Lenin
07-28-2006, 10:06 AM
My routine has been Lipitor 20 mg. since 1998, niacin 500 mg slow release a year, fish oil, lecithin and I stopped taking CoQ-10 a couple months ago. Lasix and Cozaar for hypertension control. I am getting rather intense aerobic workouts (at cardio rate) 3 times a week alternated with 3 hard anaerobic workouts (pumping iron.)
I have proven heart disease and one stent.
My new numbers:
CHOLESTEROL: 126
HDL CHOLESTEROL: 41 (no alcohol for 2 months)
LDL CHOLESTEROL: 62
Ratio: 3.1
TRIGLYCERIDES: 113
Liver Enzymes:
...AST: 24
...ALT: 19
Now the horror:
Lipoprotein (A) : 111.8 nmol/L ...should be under 75.
My PSA of 1.07 pleases me too...these old prostates can be trouble!
If ONLY they came up with something to treat genetically high Lp(a)...but alas, there's nothing yet shown to work.:yawn:
Of about 50 lab tests, only the Lp(a) was out of range.
I have proven heart disease and one stent.
My new numbers:
CHOLESTEROL: 126
HDL CHOLESTEROL: 41 (no alcohol for 2 months)
LDL CHOLESTEROL: 62
Ratio: 3.1
TRIGLYCERIDES: 113
Liver Enzymes:
...AST: 24
...ALT: 19
Now the horror:
Lipoprotein (A) : 111.8 nmol/L ...should be under 75.
My PSA of 1.07 pleases me too...these old prostates can be trouble!
If ONLY they came up with something to treat genetically high Lp(a)...but alas, there's nothing yet shown to work.:yawn:
Of about 50 lab tests, only the Lp(a) was out of range.
Sponsor
happybunny
07-28-2006, 10:47 AM
I'm horrified!
No red wine, Lenin?
That sounds bad.
No red wine, Lenin?
That sounds bad.
cook82
07-28-2006, 10:53 AM
Hi Lenin,
It might interest you to know that my insurance company will not pay for an Lp(a) test for a VAP cholesterol test because they deem that these tests don't prove anything.
But if you are with the religion that believes in Lp(a), try not to worry about it too much. I think worrying botches up lipids more than anything else. Ofcourse that's just my opinion.:)
Your other numbers look pretty good!
It might interest you to know that my insurance company will not pay for an Lp(a) test for a VAP cholesterol test because they deem that these tests don't prove anything.
But if you are with the religion that believes in Lp(a), try not to worry about it too much. I think worrying botches up lipids more than anything else. Ofcourse that's just my opinion.:)
Your other numbers look pretty good!
Lenin
07-28-2006, 02:41 PM
Cook,
Your insurance company won't pay for the tests because they are CHEAP! :D:D They just don't like to admit the truth.
Back a few decades when I destroyed my back, my Blue Cross/Shield wouldn't spring for an MRI because they deemed it "experimental." Of course GOOD insurance companies were picking up the tab.
Mine has never balked at paying for Lp(a) testing but I cannot get a straight answer out of them for the VAP...they do pay for HDL1 and HDL2 so it's only a stones throw for the whole VAP. The game they have been playing goes like this:
"Oxford, do you pay for VAP?" You have to ask your doctor.
"Doctor, does Oxford pay for VAP?" Who knows ask the insurance company or the lab.
"Lab, does Oxford pay for VAP" We can't talk to you, only your doctor.
<I guess they all hope I'll give up!>
It's a coincidence that you mentioned it because it's my next project and I WILL get an answer. I even know the insurance code for it: 272.9.
You're right though about worrry about the Lp(a). In the words of the immortal Ennis del Mar: "What yah can't change yah gotta STAND"
Alas, I know too much about Lp(a) to not worry because it is a potent clot inducer too closely related to plasminogen ...probably my ancestors fought a lot with swords. :D
I do what I can with everything else though:angel: and I may be the low LDL record holder on the board.
bunny,
Too bad I'm the kind of guy that takes "two drinks" to mean TWO LITERS...what else?:dizzy: I could be looking at HDL's of 55 if I were pie eyed all day long...been there, done that! I guess 41 has to be good enough.
