12 April 2008

Hearty News #2

Today is 5 months to the day that I had my heart attack, which was followed by a by-pass operation in the same week. That was undoubtedly the worst experience of my life and afterwards I vowed "never again".

This week my doctor told me that the results of my blood test showed that my cholesterol level has dropped from 5.7 to 3.6. I have not seen the full report, but this should mean that I should be near or have succeeded in reducing my LDL (bad cholesterol) from 4.0 to my target of below 2.5.

Unfortunately my cardiologist is on leave, so hope to get the full results from him on Monday and hope to hear the magical words, “
I am happy” that usually emanate from him when he is satisfied with something. He is a man of few words.

Whether it has been the heart pills or my rigid dieting, or both that contributed to the drop I do not know, but what I do know is that when I heard the results it hardened my resolve to stick to my diet.

Speaking of diets, since last writing about ostrich meat, I was “brave” enough to try it on two more occasions. The first was a stew, which admittedly was quite good, but I still don’t like the flavour. Then I tried ostrich boerewors (traditional farm style sausage) which was most delicious (must have been all the spices). I was convinced that I could start now eating the heart friendly ostrich meat.
When Suzi-k and I were next at Woolworths, I snatched a pack of ostrich boerewors from the fridge and then to my horror, I read on the pack that it contained up to 30% fat. I returned it to the shelf quicker that I had removed it. I do not do animal fat anymore.

So the next time I see an ostrich it will probably be in the wild, not on my plate.

I am totally uncompromising and unapologetic about what passes my lips, even if it means going without a meal. I have probably taken my diet to the extreme, but then it is my health and my choice. The moral of the story is that I have been given a second chance and I am not going to throw it away.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

It's a pity you don't like the taste of ostrich.
Well done on the cholesterol level!! That's fantastic, and i hope that the cardiologist gives the thumbs up too.

RiverPoet said...

I have never tried ostrich, but we have bison about twice a month. Yes, the fat percentage seems high, but that is because it's loaded with Omega-3s, not as harmful as the usual fat we get. Salmon is a fattier fish, too, but it's the good fat. So confusing, I know.

I've had 2 cardiac caths and watched my mom go through heart disease (and a triple bypass and multiple stents). I am trying to not go down the same road as her. Since her death 2 years ago, I have lost 60 lbs, go for walks, and am much more careful about what I eat (and how much). It's worth it, I figure, if I can stay off the OR table.

I wish you the best of luck in your continued fight to stay healthy!

Peace - D

Bob Johnson said...

Way to go, not many get a second chance.

photowannabe said...

I'm so glad you were given the second chance and what you do with your own body is proof that it can be done. Congratulations on getting your numbers down so dramatically.

Max-e said...

Jenty, I tried......in fact I went the extra mile.......but some how ostrich meat remains unappealing. Who knows, maybe one day... :)

Cheesy said...

Well I for one am glad you are passing up the snausages... We kinda like having you around!

Max-e said...

Momma,I know about certain fish being rich in omega 3 oil, but not about animal fats.
Looks like I will have to do some research on ostrich fat.
Thanks for the comments and I hope it goes well with your diet, though I hate the term diet it sounds so temporary - let's rather say life style

Max-e said...

Bob, thanks for that - I am not ready to go yet so I making the changes is no hardship.

Max-e said...

Photowannabe,just shows what you can do with will power and the determination not to have a repeat session. I also suppose the heart medication has something to do with it. Thanks for your comments.

Max-e said...

Cheesy, that's what it is all about - being prepared to pass up the "sausages" and having no regrets. And I also like being around - thanks for your comments.

Merisi said...

Ostrich meat is being touted as "lean". One wonders compared to what!
All the best wishes for your doctor's full report, you sure have come a long good lean way in a short time!

Anonymous said...

Great news Max-e! I am really glad things are going well. The word resolve sums it all up. I have still never eaten ostrich and I don't think I will somehow.