she has some seriously bad cholestrol issues. Her cholestrol is 300+ her triglycerides is 499 :eek:

I'm scared that she's gonna die, she won't stop smoking or drinking, can't eat salads for blood thinning issues. I'm at the point of begging her to see a specialist. She's on lipitor not sure of dose, but her doctor called personally at 7 30 tonight to let her know how high it is. Well her doctor is a LPN. I'm not sure if my mom should go see a specialist, but she needs to do something :/

She's 200 pounds at 5'6" She diets, but it doesn't help. We rarely use oil at home and if we do it's Olive Oil. We grill instead of frying to.

The very high triglycerides sound like she may be eating a high refined carbohydrate diet. Is that the case?

She probably needs to immediately address some lifestyle issues that threaten her health, namely the smoking and the weight. The triglycerides are alarming also. Have her ask her doctor for assistance with smoking cessation and weight loss. I know this is a big order an maybe one at a time is all she could handle. If I had to pick one, it's be to stop smoking NOW. That is the one step that she could take right now that would improve her health.

The best thing your mother could do is spend a few months at a Health Spa. I know of one in Florida that takes health very seriously. People go there to make major changes in diet and lifestyle. Your stay is supervised by the Medical Director. They teach you what to eat, how to shop for food and how to prepare it. It's an educational process to improve one's health and lose weight. I know someone who went and what a difference it made in this person's life. Lost a lot of weight and is now living a very healthy life. The off season price is $1295 which includes room and 3 healthy meals daily. Also includes cooking courses, lectures, activities such as pool exercises, yoga, group walks and the services of the medical director. If your Mom can afford to do this it's her best option. It will make her a healthier person and add years to her life. These Health Spa's exist all over the USA.

She eats breads alot, but is switching to wheat bread and cutting down her cheese. She was quitting smoking, but gave it up. She's lost 15 pounds so far but it's not helping. She probably can't afford the spa, but I have 3k saved up and am more than happy to let her borrow it since she's my mom. I want her to see a specialist, but she's stubborn as a mule :/

Smoking is increasing her Risk factor for high cholesterol. It seems like she may also have hypertension, does she have any cardiovascular problems?

and if her TGs are so high, there are different hyperlipidemia types so i would suggest you find out what else is high. If her LDL is high as well or if her HDL is high? But if the main problem is her TGS, her doctor I am going to assume should put her on some fibrates. Gemfibrozil (Lopid) or Fenofibrate (Tricor) These will significantly reduct TG's similar to niacin (which is also a choice for her)
((* on fibrate drugs. one could get something called cholethiasis which is gallstone formation so be aware of this) skin rashes are common with tricor. ))

I mean these are definitely suggestions becaue I dont know her full case of her RF's and whether she is diabetic and so on....cuz these factors will all change the type of drug that would be best for her.

* however to start slow...you should get her to eat OATs...it is provent o lower cholesterol by 10%... well if you have anymore q's you can email me[ please carefully review the posting rules - no emails ]..i wonder if i even helped...
im a [ please carefully review the posting rules - do not reveal your past, current or future profession ]. take care and i hope your mother gets better.

remember that high cholesterol can be helped.. especially with diet excercise and some motivation. :)