Today I saw my endocrinologist. I have a doctor for every ailment: I see a gastroenterologist for Crohn’s; a rheumatologist for my joint and muscle pain (caused by Crohn’s); a general practitioner for regular care, particularly monitoring my low vitamin D and B-12 levels (also caused by Crohn’s); a gynecologist because, well, we all know why; and a neurologist for the side effects caused by Humira (used to treat my Crohn’s).

Basically, my Crohn’s disease really hates me and has added “bleeding money” to my list of symptoms.

My endocrinologist sees me for my hyperlipidemia, which is now mainly hypertriglyceridemia. Try saying that five times in a row.

High blood lipids usually come along with other metabolic disorders, including diabetes. It’s also common among obese and sedentary patients. I am not obese or particularly sedentary unless I’m in a Crohn’s flare. Then I’m face down on my bed, crying for my mama. Unfortunately, my special lipid disorder is purely genetic and not affected by diet.

It’s only expensive drugs for me.

In order to keep my total cholesterol under control, I take Lipitor, TRILIPIX (which seems like I’m shouting at you, but I’m not), and colestipol tablets. These three drugs have managed to lower my total cholesterol from a lovely 350 to under 200. And they’ve taken my triglycerides to the 550 range which is still considered very high, but for me, that’s child’s play. I started this journey with a level of 2,000.

I consider 550 a damn good victory.

Unfortunately, just three months ago, I was at 448. My endocrinologist thinks my triglycerides increased due to the time I’ve spent in bed with this latest flare. He asked me if I’ve been exercising and I just stared at him. Then I remembered “The Positive Pledge” and smiled and said that I wasn’t able to, due to the whole “I’m pretty sure I’m going to die” feeling, but I promised to try harder to exercise on the toilet. He looked pleased so I did my good deed for this week. Make a doctor smile and pay them $200 for talking to you.

Good times.

But he did throw me a bone and put a smile on my face, so maybe “The Positive Pledge” is contagious. I found out something wonderful/healthy/positive about my body which I’m going to hold onto for a long time (because it’s pretty much all I’ve got). I had pretty severe gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my son 11 years ago. Usually, you have a greater chance of developing diabetes within five years of giving birth; and those with high lipid disorders usually have diabetes as well. But the minute I gave birth to my giant 10-pounder, my sugar stopped freaking out (and my son was perfectly healthy). My endocrinologist said that my ability to avoid diabetes is “impressive”. My glucose is like an all-A student, getting ready to discover the cure for cancer.

Hell, yeah, bitches. Christina 1; diabetes 0.

LMFAO “Sexy and I Know It”

Categories: Crohn's disease, Living sick

Tags: blogging, blogs, health, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, humor, writing