Posts belonging to Category 'Compare Vytorin And Lipitor'

Is heavy nose bleeding a symptom?

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Question:

You see Paris Hilton, probably would have turned me on at 30, but at 50, I am more into compatibility, kind of like a worn set of jeans. To be honest, I avoid all gatherings, including Persian New year on March 21st at 7:30 local time.  A lot of it is MS, I do not like the way I need assistance. — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

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news:YX0_d.487$TV4.7460@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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> news:mcWZd.94324$H05.65574@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >> To be honest, I like my wife’s sense of humor. I would have left me, if I >> were her. It seems too many things have gone wrong in my life, I do get a >> shot of reality when I go see the doc and see the kids who have my >> problems .I am about 50 and some of them are teenagers :-(  I should go >> visit him soon. Maybe for nose bleeding. > Yeah well you may like her sense of humour but I have to tell you, I > received a chain letter that described if you and every other guy were to > package the wife and send her to an anonymous person, the chances that you > would receive a supermodel would be pretty good. Of course you MAY receive > a wife with the history of Paris Hilton (in other words, needs a retread > in a certain spot by the age of 20!), too! :) > I try to keep reality in front of me, too. I haven’t had a day to date in > my life where I haven’t been sick and that includes from the day I was > born. If I look at it literally, I think that up to the age of about 15 I > deserved some sort of sympathy but after that I don’t. I do deserve an > apology from my parents who constantly berated me for being lazy, never > took me seriously and didn’t take me to the docs when things like my jaw > was severely damaged as a 7 year old and let it heal as it would. They > added to my woes by being like that and you would have thought that 6 > weeks of having to drink water and soup through a straw and not being able > to eat anything that I had to chew and couldn’t open the mouth enough to > even brush my teeth would have clued them in but that’s life. They weren’t > being deliberately as bad as that might seem. My father believed boys from > about 5 shouldn’t kiss their father or make any emotional display of any > kind excepting to their mother and only then controlled and in private and > that was just the way it was. > However, I am 50 this year and though sickness has dogged every single > part of my life, I am definitely better off than most. It is all balancing > on a knife edge, financially but right now, I look at the sick and > underprivileged and I think what I would do if I were to win money. Our > govt here wont pay a damned thing to me (I wont go into that as it is > beside the point) which has forced me to work as long as I can in a day > and that can be very dangerous to me but I work doing stuff I really like > so life’s definitely nowhere near as bad as it could be. > Count my blessings: > My wife, my dogs, > My life, no clogs!! > Clear GOOD memories of being a child, > Nearly 50 and still hair enough to go wild! > A woman who loves me even though I am confused > Who jokes and jests and in my confusion seems bemused. > If that aint a great life then the point I miss > Because God’s laughing at me and taking the piss! > I often said, though I don’t have kids “What’s the use having kids and not > being able to laugh at them?” and I bet that if you are religious (I admit > I am not a bible basher), God must be saying about the same. :)

Response:

In article <YX0_d.487$TV4.7…@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au

,

“Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

wrote: I often said, though I don’t have kids “What’s the use having kids and not being able to laugh at them?” and I bet that if you are religious (I admit I am not a bible basher), God must be saying about the same. :)

Only a creator with a sense of humor could have invented sexual reproduction. :)

Response:

“abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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news:mcWZd.94324$H05.65574@twister.nyroc.rr.com…

To be honest, I like my wife’s sense of humor. I would have left me, if I were her. It seems too many things have gone wrong in my life, I do get a shot of reality when I go see the doc and see the kids who have my problems .I am about 50 and some of them are teenagers :-(  I should go visit him soon. Maybe for nose bleeding.

You can stop it by laying in your bed with your back and head propped up on pillows and an ice-pack sitting low on your forehead and on the bridge of your nose.  Sometimes squeezing the very upper part of the bridge of your nose helps block bloodflow to the area and allows clotting. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > Quaecomque sunt vera —- > “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

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> news:XOVZd.417$TV4.6057@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… >> “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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>> news:WMTZd.82959$vK5.46739@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >>> Folks, >>>    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a >>> mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is >>> this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? >> Change wives! >> Oh, you didn’t mean a remedy for your WIFE? :) >> I would see the doc about that if it is still continuing. Not going to >> make predictions. If it is constant and not stopping, go see the doc.

Response:

“John Husvar” <jhus…@sbcglobal.net

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news:jhusvar-48F03D.19252416032005@newsclstr01.news.prodigy.com…

In article <YX0_d.487$TV4.7…@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au, “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else wrote: I often said, though I don’t have kids “What’s the use having kids and not being able to laugh at them?” and I bet that if you are religious (I admit I am not a bible basher), God must be saying about the same. :) Only a creator with a sense of humor could have invented sexual reproduction. :)

Not true! Sexual Reproduction was invented by your local sewerage dept. Only THEY would put a sewer near a fun park!

Response:

By third night, I finally wizened up to that, called the nurse and she told me about the ice pack and also some moist cotton in each nose hole, it was not fun but I am bleed free for one day. Thank God. It was pretty bad. — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “Rob Duncan” <robdun…@gbronline.com

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> news:mcWZd.94324$H05.65574@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >> To be honest, I like my wife’s sense of humor. I would have left me, if I >> were her. It seems too many things have gone wrong in my life, I do get a >> shot of reality when I go see the doc and see the kids who have my >> problems .I am about 50 and some of them are teenagers :-(  I should go >> visit him soon. Maybe for nose bleeding. > You can stop it by laying in your bed with your back and head propped up > on pillows and an ice-pack sitting low on your forehead and on the bridge > of your nose.  Sometimes squeezing the very upper part of the bridge of > your nose helps block bloodflow to the area and allows clotting. > Rob >> — >> Quaecomque sunt vera —- >> “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

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>> news:XOVZd.417$TV4.6057@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… >>> “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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>>> news:WMTZd.82959$vK5.46739@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >>>> Folks, >>>>    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a >>>> mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway >>>> is this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? >>> Change wives! >>> Oh, you didn’t mean a remedy for your WIFE? :) >>> I would see the doc about that if it is still continuing. Not going to >>> make predictions. If it is constant and not stopping, go see the doc.

Response:

And make you think its sexy too. Oh well, I am 50 now. — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

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news:%Ue_d.366$SZ5.6778@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> “John Husvar” <jhus…@sbcglobal.net

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> news:jhusvar-48F03D.19252416032005@newsclstr01.news.prodigy.com… >> In article <YX0_d.487$TV4.7…@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au>, >> “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else> wrote: >>> I often said, though I don’t have kids “What’s the use having kids and >>> not >>> being able to laugh at them?” and I bet that if you are religious (I >>> admit I >>> am not a bible basher), God must be saying about the same. :) >> Only a creator with a sense of humor could have invented sexual >> reproduction. :) > Not true! Sexual Reproduction was invented by your local sewerage dept. > Only THEY would put a sewer near a fun park!

Response:

Not far behind you! 50 in a few months. “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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news:G%2%d.142423$nC5.87040@twister.nyroc.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> And make you think its sexy too. Oh well, I am 50 now. > — > Quaecomque sunt vera —- > “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

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> news:%Ue_d.366$SZ5.6778@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… >> “John Husvar” <jhus…@sbcglobal.net

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>> news:jhusvar-48F03D.19252416032005@newsclstr01.news.prodigy.com… >>> In article <YX0_d.487$TV4.7…@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au>, >>> “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else> wrote: >>>> I often said, though I don’t have kids “What’s the use having kids and >>>> not >>>> being able to laugh at them?” and I bet that if you are religious (I >>>> admit I >>>> am not a bible basher), God must be saying about the same. :) >>> Only a creator with a sense of humor could have invented sexual >>> reproduction. :) >> Not true! Sexual Reproduction was invented by your local sewerage dept. >> Only THEY would put a sewer near a fun park!

Response:

Jokes about that time of month and what that would mean in the context of your letter swim in my addled mind. I cant help it. Nobody may understand me but I amuse MYSELF with those thoughts, sometimes. Remember that old joke about a guy who couldn’t get a date because he had a wooden eye? Anyway, he gets set up with a girl and as he is coming to the bar where they are to meet, he sees her from behind and she had a gorgeous body and full luxurious hair. She turns around and has a veil over the lower part of her face but the top part makes her look drop-dead gorgeous and he is very excited. Naturally, not wanting to scare her off, he is wearing an eye patch. After drinks and dinner, they retire to her place and he says to her that he has a confession to make and takes off his eye patch to reveal his wooden eye. The girl looks at it then her eyes crinkle at the corner in an obvious sign of a smile behind the veil and she says that she, too, has a secret to reveal and removes the veil to show she has a mouth that goes up and down instead of normal. He stops and looks at her face and tells her she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen and she tells him she is still a virgin with a look of hope on her face. So, he gets up the nerve and says “Would you like to make love to me?” to which she replies “Oh wouldn’ I?”. He yells “Ahhhh get stuffed C*** face!” to her. OK it’s better hearing it than reading it! :) “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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news:k_2%d.142422$nC5.18322@twister.nyroc.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> By third night, I finally wizened up to that, called the nurse and she > told me about the ice pack and also some moist cotton in each nose hole, > it was not fun but I am bleed free for one day. Thank God. It was pretty > bad. > — > Quaecomque sunt vera —- > “Rob Duncan” <robdun…@gbronline.com

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> news:YtKdnWx3na_-2aTfRVn-jg@gbronline.com… >> “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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>> news:mcWZd.94324$H05.65574@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >>> To be honest, I like my wife’s sense of humor. I would have left me, if >>> I were her. It seems too many things have gone wrong in my life, I do >>> get a shot of reality when I go see the doc and see the kids who have my >>> problems .I am about 50 and some of them are teenagers :-(  I should go >>> visit him soon. Maybe for nose bleeding. >> You can stop it by laying in your bed with your back and head propped up >> on pillows and an ice-pack sitting low on your forehead and on the bridge >> of your nose.  Sometimes squeezing the very upper part of the bridge of >> your nose helps block bloodflow to the area and allows clotting. >> Rob >>> — >>> Quaecomque sunt vera —- >>> “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

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>>> news:XOVZd.417$TV4.6057@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au… >>>> “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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>>>> news:WMTZd.82959$vK5.46739@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >>>>> Folks, >>>>>    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made >>>>> a mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. >>>>> Anyway is this something that happens with MS? Do you have any >>>>> remedies? >>>> Change wives! >>>> Oh, you didn’t mean a remedy for your WIFE? :) >>>> I would see the doc about that if it is still continuing. Not going to >>>> make predictions. If it is constant and not stopping, go see the doc.

Response:

I have been free from bleeding for a few days, but I miss my vitamin B. Does a multi vitamin B lead to thinning the blood? — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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Folks,    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? — Quaecomque sunt vera —-

Response:

“abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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news:Ac50e.152101$nC5.92561@twister.nyroc.rr.com…

I have been free from bleeding for a few days, but I miss my vitamin B. Does a multi vitamin B lead to thinning the blood?

Not that Im aware of, but thats not why I replied.  Garlic, aspirin, are two of the things that do though.  Is it real dry where youre at?  Humidity levels play a part in that a low level can dry out, and then crack, nasal membranes.  A humidifier helps in such cases. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > Quaecomque sunt vera —- > “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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> news:WMTZd.82959$vK5.46739@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >> Folks, >>    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a >> mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is >> this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? >> — >> Quaecomque sunt vera —-

Response:

Yup, I  turned on the humidifier and that seems to have helped but I had to ask. — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “Rob Duncan” <robdun…@gbronline.com

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> news:Ac50e.152101$nC5.92561@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >>I have been free from bleeding for a few days, but I miss my vitamin B. >>Does a multi vitamin B lead to thinning the blood? > Not that Im aware of, but thats not why I replied.  Garlic, aspirin, are > two of the things that do though.  Is it real dry where youre at? > Humidity levels play a part in that a low level can dry out, and then > crack, nasal membranes.  A humidifier helps in such cases. > Rob >> — >> Quaecomque sunt vera —- >> “abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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>> news:WMTZd.82959$vK5.46739@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >>> Folks, >>>    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a >>> mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is >>> this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? >>> — >>> Quaecomque sunt vera —-

Response:

Folks,     I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? — Quaecomque sunt vera —-

Response:

“abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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news:WMTZd.82959$vK5.46739@twister.nyroc.rr.com…

Folks,    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies?

Change wives! Oh, you didn’t mean a remedy for your WIFE? :) I would see the doc about that if it is still continuing. Not going to make predictions. If it is constant and not stopping, go see the doc.

Response:

To be honest, I like my wife’s sense of humor. I would have left me, if I were her. It seems too many things have gone wrong in my life, I do get a shot of reality when I go see the doc and see the kids who have my problems .I am about 50 and some of them are teenagers :-(  I should go visit him soon. Maybe for nose bleeding. — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “Gut-buster” <donot-st…@me.privateparts.or.else

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> news:WMTZd.82959$vK5.46739@twister.nyroc.rr.com… >> Folks, >>    I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a >> mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is >> this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? > Change wives! > Oh, you didn’t mean a remedy for your WIFE? :) > I would see the doc about that if it is still continuing. Not going to > make predictions. If it is constant and not stopping, go see the doc.

Response:

abdi wrote:

Folks,     I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have

made a

mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway

is

this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies?

hi abdi, i’ve never had a problem with nosebleeds, this will be my 15th ‘anniversary’ with M.S. this year. do you take any meds that might thin your blood? if tilting your head back and holding a bag of ice on your nose haven’t worked, i;d say make an appt. with the doc. rose

Response:

You are absolutely right, I searched the web and it is a common side effect of Aspirin and Lipitor and I do both, oh well it was an experience, seems I am ok now. — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “rose” <rosedawn_sc…@yahoo.com

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abdi wrote: Folks,     I have had an unstoppable nose bleed since last night, I have made a mess here and my wife is amused that we men cant handle blood. Anyway is this something that happens with MS? Do you have any remedies? hi abdi, i’ve never had a problem with nosebleeds, this will be my 15th ‘anniversary’ with M.S. this year. do you take any meds that might thin your blood? if tilting your head back and holding a bag of ice on your nose haven’t worked, i;d say make an appt. with the doc. rose

Response:

On 16 Mar 2005 06:24:04 -0800, “rose” <rosedawn_sc…@yahoo.com

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alt.support.mult-sclerosis:

if tilting your head back and holding a bag of ice on your nose haven’t worked, i;d say make an appt. with the doc.

