JJ
05-24-2005, 05:55 PM
Well they aren't great by any means, but it is a little improvement. Dr. said to keep trying the Niacin, and will get retested in 3 months.
Numbers from 2-05:
TC........227
LDL.......143
HDL........37 I usually run in the mid 50's
Trigs.....236
VLDL.......47
Numbers from 5-20-05:
TC.........239
LDL........161.....Not good at all.
HDL.........49.....Could be better.
Trigs.......144
VLDL........29
Was kind of disappointed, but just have to keep working on it I guess. My Thyroid came back all normal, as last time it really stunk.
Numbers from 2-05:
TC........227
LDL.......143
HDL........37 I usually run in the mid 50's
Trigs.....236
VLDL.......47
Numbers from 5-20-05:
TC.........239
LDL........161.....Not good at all.
HDL.........49.....Could be better.
Trigs.......144
VLDL........29
Was kind of disappointed, but just have to keep working on it I guess. My Thyroid came back all normal, as last time it really stunk.
Sponsor
ARIZONA73
05-24-2005, 07:26 PM
JJ,
Don't feel so disappointed about your current numbers. There were certainly significant improvements in the span of only 3 short months. Your triglycerides have come down considerably, and your HDL is on the way up. Those are very good signs. Don't worry so much about the LDL, as this number often tends to go up, at least in the short term, when triglycerides drop. Don't forget, you are not taking a statin, so changes will not occur overnight. It just takes a little more time and patience. As long as you stay the course, I think you should see continued improvement in your triglycerides as well as your HDL. As I said, LDL will often spike when there is a marked decline in triglycerides, but that number will reach a plateau, and afterwards it should decline to a more favorable level. I think that if you stay with the niacin, you will become more acclimated to it, and will be able to tolerate higher doses. If you do this, and continue to watch your carbs, then I think you will see continued improvement overall.
Don't feel so disappointed about your current numbers. There were certainly significant improvements in the span of only 3 short months. Your triglycerides have come down considerably, and your HDL is on the way up. Those are very good signs. Don't worry so much about the LDL, as this number often tends to go up, at least in the short term, when triglycerides drop. Don't forget, you are not taking a statin, so changes will not occur overnight. It just takes a little more time and patience. As long as you stay the course, I think you should see continued improvement in your triglycerides as well as your HDL. As I said, LDL will often spike when there is a marked decline in triglycerides, but that number will reach a plateau, and afterwards it should decline to a more favorable level. I think that if you stay with the niacin, you will become more acclimated to it, and will be able to tolerate higher doses. If you do this, and continue to watch your carbs, then I think you will see continued improvement overall.
babydog
05-24-2005, 07:31 PM
Hi JJ,
Your trigs came down below the 150 mark to normal range - good for you! :bouncing:
Now your TC/HDL ratio before was 6.1.
Now it is 4.8 - you're right - better! but no cigar - not yet ;) .
But whatever you are doing, you are clearly on the right track.
Are you trying to do this naturally or are you on statins?
If it is diet, are you taking any supplements?
Maybe I missed a previous post, sorry. Were you hypothyroid?
Your trigs came down below the 150 mark to normal range - good for you! :bouncing:
Now your TC/HDL ratio before was 6.1.
Now it is 4.8 - you're right - better! but no cigar - not yet ;) .
But whatever you are doing, you are clearly on the right track.
Are you trying to do this naturally or are you on statins?
If it is diet, are you taking any supplements?
Maybe I missed a previous post, sorry. Were you hypothyroid?
heart44
05-24-2005, 08:03 PM
in 3 months.
Numbers from 2-05:
TC........227
LDL.......143
HDL........37 I usually run in the mid 50's
Trigs.....236
VLDL.......47
Numbers from 5-20-05:
TC.........239
LDL........161.....Not good at all.
HDL.........49.....Could be better.
Trigs.......144
VLDL........29
Hi JJ,
Don't forget that LDL is not measured directly, the lab uses a formula.
Did your doctor check your homocysteine?
Homocysteine indicates inflammation and is a more important factor
than cholesterol. You normalized the most important 3 out of 5 numbers above and I think it's pretty impressive for just 3 months.
