Medical info overload causing angst

[Donald]

Thanks for the clarification, I took it as BMI of 60. Not impossible, but hopefully rare, and of course one would need medical help long before that.

During her career, my wife saw several people (always men) with so much fat in their blood that their blood was pink!

I was reading that some with super high cholesterol, when they draw blood and spin it your can see the fat in the tube of blood. Like cream rising to the top of raw milk

 

[Patman]

I’m currently 165 pounds and 5 foot 7 and my BMI is 25.8, which the BMI calculators say is overweight but I’m definitely not overweight anymore (I was at the beginning of the year when I was 196 pounds)

 

[doitmyself]

I should be thrilled with the test results (I am) but now I’m developing a health tracking compulsion that is leading me new health issues like excessive worry and angst. It seems I’m healthier but mentally I am exhausted and in a constant state of health anxiety.
I am trying to back off and find the sweet spot for health monitoring. Enough info so something doesn’t develop and wallop me, but not so much info that monitoring causes its own set of health issues. Anyone out there facing this same conundrum and how are you managing it?

There is a stigma for many men regarding seeking mental health assistance. Many believe they can pull themselves up by the bootstraps via DIY techniques. That is just plain wrong. We often lack the tools to manage mental challenges. And, many don't realize that the brain's function is similar to physical electrical/chemical circuits that have to operate correctly in order to function normal, whatever that is. Aging, dietary changes, and a host of issues can cause the brain circuits to operate at less than full capacity.

I always recommend seeking professional counseling to build up your tool box to manage ever changing life changes. It's one of the most manly, self confident things one can do. Men, give up the "John Wayne" syndrome.

 

[Pablo]

There is a stigma for many men regarding seeking mental health assistance. Many believe they can pull themselves up by the bootstraps via DIY techniques. That is just plain wrong. We often lack the tools to manage mental challenges. And, many don't realize that the brain's function is similar to physical electrical/chemical circuits that have to operate correctly in order to function normal, whatever that is. Aging, dietary changes, and a host of issues can cause the brain circuits to operate at less than full capacity.

I always recommend seeking professional counseling to build up your tool box to manage ever changing life changes. It's one of the most manly, self confident things one can do. Men, give up the "John Wayne" syndrome.

Very true for mental issues

Medical? I will listen to MDs but if it’s the one size often wrong protocol I will keep looking thanks- but it depends. Metabolism issues hmmm but DIY hernia surgery?? Yeah no.

 

[Patman]

There is a stigma for many men regarding seeking mental health assistance. Many believe they can pull themselves up by the bootstraps via DIY techniques. That is just plain wrong. We often lack the tools to manage mental challenges. And, many don't realize that the brain's function is similar to physical electrical/chemical circuits that have to operate correctly in order to function normal, whatever that is. Aging, dietary changes, and a host of issues can cause the brain circuits to operate at less than full capacity.

I always recommend seeking professional counseling to build up your tool box to manage ever changing life changes. It's one of the most manly, self confident things one can do. Men, give up the "John Wayne" syndrome.

My father has suffered from depression and anxiety ever since my mom died in 2009, and for a while he was on medication and it was working but then my sister moved back in with him and she’s very “anti big pharma” so she convinced him to stop taking his medication and started giving him essential oils Needless to say, that hasn’t worked and so he suffers a lot more than he needs to be So when anyone is suffering from depression the solution is not something that can be cured by natural remedies. Something stronger is needed

 

[doitmyself]

My father has suffered from depression and anxiety ever since my mom died in 2009, and for a while he was on medication and it was working but then my sister moved back in with him and she’s very “anti big pharma” so she convinced him to stop taking his medication and started giving him essential oils Needless to say, that hasn’t worked and so he suffers a lot more than he needs to be So when anyone is suffering from depression the solution is not something that can be cured by natural remedies. Something stronger is needed

Often times a combination of proper medication and counseling helps keep the challenge managable. I mentioned electrical/chemical brain "circuits" above. Mental issues are often caused by an actual physical brain malfunction that is somewhat similar to an ailment such as diabetes that is caused by a physical malfunction. People relate to diabetes requiring care procedures beyond "willing" it away but are in denial about mental issues requiring similar care. Meds restore brain "circuits" to better operation and counseling gives the person tools to manage the self/life challenges. Just my opinion.

My dad went to his grave never addressing mental issues and led a life of wild mood swings. My poor mom (RIP) had to deal with it.

The OP is bringing up concerns of developing serious mental challenges while trying to address physical health issues.

 

[Fitter30]

Consider yourself lucky you picked the right parents. Never been overweight, out of shape and ate well. Heart attack at 53 roller blade 5 miles 3-4 times a week, hoofed a seven story building 3 times in a hour with tools in a hour and half in 90° weather. Didn't feel any worse than you think. 4 days later with two days of driving had one. Widow maker got cleaned out and a stent. 9 days later back to work short days for two months. Statins not for me they don't like me. Repathia worked very well ( generic is available).

 

[Donald]

I’m currently 165 pounds and 5 foot 7 and my BMI is 25.8, which the BMI calculators say is overweight but I’m definitely not overweight anymore (I was at the beginning of the year when I was 196 pounds)

The nutritional doctors have a scale like thing you step on with bare feet and and also hold with both hands. It measures bone mass, muscle mass and related things.

But a general rule of thumb is measurement around waist at belly button should be less than half your height.

 

[ecotourist]

My father has suffered from depression and anxiety ever since my mom died in 2009, and for a while he was on medication and it was working but then my sister moved back in with him and she’s very “anti big pharma” so she convinced him to stop taking his medication and started giving him essential oils Needless to say, that hasn’t worked and so he suffers a lot more than he needs to be So when anyone is suffering from depression the solution is not something that can be cured by natural remedies. Something stronger is needed

My FIL was very depressed as my MIL had developed dementia and barely recognized him or their kids. The two of them sat holding hands every day in her nursing home as tears ran down his cheeks - very depressed. I convinced him to try antidepressants.

Apparently encouraged by a family member who should have known better, he decided to stop taking the antidepressants before they did any good. He died of cancer [while my MIL was still alive] still very depressed.

Depression is very common, can be diagnosed and in most cases treated by any Family Physician, and usually responds quite well to antidepressants.

 

[Patman]

My FIL was very depressed as my MIL had developed dementia and barely recognized him or their kids. The two of them sat holding hands every day in her nursing home as tears ran down his cheeks - very depressed. I convinced him to try antidepressants.

Apparently encouraged by a family member who should have known better, he decided to stop taking the antidepressants before they did any good. He died of cancer [while my MIL was still alive] still very depressed.

Depression is very common, can be diagnosed and in most cases treated by any Family Physician, and usually responds quite well to antidepressants.

What was really sad was that at one point my ex wife and I had taken my dad to see his doctor and he agreed to try a different medication that could have potentially helped him. A day after that my sister convinced him not to take anything at all. It clearly wasn’t the right choice….