Your insurance company won't pay for the tests because they are CHEAP! :D:D They just don't like to admit the truth.
Back a few decades when I destroyed my back, my Blue Cross/Shield wouldn't spring for an MRI because they deemed it "experimental." Of course GOOD insurance companies were picking up the tab.
Mine has never balked at paying for Lp(a) testing but I cannot get a straight answer out of them for the VAP...they do pay for HDL1 and HDL2 so it's only a stones throw for the whole VAP. The game they have been playing goes like this:
"Oxford, do you pay for VAP?" You have to ask your doctor.
"Doctor, does Oxford pay for VAP?" Who knows ask the insurance company or the lab.
"Lab, does Oxford pay for VAP" We can't talk to you, only your doctor.
<I guess they all hope I'll give up!>
It's a coincidence that you mentioned it because it's my next project and I WILL get an answer. I even know the insurance code for it: 272.9.
You're right though about worrry about the Lp(a). In the words of the immortal Ennis del Mar: "What yah can't change yah gotta STAND"
Alas, I know too much about Lp(a) to not worry because it is a potent clot inducer too closely related to plasminogen ...probably my ancestors fought a lot with swords. :D
I do what I can with everything else though:angel: and I may be the low LDL record holder on the board.
bunny,
Too bad I'm the kind of guy that takes "two drinks" to mean TWO LITERS...what else?:dizzy: I could be looking at HDL's of 55 if I were pie eyed all day long...been there, done that! I guess 41 has to be good enough.
cook82
07-28-2006, 05:00 PM
Hey Lenin,
Just between you and me, one of the reasons I am secretly relieved that my insurance company doesn't pay for Lp(a) is because I had it tested once (under a different insurance - thank God - bill came to $360!:eek: ) and I came out at 79.:eek:
The VAP showed pattern A which I think is good.:confused:
That was before niacin therapy and a little stress management.
But part of me would rather just not know.;)
Just between you and me, one of the reasons I am secretly relieved that my insurance company doesn't pay for Lp(a) is because I had it tested once (under a different insurance - thank God - bill came to $360!:eek: ) and I came out at 79.:eek:
The VAP showed pattern A which I think is good.:confused:
That was before niacin therapy and a little stress management.
But part of me would rather just not know.;)
ARIZONA73
07-28-2006, 07:25 PM
It might interest you to know that my insurance company will not pay for an Lp(a) test for a VAP cholesterol test because they deem that these tests don't prove anything.
Yeah, they say that now because there are currently no drugs on the market that can lower Lp(a). So nobody is paying much attention to it. But just wait until some drug company comes up with a drug that can lower it. Then the floodgates will open wide, and they'll all be singing a different tune. Commercials will be running wild on TV, promoting the new blockbuster drug, and advising people of the Lp(a) threat, and stressing how important it is to maintain their Lp(a) within a low range. After all, if there were no drugs available to lower cholesterol, they probably wouldn't be making such a big deal about that, either.
Yeah, they say that now because there are currently no drugs on the market that can lower Lp(a). So nobody is paying much attention to it. But just wait until some drug company comes up with a drug that can lower it. Then the floodgates will open wide, and they'll all be singing a different tune. Commercials will be running wild on TV, promoting the new blockbuster drug, and advising people of the Lp(a) threat, and stressing how important it is to maintain their Lp(a) within a low range. After all, if there were no drugs available to lower cholesterol, they probably wouldn't be making such a big deal about that, either.
Lenin
07-29-2006, 08:32 AM
cook,
Just as a heads up, Lp(a) is measured by a different standard now. It's a better measurement.
Where before they basically measured weight/volume (mg/dL) of Lp(a) they are now meauring number of particles/volume (mmol/L.)
Lp(a) is LDL attached to HUGE molecules comprised of loops and loops of things called "kringle units." Some people made Lp(a) with a huge number of these things and thus had very heavy Lp(a) and got a high number with fewer actual Lp(a)'s.
Now, a high number is actually caused by a very large number of Lp(a)'s.
