So, the propranolol is out. Low blood pressure, brain fog, nausea, all of it not good.
Now I will be taking topiramate daily as a preventive, and have ketorolac and metoclopramide to take as needed if I feel a headache coming on. So, maybe my next trying-to-take-the-subway exposure therapy adventure, I will take those beforehand just in case. Pharmacist said if none of this works I should be able to convince my benefits to pay for qulipta, since I will have tried so many things, or another one to consider is triptans, e.g. sumatriptan. Typing this all out so I remember later. I found coming back to this blog helpful to notice how things went downhill after starting propranolol.
Meanwhile, I also apparently have high cholesterol. Not crazy high, but elevated enough that I should start thinking about diet. So, according to Harvard:
What foods lower cholesterol?
Certain foods help to keep your cholesterol levels in check. These foods lower cholesterol in various ways:
- oats
- barley and other whole grains
- eggplant and okra
- nuts
- vegetable oils
- apple, grapes, strawberries
- foods fortified with sterols and stanols
- soy
- fatty fish
- fiber supplements.
Noted. I can do that. But:
Here are 4 foods you’ll want to avoid if you have high cholesterol:
1. Red meat. Beef, pork, and lamb are generally high in saturated fat. Cut of meat like hamburger, ribs, pork chops, and roasts are highest in fat. You don’t have to avoid meat entirely, just eat it only on occasion. Limit yourself to the recommended 3-ounce portion size and stick to leaner cuts like sirloin, pork loin, or filet mignon.
Better yet, replace meat with proteins that are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, like skinless chicken or turkey breast, fish, and beans.
2. Fried foods. Foods that have taken a dip in the deep fryer, like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings are among the worst when it comes to cholesterol. Frying increases the energy density, or calorie count of foods.
If you love the crunch of fried food, use an air fryer and toss your food in a little bit of olive oil. Or bake foods like potato wedges and chicken at a high temperature until they're golden brown.
3. Processed meats. Hot dogs, sausage, and bacon use the fattiest cuts of red meat, and therefore tend to be high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Bacon and sausage made with turkey or chicken might seem healthier, and they are somewhat lower in cholesterol than the red meat versions, but they're not cholesterol-free.
4. Baked goods. Cookies, cakes, and pastry are often made with large quantities of butter and shortening, making them high in cholesterol. You don’t have to give up dessert entirely, just make a few substitutions. When you bake, use applesauce or bananas in place of butter. Or have low-fat frozen yogurt topped with berries for dessert.
Noooooo!!! For one thing, I need red meat for the iron. I guess I should look for iron-rich fish? Baked goods are absolutely part of my identity and a huge comfort. I will try, obviously, but it’s easier with my kiddo not around (when they’re visiting, there are always chips and ice cream around, somehow). Will try to build some good habits before they’re back for the summer. I’ve already made the switch to fat-free greek yogurt, aka wallpaper paste. Will see what else I can do.
