So, back in November both my internist and my psychiatrist wrote out lab requests for me to fill. Put it off until January because I was nervous as to what the results might be.
Metabolic panel showed high triglycerides. I fasted, but forgot not to take my fish oil that morning. I currently take atorvastatin (LIPITOR®) for high cholesterol and high triglycerides which I had been unsuccessful at controlling using diet and exercise alone. Unfortunately, atorvastatin is hard on the liver…
Liver panel showed high potassium and high albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio which may indicate liver or kidney problems. I take two medications which can damage the liver and kidneys: atorvastatin and divalproex sodium (Depakote®) — the antiseizure medication I take as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
Thursday my psychologist, who works with my psychiatrist, cautioned me against catastrophizing, reminding me that there were solutions (reducing dose, changing medications, etc.).
Next week I have an appointment with my psychiatrist, and I plan to see my internist. The easiest solution is to go off atorvastatin and see a nutritionist to improve my metabolic blood chemistry.
Time to lower my bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides using diet and exercise. Wish me luck.
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