Barbara J. Hamby

The Numbers Game

At my age, good numbers on medical lab tests are almost as thrilling as winning at Bingo. Sometimes it seems they’re just about as hard to achieve. My last report was so good, I’m still excited three days later. I can bask in those numbers for another six months until my next blood draw. I can’t imagine bettering the results much, but that would be a challenge to aspire to.

As I recall, years ago when my total cholesterol was 170, that was considered a good number. Not so, today. For the first time since it’s been measured, I have the total down to 96 which is under 100, the alleged goal today. What is even more astonishing, my triglycerides are now within normal range. All this may be of interest only to elderly hypochondriacs such as I may become, but I don’t have a contract for a commercial to announce to the world that I lowered my cholesterol. This is my major opportunity to brag.

When I was going to TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) regularly, once in a while I’d receive “The Biggest Loser” award. I’d like to try for that again. To that end, I’m altering my diet in an attempt to determine my allergies. I can only hope it might have a good effect on my weight. I can dream.