If having a nosebleed, do not tip your head back, bend it forward and pinch your nostrils. Tilting your head back is what people do, but all that does is let the blood run down your throat and make you vomit. — Joan

Response:

Actually that’s a correct observation, this morning my brushing was very disgusting. But knock on wood it has not come back, it was a very traumatic experience. — Quaecomque sunt vera —- “Joan Carter” <spamf…@sentex.ca

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On 16 Mar 2005 06:24:04 -0800, “rose” <rosedawn_sc…@yahoo.com wrote in alt.support.mult-sclerosis: if tilting your head back and holding a bag of ice on your nose haven’t worked, i;d say make an appt. with the doc. If having a nosebleed, do not tip your head back, bend it forward and pinch your nostrils. Tilting your head back is what people do, but all that does is let the blood run down your throat and make you vomit. — Joan

Response:

“abdi” <a…@yahoo.com

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news:mcWZd.94324$H05.65574@twister.nyroc.rr.com…

To be honest, I like my wife’s sense of humor. I would have left me, if I were her. It seems too many things have gone wrong in my life, I do get a shot of reality when I go see the doc and see the kids who have my problems .I am about 50 and some of them are teenagers :-(  I should go visit him soon. Maybe for nose bleeding.

Yeah well you may like her sense of humour but I have to tell you, I received a chain letter that described if you and every other guy were to package the wife and send her to an anonymous person, the chances that you would receive a supermodel would be pretty good. Of course you MAY receive a wife with the history of Paris Hilton (in other words, needs a retread in a certain spot by the age of 20!), too! :) I try to keep reality in front of me, too. I haven’t had a day to date in my life where I haven’t been sick and that includes from the day I was born. If I look at it literally, I think that up to the age of about 15 I deserved some sort of sympathy but after that I don’t. I do deserve an apology from my parents who constantly berated me for being lazy, never took me seriously and didn’t take me to the docs when things like my jaw was severely damaged as a 7 year old and let it heal as it would. They added to my woes by being like that and you would have thought that 6 weeks of having to drink water and soup through a straw and not being able to eat anything that I had to chew and couldn’t open the mouth enough to even brush my teeth would have clued them in but that’s life. They weren’t being deliberately as bad as that might seem. My father believed boys from about 5 shouldn’t kiss their father or make any emotional display of any kind excepting to their mother and only then controlled and in private and that was just the way it was. However, I am 50 this year and though sickness has dogged every single part of my life, I am definitely better off than most. It is all balancing on a knife edge, financially but right now, I look at the sick and underprivileged and I think what I would do if I were to win money. Our govt here wont pay a damned thing to me (I wont go into that as it is beside the point) which has forced me to work as long as I can in a day and that can be very dangerous to me but I work doing stuff I really like so life’s definitely nowhere near as bad as it could be. Count my blessings: My wife, my dogs, My life, no clogs!! Clear GOOD memories of being a child, Nearly 50 and still hair enough to go wild! A woman who loves me even though I am confused Who jokes and jests and in my confusion seems bemused. If that aint a great life then the point I miss Because God’s laughing at me and taking the piss! I often said, though I don’t have kids “What’s the use having kids and not being able to laugh at them?” and I bet that if you are religious (I admit I am not a bible basher), God must be saying about the same. :)

Response:

Blood pressure – My Doctor is a putz.

Question:

Interesting approach, and the simplicity of it is appealing. I’m certain it will lead to short-term weight loss, but long term? Not likely, in my opinion.

My experience has been different.  Simple lifestyle changes are much more likely to last than complex ones. As for weight loss, I agree that in the end it is the quantity, not quality, of food which determines the results, but when it comes to prevention of cardiovascular events, weight, though probably the most important especially in America, is not the only risk factor, and quality of food (esp. fat) does matter.

In countries where food is simply not available in enough quantity for overeating, the cardiovascular events are happening only in the tourists (from Europe and America). The only way to long-term weight loss that I know of is permanent life-style change. And that, as we all know, is difficult.

The 2PD Approach teaches people how to make the necessary life-style change (eating less) for permanent weight loss. At His service, Andrew — Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD Board-Certified Cardiologist ** Suggested Reading: (1) http://makeashorterlink.com/?L26062048 (2) http://makeashorterlink.com/?O2F325D1A (3) http://makeashorterlink.com/?X1C62661A (4) http://makeashorterlink.com/?U1E13130A (5) http://makeashorterlink.com/?K6F72510A (6) http://makeashorterlink.com/?I24E5151A (7) http://makeashorterlink.com/?I22222129

Response:

Interesting approach. DrJoshua

It works every time.  For this reason, doctor supervision is need to decrease any medications whose dosing may be affected by weight/compartmentalization. At His service, Andrew — Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD Board-Certified Cardiologist ** Suggested Reading: (1) http://makeashorterlink.com/?L26062048 (2) http://makeashorterlink.com/?O2F325D1A (3) http://makeashorterlink.com/?X1C62661A (4) http://makeashorterlink.com/?U1E13130A (5) http://makeashorterlink.com/?K6F72510A (6) http://makeashorterlink.com/?I24E5151A (7) http://makeashorterlink.com/?I22222129

Response:

and they want your doctor to sell you pills. He can’t sell me anything, I get my "pills" free on the NHS. FWIW, your pills are not free, NHS notwithstanding. Perhaps you should read what I wrote, again, repeatedly, until you understand.

Perhaps you missed the point. The doctor is still promoting a sale, and he is selling you the idea. You may not be out the money, but the doctor and the drug company are still making money off the deal, and therefore, they are biased. It doesn’t mean you *need* the drugs. Even if they are free to you, do you want to take a drug you don’t really need? I sure don’t. — Meghan & the Zoo Crew   Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com

Response:

The doctor is still promoting a sale, and he is selling you the idea.

You may not be out the money, but the doctor and the drug company are still making money off the deal, and therefore, they are biased. << COMMENT: You need some explaining about economic reality. The drug company may be biased, but unless the doctor makes money from writing a prescription (vs spending the same time giving dietary advice) there’s no reason for the doctor to be biased. The free pens the drug companies give out, are not a big bias source. Very few doctors charge a prescription-writing fee. And no insurance companies would pay one if they did. In the US, Medicare certainly doesn’t pay any such thing. You can add on a charge for medication review, but it’s the same as face-to-face time reviewing diet, so there’s no point. If you really want to take a look at a situation where there’s absolutely no way to disentangle the doctor’s interests from the patient’s when it comes to the profits make in prescribing drugs, take a look at veterinarians, who very often sell the very drugs they prescribe.  Then take a look at oncologists, most of which would go broke if they weren’t allowed to keep the difference between what they charge for the chemo they charge to deliver, and what they buy it for wholesale. The oncologist who gives no chemo at all, is a poor (ie, moneyless) oncologist indeed.  And there’s no comparing even these to the intrinsic bias that all surgeons face. But aside from the situations above and perhaps a few others, I think medicine is remarkably free from direct bias when it comes to recommending drug treatment. Certainly far less biased than most of the businesses and professionals you deal with in your daily life. I mean, come on. The chiropractor recommending manipulation. The naturopath selling you vitamins. The guy repairing your car has a big economic interest in the results of his advice. So does your lawyer. So does your real-estate agent. So does the guy administering your retirement fund, which (more than likely) pays him a fully legal kickback to recommend it, and not some other fund. And so on and so on. Compared to these, nearly all of standard medical care is pretty darned pure. You pay for the advice, sure, but the doctor stands to gain very little, either way, from whether you follow it or not. Now. The real reason why doctors prescribe pills is something the cynics really don’t want to admit. The pills aren’t as good as the diet and exercise (for sure), but on the other hand, most people can’t or won’t follow the diet and exercise. If they would, they wouldn’t be overweight in the first place, now would they? The pills get blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose right where they should be, even if the patient doesn’t lose weight. The doctor paid by office visits would make more from a given patient struggling to make him do it by diet and aerobics alone, kind of like a piano teacher whose students don’t practice, or a dentist whose patients don’t brush. So why don’t doctors do that? Because they’re more interested in what works than in how many times the patient has to come back. Sorry. You really can’t explain it any other way. You say you’d rather go to a naturopath or nutritionist instead, and struggle with the diet to get off the drugs?  But NOW who has the economic bias? At least the doctor can help you do which ever you want to do, or can do. The people who *can’t* legally prescribe the pills are stuck recommending anything *but* pills, out of the very same kind of self-interest that has you all fired up in the case of doctors, but more-so. SBH

Response:

You need some explaining about economic reality. The drug company may be biased, but unless the doctor makes money from writing a prescription (vs spending the same time giving dietary advice) there’s no reason for the doctor to be biased. The free pens the drug companies give out, are not a big bias source.

Hmm. I got the impression they get a lot more than free pens. Free meals, free samples to push, etc. It’s big money to the drug companies, so they need the doctors to push their drugs. So, they do a lot of freebies and gimmicks to keep the doctors interested in their products. — Meghan & the Zoo Crew   Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You need some explaining about economic reality. The drug company may be biased, but unless the doctor makes money from writing a prescription (vs spending the same time giving dietary advice) there’s no reason for the doctor to be biased. The free pens the drug companies give out, are not a big bias source. Hmm. I got the impression they get a lot more than free pens. Free meals, free samples to push, etc. It’s big money to the drug companies, so they need the doctors to push their drugs. So, they do a lot of freebies and gimmicks to keep the doctors interested in their products. — Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com

Drug Promotion Database: http://www.drugpromo.info/ Section 2.4: CONCLUSION Doctors’ attitudes are influenced by promotion much more than they think. http://www.nofreelunch.org See Comment 1999: The Bullshit Parade The worst problem with drug promotion lies not with the sales reps but with industry-funded research. I personally witnessed the excesses for 8 years while on the faculty of a major medical school. This operates at several levels. First, one must understand that in academics teaching is like catching fly balls and publishing is like hitting home runs. They didn’t pay Hank Aaron for his fielding. It isn’t just the publishing and reflected glory to the institution that drives academicians to do research. The institution takes a cut of every grant, whether it’s industry money or an NIH grant. The percentages vary, but they are rather large; a $10MM grant yields several million for the hospital, school, or whatever institution the grantee works for. Those who bring in grant money have *power*. What can they get with that power? A raise, a bigger office, private secretary, less time actually having to teach residents or touch a patient (when I was in academics it seemed to be a matter of prestige to *not* carry a pager). Also, although it is difficult to directly gain monetarily from grant money, one can usually buy a few new computers or other toys that may find their way home. Publishing favorable articles leads to invitations to speak at fun places – all expenses paid – and receive nice honoraria to boot. Yes, the drug companies fly private practitioners to nice places, but who are they listening to? Impartial lecturers? No – they are listening to the drug whores who will say nice things about the product. Some of the drug whores I met during my own march in the bullshit parade were big names in the field, including departmental chairmen. Some of the biggest names in my specialty are, in my opinion, on the take. The people who really get wined and dined at these meetings are the "mouthpieces", not the attendees. One time I was even mailed a lecture, complete with slides to present, at a sponsored meeting at a very nice resort. When I balked and insisted on giving my own lecture with my own slides it caused a major storm. Another time, one of my colleagues asked another colleague to do the statistics for his drug company data. When the results came back unflattering he asked if perhaps a different statistical test might be tried. If a researcher plays the game well, publishing flattering studies and giving lots of positive lectures, he might get a real plum: a "consultant’s contract", or a position on the "advisory board". This can mean tens ofthousands of dollars of income per year for very little actual work. Therefore the real danger is in the poisonous influence the private sector has on the generation of scientifi studies. Bad results and balanced lectures are not rewarded. Sadly, with the drying up of public funds for research in the past two decades, academic institutions have had to rely more and more on private funding. When I graduated medical school in 1979 medical journals did not require financial disclosure. Now you see it everywhere – a sad reflection of the influence of commercial research funding, and the closest anyone will come to actually admitting we have a serious problem. When a drug rep buys you lunch you know you are being fed a sales pitch. The truly insidious aspect of all this is that published peer-reviewed articles funded by drug companies are usually taken at face value, and the lectures are given by drug whores (after all, they are the ones with funding and have written all the articles – they are the "authority" by virtue of the sheer volume they have published). The damage done by this misinformation takes years to undo."

Response:

Hmm. I got the impression they get a lot more than free pens. Free meals, free samples to push, etc. It’s big money to the drug companies, so they need the doctors to push their drugs. So, they do a lot of freebies and gimmicks to keep the doctors interested in their products.

         Free samples are given out free to the patient, so where is the "pay off" in that. Free meals are roughly the same incentive as pens and I don’t know of any docs who supplement their income to any great degree selling zyprexa coffee mugs or viagra mouse pads on E-bay.  There MIGHT have been some actual concerns about the trips, but even then, they weren’t based (like the one my wife’s financial advisor boss used to go on) on sales. They say Jesus will find you wherever you go But when He’ll coming looking for you, they don’t know In the meantime, keep your profile low.        -Warren Zevon

Response:

Perhaps you missed the point. I didn’t, you did.

Okay, then please explain it better. I understood that your system pays for it, and that your statement was referring to the fact that you don’t have to pay for it. Now, it sounds totally different. On the NHS I get my pills free, but I am still required to pay for the prescription at a cost of around

Need dramamine for Cozumel?