I;d say have another one done to the new standard...but NOT if it's $360 :eek: out of pocket...for that I'd need the healing hand of God AND a nice meal and good sex to boot!
Yes Arizona, as soon as some manufacturer comes out with an anti-Lp(a) formulation, it will be among the hottest things the drug market ever saw. Next in line of the blockbusters, though, will invariably be toretrapib (can you imagine a sillier name :D), the HDL enhancer.
Just as a heads up, Lp(a) is measured by a different standard now. It's a better measurement.
Where before they basically measured weight/volume (mg/dL) of Lp(a) they are now meauring number of particles/volume (mmol/L.)
Lp(a) is LDL attached to HUGE molecules comprised of loops and loops of things called "kringle units." Some people made Lp(a) with a huge number of these things and thus had very heavy Lp(a) and got a high number with fewer actual Lp(a)'s.
Now, a high number is actually caused by a very large number of Lp(a)'s.
I;d say have another one done to the new standard...but NOT if it's $360 :eek: out of pocket...for that I'd need the healing hand of God AND a nice meal and good sex to boot!
Yes Arizona, as soon as some manufacturer comes out with an anti-Lp(a) formulation, it will be among the hottest things the drug market ever saw. Next in line of the blockbusters, though, will invariably be toretrapib (can you imagine a sillier name :D), the HDL enhancer.
ARIZONA73
07-29-2006, 08:46 AM
Yes Arizona, as soon as some manufacturer comes out with an anti Lp(a) drug, it will be the hottest thing the drug market ever saw. Next in line of the blockbusters, though, will invariably be toretrapib (can you imagine a sillier name), the HDL enhancer.
Yes, you may be right about that HDL enhancer. I often wonder how they come up with such ominous sounding names for drugs. No wonder so many people can't even remember the names of some drugs they are taking. It's hard enough to pronounce the names, much less remember them.
Yes, you may be right about that HDL enhancer. I often wonder how they come up with such ominous sounding names for drugs. No wonder so many people can't even remember the names of some drugs they are taking. It's hard enough to pronounce the names, much less remember them.
cook82
07-29-2006, 11:13 AM
cook,
Just as a heads up, Lp(a) is measured by a different standard now. It's a better measurement.
Where before they basically measured weight/volume (mg/dL) of Lp(a) they are now meauring number of particles/volume (mmol/L.)
Lp(a) is LDL attached to HUGE molecules comprised of loops and loops of things called "kringle units." Some people made Lp(a) with a huge number of these things and thus had very heavy Lp(a) and got a high number with fewer actual Lp(a)'s.
Now, a high number is actually caused by a very large number of Lp(a)'s.
I;d say have another one done to the new standard...but NOT if it's $360 :eek: out of pocket...for that I'd need the healing hand of God AND a nice meal and good sex to boot!
Yes Arizona, as soon as some manufacturer comes out with an anti-Lp(a) formulation, it will be among the hottest things the drug market ever saw. Next in line of the blockbusters, though, will invariably be toretrapib (can you imagine a sillier name :D), the HDL enhancer.
Lenin,
Regretably yes it would cost me $360 - money I would prefer to put into the stock of the company that is first to manufacture an Lp(a) lowering drug.:D
Just as a heads up, Lp(a) is measured by a different standard now. It's a better measurement.
Where before they basically measured weight/volume (mg/dL) of Lp(a) they are now meauring number of particles/volume (mmol/L.)
Lp(a) is LDL attached to HUGE molecules comprised of loops and loops of things called "kringle units." Some people made Lp(a) with a huge number of these things and thus had very heavy Lp(a) and got a high number with fewer actual Lp(a)'s.
Now, a high number is actually caused by a very large number of Lp(a)'s.
I;d say have another one done to the new standard...but NOT if it's $360 :eek: out of pocket...for that I'd need the healing hand of God AND a nice meal and good sex to boot!
Yes Arizona, as soon as some manufacturer comes out with an anti-Lp(a) formulation, it will be among the hottest things the drug market ever saw. Next in line of the blockbusters, though, will invariably be toretrapib (can you imagine a sillier name :D), the HDL enhancer.
