Health problem

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Jaywalker
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Health problem

Post by Jaywalker »

I recently had bleeding in my eye due to a retinal vein occlusion, which partly obstructed my vision. It healed on its own in a couple of weeks. I was told by my doctors that this is a rare problem for people my age and warned that if it happens again I could permanently lose some vision, which would require an operation to fix. They had my blood tested for hemoglobin and b12 levels among others, and they were fine. The b12 test was for serum levels. They said this was an idiopathic condition.

Should I have a methylmalonic acid test done to know for sure? Do you know anyone who experienced this? I'm wondering if it may be diet related at all.
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vegan81vzla
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Re: Health problem

Post by vegan81vzla »

How old are you?
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Jaywalker
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Re: Health problem

Post by Jaywalker »

I'm 27.
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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Health problem

Post by brimstoneSalad »

I'm sorry to hear about that, are you on asprin as a preventative measure? Also, you may benefit from lowering your cholesterol more, and avoiding even more meticulously saturated fat, increasing exercise, etc. Talk to your doctor about reducing your risk factors more through lifestyle, and if taking asprin daily could be a good idea.
Jaywalker wrote: Should I have a methylmalonic acid test done to know for sure? Do you know anyone who experienced this? I'm wondering if it may be diet related at all.
B-12 is unlikely a factor, but if it will give you peace of mind, do the test.
I'm assuming that you already supplement as recommended.

http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/dailyrecs

Make sure you're getting all of those.
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Jaywalker
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Re: Health problem

Post by Jaywalker »

I'm not on aspirin, just used an eye drop to help clear up the bleeding (I think). I supplement but have been neglecting exercise lately. Just renewed my gym membership yesterday. :)

I haven't had my cholesterol tested, I should probably do that.

Thanks for the suggestions!
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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Health problem

Post by brimstoneSalad »

I hope the problem doesn't resurface, and was just a fluke. But definitely take your doctor's advice with regard to meds (even asprin). Doctors don't usually know anything about diet, though.

Being vegan isn't a guarantee against high cholesterol, since it's mainly saturated and trans fat that does it (dietary cholesterol has a smaller effect), and saturated and trans fat is common in a lot of processed food. Avoiding animal products is just part of the equation.
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Jaywalker
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Re: Health problem

Post by Jaywalker »

I don't eat too many processed foods, but lately I've been enjoying some vegan mozarella which is high in saturated fat. I'll have the test and see if I have to cut back, hope not because it's delicious. :D
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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Health problem

Post by brimstoneSalad »

Jaywalker wrote:I don't eat too many processed foods, but lately I've been enjoying some vegan mozarella which is high in saturated fat. I'll have the test and see if I have to cut back, hope not because it's delicious. :D
When it comes to risk factors, my understanding is that there is no such thing as too low. I would cut it out either way, sorry to say. But only you can decide what level of risk you are willing to take.
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Jaywalker
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Re: Health problem

Post by Jaywalker »

I see. Alright, I'm considering not buying any more. Thanks Dr Brimstone. :mrgreen:
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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Health problem

Post by brimstoneSalad »

Jaywalker wrote:I see. Alright, I'm considering not buying any more. Thanks Dr Brimstone. :mrgreen:
Or just buy it when making pizza for friends or something? None of the saturated fat based vegan cheeses are a regular part of my diet. Typically once a week at most for me.
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