Cinnamon [C. Cassia] helped my husband's trigs. Two 500mg capsules lowered his trigs from 300 to 150 in 3 months, and no side effects.
Frankie
Numbers from 2-05:
TC........227
LDL.......143
HDL........37 I usually run in the mid 50's
Trigs.....236
VLDL.......47
Numbers from 5-20-05:
TC.........239
LDL........161.....Not good at all.
HDL.........49.....Could be better.
Trigs.......144
VLDL........29
Hi JJ,
Don't forget that LDL is not measured directly, the lab uses a formula.
Did your doctor check your homocysteine?
Homocysteine indicates inflammation and is a more important factor
than cholesterol. You normalized the most important 3 out of 5 numbers above and I think it's pretty impressive for just 3 months.
Cinnamon [C. Cassia] helped my husband's trigs. Two 500mg capsules lowered his trigs from 300 to 150 in 3 months, and no side effects.
Frankie
babydog
05-24-2005, 08:06 PM
Hi JJ,
Your trigs came down below the 150 mark to normal range - good for you! :bouncing:
Now your TC/HDL ratio before was 6.1.
Now it is 4.8 - you're right - better! but no cigar - not yet ;) .
But whatever you are doing, you are clearly on the right track.
Are you trying to do this naturally or are you on statins?
If it is diet, are you taking any supplements?
Maybe I missed a previous post, sorry. Were you hypothyroid?
JJ,
Sorry, I never said I could read. I just read your post again and I see you are taking Niacin. I just need to wake up! :yawn:
Your trigs came down below the 150 mark to normal range - good for you! :bouncing:
Now your TC/HDL ratio before was 6.1.
Now it is 4.8 - you're right - better! but no cigar - not yet ;) .
But whatever you are doing, you are clearly on the right track.
Are you trying to do this naturally or are you on statins?
If it is diet, are you taking any supplements?
Maybe I missed a previous post, sorry. Were you hypothyroid?
JJ,
Sorry, I never said I could read. I just read your post again and I see you are taking Niacin. I just need to wake up! :yawn:
JJ
05-24-2005, 08:20 PM
Thanx Arizona, I guess I was expecting a MIRACLE, but compared to the lousy numbers in Feb. it isn't all that bad. Didn't know the LDL would go up with a drop in Trigs., but did like the drop. My Trigs have normally always been pretty good, mostly around the 130 mark, so the over 200 last time really upset me, plus the drop in HDL..... :eek:
Started to up the dose of Niacin today to 100, as I had knocked it down to 50 when I got the itchys. Yeah I know, pretty lil dose, but U know how sensative I am, so I ain't pushing it.... :D Oh well, I'll just keep plugging along and hope for the best in the next 3 months. Thanx again... :wave:
**************************************** *********
babydog.. Yes, it is a decent improvement, but U know how these drs. are, always on your back to take statins, and I won't. Took them years ago and had horrid side effects, so I am desperately trying to wing this on my own. I've cut back my red meats to 2-3 times a week, added much more fruits and veggies, and cut even further back on carbs., even though I am not a big carb lover. Hubby has type 2 diabetes, so I am also trying to make him cut back, as he always was a big bread eater, especially Italian bread. So far he has been really knocking off the bread and also has been doing more fruits and veggies. His Trigs usually run in the 400's, so I am hoping this will get them down. Geez, what a way to spend your "Golden Years", watching every thing U eat and do...BUMMER!!!!
