Two weeks into November

I miss typing into my little log here, but at the same time it surprises me that days can go by and I don't even think about ?!

Today is the 13th, almost halfway into the month. On Friday the 2nd I met my lipidologist Dr S. Awesome many times over. He's excited to discuss the science and research and answer questions, what more can I want for? He's starting me on two more Rx, Repatha and Vascepa. I'm still doing the research on them. The first is a PCSK9 inhibitor that will result in more LDL particles at the cell surface, instead of being targeted for degradation. The second is a high concentration EPA fish oil show to reduce cardiac deaths/events but the mechanism isn't clear from what I read. The Repatha is almost $7000/year (this after a 60% discount by the manufacturer) and the Vascepa is $300/month. See what insurance will do for me. Dr S says they'll go to bat for me on that. Oh, and I stop my OTC fish oil, the DHA can increase LDL. He gets tests for TSH (normal), free T4 (low, haven't followed up with that yet), and a serum protein electrophoresis to look for oligoclonal bands indicative of antibody, one theory is that I have antibodies interfering with LDL uptake. Cool, right?! Except, it's me.

So then on to Monday, where I have a head and neck CT immediately followed by an appointment with Dr B. All is well. The 8mm iliac dissection in the abdominal/pelvic CT last week is either not really a dissection or it is and he's not worried about it. I'm feeling MUCH better that I did a week ago, I didn't realize just how fatigued and tired I felt. The metoprolol is the suspect in that. He's stopped that and now I'm on a Ca+2 channel blocker to keep the arterial muscle cells calm. Dr B is optimistic for my future, pleased with how things are going, and what better can you want than to hear "see you in 3 months". Awesome!

It seems my science life has invaded my training life blog.

Tuesday the 6th I see Dr L. I'm holding good there, he says I need to start up the PT exercises to restabilize my hip which has started popping sometimes and occasionally hurts at one of the hip flexors.

On Weds the 7th I go back to rehab! Again I recognize a huge increase in energy, mental and physical. I didn't realize how bad I was feeling in the weeks before my second hospital admission.

This past few days was a quiet weekend with no symptoms. And I bought a juicer. Just what my countertop needs. But, I can see where it fits into a more-veggie lifestyle. Some of the soup recipes use veg juice as a base instead of broth. And speaking of recipes, I'm hoarding veg*n books from the library (probably cruised through 15+ already) to learn what to do about vitamins, protein, how to fix these new foods, and more. Soooo much info, and it all seems to agree but that could be because I'm searching within a defined parameter of "vegan". Engine 2, Eat 2 Live, 22-Day Revolution -- all programs espousing no animal products, little to no oil, limited starch, veg*n life.

As of today, I've cut processed foods, pork, oil, beef, fish, full fat dairy, and this week egg yolks. Leaving me with chicken, egg whites, the remaining liver in the freezer. The goal last week was at least 1 meatless meal a day. This week pushing that out a little further.

I've added tofu and tempeh, more greens, chia and flax seed (don't overdo these either), tahini, sunflower seeds (>1T a fail), red lentils (OK to 1/8th cup so far), butternut (tend to overeat), canned chickpeas (fail), canned lentils (not final test, and kinda yucky), and eggplant. Next up maybe quinoa. Haha, Fuck Quinoa.

Speaking of whom. I have this long draft email to send him as an update. Last time I did this we talked over the phone and he invited me on to the pod. I'm tempted, but not wanting to do so. So I'm wondering, why send the email then. Keep thinking on it.

Well anyway, the nutrition experiment is going good with a potential issue? In the most recent cath before they started they took an image and asked if I was constipated? No... why....? I "looked like i was". Nice. Then in the abd/pelvic CT the same observation of a "large volume of feces" and more etc. Yeah, that would explain why my gut is perpetually SWOLLEN. Ugh, some days I feel nauseated. The next morning I pass what seems to be and entire large intestine of stuff. I'm giving my gut a few weeks to adapt before make more changes. Or worrying about it.

This week, still feeling great at rehab yesterday. On Sunday I had the urge to run, that urge has been stalled out lately so it felt good to see it coming back. Yesterday at rehab I did a "swim bike run" by doing the handcycle first, then a bike, then the treadmill. :)

Today, in an hour I have my first followup with Dr White. More after that.