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carreg 
I stumbled across this site while doing a google search and it really seems to be an uplifting site. I used to keep a journal and found it very comforting to write my thoughts down. This summer has been filled with ups and downs for me. Recently, there have been more downs with my health. I thought I was in okay health, meaning I was managing my health problems with diet and exercise. Those health problems included minor heart disease as the result of having rheumatic fever as a child and being on Tamoxifen as the result of havin three lumpectomies which showed atypical ductal hyperplasia. I haven't let either of those two health problems get me down and have maintained a healthy weight and diet. I've had ongoing back/neck problems with a neck surgery a couple of years ago to put in a plate for two bad cervical discs. Everything was going okay with my back until around May when I started having alot of lower back pain. I finally went to the doctor in June and after several weeks of PT and then an MRI, they determined I had two herniated discs. The doctor said I had degenerative disc disease and it was hereditary. My father has had two back surgeries. I just had an epidural shot this past Monday. I felt much better Tuesday. However, Wednesday night the pain was back with a vengeance. It is very discouraging.
To top the summer downward spiral, I went for my yearly check-up last week because I will be turning the big "50" this year. I had the routine fasting bloodwork and got the shock of my life. My cholesterol is 400. My bad cholesterol is 299 and my triclycerides are at 197. I was shocked because I do honestly eat a healthy diet. The doctor is convinced it is also hereditary. Last year, my cholesterol was fine. I am now on a statin and high protein shakes because my albumin level was 3.2. This has really upset me more than any of the other health problems I have ever had!!!
