About lifestyle changes...

[lspencer534]

It's seems as if more than a few of our members are facing lifestyle changes. I'd be interesting in how hard such changes were for peeps here. I've had two lifestyle changes that seemed severe at the time, but now I see a few lessons I've learned: One, I adapted to those changes. Two, it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. And three, I would now never reverse those changes.

First change for me was adjusting to a red meat-free diet. More than just red meat, actually. About 30 years ago I would wake up at about 3:00 a.m. with welts all over my body, then vomiting and diarrhea. This happened at first once a month, then once a week, and finally every night. I would have to drive myself to the ER to get a shot of epinephrine. Finally, a kind nurse tole me she suspected I had food allergies and that they would eventually kill me by causing swelling so that I couldn't breathe.

I got tested; I was allergic to everything except fish and rice. That night I lamented about WTF was I gonna eat for dinner. I had a plate of rice and ice water. After a few days I began to have cheeseburger withdrawal symptoms--really. I couldn't focus my eyes, I felt edgy and itchy. I found that by taking Benadryl before each meal that I could eat certain foods in moderation (except for red meat). Now I can eat almost anything in moderation except beef, pork, venison, and wine (grapes) without Benadryl because I've learned how much of certain foods I can tolerate.

The second change was a triple bypass in 2001. Another diet change--absolutely no fried foods, salt, sugary stuff, etc.--plus exercise and pills and frequent doctor visits and tests. These changes were hard, too, but now I feel better than I ever have felt.

Even if I could eat a cheeseburger or a steak safely now, I wouldn't. I think the taste would be too strong, but more than that I just don't miss them. And, I would never skip exercising now because I know it's what makes me feel so good--and I used to hate exercise!

I post this not to compare my "illnesses" with others here, but just to illustrate that what feels insurmountable now will pass and you will survive.

[VatorMan]

I had to give up sex after I got married. That was a big eye opener.

[Olustee bus]

Originally Posted by VatorMan

I had to give up sex after I got married. That was a big eye opener.

[ApexOversteer]

I gave up soda as a constant drink and have gone to straight water. Just have to keep telling myself water makes me live, soda makes me fat.

[VatorMan]

DixieVet. Jodie's gonna kill you.

[Bucwheat]

Yea,I'm a Diabetic,and sweets are very hard to give up,I also eat very little red meat maybe a hamburger once every two months,buffets are also hard to live without,but you get used to most anything. Live better, you will feel better.

[kingpin]

I'm weak! I love all the bad stuff including saucy foods, fried foods and red meat.
I also love veggies though it's just hard where I am right now to have fresh veggies every day.

[Blademaker]

Couple of years ago, my doctor told me to back off my drinking.
Wasn't that hard, everything in moderation.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by Blademaker

Couple of years ago, my doctor told me to back off my drinking.
Wasn't that hard, everything in moderation.

Yes, everything in moderation...including moderation.

[Entropy]

I have high triglycerides and cholesterol. If I don't watch my weight, I get Lipitor. My goal is to put that off as long as possible. I hate medications.

[Bucwheat]

Mine is perfect for anyone else but being a Diabetic my Dr. wants it lower,I can't handle those meds and stopped taking them.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by Entropy

I have high triglycerides and cholesterol. If I don't watch my weight, I get Lipitor. My goal is to put that off as long as possible. I hate medications.

Do everything possible to avoid medications for high cholesterol/blood pressure. Cholesterol medicine makes one prone to muscle cramps ("Charlie Horses"), and BP medicine is a depressant. Also, once you start BP medicine you're on it for life. I know--I'm on both.

[Iron Chef]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

Do everything possible to avoid medications for high cholesterol/blood pressure. Cholesterol medicine makes one prone to muscle cramps ("Charlie Horses"), and BP medicine is a depressant. Also, once you start BP medicine you're on it for life. I know--I'm on both.

I know several people who were on BP/Statins and were taken off by their doctors when they got their weight under control, so how is it you're on it for life?

[Tossin]

Originally Posted by Iron Chef

I know several people who were on BP/Statins and were taken off by their doctors when they got their weight under control, so how is it you're on it for life?

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by Iron Chef

I know several people who were on BP/Statins and were taken off by their doctors when they got their weight under control, so how is it you're on it for life?

That's what my doctor told me.

[Iron Chef]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

That's what my doctor told me.

Hmmm...you should ask his reasoning. My doctor said when I hit 240, I'm off the meds completely.

BTW...BP medicines and Statins will f you up in so many ways it's silly.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by Iron Chef

Hmmm...you should ask his reasoning. My doctor said when I hit 240, I'm off the meds completely.

BTW...BP medicines and Statins will f you up in so many ways it's silly.

Yep. They made a lawyer friend of mine suicidal. He decided to get off them because they were affecting him so badly. He told me, "If I'm going to die, I'm not going to die at my own hands."

Another true story: After the first 6 weeks I was on BP meds, I had an appointment with my cardiologist, and he asked me if I was having any suicidal thoughts. I told him I wasn't. He said, "I didn't think so. Homocidal, maybe...."

[Yamma]

My biggest would be being diagnosed as diabetic a few years ago. My blood sugar was constantly dropping, limiting what I could do. Always being athletic I figured I never would be again. I couldn't get through a short hike without it plummeting to a dangerous low. It took about a year adjusting to medication, checking my levels, and I'm not back to what I used to be, but I've come a long way by carefully monitoring my diet, and knowing how to keep my levels, well....level.

I got through our day long hike on Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska last year, and the average person would never understand what a huge achievement that was. I'm content now with my issues.

[Skia]

I had to go though a huge lifestyle change in 1998. I found out I don't miss my plane, boat, lake house or any of the Corvettes as much now.....well....the lake house I do miss....and it's been 12 years.

[Jeff '79]

Originally Posted by Entropy

I have high triglycerides and cholesterol. If I don't watch my weight, I get Lipitor. My goal is to put that off as long as possible. I hate medications.

Get it.....You may be genetically predisposed to high cholesterol. Do not put it off. It works, medicine does suck, but a heart attack from a clogged artery is a bogus alternative. Make no mistake about it....It will happen if you don't listen to your doctor.