I wanted to write a short post today, to update you on my recent visit to my endocrinologist. I visited Dr. Folb on July 13th, and I got a call Wednesday with my lab results. All in all, my results were good – better than they have been in a long time.
I was especially worried that they would not be as good, since the pandemic has slowed down our workout options. We did, however, invest in a treadmill, so I’ve been using that to get some cardio in. I also have some dumb bells, a kettle bell, and a bosu ball that I can use to help with my workouts.
First of all, my A1c was steady at a 5.6 – what a relief. I was really happy about that. My lab results were not perfect, but the definitely were not worse than last time.
My cholesterol was 203, triglycerides 282, HDL 35, and LDL 56. Those numbers are not perfect, but for me, they’re the best that I’ve had in several years, so this is a celebration for me! Yay!!
I started taking some over the counter fish oils and a multi-vitamin in April, both at the recommendation of Dr. Folb. We discussed me taking Vascepa, but it is so cost prohibitive, that she suggested I find a good OTC fish oil which I did.
If you’re interested in these, you can find the fish oil by clicking this image:
And the multi vitamins I got at Whole Foods Market. Unfortunately, Amazon does not carry that vitamin yet. Hopefully soon.
I’m also supposed to pick up and start taking some Vitamin D – as my level was low. Dr. Folb told me to take 2000 units a day.
So all in all, I am very pleased with the results of my labs. I can breathe a sigh of relief for now. But there’s still work to be done!
I wanted to get this blog posted, and let you know that I’m working on a food post soon!
We currently have our home on the market, and are looking for another one, so much of my time has been totally consumed with that! Fingers crossed for that to all go smoothly!
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. I love to get comments and hear what you have to say, so feel free to leave me a comment below. I hope that you’ll subscribe – top right corner of the page if on a desktop, and bottom of the post if using a mobile device.
In the meantime, live well, and be well!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
After my appointment withDr. Folb on April 13th, I got a call the next day about my lab results. She told me that she would mail a copy of the full results, so that I could look at them.
The good thing, she told me, was that the copy she would be mailing me would have not only the current results, but the previous results, so that we can begin to see where my body is going.
When I have bloodwork, Dr. Folb has told me there's no need to fast. She wants to see where I am on a normal day – and most people don't fast all the time, so she wants to see what my levels are when I am myself.
Last week I got the much anticipated letter in the mail with my lab results. I was nervous and excited to open them. So here are my results:
Tested
Result 1/17/20
Result 4/13/20
Range
Glucose
99
97
60-100 mg/dL
Hgb A1C
6.2
5.6
5.4 (Dr. Folb’s goal for me)
Blood Sugar
126
107
105 fasting 140 after meal (Dr. Folb’s goal for me)
There were many other test results, but these are the areas where we focused our conversation when I went for my visit on April 13th.
On the bottom of the results, Dr. Folb wrote me a note that said:
“Jan here are some copies of labs. Great job… See you in July. L Folb”
That was so exciting to receive. First of all, I had NEVER had a doctor to write me a personal note like that for my lab work. Not even a nurse.
But to have my doctor call me a couple of days after the appointment and tell me my labs, then mail me a copy with a personal note acknowledging my hard work – it really did validate that I am working hard, and I’m all in when it comes to healing my body.
This all started with a visit to an internal medicine doctor on November 13, 2019, when my A1C results were 8.1 – and 5 months later, I am 5.6.
So even though some of my results might not be perfect or in a “normal” range, Dr. Folb was very encouraging. Most importantly – my Type 2 Diabetes is now under control with diet and exercise!
I will be a Type 2 Diabetic for the rest of my life – but now I have to continue to watch my diet, and to exercise. Both of which are key factors in not relapsing back into out of control diabetes.
I told Dr. Folb that I was concerned about the HDL not being where it should be. She told me that hopefully as I continue to exercise and eat clean, that hopefully that could return to normal levels – I’m close… just not there yet.
She said that it could also be just genetic and I may not be able to ever get it back to that “normal” range. But overall, my total cholesterol levels are much better than they have been in the past.
I am very ready for this COVID19 stuff to end. I’m ready for the gym to open back up so that we can get back to our workout routine. It’s time to get back to normal – but at the same time, I am a little nervous.
I do know that a healthy body is more able to fight off illness than an unhealthy one – so I’m looking forward to going back to the gym soon!
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. I hope that you’ll subscribe – top right corner of the page if on a desktop, and bottom of the post if using a mobile device.
In the meantime, continue with your social distancing, live well, and be well!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
Yesterday I had a follow up visit with my awesome endocrinologist, and my super supportive amazing husband accompanied me to my appointment.
I had some anxiety about the appointment, because of all that has been going on with the COVID19virus scare. We are still under “Stay at Home” and “Social Distancing” orders in Houston, Texas.