Yup, I am taking supplements, C, multi vitamin, garlic, calcium and just started on non flush Niacin. I am extremely sensative to meds. so even the lousy 100 mgs. of Niacin gave me the itchy's, so I downed it to 50 for the past week. Today I started back on the 100 to see how it goes. I also eat the old fashion oatmeal each morning, and eat a hard boiled egg 3 times a week, just have to have my eggs..... :D
They thought I might be Hypo, as last time my test came back all messed up, but this time it was fine. Who knows, maybe the lab messed up or something, but was glad to hear it was normal again. Guess I should just be happy I made some progress, as some folks work their butts off trying and don't, so guess I will just be happy for now and see how it goes in the next 3 months. Maybe I might get that cigar.... :D
Thanx again, and take good care.... :wave:
Started to up the dose of Niacin today to 100, as I had knocked it down to 50 when I got the itchys. Yeah I know, pretty lil dose, but U know how sensative I am, so I ain't pushing it.... :D Oh well, I'll just keep plugging along and hope for the best in the next 3 months. Thanx again... :wave:
**************************************** *********
babydog.. Yes, it is a decent improvement, but U know how these drs. are, always on your back to take statins, and I won't. Took them years ago and had horrid side effects, so I am desperately trying to wing this on my own. I've cut back my red meats to 2-3 times a week, added much more fruits and veggies, and cut even further back on carbs., even though I am not a big carb lover. Hubby has type 2 diabetes, so I am also trying to make him cut back, as he always was a big bread eater, especially Italian bread. So far he has been really knocking off the bread and also has been doing more fruits and veggies. His Trigs usually run in the 400's, so I am hoping this will get them down. Geez, what a way to spend your "Golden Years", watching every thing U eat and do...BUMMER!!!!
Yup, I am taking supplements, C, multi vitamin, garlic, calcium and just started on non flush Niacin. I am extremely sensative to meds. so even the lousy 100 mgs. of Niacin gave me the itchy's, so I downed it to 50 for the past week. Today I started back on the 100 to see how it goes. I also eat the old fashion oatmeal each morning, and eat a hard boiled egg 3 times a week, just have to have my eggs..... :D
They thought I might be Hypo, as last time my test came back all messed up, but this time it was fine. Who knows, maybe the lab messed up or something, but was glad to hear it was normal again. Guess I should just be happy I made some progress, as some folks work their butts off trying and don't, so guess I will just be happy for now and see how it goes in the next 3 months. Maybe I might get that cigar.... :D
Thanx again, and take good care.... :wave:
JJ
05-24-2005, 08:40 PM
Hi JJ,
Don't forget that LDL is not measured directly, the lab uses a formula.
Did your doctor check your homocysteine?
Homocysteine indicates inflammation and is a more important factor
than cholesterol. You normalized the most important 3 out of 5 numbers above and I think it's pretty impressive for just 3 months.
Cinnamon [C. Cassia] helped my husband's trigs. Two 500mg capsules lowered his trigs from 300 to 150 in 3 months, and no side effects.
Frankie
Yes Frankie, I know they calculate it, and sorry, if she did check for the homocysteines, it wasn't listed on the letter I received today. I know when I went for the lab work I swear she had just about everything checked off, so I will ask when I see her in Aug. for my complete physical. All that was on the letter today was my lipid panel and Thyroid results, and a note saying..."Numbers are a lil too high, start the Niacin". Wish she would have sent me a copy like hubby's dr. does, then I could give ya more info.
I remember U saying about the Cinnamon, as my hubby's Trigs are usually over 400 also, so not only am I working on me, trying to work on him also. Like I said to Arizona and babydog, guess I should shut my mouth and be happy I made some progress, guess I was just so anxious to see good numbers. Oh well, like they say, onward and forward huh?
Thanx for the tip on the cinnamon, and by the way, is it also ok to take a lil of the ground stuff in my spice rack? I know U said something before about certain kinds, and I can't quite remember, must be this CRS kicking in again........... :D
Thanx for the response and also to all for the encouragements, I'll just keep plugging away..... :wave:
Don't forget that LDL is not measured directly, the lab uses a formula.
Did your doctor check your homocysteine?
Homocysteine indicates inflammation and is a more important factor
than cholesterol. You normalized the most important 3 out of 5 numbers above and I think it's pretty impressive for just 3 months.
Cinnamon [C. Cassia] helped my husband's trigs. Two 500mg capsules lowered his trigs from 300 to 150 in 3 months, and no side effects.
Frankie
Yes Frankie, I know they calculate it, and sorry, if she did check for the homocysteines, it wasn't listed on the letter I received today. I know when I went for the lab work I swear she had just about everything checked off, so I will ask when I see her in Aug. for my complete physical. All that was on the letter today was my lipid panel and Thyroid results, and a note saying..."Numbers are a lil too high, start the Niacin". Wish she would have sent me a copy like hubby's dr. does, then I could give ya more info.
I remember U saying about the Cinnamon, as my hubby's Trigs are usually over 400 also, so not only am I working on me, trying to work on him also. Like I said to Arizona and babydog, guess I should shut my mouth and be happy I made some progress, guess I was just so anxious to see good numbers. Oh well, like they say, onward and forward huh?
