Hi everyone. I forgot to share in my weekend coffee share on Saturday that I had my annual health check recently and got the results on Wednesday.
I am pleased to say that all my blood tests came back normal or close enough to normal for it not to be a concern. For example, my egfr (kidney function measure) was 86. The normal value is >90 and this used to get me worried a lot. However, a value of 60 or above isn’t a reason for medical intervention. And guess what? This value of 86 is higher than it was last year and then it was higher than the year before. In fact, I’ve never had as good a score on the egfr thingy since getting annual blood tests.
All my other bloodwork came back normal too. My fasting blood glucose level was 4.4. The normal range is 4-6.1. I know Americans and some other folks use a different measuring unit, but I am too lazy to look up what my value would be in that system. Now I hadn’t expected my glucose to be too high, since a while back I had it checked when I had eaten and it was 5.2 then. However, my maternal grandma suffered with type 2 diabetes at a relatively young age and I did use to be obese.
Speaking of weight, when I weighed myself last Tuesday, I weighed 60.5kg. This is about 2kg in the overweight range and it’s above the upper goal weight I’d agreed on with my dietitian. I am pretty sure that, when I weigh myself again tomorrow, I’ll have gained some more, since this was before last week’s BBQ and before all my birthday treats. I am struggling to care enough to actually change my eating habits and the good results on my blood tests are causing me to be more chill than I might otherwise have been. Let’s hope that I can actually kick myself in the behind.
And I don’t just mean with respect to physical activity. After all, I’m pretty sure I’m doing an okay job of that. I mean, yes, I should add strength training to my physical activity routine, but it’s not like I ever was more active than I am now. In fact, I’ve always been a couch potato and I can’t expect to drastically change that overnight. That’s why I’m pretty okay with the physical activity I do get. However, I do truly need to change my eating habits, because I know that I can. Just because I did far worse ten years or even five years ago, doesn’t mean I can allow myself to slide back.
I’m struggling some with increased pain in my right leg. It’s back to a manageable level since getting dry needling treatments a few times. However, it’s not completely gone.
With respect to sleep, I usually get enough sleep and I actually think its quality is decent too. I haven’t seen my oxygen levels drop below 95% according to my Apple Watch in forever. My breathing is faster than it should be according to my Apple Watch, which worries me a little. I don’t have the sleep apnea feature on my watch. That should be interesting once I get a new Apple Watch, since I’ve been concerned about that for many years.
I’m still a night owl, like I’ve always been. A few weeks ago, I read online that night owls experience faster cognitive decline than morning people. This scared me, but then again I can’t just change my circadian rhythm, right?
Overall, there are two competing voices in my mind telling me things about my health and what to do. One is telling me that I haven’t been healthier than I am now in years and this is a good thing, but it’s also rather lazy about making changes I do need to make. The other is saying that, even though I’m pretty healthy for me, it could and should be better. This voice is scaring me about turning 40 next year too. I think I need to find the middle ground.
A Multitude of Musings 
This is such a relatable post. I hope you’re able to find your middle ground 🙂 ❤
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Thanks so much for your kind words. Interestingly, when I read my health update from 2021 (through the related posts thingy), I noticed that I’ve had the same thoughts for years and yet I’m healthier in many ways than I was back then.
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I keep trying to get healthier, but then I don’t enjoy anything. It’s like I struggle so much with time management that I can’t seem to do both… Probably wrong, but.. that’s how it feels sometimes.
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Yeah, that’s totally relatable.
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Most people, including me, could do better with our eating and exercise. Good luck with whatever you do.
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Thanks for your encouraging comment. I think you’re right.
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That’s good your fasting BGL is so low, I really need to lose some weight.
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Thanks. Good luck to you on your health journey. I reckon that with your having Parkinson’s it’s quite hard for you to exercise regularly. I have mild cerebral palsy, which, though it isn’t progressive in itself (in that the brain damage that caused it doesn’t get worse), does cause increasing pain as I get older.
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I’m glad Astrid that you’re doing well health wise. Keep on taking care of yourself dear friend
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Thank you so much! I’m trying hard to stay as healthy as possible while still indulging in the pleasures of life.
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That’s the best attitude
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Finding a middle ground is probably a good thing, congrats on getting good results of all of your blood tests. that fasting glucose level is amazing! Well done!
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Thank you. I am indeed very happy all my blood test results were either within the normal range or still acceptable at least.
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It sounds like you are doing well. I know most all of us could do better at taking care of ourselves, but if we are making an effort, even a small one, that is the hardest first step. 40 was easy for me, 50 slowed me down a little and next fall I will find out what 60 is like. But they are just numerical representations of how many times you have orbited the sun. A bigger challenge is how do you feel health wise… keeping that in the comfortable range is the goal.
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Thanks for putting things into perspective for me. You are right about age and aging. Thirty was easy for me, even though at the time objectively speaking I was a lot less healthy than I am now.
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You are welcome.
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Hi,
It’s great to hear such positive news about your health check! Getting normal or close to normal results, especially with your egfr improving over the years, is definitely something to celebrate. Kudos for taking those proactive steps in managing your health!
I can understand the struggle between feeling healthy and wanting to improve even further. It’s a fine balance to strike. Your awareness about needing to change your eating habits is commendable; those small adjustments can lead to big changes over time, even if it feels tough now.
It’s good to hear that your pain is manageable with treatment, and I hope it continues to improve. Watching your sleep and breathing patterns is also wise, especially with your night owl tendencies. Finding out more with your next Apple Watch can provide you with useful insights.
As you approach this next birthday milestone in {2026}, remember that it’s never too late to make positive changes. Finding that middle ground you mentioned might lead to some rewarding personal growth.
Take care!
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Thank you for your kind and encouraging comment. Yes, finding the middle ground is important.
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