Question:

Last minute question before I leave for my first trip to caribbean and Mexico Will be staying in resort across fro Cozumel Will be taking a boat over there and maybe a short ride out on the ocean Any need to take motion sickness meds with me for such a trip? Will have 19 yr old young man with me who has never been on the ocean….. and neither have I much.  We live in midwest….. no oceans So…. is the Caribbean gentle enough we wont need to take dramamine? Or should we play it safe and take some?

Response:

Last minute question before I leave for my first trip to caribbean and Mexico

Oh….. one other question Any need to take a english to spanish translation book? If yes…any place online to download a free one i can print up?  Maybe a free PDF file?

Response:

So…. is the Caribbean gentle enough we wont need to take dramamine? Or should we play it safe and take some?

It depends on which boat you get, but some of them can be very very choppy.  I’ve been fine most of the time, but I don’t tend to motion sickness.   — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

It depends on which boat you get, but some of them can be very very choppy.  I’ve been fine most of the time, but I don’t tend to motion sickness.  

OK Well i didn’t think the waters of the Caribbean would be very choppy.   Like the water from Mexico to island of Cozumel But….. better safe than sorry….. so maybe I better buy/pack some dramamine before going huh?

Response:

Well i didn’t think the waters of the Caribbean would be very choppy.   Like the water from Mexico to island of Cozumel

The waters aren’t.  The older boats though, go through them in a way that makes the crossing choppy. But….. better safe than sorry….. so maybe I better buy/pack some dramamine before going huh?

I prefer Bonine, personally. — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last minute question before I leave for my first trip to caribbean and Mexico Will be staying in resort across fro Cozumel Will be taking a boat over there and maybe a short ride out on the ocean Any need to take motion sickness meds with me for such a trip? Will have 19 yr old young man with me who has never been on the ocean….. and neither have I much.  We live in midwest….. no oceans So…. is the Caribbean gentle enough we wont need to take dramamine? Or should we play it safe and take some?

First – your premise that a small body of water will be less of a problem than a large one is COMPLETELY WRONG.  The size of the body of water only has a little bit to do with it.  Actually oceans may be better in terms of roughness of the water than a smaller body of water for many reasons which I won’t go into.   The Caribbean is actually a pretty big body of water, and can get just as rough as the ocean.   Second – how prone are you to motion sickness in the air or on land? Do you get sick if you read in the car?  Do you get air sick? There are large bodies of water in the midwest too (like the Great Lakes) and if you are prone to motion sickness, you can probably find out even on a smaller body of water.  If you do get sick in such situations, have you taken Dramamine and do you know whether it works for you or not?  It’s not a complete panacea. Third – when you say ‘take some’ are you saying that you will bring it with you or that you will ingest it before you start the trip?  I don’t suppose that it will do any harm to bring some with you (in the original bottle) if it will give you peace of mind as that may make it less likely that you will get sick.  But for it to be effective, you have to take it far enough in advance to allow it to work – i.e. well before you might get sick.  I’d advise against actually taking it. grandma Rosalie

Response:

As far as English-Spanish translations go—don’t bother with a book.  Most of the people you will encounter on a typical vacation in Mexico will have some English, BUT: Do learn some Spanish phrases.  Be polite; you’re a guest in their country. It will be much appreciated if you can say "please," "excuse me," "thank you," "yes," "no," and combinations of all of these.  Always begin an encounter when asking for something with "perdon," and get into the habit of lots of please and thank yous to everyone.  Also, it might be helpful to take a quick look at some menu items in Spanish.  It helped us. http://www.go2mexico.com/  Click on Spanish Helper.  And smile and look helpless and apologetic.  People were very kind to us, and we never had a problem with our extremely limited Spanish. You seem so stressed about so many details about your trip!  Just relax and have a great time!  We just got back from our first trip to Playa del Carmen in May, and honestly, the people are the friendliest in the world.  Don’t get so anxious about every little thing ahead of time so much that you don’t enjoy your visit once you’re there!

Response:

First – your premise that a small body of water will be less of a problem than a large one is COMPLETELY WRONG.

Good point Second – how prone are you to motion sickness in the air or on land?

Not that Im aware of.  But live in Missouri so not been on any "big" body of water Third – when you say ‘take some’ are you saying that you will bring it with you or that you will ingest it before you start the trip?

Will pack some….and then make judgement on if need to take when get there I’d advise against actually taking it.

Why? I currently take zestril and lipitor on daily basis for blood pressure and cholesterol control Will dramamine react with that stuff adversely? Why you against taking it?

Response:

Will pack some….and then make judgement on if need to take when get there I’d advise against actually taking it. Why? I currently take zestril and lipitor on daily basis for blood pressure and cholesterol control

I personally prefer Bonine.  Dramamine itself makes me feel a tad queasy. Bonine doesn’t, though I’ve only taken it once. You should check on drug interactions with a doctor or pharmacists.  Non one her knows if there is any interaction with these and the drugs you are taking, but it is certainly possible. — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

Bonine doesn’t, though I’ve only taken it once.

Id have to get a prescription from my doctor tho, right?

Response:

Bonine doesn’t, though I’ve only taken it once. Id have to get a prescription from my doctor tho, right?

Bonine is available over the counter.  However, you should ask your doctor about it, as far as interactions. — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First – your premise that a small body of water will be less of a problem than a large one is COMPLETELY WRONG. Good point Second – how prone are you to motion sickness in the air or on land? Not that Im aware of.  But live in Missouri so not been on any "big" body of water Third – when you say ‘take some’ are you saying that you will bring it with you or that you will ingest it before you start the trip? Will pack some….and then make judgement on if need to take when get there I’d advise against actually taking it. Why? I currently take zestril and lipitor on daily basis for blood pressure and cholesterol control Will dramamine react with that stuff adversely?

I don’t know – ask your doctor or better – ask your pharmacist Why you against taking it?

1) Because there may be drug interactions 2) Because you may not need it and there’s no point in taking it unless you do (some people recommend on taking an anti-diarrheal medication every day in Cozumel just to prevent Montezuma whether you need it or not and I don’t do that either) 3) Because it may not work for you 4) Because it may have undesirable side effects in you. And because I don’t like taking any medicine.  I’m taking blood pressure medication and hormone replacement plus medication for arthritis pain and I’m not thrilled to be taking that many things, but I take what I must.   I rarely get seasick and when I do feel queasy, I have other remedies that I like better than ingesting chemicals.  It helps to have a task (like in my case steering the boat)  that keeps you out in the open air and where you can see the horizon.   Ginger (like in real ginger ale or in ginger snaps or ginger candy) works for some people.  And some people get good results with those wrist bands. grandma Rosalie

Response:

electronically interjected: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First – your premise that a small body of water will be less of a problem than a large one is COMPLETELY WRONG. Good point Second – how prone are you to motion sickness in the air or on land? Not that Im aware of.  But live in Missouri so not been on any "big" body of water Third – when you say ‘take some’ are you saying that you will bring it with you or that you will ingest it before you start the trip? Will pack some….and then make judgement on if need to take when get there I’d advise against actually taking it. Why? I currently take zestril and lipitor on daily basis for blood pressure and cholesterol control Will dramamine react with that stuff adversely? I don’t know – ask your doctor or better – ask your pharmacist Why you against taking it? 1) Because there may be drug interactions 2) Because you may not need it and there’s no point in taking it unless you do (some people recommend on taking an anti-diarrheal medication every day in Cozumel just to prevent Montezuma whether you need it or not and I don’t do that either) 3) Because it may not work for you 4) Because it may have undesirable side effects in you. And because I don’t like taking any medicine.  I’m taking blood pressure medication and hormone replacement plus medication for arthritis pain and I’m not thrilled to be taking that many things, but I take what I must.   I rarely get seasick and when I do feel queasy, I have other remedies that I like better than ingesting chemicals.  It helps to have a task (like in my case steering the boat)  that keeps you out in the open air and where you can see the horizon.   Ginger (like in real ginger ale or in ginger snaps or ginger candy) works for some people.  And some people get good results with those wrist bands. grandma Rosalie

I agree with Rosalie on alternates to chemicals, if you don’t need them.  As for the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen most of the boats are high speed and comfortable.  On average the ride out and back is 30 minutes each.  I don’t get seasick generally.  I was on a cruise ship in 50 foot seas and found if I lay down I’d get queasy.  So, I didn’t lay down.  Fresh air is usually good as is being amid ship. Sometimes if there’s a strong wind it can get choppy.  If the weather and sea condidtions get too bad (big waves) the ferrys won’t operate.   By and large, it’s a pleasant ride.  You’ll enjoy it on a hot sunny day as it’s a little cooler on the water. I agree with everyone else.  It’s good common sense to check out any over the counter medications with your doctor or pharmacist for possible drug interactions. Some key Spanish  Phrases:  Hola – informal, friendly like "Hi or Hello"  used frequently  in resort areas. Buenos Dias – Good Morning, Buenos Tardes – Good Afternoon, Buenos Nochas – Good Evening.  A little more formal, but not used much in resort areas. Donde esta el ba

GOAL!!!

Question:

Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t

It certainly HAS!   Patti Glover 5′ 1" was 174 is 121 10% extra muscle from lifting weights so I set my goal higher than the doctor calculated my height/weight ratio.

Kudos to you for sticking with it and reaching your goal! — Saffire 205/157/125  -  5′2.5" Atkins since 6/14/03 Progress photo:  http://photos.yahoo.com/saffire333

Response:

Well done Patricia!!! — Tara Mum to Madison 28 March 2004 – my 29th birthday www.dazzled.com/lowcarb – my homepage New Zealand

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I was very depressed about losing my mom, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t falter in my WOE when these things happened. her death actually caused me to lose a lot of weight in addition to what I was trying to achieve. Thank GOD for low carb fast food. It seemed like and endless road. not just losing weight and gaining self esteem, but facing serious challenges and not buckling under the stress. So I did it and I’m happy. I tried on a dress last night that has been hanging around my closet for 3 1/2 years and it fit. My daughter turns 21 on sunday and I’m going to wear that beautiful size 3 dress and take her to the top of the RIO in Las Vegas. Patti Glover 5′ 1" was 174 is 121 10% extra muscle from lifting weights so I set my goal higher than the doctor calculated my height/weight ratio. BTW, I have a theory about who’s been behind the slander and hype about the atkins’ diet…. the pharmaceutical companies stand to lose the most if people stop using insulin and lipitor. Patricia Glover Professional photo retouch artist – Damaged, worn or ripped photos repaired –  Hand color old black and white photographs Web pages designed – personalized animations – Commissioned art http://www.alibistudios.com http://www.alibimusic.com

Response:

thanks everyone. Patti Patricia Glover Professional photo retouch artist – Damaged, worn or ripped photos repaired –  Hand color old black and white photographs Web pages designed – personalized animations – Commissioned art http://www.alibistudios.com http://www.alibimusic.com

Response:

Good for YOU!!!!!! congrats Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I was very depressed about losing my mom, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t falter in my WOE when these things happened. her death actually caused me to lose a lot of weight in addition to what I was trying to achieve. Thank GOD for low carb fast food. It seemed like and endless road. not just losing weight and gaining self esteem, but facing serious challenges and not buckling under the stress. So I did it and I’m happy. I tried on a dress last night that has been hanging around my closet for 3 1/2 years and it fit. My daughter turns 21 on sunday and I’m going to wear that beautiful size 3 dress and take her to the top of the RIO in Las Vegas. Patti Glover 5′ 1" was 174 is 121 10% extra muscle from lifting weights so I set my goal higher than the doctor calculated my height/weight ratio. BTW, I have a theory about who’s been behind the slander and hype about the atkins’ diet…. the pharmaceutical companies stand to lose the most if people stop using insulin and lipitor. Patricia Glover Professional photo retouch artist – Damaged, worn or ripped photos repaired –  Hand color old black and white photographs Web pages designed – personalized animations – Commissioned art http://www.alibistudios.com http://www.alibimusic.com

Response:

Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I was very depressed about losing my mom, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t falter in my WOE when these things happened. her death actually caused me to lose a lot of weight in addition to what I was trying to achieve. Thank GOD for low carb fast food. It seemed like and endless road. not just losing weight and gaining self esteem, but facing serious challenges and not buckling under the stress. So I did it and I’m happy. I tried on a dress last night that has been hanging around my closet for 3 1/2 years and it fit. My daughter turns 21 on sunday and I’m going to wear that beautiful size 3 dress and take her to the top of the RIO in Las Vegas. Patti Glover 5′ 1" was 174 is 121 10% extra muscle from lifting weights so I set my goal higher than the doctor calculated my height/weight ratio. BTW, I have a theory about who’s been behind the slander and hype about the atkins’ diet…. the pharmaceutical companies stand to lose the most if people stop using insulin and lipitor. Patricia Glover Professional photo retouch artist – Damaged, worn or ripped photos repaired –  Hand color old black and white photographs Web pages designed – personalized animations – Commissioned art http://www.alibistudios.com http://www.alibimusic.com

Response:

