My labs after colon surgery

(Robin) #1

If I remember correctly, these lipid numbers are good.
But wondering why my liver numbers are high… a year ago they were 14 and 18. (unit per liter)
Thinking it may have something to do with the surgery?

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(KM) #2

You won’t like this, but when I googled what can cause high AST/SGOT, AI came back with statins as a non-disease possibility along with high use of nsaid pain relievers.

Ok, to be more fair,

"not all high levels of AST and SGOT indicate a medical condition that needs treatment. For example, high levels can also be caused by surgical procedures, deep burns, seizures, pregnancy, or exercise.

I’m taking the liberty of assuming you’re not pregnant. :slightly_smiling_face:. Your recent surgery sounds like the most likely culprit.

(KCKO, KCFO 🥥) #3

Hoping you heal quickly and that number drops even quicker.

(Robin) #4

Yeah, I googled it too.
I’ve been on my statin for around 2 years now.
Looking back at my labs over the years, these numbers are consistently low. So, I’m also betting on surgery. I’m still pretty beat up and bruised over my entire belly.

I also read that truly alarming numbers are much MUCH higher. I’ll hear from my doc today.

Oh… one bit of good news… found out coffee is GOOD for your liver!
So, I may actually be immortal.

(Bob M) #5

Your trigs/HDL are (is?) outstanding. (For reference: my last values were 106 for trigs and only 44 for HDL; not sure what’s up with HDL, as I used to get mid 50s.)

As for the AST/ALT, I’d say it’s something to watch. The last two sets of these I had were around 20, but I never got them done right after surgery (for me, shoulder surgery).

(Bonnie Bruno) #6

Hey @robintemplin… may you heal well and quickly.
Thanks again for taking the time, all things considered.

(Alec) #7

Robin
I know you’ve chosen to take a statin, so please ignore me if that is just done and dusted. But… I do not like seeing LDL-C levels that low… I think the evidence is that the lower your LDL-C the higher All Cause Mortality. Best wishes as always…
Alec

(Robin) #8

McQueen, Alec McQueen… I always welcome your take on things.
I understand where you’re coming from and the research, and believe it… for what that’s worth.

But life happened and it happened hard. I made the statin and blood thinner decision when my body and brain were being attacked from all directions. Vascular dementia, 2 significant strokes, then 2 or 3 lesser ones, and AFib taking me down to the ground. The only thing I had going for me was my naturally low blood pressure. (Thanks, mom.)

This all happened when I was a carnivore, and had been very
low-carb keto for a couple of years prior. And I took zero meds.

I guess I had a little “come to Jesus” moment with my own mortality. I made decisions that I had argued against on this very forum.

(The colon surgery is a one-off due to years and years of severe diverticulitis.)Otherwise, I am at the point now where I am doing so well and feel so awesome, that I am hesitant to change any one thing.

I just turned 70. And feel better than ever. I am grateful for your concern and speaking up about it.
Who knows, one day I may be brave enough to change things up. For now, I’m calling it good… playing for both teams (Carni and drugs).
But seriously, thanks.

(Alec) #9

I am seriously glad you’ve taken my message in the right way… I almost didn’t post as I didn’t want to stress you in any way. And I 100% understand the difficult calls you have had to make given your scenarios.

As always, I only wish the best for you. You make these forums very welcoming… you are almost the forum’s Mum! :joy:

(Alec) #10

Robin
I also have a question about the statins… are you taking them for their anti-inflammatory properties, to reduce blood cholesterol or something else? Or is it too complicated to explain?
Cheers
A

(Robin) #11

@Alecmcq Who can even remember the exact reason? I’ve had no issue with inflammation since going keto 4 years ago. I do remember that my LDL was checked to see if they were happy fluffy fat particles, or the small denser bad guys. Mine were the little villains. That may have been part of the conversation. My doc is a supporter of keto and carni and he was ok with my high ldl (450) so he didn’t brow bet me, I know that.

My cognitive state at that time was dismal. (forgot long-covid plays into this too) Strokes were in areas affecting short term memory and info retrieval. My car keys taken away, and not allowed to walk the dog alone. I was a fall risk. Yucky time. Heart is a big part of all that obviously.
I know the blood thinner is a life saver for me.

Probably TMI. I don’t have any regrets since I feel like everything is in balance these days. My memory is still crappy, but that only bothers other people (poor hubby) not me.
tra la la. Just happy to be here!

(Robin) #12

I am thrilled to be the forum’s mum! lolol

(KM) #13

Can you tell results from your surgery yet? Or will you only know by the absence of any more diverticulitis attacks?

(Bob M) #14

Have you tried MCT oils and/or coconut oils? I’ve listened to at least 3 podcasts with Dr. Mary Newport, and she recommends these for anyone with memory issues. I’ve started using MCT oils (C8, C10, which are ways of representing the “length” of the saturated fats), but I’m going to start taking a broader oil that adds C12 (lauric acid). She has discussed that “regular” coconut oil has C12, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Also, at least C8 and C10 (and she theorizes C12, but no one has looked at this) pass through the blood-brain barrier and can be directly used by the brain. (These also help increase ketones, which are useful as fuel for the brain.)

I started adding a C8+C10 oil, and I’m up to a tablespoon a day. It does seem to help with concentration and the like. I keep forgetting to test my ketones though. There’s supposed to be an increase in ketones, but it only lasts a few hours at most.

Anyway, if you haven’t tried it, it’s something to test. And I recommend going slowly, teaspoon at first, then building up. Dr. Newport’s husband had dementia, which started her on this path, but she said any amount of C8 would cause him to be in the bathroom. That does not happen to me, but people are different.

Edit: I’ve also been having a nightly “pudding”, which has a base of coconut milk from a can. So, that adds to my coconut oil intake. Though it’s only a few liquid ounces of pudding.

(Robin) #15

Funny you should ask, @ctviggen
I have used that kind of coconut oil in my coffee for years now and coconut cream. I didn’t know it could help memory. Or perhaps I forgot. Haha.

(Robin) #16

@kib1
He took out 15 inches of the lower colon (sigmoid). Afterward he said that section was almost all diverticulitis pockets and was deteriorating to the point it would have ruptured sooner rather than later.
Sepsis, anyone?

It was immediately evident that food passes through at a much faster pace now. Who knew that could be so exciting?!

I feel better every day, close to normal now.

(KM) #17

:rofl: So glad you got some relief and that you’re on the mend!