More work to do but a good start

[missdiane]

It had been quite some time since the dreaded pap smear since it used to be done by the GP I had that left to become the head of student medicine. I didn't realize that my current GP could do them too and since I was having such a fuss finding a gyno that was either taking new patients this century or didn't have horrific reviews, it was a relief to know I had a one stop shop again. It was also a relief today that it was the least unpleasant one I've had. Fingers crossed that everything tests ok there.

We went over my blood test results and she's ok with my plan to hold off on any new medication and try to improve my numbers through diet tweaks and hopefully some form of exercise, most especially to get the A1c back down the usual pre-diabetic instead of diabetic numbers. The PCOS I have makes me insulin-resistant and even metformin and weight loss didn't make the number improve much. I actually lost about 4 pounds since my visit two weeks ago so we both found that encouraging. I've lowered the amount of simple carbs and done some reasonable substitutions and I'm trying to be more mindful and not nibble on not so healthy things. I think we're going to recheck levels in about 3 months.

Exercise will help the numbers but with the damned wobbly and perpetually inflamed joints, just "taking walks" does me more harm than good. If there were one of those indoor gyms with shock-absorbent floors, that would be helpful. Swimming would be great but I'm honestly scared shitless of walking on wet pool edges, even with pool shoes. One thing that I'd like to pick up again is tai chi, though rather than being a regular community class, it's now a senior community class and I've got a few years before I qualify there. Besides, while I do like that instructor, I don't stick around in the classes since I tend to get tensed up when I'm watched too closely. Yes, I know it's to improve my form but it seemed like she was expecting more from me than others in the class - I get that with fitness and yoga classes when I'm doing well and it makes me uncomfortable. I may see about finding instructional videos in the particular tai chi form that I was doing before and see if the kitties will give me space to practice at home.

She wasn't too concerned about the barely out of range blood levels unless they continue to trend. My B12 did test in range but she said the 500s are a bit low (the range is 400something to 1200). So she'd like me to do about 500 units daily which I was occasionally supplementing anyway.

So I have my assignments and need to keep it up. I did think I lost a little weight since my steering wheel was brushing less against my stomach this last week (hey, I got really stubby legs!)

Comments

[spiffikins]

Oh, I'm glad your GP is able to do the test for you - that simplifies matters, significantly! Reminds me that whenever I next see my GP (since she's "away" now till end of August) - that I need to check with her on whether she can do mine, and make sure she is on board with my desire to pull the IUD the moment it wears off enough that periods come back, and put in a new fresh one, LOL. Apparently the IUD can work to prevent pregnancy for up to 7 years, but it sounds like after 5 years or so, the levels of hormone get low enough that you can start bleeding again. And since I am not using this thing for it's anti-baby properties, as soon as it stops doing what I need it for, out it goes, and time for a new one!

It's funny the weird little things we use as our metrics for gaining/losing weight, eh? I also use the amount of space between my gut and the steering wheel as a measurement, LOL

[halfmoon_mollie1]

sounds like you are kicking it. Are you feeling better? Sometimes just getting a plan and starting it helps the mental state.

Go you!