DETROIT – I will admit it. It’s my fault. I ignored going to the doctor for yearssss. Sure I would pop into a clinic if I wasn’t feeling hot, but I never took the time to do a full health assessment -- aka a proper physical. I always put it off. It doesn’t work for my schedule. I feel fine. I will do it next year.
We’ll this year I hit a milestone. I turned 50. How is that possible? I have a 6-year-old daughter, a career, a very busy and active life, yet I was not taking any time for myself. I knew I needed to get a doctor and I knew I needed t make sure I was OK. I was confident I would sail through the physical.
I’m fit. I don’t smoke. I eat well. I’m good right? I was not. My blood work came back and my cholesterol was through the roof. I had been experiencing some tightness in my chest recently, but I was ignoring that as well. Yes, I know that is not the thing to do -- don’t ignore, but I didn’t have time to have chest pain. I know that sounds crazy now, right?! My new family doctor sent me to get a stress test and that led me to take a series of other tests. I did a 2D Echo, a fasting lipid profile, a heart Echo, a CT and a CTA with contract to determine my calcium score. The results were bad. They were really bad. I had lots of plaque and in the most vital arteries. We’re talking widow maker stuff, people. A medial intervention was needed asap.
When the doctor called me, he said, “This is surprising, given how you look and it’s something we need to get on immediately or you won’t be here much longer.”
I was scared to death. What in the world? This can’t be me. Then I started thinking, “Wait, my father died at 57 from an aortic aneurysm.” I just never associated that with coronary disease. I also leaned some of my older family members had heart issues when they were my age.
The wake-up call was real and it was instant. I made some modifications after consulting with my doctor and we chose a medication to help go after that nasty plaque. I tired going full vegetarian but it just wasn’t for me. However, I have stuck to fish, some chicken, loads of veggies and work hard to avoid the fried food. It’s so hard. I love ribs and wings, but I love living more. Here’s the thing: I have the information now. Knowledge is power. I have a great team with Dr. Amir Kaki and Dr. Katzman. I feel like I’m in good hands. Now, my numbers are trending in the right direction (down) and the focus moving forward will be regular checkups and yes more testing.
And, now I want you to now focus on you. Yes YOU! If you’re anything like me you have ignored yourself for far too long. Here’s the deal -- if you don’t take care of you first you won’t be here to take care of those who depend on you. So for me, for you, for your family, go see your doctor. Ask all the questions and if you need it, come up with a plan to focus on your health journey. It’s important and it’s something I wish I would have started much sooner. Let me help you -- learn from my mistake.
As part of Local 4′s Go 4 It community campaign, we’ve partnered with the City of Detroit for a day of free hands-only CPR training, open to anyone who wants to learn. You can find more information on the free event here.