Thanx for the tip on the cinnamon, and by the way, is it also ok to take a lil of the ground stuff in my spice rack? I know U said something before about certain kinds, and I can't quite remember, must be this CRS kicking in again........... :D
Thanx for the response and also to all for the encouragements, I'll just keep plugging away..... :wave:
heart44
05-24-2005, 09:01 PM
Thanx for the tip on the cinnamon, and by the way, is it also ok to take a lil of the ground stuff in my spice rack? I know U said something before about certain kinds, and I can't quite remember, must be this CRS kicking in again........... :D
Thanx for the response and also to all for the encouragements, I'll just keep plugging away..... :wave:Hi JJ, These are the two kinds of cinnamon: There's the real thing, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and there's C. cassia. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is twice as strong as C. cassia. If you get the capsules from a drug store, it will be the C. cassia. I'm not absolutely sure which one they put in the shakers.... Cinnamon oil is the absolutely strongest form and should be used with caution. Frankie
Thanx for the response and also to all for the encouragements, I'll just keep plugging away..... :wave:Hi JJ, These are the two kinds of cinnamon: There's the real thing, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and there's C. cassia. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is twice as strong as C. cassia. If you get the capsules from a drug store, it will be the C. cassia. I'm not absolutely sure which one they put in the shakers.... Cinnamon oil is the absolutely strongest form and should be used with caution. Frankie
ARIZONA73
05-24-2005, 09:03 PM
JJ,
Cinnamon is supposed to help lower blood sugar, so I suppose that it may also help with triglycerides. In fact, I use it whenever I eat oatmeal, which is usually about 3 times a week. I also eat the Quaker old fashion kind. I'll put 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon in the water, bring to a boil, and then add the oatmeal. I usually eat mine with raisins and sugar-free maple syrup. Not bad. You have to put something on it to make it appetizing. After all, eating oatmeal is not nearly as enjoyable as bacon and eggs!
Keep taking the niacin. With all this cool weather we've been having, it may even help warm you up. :D :wave:
Cinnamon is supposed to help lower blood sugar, so I suppose that it may also help with triglycerides. In fact, I use it whenever I eat oatmeal, which is usually about 3 times a week. I also eat the Quaker old fashion kind. I'll put 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon in the water, bring to a boil, and then add the oatmeal. I usually eat mine with raisins and sugar-free maple syrup. Not bad. You have to put something on it to make it appetizing. After all, eating oatmeal is not nearly as enjoyable as bacon and eggs!
Keep taking the niacin. With all this cool weather we've been having, it may even help warm you up. :D :wave:
JJ
05-24-2005, 09:37 PM
Frankie..All it says on the container is ground cinnamon and then at the bottom Canela Molida???? I know cinnamon is suppose to help with blood sugar like Arizona said, so will have to do a web search to see what is up. I know I read on one site that putting a lil cinnamon from your spice rack, about 1/4 tsp. is suppose to be good. Oh the joys of the web.... :D
I don't have any oil, so that is definitely out. Thanx again..... :wave:
**************************************** **********
Arizona, I hear ya about the Niacin helping to keep me warm. I swear, it is more like March out there then May. So far I didn't get the nasty itchys today,even with the 100 mgs., so who knows, there might be hope for me yet.
I don't mind the plain ole oatmeal. See, I told ya I was weird, as I put nothing on mine. I've always loved it, and even when my kids were small and ate it, I would always make extra for me. Geez, all these years I seemed to eat right and everything and I still am falling apart, must be that OLD AGE thing going on..... :D
It better warm up so I can get out and walk more, as I sure ain't going out in this damp cool weather. Not only do I want more exercise, I want to drop another 8 lbs., sure that will help too. Exercising in the house is a drag, and I sure wish they didn't close that nice gym I use to go to, not only was it close, but great for us folks on a fixed income. CYL...... :wave:
I don't have any oil, so that is definitely out. Thanx again..... :wave:
**************************************** **********
Arizona, I hear ya about the Niacin helping to keep me warm. I swear, it is more like March out there then May. So far I didn't get the nasty itchys today,even with the 100 mgs., so who knows, there might be hope for me yet.
