LABS, THRIFT and THYROID HEALTH

A TERRIBLE THUNDER STORM PLAYED OUT IT'S WRATH with serious lightning.  We were blessed to not have a tornado.  I really didn't want to go to sleep with warnings of a tornado watch.  I lingered at staying awake.

WENT TO BED LATE AND WOKE EARLY.  A quieter ceiling fan was installed by my HANDYMAN, my Husband so it made for a comfortable sleep.  The old ceiling fan was thrown away.  Twas old and noisy.  Ready for the junk pile.  My HUBBY maybe ought to wear overalls and a ball cap as our HANDYMAN.  He also installed a new Kitchen faucet.  The spray hose we had, broke so a new one was in order.  Not sure how long it will last as it is a plastic one, but for now I have a spray hose that works.

Knowing we had much to do, I woke before the sun came out.  Got groomed and dressed for the day.  Drove across the prairie admiring the Kansas scenery.  LABS for HUBBY were done at Topeka's QUEST.  We arrived early, but had to wait a good twenty minutes.  He fasted for a A1C and Lipids test.  Figure the results will come in tomorrow.

The doctor wants to put him on a low dose of STATIN so to compare the labs taken a week ago to today, we wanted to get some more labs done.  Cholesterol levels can flex just like blood pressure and is generally higher in the mornings due to what the body has done during the night.  Food and alcohol you've recently consume can cause a difference in the results.   

Yes, some vitamins can affect cholesterol levels, both positively and negatively. Niacin (vitamin B3) can lower triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, while also raising HDL ("good") cholesterol. Vitamin D, when deficient or insufficient, may contribute to higher cholesterol levels, but supplementation can improve lipid profiles, especially in those at risk for heart disease. However, some supplements, like high doses of vitamin A, can actually increase cholesterol. 

Elaboration:

• Niacin (Vitamin B3):

  Prescription-level niacin has been used for years to manage high cholesterol. It can lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol, according to GoodRx. 
• Vitamin D:

  Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency may be associated with higher cholesterol levels. Supplements can improve lipid profiles, especially in individuals at increased risk of heart disease. 
• Vitamin A:

  Excessive vitamin A intake, especially in fat-soluble forms, can lead to high cholesterol levels, including elevated LDL and triglycerides. 
• Vitamin C:

  Some studies suggest that vitamin C supplementation may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, according to GoodRx. 
• Important Considerations:

  While vitamins may play a role in cholesterol management, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, as some can interact with medications or have side effects. 

One more medicine for him to take.  We're working at lowering our cholesterol by diet first.  I confess, I was tempted to eat a ice-cream cone, but managed to avoid it. 

AFTER LABS, we went for BRUNCH where I overloaded on veggies and drank water plus a small glass of cranberry juice.  BRUNCH was quite good and I was contented after eating.  Off to GOD'S STOREHOUSE for thrifting.

SENIOR DISCOUNT DAY AT GOD'S STOREHOUSE.  A small LONGABERGER cracker basket was purchased, a cute doll that needs clothing, a miniature doll so another doll will have a doll, a denim shirt for grandson, an old MARY JANE magazine and a toy car for a dollar.  Spent under $20.oo this time.  

Natural Groceries for some vitamins.

Traveled to Walmart for a blood pressure cuff and a new glue gun. Then went to Loews for a Kimberly Queen Fern to place in a front porch urn. Greens are a main focus to beautify our little run down porch that hopefully will get rebuilt this SUMMER and FALL.

Some medicines had to be picked up from the Pharmacy.

HOME TOWN WE WENT.  Refueled the car and stopped off to pick up mail.  Grandson's Graduation Announcement was there.  Put a smile on my face to see.  

TOOK A NAP and woke to more research about health issues.  I am so disappointed with how we have been treated concerning our thyroid health.  I'm thankful that I am being given info about thyroid issues, but grieve that for nearly 15 years I have suffered serious fatigue and am finding out that vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken when having hypothyroidism in order to feel better.  I read, "Have your doctor or Endocrinologist make a vitamin and mineral supplement PLAN for you!"

After 15 years, I find this out. 

I asked my thyroid contact years ago should I be taking vitamins?  Nope, he said.  Now I'm finding out that not having a thyroid causes the body to not absorb Vitamin B12 from the food I eat causing a vitamin deficiency which I have.  Vitamin D should be taken as well. I have a vitamin D deficiency also.  Not uncommon to have vitamin and mineral deficiencies when not having a thyroid!!!  

Vitamin Bs are for the body to convert food into energy.  When I have told my medical help that I am TIRED and gaining wait, my Vitamin Bs should been checked for deficiencies.  I had to discover this myself without the help of my docs.  I am more than disappointed.  

Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency can cause high cholesterol.  Vitamin B3 helps prevent plague from building up in the arteries.  Hubby has high cholesterol and what I worked so hard to lower in my own body so it is within cholesterol ranges wouldn't be good enough.  The American Diabetes Association wants the cholesterol levels to be lower than low. We have to have cholesterol as the brain is made mostly of fat needing cholesterol.  I'm not sure what to think about cholesterol.  Perhaps, we should get checked to see if we have a Vitamin B3 deficiency as well.

Sigh.  I'd better go plant my new Fern, Coleus and Geraniums.  I will feel better having done some gardening.

I walk around in the yard looking at our plants.  The Irises are gorgeous in the WHITE FLOWERBED.  I'll need to tag these so I know which Irises is which when time to move some making room for a pathway to the outdoor faucet.  There's about 4 different kinds of white Irises.  A few purple ones were sneaked into the bed.  They'll have to be moved out of the bed.

The Lilac Bush's blossoms are gone.  Time to trim the bush back and cut out the dead branches.

The flowerbeds need cleaned and I hope to get this done this SPRING so they are well tended to.

🩷d