Getting Some Answers

Overall, I am very pleased with my new primary doctor. She is a young woman that I feel like I can relate to and she knows her stuff. My appointment was a whirlwind, but I feel like it is a step in the right direction. We talked about the symptoms I have been experiencing and within a matter of minutes, she had a slew of tests for me to undergo and referrals for an opthamologist and endocrinologist. 


I am very happy that she is taking a proactive approach to ensure my good health and I am praying for a clean bill of health. Although it was a positive experience, there was still a lot to take in. For starters, the heart murmur had thrown me for a loop-- it was an added stress that made me feel like my body was giving up on me. What was next?


Truth be told, the heart murmur isn't a concern at this point in time. Many women, my mom included, have heart murmurs that don't trouble them whatsoever. As it stands, we are waiting for my my diabetes to be considered "controlled" (by who's standards?!) before the technician performs an ultrasound on my heart. However, the doctor reassured me that by no means will this condition heighten my risk of heart disease. Fantastic.


She rattled off the names of various tests that would be performed in the upcoming months and took some notes on the troubles that I have been experiencing. In the weeks ahead, I will undergo tests to confirm that my pancreas hasn't suffered any damage that may be causing inflammation. We will also keep a watchful eye on my kidneys, as well as my fluctuating blood sugar levels.


The opthamologist will be able delve deeper into the issues causing my vision problems; my extreme lows are most likely the culprit of my poor eyesight. Last but not least, the endocrinologist will help me to understand what is happening with my diabetes and will be able to assist me in finding better ways to {hopefully} stabilize my sugars.


My appointment concluded with a referral for my first round of labs and the results are as follows:


Electrolytes: within normal limits
Kidney function: normal {whew!}
Liver function: normal
Blood count: normal
TSH (thyroid hormone): 1.904, with normal being 0.35 - 5.5
Cholesterol: 237 mg/dl, with normal being < 200
HDL: 66, with normal being > 40
LDL: 153, with normal being < 130
Triglycerides: 91, with normal being < 150
HgbA1C: 6.2 {It went up a touch. I found this unsettling, but I know that this is a great number. Compared with my last A1C, the doctor feels that my levels are stabilizing.}