I don't mind the plain ole oatmeal. See, I told ya I was weird, as I put nothing on mine. I've always loved it, and even when my kids were small and ate it, I would always make extra for me. Geez, all these years I seemed to eat right and everything and I still am falling apart, must be that OLD AGE thing going on..... :D
It better warm up so I can get out and walk more, as I sure ain't going out in this damp cool weather. Not only do I want more exercise, I want to drop another 8 lbs., sure that will help too. Exercising in the house is a drag, and I sure wish they didn't close that nice gym I use to go to, not only was it close, but great for us folks on a fixed income. CYL...... :wave:
HubbleRules
05-24-2005, 10:16 PM
JJ,
I didn't think your numbers were bad - keep your chin up - I think you're doing very well!!!
Your TC/HDL ratio improved, your HDL went up, and your Trigs are fine. And your VLDL went down - I've been reading that it is more important than your LDL level - seems the VLDL do more damage to the arteries than the LDL...
I'll trade your numbers with mine anytime...
Stay on the supplements, don't go crazy with the Niacin - it's not worth taking anything if the side-effects are a real problem, and you sound like you're ultra-sensitive to drugs....
Did you ever see Ronin with De Niro??? It's an EXCELLENT drama where he's a CIA agent on a mission in France.... Worth renting...
TTYL :wave:
HubbleRules
:cool:
I didn't think your numbers were bad - keep your chin up - I think you're doing very well!!!
Your TC/HDL ratio improved, your HDL went up, and your Trigs are fine. And your VLDL went down - I've been reading that it is more important than your LDL level - seems the VLDL do more damage to the arteries than the LDL...
I'll trade your numbers with mine anytime...
Stay on the supplements, don't go crazy with the Niacin - it's not worth taking anything if the side-effects are a real problem, and you sound like you're ultra-sensitive to drugs....
Did you ever see Ronin with De Niro??? It's an EXCELLENT drama where he's a CIA agent on a mission in France.... Worth renting...
TTYL :wave:
HubbleRules
:cool:
ARIZONA73
05-24-2005, 11:34 PM
JJ,
I know what you mean by all that dampness. Yes, the weather is the same here in New Jersey. I don't mind the cool weather, but I hate humidity. I wanted to take a nice walk today, but the humidity stopped me. And then I thought of the treadmill, and I said no, I just feel too lackadaisical for that too. Besides, I felt like just resting and taking it easy.
Oh, the oatmeal. Actually, I've had to learn to eat it and like it, because I've always preferred eggs, and still do. When I was a kid, my mother used to make it for me, and I really didn't like it. My sister too, God rest her soul. But anyway, the only way I was able to stomach it was if I smothered it with brown sugar. Well, then it tasted edible. And to this day, I just don't like eating it plain.
I know what you mean by all that dampness. Yes, the weather is the same here in New Jersey. I don't mind the cool weather, but I hate humidity. I wanted to take a nice walk today, but the humidity stopped me. And then I thought of the treadmill, and I said no, I just feel too lackadaisical for that too. Besides, I felt like just resting and taking it easy.
Oh, the oatmeal. Actually, I've had to learn to eat it and like it, because I've always preferred eggs, and still do. When I was a kid, my mother used to make it for me, and I really didn't like it. My sister too, God rest her soul. But anyway, the only way I was able to stomach it was if I smothered it with brown sugar. Well, then it tasted edible. And to this day, I just don't like eating it plain.
JJ
05-24-2005, 11:58 PM
Thanx Hubble, guess I expected everything to work overnite, but the more I think about it, I guess I did ok for now. It's nice to come here and have folks root ya on, it sure helps ALOT!!..... :)
As far as the Niacin, I will just take as much as I can tolerate, as we all know I am way too sensative to be pushing my luck, and too old.... :D
I truly hope your next test is good, it does get so darn frustrating to think your doing everything right, and yet the test show your not. If we flunk out the next tests, that is it, to the islands we go to become the ULTIMATE beach bums..... :cool: At least we won't have drs. on our back.
I think I saw that Di Nero movie, as I usually watch most of his stuff, he is such a good actor. Sometimes the names won't hit me, then I see the movie and remember, OH yeah, I saw this. Geez, gotta love this old age thing huh?