We’re only supposed to get out for essential needs like groceries and supplies, doctor visits, and exercise (while still maintaining six feet of social distancing). I have been very concerned about coming into contact with anyone who could be infected with COVID19 – whether they were aware or not. I know that as a Type 2 Diabetic, that I am at risk.
The drive from our home in the suburbs, to the doctor’s office near the Texas Medical Center, was very pleasant. We left our house at 9am, and the traffic on the freeway was extremely light – it felt like a Sunday morning. We made it to the office in about 30 minutes.
The drive was pleasant, and as we exited the freeway, we drove past NRG Stadium where the Houston Texans play football. The signs that usually direct event traffic were directing potential COVID19 patients to one of the virus testing site and temporary field hospital that has been erected outside of one of the event buildings.
We love going to the HLSR and hearing the concerts. It was a favorite time of the year, when we lived in the Medical Center area. The Trail Ride even passed our house one year on their way to the rodeo event area at the stadium. That was so exciting and unique to watch.
And of course, my husband and I both grew up with Go Texan Day. Dressing up like a cowboy or cowgirl are cherished childhood memories of every native Houstonian, and is also enjoyed by the adults! (Everyone loves a “jean day” at work!)
I love the area of Houston where my doctor’s office is located. I lived not far from the office both as a child, and as an adult, so it’s very familiar and brings back all the good feels.
The drive in town was very peaceful, with all the old trees that created a green canopy of new spring leaves over the street.
Prior to my appointment, the doctor’s office called to confirm my appointment, and told me that patients would have temperatures checked before being allowed to take the elevators to their doctor’s offices.
I was also told that each patient was allowed only one support person to accompany them to an appointment and to wear a mask to the appointment. (Not that it made any difference for me, because I only have my husband who would go with me – we are empty nesters.)
We had already been wearing masks for a couple of weeks when going out, so it was a relief to know that everyone at the doctor’s office would be complying with the federal and local recommendations to wear masks in public.
Sure enough, when we arrived at the appointment, as soon as we walked in the door, there was a table set up with a person to take our temperatures.
We were asked if we had any fever, cough, or breathing problems. Once we were temped and were able to answer no to the questions, then we were given a nifty yellow wrist band, and allowed to go up the elevator to the doctor's office.
To protect well patients who have appointments, a satellite clinic has been set up on one of the upper floors, with separate parking and entrance areas, so that there is no contact between potential COVID19 patients and well patients.
They also made it clear that patients must call ahead to screen for the satellite clinic – no walk-ins allowed.
The appointment with my endocrinologist was so great and encouraging. It’s so very important that you like your doctor and are able to build a positive rapport together. Dr. Leah Folb is, beyond measure, the BEST doctor that I have ever had in my life. She is positive and kind, while at the same time being very honest.
She started off by asking how I had been feeling. We talked about my weight (I’ve lost 27 lbs in the past five months). She asked what I was doing to help lose the weight. I told her that we have been being much more cognizant of what we are eating – no sugar, very low carb, high protein. I told her my biggest struggle in the beginning was my sweet tooth.
Dr. Folb then asked how did I compensate for that – I told her that I eat fresh fruit, nuts, and I even told her about my favorite protein bar that I have for breakfast with my coffee – the Think peanut butter protein bar ( zero sugar, 20 grams of protein, and 21 carbs). And I also told Dr. Folb that we’ve started eating smaller portions.
She included my amazing husband in the conversation, as well. He was able to help remind me of some of the things that we have been doing to lose weight and get healthy. It’s good to have someone to help recall, as well as have an extra set of ears to help remember what we discussed in the visit, once we get home.
We talked about how we have been working out at the gym by our house five days a week – but we also discussed the fact that since the virus started, the gym has been closed. She encouraged me to at least do some daily walks to get moving. Dr. Folb said that I’m doing all the right things to lose weight, and said that the exercise is what will help keep the glucose and A1C levels down. She looked at my recent glucose levels on my Dario app, and said that she is pleased.
Dr. Folb also explained to me how diabetics are at risk if they get the COVID19 virus. She told me that the symptoms can be worse if a diabetic has uncontrolled diabetes because the body’s immune system is already compromised in how it responds to infections, due to inflammation already present as a result of poorly managed diabetes.
While trying to fight a virus like COVID19, inflammation can increase from the virus, and the immune system can begin to attack the body itself.
At this point, Dr. Folb said that my Type 2 diabetes appears to be well managed with my diet and exercise, and for now, I do not need any diabetes medications!! Yay!!!
She said she is very curious to see the new results of my bloodwork. I am super curious, myself!! She said that she thinks my A1C will be lowered, as well as my lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol). We are hoping to get my A1C down to around 5.4 – which will become my new “normal.”