Wow!  A big congratulations to you, Patti.  I’m sorry to hear about your mother, but I’m glad that you stuck to your WOE while under such stress. You are an inspiration to me! — Linda 296/228/160 LC since Oct. 13, 2003 http://home.att.net/~lewis_linda/index.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I was very depressed about losing my mom, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t falter in my WOE when these things happened. her death actually caused me to lose a lot of weight in addition to what I was trying to achieve. Thank GOD for low carb fast food. It seemed like and endless road. not just losing weight and gaining self esteem, but facing serious challenges and not buckling under the stress. So I did it and I’m happy. I tried on a dress last night that has been hanging around my closet for 3 1/2 years and it fit. My daughter turns 21 on sunday and I’m going to wear that beautiful size 3 dress and take her to the top of the RIO in Las Vegas. Patti Glover 5′ 1" was 174 is 121 10% extra muscle from lifting weights so I set my goal higher than the doctor calculated my height/weight ratio. BTW, I have a theory about who’s been behind the slander and hype about the atkins’ diet…. the pharmaceutical companies stand to lose the most if people stop using insulin and lipitor. Patricia Glover Professional photo retouch artist – Damaged, worn or ripped photos repaired –  Hand color old black and white photographs Web pages designed – personalized animations – Commissioned art http://www.alibistudios.com http://www.alibimusic.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I was very depressed about losing my mom, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t falter in my WOE when these things happened. her death actually caused me to lose a lot of weight in addition to what I was trying to achieve. Thank GOD for low carb fast food. It seemed like and endless road. not just losing weight and gaining self esteem, but facing serious challenges and not buckling under the stress. So I did it and I’m happy. I tried on a dress last night that has been hanging around my closet for 3 1/2 years and it fit. My daughter turns 21 on sunday and I’m going to wear that beautiful size 3 dress and take her to the top of the RIO in Las Vegas. Patti Glover 5′ 1" was 174 is 121 10% extra muscle from lifting weights so I set my goal higher than the doctor calculated my height/weight ratio. BTW, I have a theory about who’s been behind the slander and hype about the atkins’ diet…. the pharmaceutical companies stand to lose the most if people stop using insulin and lipitor. Patricia Glover Professional photo retouch artist – Damaged, worn or ripped photos repaired –  Hand color old black and white photographs Web pages designed – personalized animations – Commissioned art http://www.alibistudios.com http://www.alibimusic.com

Congratulations Patti! — Deb 230/208.5/135 June 2002 – 260; Dec 2002 – 210; March 2004 – 230 Goal for May 31 – 209, reached on May 30 Goal for June 30 – 199

Response:

Well done.  Sorry to hear about your mom and cancer.  Tough stuff to deal with, but it seems you really handled it well and continued on your journey. You mom would no doubt be proud. Take care, Curt

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I was very depressed about losing my mom, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t falter in my WOE when these things happened. her death actually caused me to lose a lot of weight in addition to what I was trying to achieve. Thank GOD for low carb fast food. It seemed like and endless road. not just losing weight and gaining self esteem, but facing serious challenges and not buckling under the stress. So I did it and I’m happy. I tried on a dress last night that has been hanging around my closet for 3 1/2 years and it fit. My daughter turns 21 on sunday and I’m going to wear that beautiful size 3 dress and take her to the top of the RIO in Las Vegas. Patti Glover 5′ 1" was 174 is 121 10% extra muscle from lifting weights so I set my goal higher than the doctor calculated my height/weight ratio. BTW, I have a theory about who’s been behind the slander and hype about the atkins’ diet…. the pharmaceutical companies stand to lose the most if people stop using insulin and lipitor. Patricia Glover Professional photo retouch artist – Damaged, worn or ripped photos repaired –  Hand color old black and white photographs Web pages designed – personalized animations – Commissioned art http://www.alibistudios.com http://www.alibimusic.com

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well it’s been a very trying two years, but i made it! Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I was very depressed about losing my mom, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t falter in my WOE when these things happened. her death actually caused me to lose a lot of weight in addition to what I was trying to achieve. Thank GOD for low carb fast food. It seemed like and endless road. not just losing weight and gaining self esteem, but facing serious challenges and not buckling under the stress. So I did it and I’m happy. I tried on a dress last night that has been hanging around my closet for 3 1/2 years and it fit. My daughter turns 21 on sunday and I’m going to wear that beautiful size 3 dress and take her to the top of the RIO in Las Vegas.

Congratulations, Patti!  I’m sorry to hear about all you’ve been through, but I’m sure happy to hear about that size 3 dress! Carol — Fasting BG 172 227/223/150 (official weigh-day: Thursday) Bernstein 5/25/2004 Diabetes Dx 5/15/2001 Diet, Exercise, Oral Medication

Response:

Zestril, Lipitor cause gastric reflux??

Question:

Im 46 year old male…. white… non smoker…. social drinker. Ive been taking zestril and lipitor for abt 5 years now.  Take 10 mg zestril and 20 mgs of lipitor. Can either or both of these drugs cause or contribute to gastric reflux disease?   Or erosive esophagus?

Response:

Im 46 year old male…. white… non smoker…. social drinker. Ive been taking zestril and lipitor for abt 5 years now.  Take 10 mg zestril and 20 mgs of lipitor. Can either or both of these drugs cause or contribute to gastric reflux disease?   Or erosive esophagus?

Hard to say. Both drugs can cause adverse gastrointestinal effects. Lisinopril aka Zestril cause in 1 to10% of uses the following GI effects: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea In less than 1%  users get pharyngeal pain. Atorvastin aka Liptor can cause the following adverse GI effects: diarrhea, flatulence, abdomenial pain in 2 to 3%. It can also cause confusion, short-term memory impairment (nasty), muscle breakdown (nasty) plus other nasty stuff in less than 1% of users. You’re the "right" age for acid reflux. Being over-weight does not help and middle age often brings weight gains; although I’ve seen "rail thin" persons with acid reflux so the relationship isn’t one to one.

Response:

Hard to say. Both drugs can cause adverse gastrointestinal effects. Lisinopril aka Zestril cause in 1 to10% of uses the following GI effects: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea In less than 1%  users get pharyngeal pain.

Hmm…. what is pharyngeal pain?  Can you explain? It can also cause confusion, short-term memory impairment (nasty),

Ive noticed the above myself.  And my brother who is more overweight than me and even on higher does of lipitor has really bad memory.  Is this memory loss permanent tho? Dangerous? I fully intend to change my ways … lose weight and hopefully at least get down to a lower does of lipitor…. i.e. back to 10 mgs Heart disease is rampant in my family. So given that my primary physician is taking a very "proactive" stance on me in regards to preventing the disease.  Hence the reason for putting me on lipitor and zestril You’re the "right" age for acid reflux. Being over-weight does not help and middle age often brings weight gains; although I’ve seen "rail thin" persons with acid reflux so the relationship isn’t one to one.

Well… it probably IS my age….and my diet.  But I was just curious as to how big a role my meds might be in gastric reflux.

Response:

Weight Loss – Amazing Results

Question:

Michael, Congratulations on getting such great control with diet and exercise! I’m in year 5 of controlling my own diabetes almost entirely with diet, and lately, exercise. As I see it, you’ve done the easy part now.  But the challenge is keeping the enthusiasm you have now as the excitement wears off, you get used to the smaller clothing, and the boredom and sense of deprivation kicks in since there is so much you can’t eat. Diabetes IS forever and it will come roaring back if you get sloppy. And it is very tough NOT to get sloppy. Any one who says it isn’t is either early on in the process, a natural born fanatic, or lying. I put together a page of my own ruminations on the subject of how to stay on my diabetes diet long term, much of it garnered after I crashed off it three years in.  http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/diab-diet.htm  I’d be curious what you think of it. Best wishes for continued success! — Jenny Cut the carbs to respond to my new email address! New photo: http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/jennypics.htm Weight: 168.5/137 Diabetes Type II diagnosed 8/1998 – HBa1c 5.2 10/03 Low Carb 9/1998 – 8/2001 and 11/10/02 – Now http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each month *  Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings * Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats * Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * Exercise Starting from Zero *  Do Starch Blockers Work? * NEW! Why the Low Carb Diet is Great for Diabetes  * NEW!  Low Carb Strategies for People with Diabetes

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About 6 months ago I had written to this newsgroup frantic, reporting that my physical had revealed the following numbers: Blood Cholesterol 275 HDL 48 LDL 190 Risk Ratio 6.1 Triglycerides 271 Blood Sugar over 200 with a Hb1C of 9.1 Since then, I have lost 50LBS, have a low dose 20mg of Pravachol and Niacin, tried Glucophage but MD took me off of it a couple of months ago, and here are my numbers… Blood Cholesterol   160 HDL                            65 LDL                             75 Risk Ratio                <2 Triglycerides            41 Fasting BS               83 HB1C                      5.2 Can diabetes be controlled like this just with losing weight?  I started exercising for about 3 months aggressively after learning of the numbers. I have slacked off somewhat as I am building a house, but even with less exercise my numbers seem very normal.  In light of these numbers, am I diabetic, sugar intolerant, etc.???  Anyone else have this experience?

Response:

I haven’t read all the posts in this thread, so I hope I’m not being redundant. I remember hearing high blood sugar can actually CAUSE weight loss.  I lost weight while getting frail on the way to being diagnosed T2.  The point is I wasn’t really _trying_ to lose weight.  I actually thought drinking a LOT of water was helping me lose weight.  ;-) Little did I know… I went to the doctor to find out if there was some serious reason why I was losing weight (like the C word) and found out it was due to diabetes — a serious reason, but not so imminently threatening. When I started to exercise and eat better (without medication of any kind) my blood sugar went shooting down and I started gaining weight, mostly muscle I suppose. Since then, I slipped off the bandwagon and went back to the doctor again. Now I’m on Actos, Lisinopril, and Lipitor — and again I’ve started gaining weight. Gaining weight is a side effect I really don’t like, as I’ve been fighting that battle my whole life.  And this time I can tell it’s not just muscle, as my pants are beginning to fit tighter again. I actually think I felt better not taking any medications, but my doctor says "Don’t even THINK of stopping your meds!"

Response:

Hi Michael. Congratulations on the weight loss, good labs, and improved control. Unfortunately that doesn’t mean you are no longer diabetic. You have made an excellent commitment to yourself, and are now enjoying the results. Renew that commitment each day, and you will continue to enjoy the benefits of being in good control. Diabetes is for life. Marie, Caretaker Mom T2

Response:

Are you still a diabetic? Were you ever a diabetic? I’m not sure how one can answer that question.

You’re kidding right? This is a clear indicator he’s diabetic. Did you even read his entire post? " Blood Sugar over 200 with a Hb1C of 9.1" <- Diabetic numbers – Diagnosis from ADA anytime glucose is over 200. However you certainly have achieved a healthy result from your activities.

Some say diabetes is due to lack of insulin due to dying pancreatic beta cells.

This is a T1 Diabetic. Not some say. Others say it’s too many fat cells causing insulin resistance.

This is a T2 Diabetic. Not some say.  If it’s the latter, as it could well be in your case, then your insulin levels might have been fine and your beta cells fine also. The only way to know is with insulin level tests. But an excess number of fat cells could make a normal insulin level not as effective. So who knows if you were, are, or will be diabetic. You do know about how your body responds and that’s an invaluable lesson.

Plain and simple, he’s lost weight, lowered his carb intake, thus achieving lower glucose numbers. He’s diabetic, and will always be diabetic. Once he sways from his new diet, soon his numbers will reflect higher numbers. That’s a given. — RK – t1 In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About 6 months ago I had written to this newsgroup frantic, reporting that my physical had revealed the following numbers: Blood Cholesterol 275 HDL 48 LDL 190 Risk Ratio 6.1 Triglycerides 271 Blood Sugar over 200 with a Hb1C of 9.1 Since then, I have lost 50LBS, have a low dose 20mg of Pravachol and Niacin, tried Glucophage but MD took me off of it a couple of months ago, and here are my numbers… Blood Cholesterol   160 HDL                            65 LDL                             75 Risk Ratio                <2 Triglycerides            41 Fasting BS               83 HB1C                      5.2 Can diabetes be controlled like this just with losing weight?  I started exercising for about 3 months aggressively after learning of the numbers. I have slacked off somewhat as I am building a house, but even with less exercise my numbers seem very normal.  In light of these numbers, am I diabetic, sugar intolerant, etc.???  Anyone else have this experience?

Response:

Are you still a diabetic? Were you ever a diabetic? I’m not sure how one can answer that question. However you certainly have achieved a healthy result from your activities. Some say diabetes is due to lack of insulin due to dying pancreatic beta cells. Others say it’s too many fat cells causing insulin resistance. If it’s the latter, as it could well be in your case, then your insulin levels might have been fine and your beta cells fine also. The only way to know is with insulin level tests. But an excess number of fat cells could make a normal insulin level not as effective. So who knows if you were, are, or will be diabetic. You do know about how your body responds and that’s an invaluable lesson.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About 6 months ago I had written to this newsgroup frantic, reporting that my physical had revealed the following numbers: Blood Cholesterol 275 HDL 48 LDL 190 Risk Ratio 6.1 Triglycerides 271 Blood Sugar over 200 with a Hb1C of 9.1 Since then, I have lost 50LBS, have a low dose 20mg of Pravachol and Niacin, tried Glucophage but MD took me off of it a couple of months ago, and here are my numbers… Blood Cholesterol   160 HDL                            65 LDL                             75 Risk Ratio                <2 Triglycerides            41 Fasting BS               83 HB1C                      5.2 Can diabetes be controlled like this just with losing weight?  I started exercising for about 3 months aggressively after learning of the numbers. I have slacked off somewhat as I am building a house, but even with less exercise my numbers seem very normal.  In light of these numbers, am I diabetic, sugar intolerant, etc.???  Anyone else have this experience?

Response:

Can diabetes be controlled like this just with losing weight? … Anyone else have this experience?

        You’re still diabetic, just a well controlled one.   Diagnosis is a one way street.  Once you’re diagnosed, you never go back, short of an organ transplant.   Although you’ve become very well controlled, BG levels are no the only symptom of the disease.   You became diabetic becaause your beta cells were dying.   Those beta cells will not return.    You just have enough of them to still do the job adequately in your present situation.         Obesity is related to insulin resistance.  If you are sufficiently insulin resistant, then losing weight will improve your control. It is routine for doctors to order their diabetics to lose weight for this reason.   Many doctors do that to the extent that you’d think losing weight was the only effective way to control diabetes.  Nevertheless, many lose weight only to find little or no effect on their control. That weight loss and increased exercise have had an tremendous effect on your control is teriffic.   Congratulations.                 E

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About 6 months ago I had written to this newsgroup frantic, reporting that my physical had revealed the following numbers: Blood Cholesterol 275 HDL 48 LDL 190 Risk Ratio 6.1 Triglycerides 271 Blood Sugar over 200 with a Hb1C of 9.1 Since then, I have lost 50LBS, have a low dose 20mg of Pravachol and Niacin, tried Glucophage but MD took me off of it a couple of months ago, and here are my numbers… Blood Cholesterol   160 HDL                            65 LDL                             75 Risk Ratio                <2 Triglycerides            41 Fasting BS               83 HB1C                      5.2 Can diabetes be controlled like this just with losing weight?  I started exercising for about 3 months aggressively after learning of the numbers. I have slacked off somewhat as I am building a house, but even with less exercise my numbers seem very normal.  In light of these numbers, am I diabetic, sugar intolerant, etc.???  Anyone else have this experience?

