I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday for an annual checkup, papsmear, and a clean bill of health to continue my exercise and eating plan.

Most everything was pretty healthy, they took blood to check thyroid, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, etc.  They had a hard time finding a vein, I would assume because of the layer of FAT on my arms.  They had to use a neo-natal needle to draw my blood after 3 times poking me.  I wasn't happy.

I told the Dr. about my foot pain and my bursitis flare ups, as well as my new eating plan and exercise plan.  He said I'm doing everything right to shed the weight.  He also said that the weight is the main cause of all my minor ailments.  As I shed the weight, my ailments should go away.

I also have high blood pressure, which I have NEVER had before.  It is 160/92.  My normal healthy blood pressure is 115/70 and it's never been higher, until now.

I just got a call a little while ago from my Dr.'s office and they told me that my cholesterol levels are higher than they like to see.  My levels are 255 and they like to see under 200.  They wanted to prescribe medication immediately and I asked if there is an alternative to meds as I do not like taking ANY pills or medications.  They said yes, I can continue what I'm doing and in 3 months go in and get my blood levels checked again.

I plan to be 30-40 lbs. lighter by the 3 month mark.

Needless to say, I was a bit freaked out at my cholesterol.  I have NEVER had high cholesterol, until now.

Well, now I see that my careless and impulsive eating over the past few years has cost me dearly.  I am at risk of heart disease and heart attack, now.  I'm a little scared.  This new news adds a layer of urgency to the matter of shedding the weight.  It's not just a matter of the pain in my feet and my knees, it's a matter of LIFE OR DEATH.

I never thought I would be saying that.

My feet still hurt, my hip is in a lot of pain.  I am skipping the gym and doing a yoga workout tonight.  The rest days are just as important as the heavy workout days.  I think I may hurt myself if I go in tonight.

*Sigh*