Dramatic improvement, but on a deadline
November 15, 2021 7:58 AM Subscribe
YANMD. TINMA.
My workplace expects us to undergo an annual health checkup. I'm curious about how many of the parameters being tested can be improved significantly within a span of say 35 days or so. Specifics below the fold.
The tests are - CBC & ESR, Stool/Feces Routine, diabetic evaluation, kidney and liver function evaluation, cardiac evaluation, Thyroid Hormone tests, ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis, and a pap smear, followed by a general consult. I am a woman in my early thirties with a family history of diabetes, hypothyroidism and hypertension. I have no physical ailments except chronic lower back pain.
This is driven mostly my curiosity (I got a bunch of these tests done recently because I was unwell, so I'd like to see how the new numbers compare), but actionable stuff would be awesome too. Like, should you have undertaken a short-term regimen for focused improvement of a particular parameter, for instance. TIA!
The tests are - CBC & ESR, Stool/Feces Routine, diabetic evaluation, kidney and liver function evaluation, cardiac evaluation, Thyroid Hormone tests, ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis, and a pap smear, followed by a general consult. I am a woman in my early thirties with a family history of diabetes, hypothyroidism and hypertension. I have no physical ailments except chronic lower back pain.
This is driven mostly my curiosity (I got a bunch of these tests done recently because I was unwell, so I'd like to see how the new numbers compare), but actionable stuff would be awesome too. Like, should you have undertaken a short-term regimen for focused improvement of a particular parameter, for instance. TIA!
As for diabetes - your daily blood sugar can fluctuate wildly so fasting on day of test can help, but if they run an HbA1c test you're out of luck - that takes much longer snapshot of your blood sugar situation, and therefore takes a much longer time to improve. Of course, every little bit helps, so if you are able to start a walking program, even a super slow, easy program, a daily bit of exercise can help nudge your numbers.
posted by invincible summer at 8:36 AM on November 15, 2021
posted by invincible summer at 8:36 AM on November 15, 2021
I will recommend against taking thyroid or other medication, even if they're just one small cheap pill a day, without the specific prescription and supervision of a licensed physician.
posted by Dashy at 9:05 AM on November 15, 2021 [14 favorites]
posted by Dashy at 9:05 AM on November 15, 2021 [14 favorites]
I think the triglycerides is a very recent snapshot - like, the last 3 days? Eat low carb, healthy fats, and exercise. Vegetarian keto would probably do it but if you drop weight quickly, it can temporarily raise your cholesterol.
posted by vitabellosi at 10:57 AM on November 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by vitabellosi at 10:57 AM on November 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
Anecdata, but I've in the past been able to lower my resting heart rate by 10-15 beats following just a couple weeks of regular, regimented exercise (ie, jogging or fast dancing). If this is something you might be able to commit to, you have an excellent chance of improving HR and blood pressure, since your cardiovascular system becomes more efficient.
Regular exercise can also improve cholesterol numbers, but you typically need 3-6 months before seeing measurable results there.
Oh, and re. triglycerides -- make sure and find out whether it's supposed to be a fasting triglycerides test or not. These numbers are VERY volatile and fluctuate a ton in response to when you've last eaten and what you ate (more simple sugars and carbs = higher triglycerides, and fasting numbers are lower than those you'd get after just having eaten).
posted by aecorwin at 1:15 PM on November 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
Regular exercise can also improve cholesterol numbers, but you typically need 3-6 months before seeing measurable results there.
Oh, and re. triglycerides -- make sure and find out whether it's supposed to be a fasting triglycerides test or not. These numbers are VERY volatile and fluctuate a ton in response to when you've last eaten and what you ate (more simple sugars and carbs = higher triglycerides, and fasting numbers are lower than those you'd get after just having eaten).
posted by aecorwin at 1:15 PM on November 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
Trying to move the needle more than incrementally on things like this in a 30 day timeframe sounds like a great way to do more harm than good. If curiosity is the only motivator here then I'd second the idea that you should really consult with an actual doctor instead of asking internet randos about this. Feel free to start healthy habits, but trust me, slow, sustained progress is really the only way to have lasting impact.
The whole "my workplace expects this" angle is really throwing me tho. Are these numbers that will be reported to your employer, and could affect your employment status? That sounds hella illegal if so.
posted by Aleyn at 2:22 PM on November 15, 2021 [11 favorites]
The whole "my workplace expects this" angle is really throwing me tho. Are these numbers that will be reported to your employer, and could affect your employment status? That sounds hella illegal if so.
posted by Aleyn at 2:22 PM on November 15, 2021 [11 favorites]
Intermittent fasting will probably make your diabetes related numbers look better.
posted by gregr at 3:16 PM on November 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by gregr at 3:16 PM on November 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by true at 8:12 AM on November 15, 2021 [2 favorites]