Have a great nite, best of luck, and keep that beer stocked. I'm not a drinker, never could handle the stuff. Hubby calls me a "cheap drunk", as I can have one glass of wine and be looped. Hey, like I tell him, I save him money when we go out and I order ginger ale....... :D
Best wishes for now, and TTYL...... :wave:
BTW, how is your wife doing? Hopefully alot better.... :)
As far as the Niacin, I will just take as much as I can tolerate, as we all know I am way too sensative to be pushing my luck, and too old.... :D
I truly hope your next test is good, it does get so darn frustrating to think your doing everything right, and yet the test show your not. If we flunk out the next tests, that is it, to the islands we go to become the ULTIMATE beach bums..... :cool: At least we won't have drs. on our back.
I think I saw that Di Nero movie, as I usually watch most of his stuff, he is such a good actor. Sometimes the names won't hit me, then I see the movie and remember, OH yeah, I saw this. Geez, gotta love this old age thing huh?
Have a great nite, best of luck, and keep that beer stocked. I'm not a drinker, never could handle the stuff. Hubby calls me a "cheap drunk", as I can have one glass of wine and be looped. Hey, like I tell him, I save him money when we go out and I order ginger ale....... :D
Best wishes for now, and TTYL...... :wave:
BTW, how is your wife doing? Hopefully alot better.... :)
JJ
05-25-2005, 12:10 AM
Arizona....It is down in the 40's here. we will be lucky if we see the mid 60's by the end of the week. I really hope it is a nice weekend, as so many folks want to enjoy the holiday weekend, hopefully at the beach.... :cool:
Normally I like to go up to the track near my house, so many folks do go there, but I just am not ready to bundle up in rain gear to go walking. Geez, I started my spring cleaning last week, but it is on hold right now, so the so called spring cleaning, is going to turn into summer cleaning. The windows I did get done are already dirty again with all the rain and dampness. I'm too old for this nonsense. I don't blame U for deciding to relax, we all need a break, and there just are days we feel like doing absolutely nothing but chilling out. It's good for the soul.
Alot of folks have to dress up their oatmeal, but like I said, it doesn't bother me for it to be plain. Hey, as long as we get it into us, who cares how we eat it. Last thursday after my blood work, we stopped at a local diner and I ordered a nice fried egg sandwich...Yummmmm, it was so good, and I haven't had one in months. My big downfall is going to be this summer as I love maccaroni and potato salads, oh Lordy, I can see my numbers jumping already...... :D
Oh well, time to put the dishes away, then watch some Jay Leno and by then, go nites. Have a good one, and TTYL..... :wave:
Normally I like to go up to the track near my house, so many folks do go there, but I just am not ready to bundle up in rain gear to go walking. Geez, I started my spring cleaning last week, but it is on hold right now, so the so called spring cleaning, is going to turn into summer cleaning. The windows I did get done are already dirty again with all the rain and dampness. I'm too old for this nonsense. I don't blame U for deciding to relax, we all need a break, and there just are days we feel like doing absolutely nothing but chilling out. It's good for the soul.
Alot of folks have to dress up their oatmeal, but like I said, it doesn't bother me for it to be plain. Hey, as long as we get it into us, who cares how we eat it. Last thursday after my blood work, we stopped at a local diner and I ordered a nice fried egg sandwich...Yummmmm, it was so good, and I haven't had one in months. My big downfall is going to be this summer as I love maccaroni and potato salads, oh Lordy, I can see my numbers jumping already...... :D
Oh well, time to put the dishes away, then watch some Jay Leno and by then, go nites. Have a good one, and TTYL..... :wave:
heart44
05-25-2005, 12:19 AM
Frankie..All it says on the container is ground cinnamon and then at the bottom Canela Molida????Hi JJ, Canela (cinnamon) Molida (ground) is the Spanish version.
JJ
05-25-2005, 12:36 AM
Thanx Frankie, as I didn't have a chance to look it up. I did read on some dr. site that he said putting about a 1/4 tsp. on your cereal or whatever, sure wouldn't hurt. That's fine by me, as I love the stuff.
Have a good one, and TTYL... :wave:
Have a good one, and TTYL... :wave: