My uncle

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2005
My uncle
5
Tue, 11-08-2005 - 7:31pm

I just got a call from my dad, which started off, "I don't know if anyone's told you ..."

Ahhhhhhh, I always think he's about to tell me my Nonna died or something when he says that ...

But it turns out one of my uncles had to have an angioplasty (five stents). The surgery went all right, but of course I worry about my dad's mortality, and eventually my own, because I do have high cholesterol (though it's gone down since last year--without medication!). I went off my own meds for a while because I thought we were going to try for kids long before we did. Anyway, once Mia is done milking me (er, breastfeeding!), I'll go back on them. But man, I feel bad about my diet. I try to eat nutritionally balanced meals, but I don't aim for the low-fat, no-fat approach all the time. And I didn't exercise regularly throughout this pregnancy. That's a huge guilt trigger for me. I know if something happens, part of it will be my fault, though a huge part is genes. Somewhere in my blood lies heart problems. It's odd because neither of my grandparents on my dad's side had this, but two of the four uncles have had angioplasties, one following a heart attack.

Anyway, just felt like sharing. I feel very shy to call my uncle, though I'm sure he'd like to hear from me. Yeah, perhaps I will call him. Poor guy. There's a lot of history behind it, too, because he and his wife have struggled for years, and my dad has helped them out of a lot of financial rough spots. Now it'll just be another one, because he's out of work for a week. My dad, surprisingly, actually recommended to him that he go on "something" because he "stresses out all the time." (That's his way of saying he's anxious!)

OK, well, off I go to busy myself. Basically I'm very glad he's OK and that no one died today but feeling very shy to call him. Gah.

Kendra

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: kschwitter
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 12:38am
That's an important call, Kendra. I know that it's tough, but better to make it, than regret not having made it, later. Have you tried any natural ways to lower your cholesterol? I have read the Q&A's in our local newspaper by a doctor & apparently, there are some tricks. I will say a prayer for you & your uncle. Hope he's soon on the mend. GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2005
In reply to: kschwitter
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 9:34am

Thanks, Jan. I have gone the natural route in the past (strict diet, Niacin), but it never lowered it enough. In this case, statins (Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, and the like) are a good quick fix. Mine's gone down, though, since last year, although pregnancy does raise it. I was even over 300 at one time long ago. Part of it is eating, I am sure, but when my husband can eat the same stuff and not even cross 200, I know it's genetic.

And yes, I did call him. :)

Kendra

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
In reply to: kschwitter
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 9:47am
Glad to hear that you called him!
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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2005
In reply to: kschwitter
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 12:53pm
Thanks, Heather! :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2004
In reply to: kschwitter
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 1:41am
Hey Kendra,
I am so glad your uncle's surgery went well, and that you called him too! I get shy about that kinda stuff too! And I totally know what you mean about worrying about our folks
mortality, I worry about everyone I love, so I can relate to what you are feeling.
I think after you have Mia, you are going to lose all the baby weight real quickly.
You look so tiny in your pics!
You can join back in the WWU, and motivate me!!!!
I hope your uncle is doing well, keep us posted!
love, shasta