You’re still diabetic, and unfortunately always will be, but now you’re a CNTROLLED diabetic. Some diabetics can maintainexcellent control by losing weight and including some exercise, and it seems that you’re in that group. That’s GOOD, but it’s not a cure, so keep checking your BG’s and eating "properly". That, and you excercise should see you staying in good health, but NOT testing and thinking you’re NOT diabetic, will lead you into "bad ways":-) which I’m sure you don’t want. Congrats on your numbers too. Some people would die for them, and those who don’t strive for them, die BECAUSE of them (their numbers, not yours:) Beav

Response:

I would agree with Beav but would like to add that weightloss in itself does make a tremendous difference, although it’s not a cure. Reducing the number of fat cells – while adding the number of ‘good’ muscle cells will dramatically reduce insulin resistance – and make it easier to manage blood sugars with a minimum of meds and or exercise/diet.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About 6 months ago I had written to this newsgroup frantic, reporting that my physical had revealed the following numbers: Blood Cholesterol 275 HDL 48 LDL 190 Risk Ratio 6.1 Triglycerides 271 Blood Sugar over 200 with a Hb1C of 9.1 Since then, I have lost 50LBS, have a low dose 20mg of Pravachol and Niacin, tried Glucophage but MD took me off of it a couple of months ago, and here are my numbers… Blood Cholesterol   160 HDL                            65 LDL                             75 Risk Ratio                <2 Triglycerides            41 Fasting BS               83 HB1C                      5.2 Can diabetes be controlled like this just with losing weight?  I started exercising for about 3 months aggressively after learning of the numbers. I have slacked off somewhat as I am building a house, but even with less exercise my numbers seem very normal.  In light of these numbers, am I diabetic, sugar intolerant, etc.???  Anyone else have this experience?

Response:

About 6 months ago I had written to this newsgroup frantic, reporting that my physical had revealed the following numbers: Blood Cholesterol 275 HDL 48 LDL 190 Risk Ratio 6.1 Triglycerides 271 Blood Sugar over 200 with a Hb1C of 9.1 Since then, I have lost 50LBS, have a low dose 20mg of Pravachol and Niacin, tried Glucophage but MD took me off of it a couple of months ago, and here are my numbers… Blood Cholesterol   160 HDL                            65 LDL                             75 Risk Ratio                <2 Triglycerides            41 Fasting BS               83 HB1C                      5.2 Can diabetes be controlled like this just with losing weight?  I started exercising for about 3 months aggressively after learning of the numbers.  I have slacked off somewhat as I am building a house, but even with less exercise my numbers seem very normal.  In light of these numbers, am I diabetic, sugar intolerant, etc.???  Anyone else have this experience?

Response:

Moderately High Cholesterol and Liver Readings..but not too overweight

Question:

Hi All, Have never really posted here before with anything substantial, but have been reading a lot of posts here in the last 3 weeks or so. I got interested because my wife wanted to go on a diet for a vacation 6 months or so from now, and Atkins came up.  I read the book quickly, found this NG, and away I went.  She is not following seriously enough IMO, but I think I am hooked. Anyways…I am not very overweight…at least by appearance.  I am about 5′10", and currently 210 lbs (was about 216-218 a couple weeks ago (thank you Dr. Atkins!)), but have always had a pretty heavy/solid build and been heavier that I look.  No one believes I am 210+ lbs.   I have been concerned because I starting to get a bit of a belly, and am having to buy some pants in a 36" waist, and some even in a 38"….a 34" I would be more happy with. According to some BMI tables, I am considered obese – WTF is up with that! My main concern with my health at this point are my cholesterol and liver readings etc.  I will post the numbers when I get them, but my doctor called to say they were all too high.  Since I took the tests about a week into Atkins, I realize they may be a bit artificially high, but I also had the tests long ago (1 year), that also had high readings, am concerned.  My father has heart problems from clogged arteries.  My mother has high cholesterol problems as well. Anyways….from reading the book, I have seen that after 6 weeks or so, it is a good idea to re-test and usually by then some of the benefits get shown, especially in your blood health. Is this a reasonable amount of time to wait to see if there are positive results?   I don’t want to find I haven’t waited long enough to see postive results.  What do you suggest?  If I follow Atkins seriously, at what point should I head back for more tests – I really think some postive #’s will be that boost I really need to keep it going strong. Thanks All, GT

Response:

I’d say wait 6 months, and then get tested every 6 months after that. Some numbers will go up and then come back down — testing too soon will just get you all worked up.  Also, reading just total cholesterol numbers is not very meaningful….you should be looking at ratios instead.  You might do some work on google to learn what to look out for.

:: Hi All, :: :: Have never really posted here before with anything substantial, but :: have been reading a lot of posts here in the last 3 weeks or so. I :: got interested because my wife wanted to go on a diet for a vacation :: 6 months or so from now, and Atkins came up.  I read the book :: quickly, found this NG, and away I went.  She is not following :: seriously enough IMO, but I think I am hooked. :: :: Anyways…I am not very overweight…at least by appearance.  I am :: about 5′10", and currently 210 lbs (was about 216-218 a couple weeks :: ago (thank you Dr. Atkins!)), but have always had a pretty :: heavy/solid build and been heavier that I look.  No one believes I :: am 210+ lbs.   I have been concerned because I starting to get a bit :: of a belly, and am having to buy some pants in a 36" waist, and some :: even in a 38"….a 34" I would be more happy with. According to some :: BMI tables, I am considered obese – WTF is up with that! :: :: My main concern with my health at this point are my cholesterol and :: liver readings etc.  I will post the numbers when I get them, but my :: doctor called to say they were all too high.  Since I took the tests :: about a week into Atkins, I realize they may be a bit artificially :: high, but I also had the tests long ago (1 year), that also had high :: readings, am concerned.  My father has heart problems from clogged :: arteries.  My mother has high cholesterol problems as well. :: :: Anyways….from reading the book, I have seen that after 6 weeks or :: so, it is a good idea to re-test and usually by then some of the :: benefits get shown, especially in your blood health. :: :: Is this a reasonable amount of time to wait to see if there are :: positive results?   I don’t want to find I haven’t waited long :: enough to see postive results.  What do you suggest?  If I follow :: Atkins seriously, at what point should I head back for more tests – :: I really think some postive #’s will be that boost I really need to :: keep it going strong. :: :: Thanks All, :: :: GT

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Have never really posted here before with anything substantial, but have been reading a lot of posts here in the last 3 weeks or so. I got interested because my wife wanted to go on a diet for a vacation 6 months or so from now, and Atkins came up.  I read the book quickly, found this NG, and away I went.  She is not following seriously enough IMO, but I think I am hooked. Anyways…I am not very overweight…at least by appearance.  I am about 5′10", and currently 210 lbs (was about 216-218 a couple weeks ago (thank you Dr. Atkins!)), but have always had a pretty heavy/solid build and been heavier that I look.  No one believes I am 210+ lbs.   I have been concerned because I starting to get a bit of a belly, and am having to buy some pants in a 36" waist, and some even in a 38"….a 34" I would be more happy with. According to some BMI tables, I am considered obese – WTF is up with that! My main concern with my health at this point are my cholesterol and liver readings etc.  I will post the numbers when I get them, but my doctor called to say they were all too high.  Since I took the tests about a week into Atkins, I realize they may be a bit artificially high, but I also had the tests long ago (1 year), that also had high readings, am concerned.  My father has heart problems from clogged arteries.  My mother has high cholesterol problems as well. Anyways….from reading the book, I have seen that after 6 weeks or so, it is a good idea to re-test and usually by then some of the benefits get shown, especially in your blood health. Is this a reasonable amount of time to wait to see if there are positive results?   I don’t want to find I haven’t waited long enough to see postive results.  What do you suggest?  If I follow Atkins seriously, at what point should I head back for more tests – I really think some postive #’s will be that boost I really need to keep it going strong. Thanks All, GT

I’d wait at least a few months and ideally I’d wait until several months after you reach your target weight.  There was a post on here from a guy a few weeks ago that had high numbers until well after he reached his target weight.  For most people, after a few months, total chol is about the same, hdl is improved and trig drop dramatically. For some, like me, total and ldl have gone up, but I’m waiting till I get to my target.  Figure then I will have more vegs, less fat, etc which may help.  You can also try adding fiber, which has been shown to help lower chol.  I use the metamucil that is sugar free.  There are also products that have the plant sterols which are supposed to help.  This is what they put in benecol margaring, but I get them in pill form. If you want to get an idea of your risk of developing hard CHD in the next 10 years, you can go to the Amer Heart Assoc website or the NIH. They have an online calculator where you can put in your chol, hdl etc and other risk factors and it will give you an estimate.  It will likely make you feel better, as factors like your sex, smoking, etc make a bigger difference.

Response:

Three months has been mentioned as a good starting point.  My take would be to look at where you are in this way of eating.  For example at three months are you still losing weight? Have you settled into low-carb as a way of eating and a way of life?  Have you reached a balance between bacon & burgers and fish and vegetables?  … that’s when I would get retested. What you want is to get stabilized so when you get test results you know what direction you need to go. I would personally resist statin drugs until your life changes are in place and you get another lipid profile.  If indeed you are taking Atkins seriously this will not take long.  You may want to explore Atkins a little deeper and see what he has to say about supplements especially since you already know your history and family history.  Don’t take too long to get things under control either by diet, supplements, or Dr prescribed medications. Roger is correct; you need to know the entire picture with the results. Since you didn’t post specifics Roger is assuming you don’t have all the tests but your post does seem to indicate that your readings are "all too high." Kevin

| Hi All, | | Have never really posted here before with anything substantial, but have | been reading a lot of posts here in the last 3 weeks or so. I got interested | because my wife wanted to go on a diet for a vacation 6 months or so from | now, and Atkins came up.  I read the book quickly, found this NG, and away I | went.  She is not following seriously enough IMO, but I think I am hooked. | | Anyways…I am not very overweight…at least by appearance.  I am about | 5′10", and currently 210 lbs (was about 216-218 a couple weeks ago (thank | you Dr. Atkins!)), but have always had a pretty heavy/solid build and been | heavier that I look.  No one believes I am 210+ lbs.   I have been concerned | because I starting to get a bit of a belly, and am having to buy some pants | in a 36" waist, and some even in a 38"….a 34" I would be more happy with. | According to some BMI tables, I am considered obese – WTF is up with that! | | My main concern with my health at this point are my cholesterol and liver | readings etc.  I will post the numbers when I get them, but my doctor called | to say they were all too high.  Since I took the tests about a week into | Atkins, I realize they may be a bit artificially high, but I also had the | tests long ago (1 year), that also had high readings, am concerned.  My | father has heart problems from clogged arteries.  My mother has high | cholesterol problems as well. | | Anyways….from reading the book, I have seen that after 6 weeks or so, it | is a good idea to re-test and usually by then some of the benefits get | shown, especially in your blood health. | | Is this a reasonable amount of time to wait to see if there are positive | results?   I don’t want to find I haven’t waited long enough to see postive | results.  What do you suggest?  If I follow Atkins seriously, at what point | should I head back for more tests – I really think some postive #’s will be | that boost I really need to keep it going strong. | | Thanks All, | | GT | |

Response:

I’m honestly not sure what you mean by your liver numbers — would your doctor have put you on a statin such as Lipitor had it not been for your "liver numbers"? (You don’t mention any medicines, unless I missed them.) You’re going to get all sorts of opinions about how long to wait, but I can give you a personal testimonial on progress. In March I had been on a cholesterol cocktail for about 5 months, with good progrss, not great (I probably should have stopped drinking). My total cholesterol in March was 133…  I went on Atkins in late July (I am your height and I weighed 212), and have dropeed 16 pounds since then. I also stopped all alcohol and caffeine (more strict than some people go, but I’d really rather eat my carbs in vegetables or the occasional licorice) My cholesterol numbers were re-measured a week ago (7-8 weeks after Atkins), and my total cholesterol has dropped now to 95. (I’m still on the cholesterol cocktail, and hope that will one day change). Blood pressure has also improved. Make sure you get enough potassium, by the way, that’s the hardest part early on. Frank Lynch The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at: http://www.samueljohnson.com/

Response:

I’m honestly not sure what you mean by your liver numbers — would your doctor have put you on a statin such as Lipitor had it not been for your "liver numbers"? (You don’t mention any medicines, unless I missed them.)