She did mention that my thyroid medication could be a little high, so that level was also checked – and if needed, she will adjust that medication.
My blood pressure was great! 117/65! (Or maybe 63 – I didn’t write that result down, and I should have). It hasn’t been that good in a very long time.
I asked Dr. Folb at this point, what my high and low thresholds should be for my glucose levels. She told me that she would like to see my fasting glucose levels to hover around 105, and my after-meals level to be around 140.
Dr. Folb did mention something that I have been reading about, and I’m glad that she did say it to confirm that my research is correct, and that is the fact that I have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. My diagnosis will never go away. It is important for me to be careful about what I eat, and to continue exercising, in order to maintain a controlled disease.
My visit with her was almost 40 minutes. Most doctors see you 10-15 minutes and then shuffle you out the door and go on to their next patient. This visit with Dr. Folb left me encouraged, energized, and feeling self-confidant! The lifestyle changes that my husband and I have made have been absolutely POSITIVE!
I am excited to get the results of yesterday’s bloodwork sometime later this week. Hoping and praying that the results are as positive and encouraging as the rest of the visit.
I go back to visit Dr. Folb in July, and I’m really looking forward to it. I know it sounds crazy to be excited to go to the doctor, but I am.
Once I get my results, I’ll write a new post to update you.
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. I hope that you’ll subscribe – top right corner of the page if on a desktop, and bottom of the post if using a mobile device.
In the meantime, stay six feet away from everyone, wash your hands, live well, and be well!
As I continued my reading and researching of what I should be doing to lower my blood sugar and my A1C, there were three things that continued to stand out: DIET (what I’m eating), WATER, and EXERCISE.
My new endocrinologist told me that regular exercise will increase my insulin sensitivity, causing my insulin to better use the glucose in my bloodstream not only during the workout, but afterwards, too, and regular exercise will help to lower my A1C over time.
Exercise helps a Type 2 diabetic not just lower their blood sugar level, but it also helps to decrease the risk of heart disease complications that could result from diabetes. The Harvard Medical School has a great article that has helped me to understand a lot of the “why” it’s important for diabetics (me) to exercise.
Back when we lived near the Houston Medical Center (“inside the loop” as Houstonians say), we lived across the street from the YMCA. We walked across the street multiple times a week, to work out. When we moved to the suburbs about 10 years ago, we didn’t keep that habit up.
After I received my recent T2 diagnosis, and we had time to process the idea that my life (our life) needed change, we decided that we needed to join one of the gyms near our house. We asked neighbors and friends, and I asked my hair stylist. (You know, if you ever need to know anything, your stylist is going to be the one who is in the know – Steel Magnolias!) We ended up joining one of the two gyms that is closest to us, which also happened to be the one that my stylist goes to, also. 😁
We made the commitment to go to the gym 5 days a week – that is every Monday through Friday. So we grab our earbuds and make sure we’ve got some good tunes to listen to during our workout. (Tunes are very important!) We rest our bodies on the weekend – well sort of. We also run all of our errands and such over the weekends.
I had forgotten how much I enjoy going to the gym. We spend anywhere from 2 to 3 hours each day that we go. I spend 1 hour on the treadmill, and the rest of the time doing weight training. And the weight training… well let’s just say I’m not talking about lifting a 5 pound dumbbell. I have worked my way up to 70 pounds of resistance on the ab machine (crunches), and I’m pulling 70 lbs on the lat machine, as well. 80 pounds on the leg press machine, and 80 on some kind of machine that I call the “thigh master.” I do 16 count reps, and repeat it 4 – 6 times, depending on what machine I’m using. Sometimes we use YouTube to find workout regimen ideas. One guy that we follow on YouTube is Chris Heria. Click on his name to see some cool workout videos.
Of course my sweet husband puts me to shame when he does his 150 pounds on the leg press, and lifts 125 pounds over his head with the bar, not to mention all the other awesome lifts he makes.
I had a video of my sweet husband, but for some reason it won’t upload. I’ll work on it. 😩
Each day before we go work out, we eat a light lunch or snack, to fuel our workouts. We eat about 1 hour before we go to the gym. At first it was really hard to get motivated to go, and the time seemed to just drag on while we were there. But now that we are starting our 3rd month of working out, the time really flies by. We’ve met lots of really cool people, too.
Together, we have lost a combined weight of over 25 pounds! We both have also noticed that we are sleeping better. I think it may be a combination of more healthy eating, weight loss, and working out. This gym thing has become a permanent part of our lifestyle, it’s very enjoyable, and a great thing to do together as a couple.
Everyone is different, so talk to your doctor and listen to your body about what kind of workouts are good (and safe) for you.
Thanks for stopping by to read the blog. I would love for you to subscribe and follow along, as I document my journey. If you have questions or comments, please post them in the comments section below.