Lenin,
Regretably yes it would cost me $360 - money I would prefer to put into the stock of the company that is first to manufacture an Lp(a) lowering drug.:D
LauraBow
07-29-2006, 02:52 PM
I've had the VAP test and it was measured in mg/dL, though I understand that they used a measuring process that was more accurate and under 10 mg/dL was desired. Mine was 14. I just checked their site and it is still the measurement used. How do I request a measurement in mmol/L? I would definitely prefer that.
NHone
07-29-2006, 07:44 PM
My mother had here entire profile done at Spectracell in Houston. That included a complete cholesterol profile, including Lp(a), homocystine, fibrogen, CRP,Apo A and HDL, and LDL broken down by particle size (I believe there were others also. The profile also included intracellular nagnesium, potassium, and many many more tests that were cultured. Her insurance company covered the entire cost. They will pay for this every 6 months. I believe if it is out of the pocket the entire package of tests are in the $700-$800 range. A note on problems with insurance companies not paying for some cholesterol medications...My mother was on Zocor..Her insurance company decided they would no longer have zocor on their formulary, and had her change to Lipitor. (her doctor did approve this)This is when her problems greatly intensified. (she was also on diltiazem at the same time)..Her problems got much worse when her doctor doubled her dose of diltiazem to 240 mg 2x per day. (that was the beginning of her not being able to walk.
lane413
08-01-2006, 10:41 PM
My mother had here entire profile done at Spectracell in Houston. That included a complete cholesterol profile, including Lp(a), homocystine, fibrogen, CRP,Apo A and HDL, and LDL broken down by particle size (I believe there were others also. The profile also included intracellular nagnesium, potassium, and many many more tests that were cultured. Her insurance company covered the entire cost. They will pay for this every 6 months. I believe if it is out of the pocket the entire package of tests are in the $700-$800 range. A note on problems with insurance companies not paying for some cholesterol medications...My mother was on Zocor..Her insurance company decided they would no longer have zocor on their formulary, and had her change to Lipitor. (her doctor did approve this)This is when her problems greatly intensified. (she was also on diltiazem at the same time)..Her problems got much worse when her doctor doubled her dose of diltiazem to 240 mg 2x per day. (that was the beginning of her not being able to walk.
Dilitiazem is a calcuim channel blocker like verapamil. My mom takes verapamil 120, but she was suppose to take 240. She cuts the pill in half. My mom took verapamil at the same time she was taking zocor. I did a drug tracker to see if they were compatible. It stated that zocor and verapamil should not be taken together. I posted on this board, do a search and see the wonderful responses. Also, my the dr's partner check his physician desk reference and told my mom to stop taking the zocor.
Her reg. dr. was angry when he found out about it.
Dilitiazem is a calcuim channel blocker like verapamil. My mom takes verapamil 120, but she was suppose to take 240. She cuts the pill in half. My mom took verapamil at the same time she was taking zocor. I did a drug tracker to see if they were compatible. It stated that zocor and verapamil should not be taken together. I posted on this board, do a search and see the wonderful responses. Also, my the dr's partner check his physician desk reference and told my mom to stop taking the zocor.
Her reg. dr. was angry when he found out about it.
NHone
08-01-2006, 11:59 PM
My mother's neurologist was not happy about what I found out about the diltiazem either. Neither was her primary care doctor. Her primary care doctor even asked me if I was a medical professional!.....I told her no, but that I could read , and if I was a medical professional, this would not have happened..............Funny how her doctors at Washington University in St. Louis, and Mayo Clinic in MN, did not see this as a possible cause of her problems. It's funny how we give medical credit for being skilled in chemistry, yet they are not. Most of them have no more chemistry than I had with business. I am trained in observation...and I can tell you for a fact, that mother got much worse after her diltiazem was doubled. This was pointed out to Washington U. and Mayo and her other doctors, but they just blew it off. The increased concentration of the cholesterol loweing medication is what caused the damage in her cerebellum. After I did research on my own, and found out about the diltiazem, I called a bio-chemist friend of mine. He assured me that while that might not be the complete problem, that it certainly contributed to the damage in her cerebellum.