Hi Oluchi—my agenda for my Tuesday appointment

Blood pressure, recent levels have been decent with an occasional high spike (150/90) and an occasional low (as low as 95/60).

Other cardiovascular health issues, including some you mentioned (I’m not particularly worried about elevated LDL because HDL is good, but I’m not saying I ought not to be worried). And, just out of curiosity, since it is the sum of ‘good’ and ‘bad’, why is total cholesterol relevant?

I’m possibly interested in a general consultation with your geriatric specialist (if available and if Medicare will cover it).

In June, TSH was a little high and D-3 within normal, but on the low end. Should anything be done? I do take 25mcg D-3 a day and get out quite a bit, so do get sun exposure (when there is sun in Humboldt).

Since about October 1, I have cut out (i) added sugar, (ii) all dairy except nonfat, (iii) processed food (except when there’s nothing ‘bad’ on the label but do know that FDA does not require all additives to be on the label), (iv) most red meat (except super lean). Have been emphasizing raw vegetables, whole grains (except once-in-a-while white rice) and the only fat product I’ve been using is olive oil. Probably other things too but don’t remember right now. Since December 23, I’ve had no alcohol (this is not going to be easy to keep up). I exercise at least 2 hours a day—mostly walking / biking, and some stretches and very light weights (this is not new, though, I’ve always exercised—even as a kid). I allow myself occasional treats.

If I am successful in not drinking, I anticipate my blood pressure will stabilize to 120/80 or less (I’m not guessing… this has happened in the last three years or so). Problem—drinking is fun, sometimes.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see what my a1c and cholesterol levels are.

I thought I’d share my ‘philosophy’ on what medical care I want. At 76, I don’t have a long-term plan. My intermediate term plan, say 10 years, is to continue with addressing in the moment needs as they arise. I’m not worried about ‘death’ but of course I don’t want pain or to be a ‘vegetable’ due to stroke or cancer etc. My short term (and forever) plan is to (i) do what I think is important in my life and the world (ii) live happily and healthily every day. I’m concerned about side effects, especially cumulative and interactive, that happens to so many older people. I don’t think I know better than the medical establishment—I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for modern medicine.
Basically, my personal feeling of freedom is that I want the medical system as a band aid. That is most consistent with my happiness. Someone might say “But consider that a medical crisis might result…” my response is “Yes, it might and it’s not as though there’s no worry…” However, any test has two outcomes—(i) it’s all good (ii) more intervention, e.g., tests, ‘invasive tests’, meds, surgery… and I don’t want that except if there’s a crisis and I have to engage with the system. And then the someone might say “There goes your freedom…” But that’s not true, for doing something when I have to is freedom and (though I can’t predict my response with certainty) it is crisis that has thus far precipitated a sense of freedom and brought out good things in me. I’m not afraid of death, but, sure, I have some worry about pain and physical / mental capacitation when I think about it (however it’s not a burdensome worry)