The Journey Continues – 9/24/23 Update

On By D.A. Roberts - AuthorIn Health Update, Ramblings, Uncategorized, Writer's Ramblings

Well, folks. The Journey continues. I had a doctor’s appointment last week and did a new round of tests to check my status. I just got the results a couple days ago. I’ve been excited about what I read and am happy to share it with you all.

As you all know, my blood sugar was pretty far out of whack when I first started posting about this journey. I was also considerably overweight and I know that didn’t help with the blood sugar, with my blood pressure, or with my general feeling of lethargy and weakness. I’m happy to say that I’ve made some huge progress in that.

First off, I’ll mention my weight. A year ago in July, I weighed 326 pounds and felt like crap. I had to use a cane to walk and was out of breath walking out to the car from the house, let alone going out into the woods or down trails. Although I’m not where I want to be, I’m a hell of a lot closer to it now. I’m 252 pounds and no longer use the cane. I also haven’t taken any pain meds for my back since the ablation back in January. I’m rebuilding my stamina and walking farther and farther with each new foray into adventure.

Now for the medical part. My doctor wrote on my test results, and I quote, “Your labs were very good and I think you looked fantastic.” I was pretty stoked about that. My blood sugar was significantly reduced, down from 363 to 150. My A1C went from 11.1 to 6.2. That’s huge! That means it’s back in the normal range. The rest of the labs showed everything within normal ranges for my age and he even pointed out that my cholesterol is actually low. I was shocked.

This Journey has seen me make some major life changes. For one, I drink mostly water now. I will occasionally have a sugar free soda and have discovered that I like several of them. I honestly don’t miss the sugary drinks. I cut back on the portions of what I eat and removed certain foods from my diet, entirely. It’s an entire lifestyle makeover. However, it wasn’t done overnight. I’ve been making little changes here and there and it has made a huge difference.

My goal is to hit 220 pounds by next summer. I think that’s entirely reasonable. If I can do that and maintain and active lifestyle, there’s a good chance I won’t need the metformin or my blood pressure medicines. To me, that’s a massive victory if I can achieve that. For one, I hate taking medication. For another, I’ve been dealing with my high blood pressure for years. It would be nice to make those healthy changes in my life that improve my overall health.

I owe it to my family to be healthy and to stick around for as long as possible. I also owe it to all of you to keep writing and producing books for as long as I have the good fortune and mental capacity to do so. I want to thank you all so much for all the kind words and encouragement I’ve received on this Journey. While I certainly am much farther along now than I was when I began, I still have a long way to go. After all… it’s about the journey, not the destination.

This journey to health is just like writing books. It’s a journey we take together. Thank you all for joining me on this adventure. Let’s see where it takes us… together.

Thank you,

DA

22 thoughts on “The Journey Continues – 9/24/23 Update”

  1. Tammy D Cease

    I am so happy that you are getting more healthy. I am on the same path. It does not happen overnight and look how well you are doing!!! Keep up the great work 😁

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  2. Grace Hamilton

    Congrats on weight loss.swimming and walking and dancing helps a lot and smaller plates.haha.how about zumba.it does work but you dance about your own house to your fave music.You must feel great,good for you.

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  3. Janie Demby

    Wow!!! You look great! You have really done an exceptional job on your lifestyle change! Your progress and excellent doctor report clearly shows how dedicated you are in changing your life! You have obviously worked very hard to get this far and should be extremely proud!! I have no doubt you will reach next years goals!! Keep up the hard work and your beautiful positive outlook!!! Way to go!!!!!!

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  4. Patty Adkins-Hein

    congrats DA, I’M SO VERY PROUD PF YOU!!!! WE WANNA KEEP YOU AROUNF SO WE CAN READ MORE BOOKS, PUT THAT KOLCHAK HAT ON AND WRITE !!!!!!

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  7. walter Knapp

    All good news. Glad to hear your health is improving. Keep it up. A suggestion. I lost some weight by stopping soda altogether. I drink sparkling ice which only has 5 calories, no sugar and a lot of antioxidants with vitamins. I also order on Amazon a drink called Napa hills. Zero sugar zero calories and plenty antioxidants which are good for your heart. That one is a little pricey though. But what price do you put on your health. Also they all come in great flavors. Walt

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      1. Sandra Johnson

        You rock brother!That is totally awsome and you should be very proud of what you have accomplished in such a short time. Both of my youngins take metformin and I know it’s a struggle and I have a broke back so I get ya. I’d like to accomplish what you have but I’m working on it. I know you will meet your goals. You’ve just proven that to yourself!

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  9. Susan

    You are looking amazing and I am so glad you are getting good medical advice. Please, please, please continue with your Doctors even when you get to your goal. I lost my 42 years young boy to heart complications that we were not aware of because he didn’t continue with his follow ups. He got Covid in 2020 and along with the damage that did and his diabetes…
    I’m not trying to be a downer! Just don’t won’t anyone to go through this.
    God bless you as you continue your journey?

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    1. Thank you! I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m definitely keeping going with my doctor. I knew this was going to be a long term effort, not something easily done. Again, thank you for your amazing words and encouragement. You’re awesome!

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