Wednesday, June 03, 2009

"I know what is going on..." said the doctor after me describing to her things that bother me. What is going on is something called Metabolic Syndrome. It is a combination of several things: high blood pressure, borderline diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight gain in the mid section. I have all these. The 2 things that I need to do is go on a diabetic diet and exercise more. (How do you exercise more than train for an Ironman??) I sent away for several books that the doctor suggested and had more bloodwork done. I am relieved that I have an answer to several questions.

After a great weekend, it is time to get training back on track. Masters swim is on break this week and I have homework from Coach. It is a 3,000m timed swim. Tomorrow is the day for that.

Waddling to rest for a big swim..............

11 comments:

Irene said...

Now that you know, perhaps it will be easier to take control. There's a lot of really good menu plans without being boring that can help, and it sounds like you're already on it!

Enjoy your swim!

ShirleyPerly said...

Good that you now have a diagnosis and can work on fixing things. Perhaps since you are training for an ironman that it's mostly about diet? Whatever the case, good luck on your swim!

Calyx Meredith said...

Good information makes a big difference - but holy cannoli - how on earth could you exercise "more"?? I've been reading about how stress can be a factor for putting on belly fat and increasing insulin resistance. (Diabetes runs in my family.) There's not much you can do about stress from external sources, but maybe building in some little extras (like meditation if that's not too new-agey for you or sports massage) into your recovery times would help mitigate the effects of stress? Hope you had a good swim.

IronSnoopy said...

I know your swim goes well today!!!

I'm glad you have an answer for what ails ya. :)

Unknown said...

i can't believe you really need to exercise more than yoou already are. I hope changes in diet will help!

Joy | Love | Chaos said...

If you just added cystic ovaries, we'd be twins!

I've been dealing with a very similar syndrome (PCOS) and seen LOTS of specialists and nutritionists for months. The most success I have had so far is meeting with an endocrinologist and adding an insulin sensitizing medication to my regimen. I highly recommend seeing an endo.

I struggled a lot with the diet and exercise "recommendations" that were out there. Tons of information on low vs. high glycemic index foods, wonky calorie recommendations, and exercise expectations I was doing in my sleep. I finally saw a nutritionist who works only with PCOS/insulin resistant clients and she was great. I can send you her info -- I think she does phone consultations.

Shoot me an email if you want to chat about managing it all during iron training! jaymegittings .at. me.com

TRISHARKIE (AKA Ronda) said...

It has got to be a relief to know what your body is battling. Take care of that heart of yours, my friend! It's a good one!

Amytrigirl (aka Amybee) said...

By following the plan, you might have more zip and energy to get you to your Iron start.

Did you ask the Dr. about the "exercise more" part? I think you do plenty!

Rachel said...

Is your doc trying to tell you to run an ultra?! ;) Best of luck adjusting the diet to help your training.

Joe said...

Wow...no advice to add but well wishes as you figure this out!

ShesAlwaysWrite said...

I've heard of that - they were looking at it for me when we finally figured out I'm hypothyroid. Isn't it a great feeling to have something to call it?

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