I have an appointment next week to go to the doctor and discuss the numbers with him.  I’ll post them then.  The liver tests are something to do with Lever Enzymes and fatty deposits in the liver or something.  I’m not really sure what it means yet. GT

Response:

Cholesterol is one thing . Abnormal liver enzymes are quite another. If your liver enzymes are ugly, you most definitely need to talk to the doctor as this is a sign that your liver might be failing or that you have a serious disease like hepatitis. Total cholesterol may go down on a low carb diet, or it may not. Your ratios should improve and your triglicerides most certainly will drop. However, low carbing will not correct liver failure. Talk to your doctor! — Jenny 168.5/137 Low Carb 9/1998 – 8/2001 and 11/10/02 – Now http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each month *  Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings * Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats * Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * Exercise Starting from Zero *  NEW! Do Starch Blockers Work?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Have never really posted here before with anything substantial, but have been reading a lot of posts here in the last 3 weeks or so. I got interested because my wife wanted to go on a diet for a vacation 6 months or so from now, and Atkins came up.  I read the book quickly, found this NG, and away I went.  She is not following seriously enough IMO, but I think I am hooked. Anyways…I am not very overweight…at least by appearance.  I am about 5′10", and currently 210 lbs (was about 216-218 a couple weeks ago (thank you Dr. Atkins!)), but have always had a pretty heavy/solid build and been heavier that I look.  No one believes I am 210+ lbs.   I have been concerned because I starting to get a bit of a belly, and am having to buy some pants in a 36" waist, and some even in a 38"….a 34" I would be more happy with. According to some BMI tables, I am considered obese – WTF is up with that! My main concern with my health at this point are my cholesterol and liver readings etc.  I will post the numbers when I get them, but my doctor called to say they were all too high.  Since I took the tests about a week into Atkins, I realize they may be a bit artificially high, but I also had the tests long ago (1 year), that also had high readings, am concerned.  My father has heart problems from clogged arteries.  My mother has high cholesterol problems as well. Anyways….from reading the book, I have seen that after 6 weeks or so, it is a good idea to re-test and usually by then some of the benefits get shown, especially in your blood health. Is this a reasonable amount of time to wait to see if there are positive results?   I don’t want to find I haven’t waited long enough to see postive results.  What do you suggest?  If I follow Atkins seriously, at what point should I head back for more tests – I really think some postive #’s will be that boost I really need to keep it going strong. Thanks All, GT

Response:

Cholesterol is one thing . Abnormal liver enzymes are quite another. If your liver enzymes are ugly, you most definitely need to talk to the doctor as this is a sign that your liver might be failing or that you have a serious disease like hepatitis. Total cholesterol may go down on a low carb diet, or it may not. Your ratios should improve and your triglicerides most certainly will drop. However, low carbing will not correct liver failure. Talk to your doctor!

Actually, it does mention in the Atkins book that both Liver and Kidney function CAN be corrected (or at least improved, I can’t remember the wording in the book), by Low Carbing.  Not sure what is going on with the liver, but the doctor didn’t seem overly concerned….but I will find out when I meet with him next week. GT

Response:

Make sure you get enough potassium, by the way, that’s the hardest part early on. Frank Lynch The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at: http://www.samueljohnson.com/

How do you know if  you are NOT getting enough potassium?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m honestly not sure what you mean by your liver numbers — would your doctor have put you on a statin such as Lipitor had it not been for your "liver numbers"? (You don’t mention any medicines, unless I missed them.) You’re going to get all sorts of opinions about how long to wait, but I can give you a personal testimonial on progress. In March I had been on a cholesterol cocktail for about 5 months, with good progrss, not great (I probably should have stopped drinking). My total cholesterol in March was 133…  I went on Atkins in late July (I am your height and I weighed 212), and have dropeed 16 pounds since then. I also stopped all alcohol and caffeine (more strict than some people go, but I’d really rather eat my carbs in vegetables or the occasional licorice) My cholesterol numbers were re-measured a week ago (7-8 weeks after Atkins), and my total cholesterol has dropped now to 95. (I’m still on the cholesterol cocktail, and hope that will one day change). Blood pressure has also improved. Make sure you get enough potassium, by the way, that’s the hardest part early on. Frank Lynch The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at: http://www.samueljohnson.com/

Total chol of 95 and your taking a chol cocktail?  What is a chol cocktail?  I’ve never seen total chol that low.  Why would anyone be on chol drugs with a total chol number of 133 or 95?  What are your other numbers? There have been some studies done that showed people with chol that is very low have a higher death rate than those with high chol.

Response:

GT, Some early stage kidney problems and a condition called "fatty liver" can be improved by low carbing though for addressing fatty liver, you really should be on Metformin which reduces insulin resistance and has been shown to reverse the condition. But if your liver problem comes from hepatitis diet won’t reverse it and delaying in the hopes that it will could be fatal..  – Jenny 168.5/137 Low Carb 9/1998 – 8/2001 and 11/10/02 – Now http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each month *  Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings * Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats * Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * Exercise Starting from Zero *  NEW! Do Starch Blockers Work?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cholesterol is one thing . Abnormal liver enzymes are quite another. If your liver enzymes are ugly, you most definitely need to talk to the doctor as this is a sign that your liver might be failing or that you have a serious disease like hepatitis. Total cholesterol may go down on a low carb diet, or it may not. Your ratios should improve and your triglicerides most certainly will drop. However, low carbing will not correct liver failure. Talk to your doctor! Actually, it does mention in the Atkins book that both Liver and Kidney function CAN be corrected (or at least improved, I can’t remember the wording in the book), by Low Carbing.  Not sure what is going on with the liver, but the doctor didn’t seem overly concerned….but I will find out when I meet with him next week. GT

Response:

Total chol of 95 and your taking a chol cocktail?  What is a chol cocktail?  I’ve never seen total chol that low.  Why would anyone be on chol drugs with a total chol number of 133 or 95?  What are your other numbers? There have been some studies done that showed people with chol that is very low have a higher death rate than those with high chol.

I’m on Lipitor, Niaspan, and Avapro. good c = 29, bad c = 48, trig = 90 Frank Lynch The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at: http://www.samueljohnson.com/

Response:

Thanks for the concern and advice Jenny.  I think I have been checked for everything, including hepatitis..I remember seeing that box checked off on the blood work sheet. .  Everything checks out OK.  I think it’s just the "fatty liver" you are referring to….I’ll know next week for sure. GT

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – GT, Some early stage kidney problems and a condition called "fatty liver" can be improved by low carbing though for addressing fatty liver, you really should be on Metformin which reduces insulin resistance and has been shown to reverse the condition. But if your liver problem comes from hepatitis diet won’t reverse it and delaying in the hopes that it will could be fatal..  – Jenny 168.5/137 Low Carb 9/1998 – 8/2001 and 11/10/02 – Now http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each month *  Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings * Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats * Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * Exercise Starting from Zero *  NEW! Do Starch Blockers Work? Cholesterol is one thing . Abnormal liver enzymes are quite another. If your liver enzymes are ugly, you most definitely need to talk to the doctor as this is a sign that your liver might be failing or that you have a serious disease like hepatitis. Total cholesterol may go down on a low carb diet, or it may not. Your ratios should improve and your triglicerides most certainly will drop. However, low carbing will not correct liver failure. Talk to your doctor! Actually, it does mention in the Atkins book that both Liver and Kidney function CAN be corrected (or at least improved, I can’t remember the wording in the book), by Low Carbing.  Not sure what is going on with the liver, but the doctor didn’t seem overly concerned….but I will find out when I meet with him next week. GT

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Total chol of 95 and your taking a chol cocktail?  What is a chol cocktail?  I’ve never seen total chol that low.  Why would anyone be on chol drugs with a total chol number of 133 or 95?  What are your other numbers? There have been some studies done that showed people with chol that is very low have a higher death rate than those with high chol. I’m on Lipitor, Niaspan, and Avapro. good c = 29, bad c = 48, trig = 90 Frank Lynch The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at: http://www.samueljohnson.com/

Out of curiousity, what were your numbers before taking lipitor and niacin?  Your total chol is now very low, ldl is very low, trig are low, so I’m curious why you’re taking both niacin and lipitor.  Were they that bad without both drugs?  Lipitor as I understand it only lowers LDL.  Niacin can both lower LDL and raise HDL, so it would seem to me, niacin alone might be enough.  And Avapro is for blood pressure isn’t it?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the concern and advice Jenny.  I think I have been checked for everything, including hepatitis..I remember seeing that box checked off on the blood work sheet. .  Everything checks out OK.  I think it’s just the "fatty liver" you are referring to….I’ll know next week for sure. GT GT, Some early stage kidney problems and a condition called "fatty liver" can  be improved by low carbing though for addressing fatty liver, you really  should be on Metformin which reduces insulin resistance and has been shown to reverse the condition. But if your liver problem comes from hepatitis diet won’t reverse it and delaying in the hopes that it will could be fatal..  – Jenny 168.5/137 Low Carb 9/1998 – 8/2001 and 11/10/02 – Now http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each month *  Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger  Cravings * Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats * Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * Exercise Starting from Zero *  NEW! Do Starch Blockers Work? Cholesterol is one thing . Abnormal liver enzymes are quite another.  If  your liver enzymes are ugly, you most definitely need to talk to the doctor  as this is a sign that your liver might be failing or that you have a  serious disease like hepatitis. Total cholesterol may go down on a low carb diet, or it may not. Your  ratios should improve and your triglicerides most certainly will drop. However, low carbing will not correct liver failure. Talk to your  doctor! Actually, it does mention in the Atkins book that both Liver and Kidney function CAN be corrected (or at least improved, I can’t remember the wording in the book), by Low Carbing.  Not sure what is going on with  the liver, but the doctor didn’t seem overly concerned….but I will find  out when I meet with him next week. GT

Any of the chol lowering medicines have potential serious liver side effects, so I’d be sure your doctor knows what he’s doing.  I’m surprised anyone with chol numbers so low is taking lipitor at all.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Total chol of 95 and your taking a chol cocktail?  What is a chol cocktail?  I’ve never seen total chol that low.  Why would anyone be on chol drugs with a total chol number of 133 or 95?  What are your other numbers? There have been some studies done that showed people with chol that is very low have a higher death rate than those with high chol. I’m on Lipitor, Niaspan, and Avapro. good c = 29, bad c = 48, trig = 90 Frank Lynch The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at: http://www.samueljohnson.com/ Out of curiousity, what were your numbers before taking lipitor and niacin?  Your total chol is now very low, ldl is very low, trig are low, so I’m curious why you’re taking both niacin and lipitor.  Were they that bad without both drugs?  Lipitor as I understand it only lowers LDL.  Niacin can both lower LDL and raise HDL, so it would seem to me, niacin alone might be enough.  And Avapro is for blood pressure isn’t it?

RE Avapro: yeah you’re right, but I’m on it… Along with Zetia (the other part of the cocktail) I don’t have the "total cholesterol" figures, but in late ‘02 by good was 25 and bad was 82 Frank Lynch The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at: http://www.samueljohnson.com/

Response:

GT wrote … "Jenny" wrote … Cholesterol is one thing . Abnormal liver enzymes are quite another. If your liver enzymes are ugly, you most definitely need to talk to the doctor as this is a sign that your liver might be failing or that you have a serious disease like hepatitis.

Or you might just have a ‘fatty liver’ which is harmless unless you’re planning to take up binge drinking. Actually, it does mention in the Atkins book that both Liver and Kidney function CAN be corrected (or at least improved, I can’t remember the wording in the book), by Low Carbing.  Not sure what is going on with the liver, but the doctor didn’t seem overly concerned….but I will find out when I meet with him next week.

I had a liver enzyme test not long before restarting LC, and was told I had a ‘fatty liver’ (common in the obese, particularly women I think, though I could be wrong there). A follow-up test 6 months later showed normal liver enzymes, so given that I hadn’t had a big drinking session right before the first test, I can only assume that my liver’s return to normal was a result of low carbing. cheers Rachel (New Zealand)

Response:

GT wrote … Make sure you get enough potassium, by the way, that’s the hardest part early on. How do you know if  you are NOT getting enough potassium?

Muscle cramps, especially in the lower legs. Occasionally heart palpitations (it’s a muscle to it stands to reason it might suffer along with the rest of them). I’m sure there are others more knowledgeable than I who can add to the possible symptoms of low potassium. Rachel (New Zealand)

Response:

ZOCOR, LIPITOR :- Men's Health Declares "The Magic Bullet That Missed"

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Missed" Do you know how Zocor and Lipitor lowers cholesterol? Like other statin drugs, it blocks the enzyme which helps to synthesize cholesterol in the liver. This can have deadly side effects, such as "rhabdomyolysis, or muscle breakdown, which can lead to kidney failure and death". How bad is it? "Two years ago, Bayer pulled its statin, Baycol, after 31 deaths from rhabdomyolysis were linked to the drug." Those advertisements seem to be working. "In a 2001 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found that 69 percent of statin users should not have been taking the drugs, according to the existing NCEP guidelines." If you are worried about heart disease or high cholesterol, and are reluctant or been unsuccessful with drugs, I can offer a safe alternative. If you are trying through diet and exercise to lower your LDL, and need some help, or if you just want to ensure the health of your cardiovascular system, I have some information on an exciting new plant-derived product I’d like to share with you. I would also be happy to provide the link to the above mentioned article from Men’s Health, as well as some other valuable information.

Yes, this has been in the news. http://www.personalhealthzone.com/drug_interactions/statin_drugs.html http://www.pharmacynetworkgroup.com/zocor-side-effects.htm http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum65/HTML/000598.html http://www.morleyevans.com/Contents/FDA_Letter/FDA_Letter.html Jan The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it." Albert Einstein – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – within 48 hours. *** Your email address WILL NOT be used in any mailing lists, and it will not be spammed as a result of you providing your email address to me ***

Response:

I am not sure why doctors don’t try policosonol first.  I am sure it doesn’t have anything to do with pharmaceutical reps. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&… uids=12837046&dopt=Abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&… uids=12639413&dopt=Abstract BL "As the waves pass the rock, their shape is changed.  There is a hologram of the rock within the wave that comes forward and crashes on the beach, then there’s a reflected wave back."   Ralph Abraham   "I’d like to learn to windsurf."  BL

Response:

Do you know how Zocor and Lipitor lowers cholesterol? Like other statin drugs, it blocks the enzyme which helps to synthesize cholesterol in the liver. This can have deadly side effects, such as "rhabdomyolysis, or muscle breakdown, which can lead to kidney failure and death". How bad is it? "Two years ago, Bayer pulled its statin, Baycol, after 31 deaths from rhabdomyolysis were linked to the drug." Those advertisements seem to be working. "In a 2001 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found that 69 percent of statin users should not have been taking the drugs, according to the existing NCEP guidelines." If you are worried about heart disease or high cholesterol, and are reluctant or been unsuccessful with drugs, I can offer a safe alternative. If you are trying through diet and exercise to lower your LDL, and need some help, or if you just want to ensure the health of your cardiovascular system, I have some information on an exciting new plant-derived product I’d like to share with you. I would also be happy to provide the link to the above mentioned article from Men’s Health, as well as some other valuable information. 48 hours. *** Your email address WILL NOT be used in any mailing lists, and it will not be spammed as a result of you providing your email address to me ***

Response:

Feeling "low" when I'm actually not …

Question:

Marianne, chemo is a very difficult thing,  and I do believe it changes your numbers,  I think that I have diabetes as a result of the chemotherapy,  I had breast cancer in l994 and I am telling you this so that you know that there is life after breast cancer,  Next March It will be ten years for me,  I had a lumpectomy, radiation and chemo and then diabetes which I wont allow to get me if cancer hasnt,. I wish you luck and congratulations on completing your treatment,  If you need anything, please dont hesitate to email me. Loretta — In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism.

