I remember my first doctors appointment since starting Trim & Fit in April, and since starting the new exercise "five-times-a-week" routine in June. It was July 8, 2010. This day remains one of the biggest motivators for continuing exercise, and also the basis for this blog - Exercise is My Medicine.
Since my heart attack last summer, my doctor has worked with me to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholesterol involving over 10 different types of medicines. It has been a regular medicine juggling act. Today's quarterly visit was several weeks into my new exercise routine and I suspected there were some legitimate physical changes (heck, I felt pretty good), but had no giant expectations. My doctor confirmed these changes, walking into the examination room saying "you look great, your blood pressure and blood sugars are good, and according to our records, you've also lost 8 pounds!" I told her that the biggest change was adding regular exercise to my life. This started a long discussion - and a new doctor/patient relationship - about my new exercise-full life. She reinforced that exercise had definitely impacted my health, and it showed in my bloodwork. She also suggested that we meet every one-to-two months, instead of the every-three-month appointment to which I was accustomed.
I was shocked! Still morbidly obese, how could exercise have had such a big impact on my health? By the end of the first visit, my doctor had discontinued two medications (one insulin-related medication and one blood thinner). Together we created a plan to adjust insulin down as my exercise routine continued, and as my blood sugar levels improved. (My morning glucose levels were pretty low.) The next day the nurses called with the results of additional blood work, also confirming my doctor's advice, and validating that exercise really is my medicine!
Submitted on Sunday, October 24, 2010.
P.S. Happy Birthday Mallory!
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