86 points. Let's hear it for Tricor.

Overall cholesterol - 295 (OK, this is with me taking 80mgs of Lescol and 6,000 mgs of fish oil.)

LDL cholesterol - 207 (This really sucks big time. This is the number they want to be in the 80-100 range.

HDL - 45 (The only number that was normal, aside from a blood glucose level of 95).

The CD4/viral load isn't back yet. They are the least of my worries.

I didn't even have an appointment. Nonetheless, I left the doctor's office with a bag full of samples of Crestor.

Yep, we're trying new meds again.

The doctor wants me to exercise more often. I have been lax about that during the holidays and being snowed in.

I guess its back to the drawing board.

Tofu, anyone?

HUGS,

Mark

[BT65]

Ugh, Mark.  At least that CPK test didn't involve your heart, thank heavens. 

Did you ever start that Meditteranean diet?

[RapidRod]

Mark remember the old grade school saying, "If at first you don't succeed, fuck it."    Keep working at it I'm sure you will get everything where it needs to be. I'm not going to ask what kind of exercise they want you to do. How about the Castro bar, hell you can get alot of exercise looking around in there. I would go there again with you to exercise. 

Rodney

[komnaes]

More exercises old man! 

Do take care Mark. Hugs, Shaun

[Ann]

Mark, did your doctor offer any possible reasons why your liver enzymes are elevated? While your AST isn't too  bad, your ALT is quite high. Have you been screened for HCV? I hope you can get to the bottom of this.

Hugs,
Ann

[aztecan]

Hey all, thanks for the replies.

Hey Rod,

You have a date! Now, all we have to do is get to San Francisco.

Betty, yes I did start the Mediterranean diet, then the holidays crept up on me and hit me with lots of fatty, yummy food.   

While I am returning to it now. I just abhor waste. So I am trying to finish off the last of the butter-drenched, ultra fattening goodies. It is a difficult task, but someone has to do it and I live alone, so its me.

I also was very lax about exercising. I have returned to regular gym visits this week and I sure feel it! OUCH!

But, no pain no gain.

Hey Ann,  yes, I have been screened for HCV. Gratefully, I am negative.

The doctor and I discussed these lab results and it is one of the reasons I am switching statins.

I mentioned my NASH diagnosis in the past (non-alcoholic steato hepatitis). The elevated liver enzymes are a symptom, or a result, of that.

Basically, I have liver damage caused by years of being on meds that is being aggravated by both my being on a statin and the ever-encroaching visceral fat as a result of lipohypertrophy.

This is one of the reasons I have been so insistent on changing my eating habits, etc. I am hopeful I can reduce these effects and, while I may not be able to get rid of the NASH complications, I may be able to control or lessen them.

By the way, while the enzymes are high, there is no sign of serious inflammation of my liver or impending cirrhosis. I have been taking milk thistle for quite a while and it may be that has staved off more serious liver damage, although I have no proof of that, so it may be wishful thinking.

On that note though, I am adding a few more supplements to the mix. One is Alpha Lipoic Acid, an antioxidant that purportedly could help with metabolic functioning, and L-Carnitine, which helps to break down fat in cells and produce energy.

Yes, I cleared them with my doctor. He checked for interactions, found none and said, "It couldn't hurt."

So, there you have it.  Our Alan once described living with HIV as building a house of cards. Well, I think I just added another floor to my house! 

HUGS,

Mark

[AndyArrow]

And I bet you thought you'd never live in a mansion!

Good luck with sticking to your new diet & exercise regimen. 

I've started hitting the Y since they have reduced rates based on your income but so far I'm just eating more. 

AA

(edited because I hit the enter button by mistake)  Opps!

[Ann]

Ah, yes, Mark, now that you mention it, I do remember you discussing NASH in the past. I'm glad you know what's causing the enzyme elevation and that it's nothing to be too alarmed about. Whew!

Hugs,
Ann

[AlanBama]

Worrisome numbers, honey.   I think the visceral fat is a big issue for a lot of us.  I hope you can improve this situation, and I hope you are able to exercise more.   I wish I could, I simply do not have the time or the motivation.  It takes everything I've got to make it through my little work day.

Forget house of cards, you have a SKYSCRAPER.

You're always in my prayers, you know.....

hugs,

Alan

[aztecan]

Hey Alan, I guess that means I get to live in the penthouse! 

Thanks for the prayers hon. You can never have too many of those.

The rest of the labs are in. The CD4 is still OK at 959. The viral load is undetectable.

Now, to get the rest of the numbers in line!

HUGS,

Mark