Response:

I am newly diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic a couple of months ago and I finally got my readings down to the 100 range FBG that is, using diet, pills, and exercise, and I have had some shakes and sweats just before lunch a few times and when I read my glucose from my shoulder using one touch ultra glucometer it shows about 70, so I’m thinking that in this kind of situation a finger stick would much more accurately show the true reading because I don’t think a bg reading of 70 should precipitate such sweats and shakes.

According to many sources, 70 is an actual hypo.  Keep in mind that our meters are not 100% accurate, so it’s best not to let yourself get that low. Your 70 may well be in reality, a 65!  I treat as if for hypo at <80.  On the other hand, yesterday I had a pre lunch reading of 103, and two hours after lunch it was 100.  I expected a much higher number than the pre-lunch reading.  I ate a 4 ounce pork chop, baked, and a half cup of peas.  It would appear that the starch in peas is not very rapidly absorbed which might be a good thing to remember.

That’s a very small lunch!  And while peas are a carby food, they are not as carb laden as some others and you only had one serving. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I am enjoying "somewhat" reading all your stories, some of which I call "horror stories" and it makes me feel healthier to see how bad off some of you are.  I am 58 and was 264 pounds when I started all this, and am now down to 250, but finding it hard to lose weight now since they added glipizide, even on a 1500 calorie per day diet (glipizide 2.5mg,glucophage 500mg both taken twice daily 12 hrs apart) . I also notice that the morning pills seem to peter out before bedtime when I take my night time dose, because my bg goes up to 132.  It seems that we ought to take our pills 3 times a day somehow and even things out more. You who use insulin, can inject when necessary I guess, but it’s hard to divy up tiny pills into littler pieces.   Wit and wisdom on these subjects are most welcome.   My FBG was 340 when the Doc first hit the panic button.

I take Glucotrol XR twice daily.  I also take Starlix with every meal.  Most of my numbers are fine.  It’s the blasted morning fasting numbers that are too high.  Starlix can’t help with that! — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

Response:

I am newly diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic a couple of months ago and I finally got my readings down to the 100 range FBG that is, using diet, pills, and exercise, and I have had some shakes and sweats just before lunch a few times and when I read my glucose from my shoulder using one touch ultra glucometer it shows about 70, so I’m thinking that in this kind of situation a finger stick would much more accurately show the true reading because I don’t think a bg reading of 70 should precipitate such sweats and shakes.  On the other hand, yesterday I had a pre lunch reading of 103, and two hours after lunch it was 100.  I expected a much higher number than the pre-lunch reading.  I ate a 4 ounce pork chop, baked, and a half cup of peas.  It would appear that the starch in peas is not very rapidly absorbed which might be a good thing to remember.  I am enjoying "somewhat" reading all your stories, some of which I call "horror stories" and it makes me feel healthier to see how bad off some of you are.  I am 58 and was 264 pounds when I started all this, and am now down to 250, but finding it hard to lose weight now since they added glipizide, even on a 1500 calorie per day diet (glipizide 2.5mg,glucophage 500mg both taken twice daily 12 hrs apart) .   I also notice that the morning pills seem to peter out before bedtime when I take my night time dose, because my bg goes up to 132.  It seems that we ought to take our pills 3 times a day somehow and even things out more.  You who use insulin, can inject when necessary I guess, but it’s hard to divy up tiny pills into littler pieces.   Wit and wisdom on these subjects are most welcome.   My FBG was 340 when the Doc first hit the panic button. Jim L

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stephanie, Yes, I have the same thing happening to me. I get dizzy, shaky, heart beat fast and irregular, nausea, and my head will sweat like crazy (bald head from chemo hair loss) and it comes on very suddenly. Now that I have a glucometer, I test my blood and readings are usually anywhere from 14 to 17 at that time.  So I don’t understand it.  But, oddly if I eat something, a piece of cheese or a couple of sips of orange juice, or a muffin and wait about 20 minutes I feel much better. Makes no sense to me at all.  But maybe my case is complicated because I just finished my last chemotherapy for breast cancer on June 30th. Marianne In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range.

You seem to be suffering what is known as a ‘Phantom Hypo’. Your body has been used to higher levels of glucose for some time and when ever those levels drop below the point the body thinks is normal, then it mistakenly percieves a hypo. This effect passes after a week or so and may reappear as you gain control as your average glucose level drops to what is safe. I sometimes have them and I do one of two things. If I am at home and chilling, then I go for a nap for an hour and the effect passes. Or if I am at work and it is too uncomfortable to continue, suck a boiled sweet just to get rid of the effects. Next time you have this feeling do a BG check and keep an eye on when they occurr. You may find that they gradually seem to disappear. HTH Pete Diagnosed 20/03/03 Type II D&E + Metformin + Gliclazide

Response:

Stephanie, Yes, I have the same thing happening to me. I get dizzy, shaky, heart beat fast and irregular, nausea, and my head will sweat like crazy (bald head from chemo hair loss) and it comes on very suddenly. Now that I have a glucometer, I test my blood and readings are usually anywhere from 14 to 17 at that time.  So I don’t understand it.  But, oddly if I eat something, a piece of cheese or a couple of sips of orange juice, or a muffin and wait about 20 minutes I feel much better. Makes no sense to me at all.  But maybe my case is complicated because I just finished my last chemotherapy for breast cancer on June 30th. Marianne

it may be complications/side effects from the chemo.  or it may be that your BG just prior was extremely high then dropped rapidly.  The rapid drop in BG even though it doesn’t actually drop into the hypo range will cause hypo symptoms that go away when you do exactly as you have done above. Mack Type 1 since 1975 http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org  In tribute to the United States of America and the State  of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and  terrorism. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range.

Response:

Good to see you taking control. After all, you are the one to suffer the consequenses of unsound medical advice. Not the doc. Sleepy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thank you thank you thank you to everyone for your input!! I can’t tell you how RELIEVED I am that these "fake hypos" are somewhat common. It’s also good to know that my instincts about my new doctor were right, and that along with being not very pleasant, she’s also not very bright. So, forward … a new doctor, better monitoring, and a new exercise routine.  (The underlying problem was a move to a hotter climate … I am NOT taking my evening walk if it’s 98 degrees outside! Eeesh!) Anyway, many hugs and thanks. Stephanie W. Type II, diagnosed July 2000, d&e + glucophage

"Thats All Folks" Mel Blanc’s Epitaph

Response:

Stephanie, Yes, I have the same thing happening to me. I get dizzy, shaky, heart beat fast and irregular, nausea, and my head will sweat like crazy (bald head from chemo hair loss) and it comes on very suddenly. Now that I have a glucometer, I test my blood and readings are usually anywhere from 14 to 17 at that time.  So I don’t understand it.  But, oddly if I eat something, a piece of cheese or a couple of sips of orange juice, or a muffin and wait about 20 minutes I feel much better. Makes no sense to me at all.  But maybe my case is complicated because I just finished my last chemotherapy for breast cancer on June 30th. Marianne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range.

Response:

Thank you thank you thank you to everyone for your input!! I can’t tell you how RELIEVED I am that these "fake hypos" are somewhat common. It’s also good to know that my instincts about my new doctor were right, and that along with being not very pleasant, she’s also not very bright. So, forward … a new doctor, better monitoring, and a new exercise routine.  (The underlying problem was a move to a hotter climate … I am NOT taking my evening walk if it’s 98 degrees outside! Eeesh!) Anyway, many hugs and thanks. Stephanie W. Type II, diagnosed July 2000, d&e + glucophage

Response:

I have been having the same false low symptoms. When I test the BG is the range of 95-110.  I recently (1 month) started taking meds – glucophage xr 2000mg, benicar 20mg (for high blood pressure), and lipitor 40mg. I blame the "false lows" on the glucophage, since I never had them before using the glucophage. My Dr. feels it might be the benicar. I don’t think it’s the benicar since blood pressures are now within the normal range but never low. Also the false lows are not accompanied with dizziness when standing up quickly. I have read all the responses in this thread, and don’t feel that any of them explain my false low feelings. I’m hoping someone will come up with a theory that explains my symptoms. Al

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

Response:

Stephanie welcome to ASD,   Answers to question one and two are yes. If you have a high and I mean over l60ish for me and then I go to normal I have those sensations. If you are taking bp meds which are not given for bp but to protect your kidneys, you pressure can be low,  I went from 110/80 to 95/65 and feel those same sensations. Loretta — In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism.

Response:

Hi Stephanie and welcome to the group! I am a T2 on insulin and avandia. I had bg readings between 350-500 for the longest time, mostly due to doctor problems. I found a great doctor and I stuck with her regimen (questioning it often). I started going to her in January of this year, and I  went to her today to an appointment. My bg was 108 at the doctor’s office today! We were thrilled beyond belief! I know up until a couple weeks ago, that if I was "feeling" hypo, and took my bg..it was usually around 140 or so. With my 108 reading today, I was just starting to feel as if I should eat. I was excited and shocked to see that it was that low! I guess I am saying I can relate to you feeling the way you do even though the numbers may seem to tell you differently. My doctor told me that my body was changing as time went on, and so will my reaction at the lower numbers. It would take time for my body to respond to treatment. I encourage you to hang in there, and hope you find a great doctor that will treat you with the respect you deserve! Keep us posted. Lots of hugs, Cat

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

Response:

Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range.

Sorry to hear that you now have a bad Dr.  I’ve had several, so I know how frustrating that can be. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"?

Yes.  Other possibilites are that your BG dropped rapidly, or that you actually *did* go low and your liver dumped glucose to compensate for it. Try to see if there is a pattern  to when this happens.  Does it occur at the same time each day?  Does it occur after a certain activity or a certain meal? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*?

She is right if it is an ACE or an ARB you are on.  But you could also be having low BP.  This happened to me when I was put on two different BP meds. I have a BP monitor so it was easy for me to check it.  It might be wise for you to get one.  You can usually find reliable ones for $30 or less.  If you do get one, get the kind that fits around your upper arm.  They are more accurate.  And before you buy, make sure the cuff fits you.  I once bought one that was too small and the cuff would pop off as I pumped it up.  This amused my cat who would try to catch it as it flew off. I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.)

Very common.  High BG can also give you the same symptoms.  Whenever I feel weird, I test my BG.  Sometimes it’s normal.  Sometimes not.  If you find that these symptoms are not related to BP, then you could try eating 5 g of carb.  This will be enough to make the feelings go away without raising your BG too high. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

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Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

When your BS drops quickly from a high to normal one can have these feelings. Usually it is right after gaining control. One can also worry about going to low and have a panic attack which are pretty much the same symptoms.. — Prevent MS software piracy, give away a copy of Linux today! RR~

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Stephanie, I agree with RR.  If I run high, then drop quickly to a more normal range, I feel like I’m going into a reaction.  (I’m T1, so I don’t know how your meds work.)  I am also on meds for BP.  (It is very slight, but doc wants me to remain on the ACE inhibitor for preventative reasons.)  Sometimes it makes me a bit lightheaded if I stand too quickly, but I have never experienced the other symptoms of low sugars due to it. Good luck finding a better doc. Steph

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie When your BS drops quickly from a high to normal one can have these feelings. Usually it is right after gaining control. One can also worry about going to low and have a panic attack which are pretty much the same symptoms.. — Prevent MS software piracy, give away a copy of Linux today! RR~

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Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use.

Hi Stephanie. You’re right; this is a great place. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"?

I’m pretty newly diagnosed too, been on meds about 2 months. I’ve gotten a few readings under 80, and I can tell if I’m "low" because I get a mild headache, but that’s about it.  Mind you, 80 is also in normal range, but  you’re talking to someone who 2 months earlier was living with bgs in the 300’s, thinking I was fine except for that pesky thirst and unexplained weight loss. So my point (and I do have one ;-) is, you’d be amazed at what you can get used to as "normal". though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*?

Doctors often prescribe blood pressure meds to diabetics, because we are prone to hypertension (I’m on Altace)– and because these medicines help protect the kidneys. Kidney and liver disease are just a few of the complications that can result from poorly controlled diabetes. Maybe there is another medication your doctor can try that will have the same protective effect on your kidneys without making your bp dangerously low– if that is the problem. kaci Type 2 diagnosed 4/29/03

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1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"?

  Yes. 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*?

