Some Good News 📰
Last November, I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. I was overweight and hadn't been exercising, but that's been the case for most of my adult life so I wasn't concerned. But, some routine bloodwork came back abnormal and I underwent a slew of tests, ultrasounds, and bloodwork which ultimately determined I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
I was crushed. I actually read the bloodwork results while out shopping with my wife and I broke down crying. I'd neglected my body and now I had something that could ultimately lead to liver cancer and/or death. It took about six weeks for all the extra bloodwork and tests to be completed, but by mid January I had a diagnosis and a recommendation to lose 10% of my bodyweight, start exercising, and eat better.
It took me another six weeks to get started. I was stressed, had just moved apartments, and didn't have the mental capacity to take on a challenge such as losing weight. But, late one night I found myself watching Daredevil and the next morning I got up and cleaned out my garage. Then I went to the local sporting goods store and bought a free standing punching bag and some gloves. That day, I began working out.
Within a month, I invested in a bench, a couple of adjustable kettlebells, and had a lifetime subscription to The Pump app. I went pretty hard and started watching what I ate, drinking protein shakes, and taking creatine. As the months wore on, I found myself exhausted and I knew I needed to dial things back a bit, so I did and I've struggled to really find something that works for me right now. Still, I try to get down to my garage three times a week to pick up something heavy or maybe spend a few minutes hitting the punching bag.
Earlier today, I had my yearly physical. I was supposed to return to the doctor back in April to check my liver enzymes again, but I chose not to. I wanted more time to get myself in shape. To say I was still nervous would be an understatement, but things went okay and tonight my bloodwork results began trickling in.
All of my numbers look better including a significant decrease in my ALT which is what created the scare to begin with. I felt a wave of relief wash over me and in a strange way, I found myself even more motivated to work out and get even healthier.
Sometimes in life it feels like the hard work doesn't pay off, but this isn't one of those times. I'm proud of myself and I'm so happy to be a bit more healthy.