  Probably not.  The symptoms you describe are those of having lower than normal blood glucose; lower than *your* normal, that is.   If your blood pressure was dropping too low, you might faint, but it’s not likely that you’d experience those particular symptoms. Colin Percival

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Colin, When my blood pressure gets too low I don’t faint. Instead, my body does an adrenaline release and I end up with a pounding heart beat, a pulse rate in the 100s, a feeling like I’ve drunk five cups of coffee and a slightly elevated blood pressure. The speediness will last 2 or 3 hours. Since I’m on the lowest dose of the ARB, I have been taking one or two days off every week to prevent this from happening. Doing that my blood pressure runs between 90/60 and 110/75 right now–down from 180/105 thanks to Diovan and a near-30 lb low carb weight loss! — Jenny 168.5/140.5/138.5 Third Goal 9/1998 – 8/2001 and 11/10/02 – Now http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each month *  Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings * Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats * Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * NEW! Exercise Starting from Zero – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"?   Yes. 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*?   Probably not.  The symptoms you describe are those of having lower than normal blood glucose; lower than *your* normal, that is.   If your blood pressure was dropping too low, you might faint, but it’s not likely that you’d experience those particular symptoms. Colin Percival

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

Hello Stephanie, and welcome to the group. 1.  If your blood sugar has been running high, it is indeed possible for you to feel hypo.  I can think of at least three people who post regularly that can give an good, and more importantly, understandable techie description of what causes it and why.  Put in the most over-simplified terms, your body is having bg withdrawals much like folks who quit smoking go through nicotine withdrawals. As the bg creeps up, the body makes adjustments to accommodate the higher bg.  When the bg has been raised above normal for an extended period of time ( I will say anything over 2 hours) or on a regular basis, the body begins to acclimate to the higher bg.  Unfortunately, this is also when damage is done to the eyes, kidneys, thyroid and cardiovascular system.  Once the bg is brought back down, the body begins to feel withdrawal from the high bg, and it is common for folks to experience "false hypos." Mom’s fasting bg was nearly 500 when she was dx’d.  It took weeks to get her bg to stay below 200, and for the first three months after dx, she felt hypo symptoms whenever her bg went below 150.  A little over a year later, her bg runs 80-125 all the time.  She is T2 on insulin, and watches her diet like a hawk. 2.  I personally have never had a doctor actually give me the numbers for clinical hypotension.  My average bp is 110/80.  However, it is not unusual for it to be as low as 98/63.  My doctor, and even Mom’s kidney doctor have symptomatic or just plain feeling ill. Mom’s kidney doctor took my bp last time we were at his office, and it was 99/70.   I am on a beta blocker for hand tremors, and the neph was tickled with my bp (Mom’s was 162/91).  There was some concern when I first started the beta blocker that I might experience hypotension as a result – because I never have had a bp reading over 115/85.  The neph said that the lower Mom and I can keep our bp, the more protection we were offering our cardiovascular systems.  He did point out to Mom that he did not want her to get her bp so low that she felt ill fatigued, but he would not be concerned if her bp looked more like mine at her next visit. Yes, there is good evidence that certain bp meds actually assist in protecting other organs like the kidneys.  What are you considering low bp?? Yes, it is possible the dose needs to be adjusted. I shudder to think what the past year or so would have been like without the wonderful friends I have made here. Marie, Caretaker

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Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care.

Does not matter if it is a dumb question. It is even dumber to have a question and not attempt to find the answer. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"?

Your body will become acclimatised [used] to the prevailing level of glucose, over time. How long that is depends upon other factors. Essentially yes. I used to ge ‘Phantom Hypo’s’ at about 108 but after I managed to get my overal level down, they started at 85. Now i no longer seem to suffer from them even when I go as low as 61. All that i feel is painfully hungry [which goes with a cracker or two] and a bit short tempered. 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*?

Too low a blood pressure can in itself be a problem. Were you suffering from high blood pressure before this medication? I take Asprin to reduce the vicosity of my blood. Thinning it down is to help ofset heart problems. I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal,

If that is as high as it goes after a meal of goodies then it mightbe normal. That statement needs to be quallified better. not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.)

Fortunately – not yet. My doc is only too pleased that i am making an effort to learn as much about this as I can and he helps as much as time allows. If he does not know something or is unsure and I mention my take on it he usually researches himself and then lets me know what he thinks. He enjoy’s teaching and I think he is particularly good at it. But there are a lot of people in here who have had a very similar experience to you.  I wish you luck in getting sorted. Don’t take any crap from the medico’s, insist on being fully briefed on any thing they say and ask for an explanation. Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

HTH Pete Diagnosed 20/03/03 Type II D&E + Metformin + Gliclazide

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie

Welcome to the group.  Everyone has already said what I was going to so I won’t bother you with redundancies. Sounds like the doctor you have now has a real ego problem.  I can’t stand those types of doctors.  It’s a shame you had to give up a good one.  Hope your search for a new one works out.  This group will help immensely in your control. Jennifer should be here soon with her post to newbies.  Golden information. c

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Yep, I was thinking blood pressure meds might have side effects that feel like low blood sugar.  I’m not diabetic but have had hypoglycemia and occasional bouts of low blood pressure which is already low to begin with too. ares

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stephanie, I agree with RR.  If I run high, then drop quickly to a more normal range, I feel like I’m going into a reaction.  (I’m T1, so I don’t know how your meds work.)  I am also on meds for BP.  (It is very slight, but doc wants me to remain on the ACE inhibitor for preventative reasons.)  Sometimes it makes me a bit lightheaded if I stand too quickly, but I have never experienced the other symptoms of low sugars due to it. Good luck finding a better doc. Steph Howdy, all. Happy you’re here and putting the internet to good use. Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I’m sort of new to diabetes (type II), and my employer just changed insurance so I’ve had to transfer from my kick-ass doctor to one who doesn’t much listen or care. In the past few weeks, I’ve been getting the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, slightly disoriented) every once in a while.  But when I go to test my blood sugar, the readings aren’t all that low, like in the 100 range. Two questions: 1. If my blood sugar has been running a little high lately (which it has), could "normal" actually feel like "low"? 2. My new doctor put me on medication to lower my blood pressure even though my blood pressure is pretty low to begin with. She says that this will help prevent damage to my organs.  Could my blood *pressure* be going too low, instead of my blood *sugar*? I tried discussing all this with the new crappy doctor.  She just said that a blood sugar of 100 is normal, not low, and glared at me like I was making it all up or trying to get away with something.  (She never did answer me, really, because she was too busy trying to talk me into surgery for asymptomatic gallstones. But that’s another story…) I’m looking for a new doctor now, but in the meantime, has anyone else had any experience with anything like this? (**NOT** medical advice, just similar experience.) Thanks in advance. This news group ROCKS! Stephanie When your BS drops quickly from a high to normal one can have these feelings. Usually it is right after gaining control. One can also worry about going to low and have a panic attack which are pretty much the same symptoms.. — Prevent MS software piracy, give away a copy of Linux today! RR~

Response:

Need help with Atkins

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: Ellie His sample diet looks pretty good so I think he’s probably dealing with the usual third week where many don’t lose anything. If you put this in fitday or even just figure it out using a food value counter, see how his calories add up. If he decides to tweak anything at all….and I wouldn’t unless a couple of weeks go by with no loss…I’d cut down on the cheese and increase the vegetables. Some broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower with dinner would be a good start. HTH Kitty.

Thanks Kitty.  I think he may have been getting too many calories.  I’ve set him up in FitDay, and hope that will help.  The cheese had more calories than he thought. Ellie

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My husband has been on the Atkins diet for a little over three weeks.  He needs to lose about 20 pounds.  He seems to be planning his meals carefully and hasn’t eaten anything with a lot of carbs.  He started out doing very well, then got to 155 and has been there for about a week and a half.  He’s getting discouraged.  He’s reduced his carbs between 10 and 20 per day and is drinking his water and exercising.  Does anyone have any ideas about how he can begin losing again? Ellie

You never said how much he lost in those 3 weeks.  Average the loss per week. Ask him how long it took him to GAIN 20 pounds and how long has he carried it around? The beauty of a low carb diet is that you can eat many of the so called ‘bad’ foods and lose weight over time.  For some lucky ones it can happen quickly…others lose slowly.  Medications can hamper progress. But three weeks is an awfully short time to get discouraged.  And is he looking at this as something to go ‘off’ when he reaches goal?  Because if he is then you can plan on all the weight returning.  As it is with any diet, you have to adhere to the principles that got you there in order to maintain your goal.  That’s why low carbing is easier than say an all-egg diet…or some silly program that’s impossible to stick to.  That being said, as others have mentioned, his body is probably catching up to the changes it made in the first two weeks.  As long as he’s feeling well, and showing a change in inches, (measure!)  don’t worry about the scales. I think your menu looks OK.  Might think about cutting back on the amount of cheese if you want to try something.  Give this plan at LEAST 3 months before you start to think about giving up! Good luck! Jan

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Thanks Jen.  I think the calories may be his problem.  He is on some medication, Claritin-D, a blood pressure med, and Lipitor for cholesterol and Niaspan (mega doses of niacin to reduce triglycerides).  Would any of those effect it enough to make him gain?  I know he isn’t cheating on the carbs, so I think it may be calories or meds. Ellie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1. I can’t stress this enough! It’s very common for weight loss to stop for a few weeks after the initial induction period. The body has lost a lot of weight in a very short time and is just catching up and sorting itself out. 2. Usually, the closer you are to your goal weight the harder it is to lose and the longer it will take. If his calories are in line with his weight and activity level and he’s positive he’s not eating hidden carbs he needs to just be patient and keep on keeping on. 3. I don’t care what the books say, calories DO count especially if you’re close to goal. There’s no magic involved in low carb WOE. He still has to burn more calories than he takes in to lose weight. Or, if he’s eating too few calories his metabolism may be slowing down to conserve energy. Rule of thumb is to eat 10x to 12x current body weight. YMMV 4. He should take measurements. Even when weight is staying the same he might be losing inches especially if he’s exercising regularly. All of these are just general suggestions. If he wants to post a typical day’s menu including everything *with amounts* someone can take a look and perhaps point out any possible trouble spots. Knowing if he’s on any medication would help also. — Jeri 265/208/120 Atkins since 11/5/01 "Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right."

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writes: Thanks.  An example of a daily meal schedule would be: Breakfast: Three eggs with cheese Lunch: Hamburger with cheese Dinner Two pork chops Salad (probably about two cups, mostly just lettuce with a little cucumber and cabbage) w/ oil & vinegar dressing (no sugar in dressing and less than 1 g carbs) Snack: Diet jello He also drinks all the water he’s supposed to, plus he drinks hot green tea with a little Splenda in it. Thanks!

Ellie His sample diet looks pretty good so I think he’s probably dealing with the usual third week where many don’t lose anything. If you put this in fitday or even just figure it out using a food value counter, see how his calories add up. If he decides to tweak anything at all….and I wouldn’t unless a couple of weeks go by with no loss…I’d cut down on the cheese and increase the vegetables. Some broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower with dinner would be a good start. HTH Kitty.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: Ellie Tell him to hang in there. Many people find they don’t lose much, if any, weight the third week on Atkins particularly if they are trying to lose a relatively small amount of weight. Lowering the carbs won’t help anything and may cause constipation problems if he isn’t eating vegetables with fiber. You can either plug in what he’s eating on fitday.com or post it here. If there’s anything obviously wrong, someone will point it out and if there are hidden carbs or too high calories, fitday will show that. It’s tough, I know, but patience is truly a virtue. Kitty.

Thanks.  An example of a daily meal schedule would be: Breakfast: Three eggs with cheese Lunch: Hamburger with cheese Dinner Two pork chops Salad (probably about two cups, mostly just lettuce with a little cucumber and cabbage) w/ oil & vinegar dressing (no sugar in dressing and less than 1 g carbs) Snack: Diet jello He also drinks all the water he’s supposed to, plus he drinks hot green tea with a little Splenda in it. Thanks! Ellie

Response:

My husband has been on the Atkins diet for a little over three weeks. He needs to lose about 20 pounds.  He seems to be planning his meals carefully and hasn’t eaten anything with a lot of carbs.  He started out doing very well, then got to 155 and has been there for about a week and a half.  He’s getting discouraged.  He’s reduced his carbs between 10 and 20 per day and is drinking his water and exercising. Does anyone have any ideas about how he can begin losing again? Ellie

1. I can’t stress this enough! It’s very common for weight loss to stop for a few weeks after the initial induction period. The body has lost a lot of weight in a very short time and is just catching up and sorting itself out. 2. Usually, the closer you are to your goal weight the harder it is to lose and the longer it will take. If his calories are in line with his weight and activity level and he’s positive he’s not eating hidden carbs he needs to just be patient and keep on keeping on. 3. I don’t care what the books say, calories DO count especially if you’re close to goal. There’s no magic involved in low carb WOE. He still has to burn more calories than he takes in to lose weight. Or, if he’s eating too few calories his metabolism may be slowing down to conserve energy. Rule of thumb is to eat 10x to 12x current body weight. YMMV 4. He should take measurements. Even when weight is staying the same he might be losing inches especially if he’s exercising regularly. All of these are just general suggestions. If he wants to post a typical day’s menu including everything *with amounts* someone can take a look and perhaps point out any possible trouble spots. Knowing if he’s on any medication would help also. — Jeri 265/208/120 Atkins since 11/5/01 "Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right."

Response:

My husband has been on the Atkins diet for a little over three weeks.  He needs to lose about 20 pounds.  He seems to be planning his meals carefully and hasn’t eaten anything with a lot of carbs.  He started out doing very well, then got to 155 and has been there for about a week and a half.  He’s getting discouraged.  He’s reduced his carbs between 10 and 20 per day and is drinking his water and exercising.  Does anyone have any ideas about how he can begin losing again? Ellie

Response:

writes: My husband has been on the Atkins diet for a little over three weeks.  He needs to lose about 20 pounds.  He seems to be planning his meals carefully and hasn’t eaten anything with a lot of carbs.  He started out doing very well, then got to 155 and has been there for about a week and a half.  He’s getting discouraged.  He’s reduced his carbs between 10 and 20 per day and is drinking his water and exercising.  Does anyone have any ideas about how he can begin losing again?

Ellie Tell him to hang in there. Many people find they don’t lose much, if any, weight the third week on Atkins particularly if they are trying to lose a relatively small amount of weight. Lowering the carbs won’t help anything and may cause constipation problems if he isn’t eating vegetables with fiber. You can either plug in what he’s eating on fitday.com or post it here. If there’s anything obviously wrong, someone will point it out and if there are hidden carbs or too high calories, fitday will show that. It’s tough, I know, but patience is truly a virtue. Kitty.

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