My hubby and I have just received our new numbers after 3 mos. of 20 mgs. a day. and to say the least, I'm a little disappointed. Mine are as follows:
(9/01) TC 296 7/02 322 Hubby's 4/02 181 7/02 201
Trig 228 131 418 336
HDL 60 72 29 32
LDL 190 224 Off Scale 102
Seems like we have managed to lower our tryglcerides and screw everything else up. We are under a lot of stress at the present time and wondering how much that has affected it. I have IBS and have to watch the fruit and veggies. I do eat alot of carbs b/c it goes down easier. Hubby has been losing weight slowly (dropped about 9 lbs since the first blood). Should we continue the policosanol (no side effects for either of us) or should we add something else w/ it. I will try to cut back on the carbs.
She wants to give us "Prabacol". Has anyone heard of this? I have tried a search and can't find anything.
I have been reading the board daily but didn't want to post until I had the new numbers. I thought I would ask you guys since you are a wealth of information, what do you think? Thanks!

I can't say I'm too surprised. The results avail on the web from "real people" using policosanol are underwhelming. I tried it myself for a month - but had to stop (muscle aches) before I could get any numbers.
I'm trying tocotrienol(it's a vitamin-E that may reduce cholesterol). I'm not expecting much - so I won't be disappointed.
On your new med - is it Pravachol? This is a statin that some feel may have somewhat less side-effects. It's still a statin however, if you can't take them.

Yes, that is the right name (the Dr. spelled it wrong--kind of makes ya wonder if they can't spell it why prescribe it?) No, we have never been on statins and from what I'm reading do not want to. I feel every day as we get older there is a new ache and pain. Why add a pill to make it worse?
I'm going to try one day a week w/ no carbs and do it gradually and see how that helps. One day a week walking more than I usually do. I think Granny Nash said tomatoes were good for cholesterol and the garden looks like it's going to be good this year. And hopefully this stressful situation we're in will change in 2 weeks.
I also found something else herbal but I have the name at home and see if this helps. Thanks for your reply!

If you never tried a statin drug and have no negative reaction to it, it may be worthwhile to try one. They certainly will reduce your cholesterol levels and have other heart related benefits as well. They act as "blood thinners" and reduce the tendency of blood to break-off in "plaques" which can cause a stroke. For the majority of people who are at risk of heart trouble (family history or other risk factors)a statin drug can be a lifesaver - it is the few of us who have a side-effect from the statins that complain a lot on boards such as this. I wish I could tolerate it, I'd continue taking them in a minute.

Ruth I really feel for you and hubby, as it seems to be the same ole story here. One test the cholesterol is down but the trigs. are up, next test just the opposite. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif I have to go next week to the dr. so know I will be due for my tests, good grief do I really want to know? NO!!!

I haven't seen many good reports about the Policosanal either, shame as I thought for sure it just might be something to look into. I'm at the point of almost just giving up and let the cards fall where they may.

Like Gorgon said, if U can take a statin it does drop your numbers like a rock, but seems like there are more of us who can't take them then those that can. Try cutting back more on the carbs. and see if the next test is better, what the heck have ya got to lose?
Unfortuneately hubby did, as he was a terrible bread eater, but it still didn't help, so now he is cutting back more, so if this don't work he said to heck with it, he can't give up much more. Like his cardiologist said, he is doing just about everything right, and due to his lousy side effects on statins, Tricor or Niacin the pains and aches aren't worth it for him. For now he is just going to keep checking him every six months and see how it goes.

I know my dr. is going to go into some kind of a tizzy, as she is also trying everything out there on me with no luck, so I am not looking forward to this coming visit at all. She is about ready to pull her hair out cause I seem to also not get along with the meds. Oh well, I didn't ask for this crazy drug sensative body, but I'm stuck with it!

Keep the faith, the quest still goes on! Keep us posted how it goes, and naturally we will do the same.
Best of luck!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif JJ

Do not be afraid of the statins.There are 3 things to remember if you take them.Keep on top of the testing and your body,keep a positive attitude,and lastly be active.It may seem that there are more people who cannot take them then those who can. The small group of people here is not a fair sampling.The actual facts are that there are alot of people who can take them with little or no problems.One advantage that I use is hat I do not have to sacrifice on a diet.My numbers are low and as an example over this weekend it was babyback ribs,pork roast,brats,ribeye steaks and all the fixings.I can enjoy life.

I agree with Gooba although the choice in your health care is up to you. Eight million Americans are estimated to successfully take statins. The ones who successfully do would naturally not seek out help on a message board as there is no problem. As a consequence, you will see more people in nearly every situation on a message board for whom standard drugs are not working so they're seeking alternatives. You'll see others who come to share what has worked for them.

As with any drug, over the counter, prescription or herbal, know what the side effects are before you start. Once you're aware, if you would have a problem, you should report it right away to your doctor and they'll instruct you of the proper way to deal with it. Good luck to you. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I have had good luck with Red Yeast Rice. In just two weeks I went from 219 to 186. It may sound like my numbers are already not so bad, but I had a heart attack a few months ago and it is important I get these numbers as low as I can. I tried gugulipid with zero positive affect. I am looking forward to testing again after 6 weeks on the Red Yest Rice. I realize it is basicaly a naturaly occuring statin, but I have no side effects from it. I did get aching leg muscles from both Zocor and Prevachol but nothing from the Red Yeast Rice.

Thank you for your replies. Hubby and I talked it over and have decided to keep trying w/o the statin. He was pleased that his numbers even showed up this time and the trigs. went down so he is encouraged and doesn't want to take the meds.I found information about the side effects and they were "impotentcy, constipation, diarhea (just what I need w/ IBS) leg pains". Nope, don't desire any of these. I'm stopping at the health food store tonight. Today so far I have been "carbo-free" and it's killing me!!!Having veggies for lunch. Went for a little walk on my break. I'm trying. Will let you know what I find out tonight.

It is always good to try the non medicated way first.Just do not be afraid of the medication.Remember that those are only possible side effects.It does not meant hat is what you will experience.I feel for you on the food.It was biscuits and sausage gravy this morning,pulled pork sandwiches and fies for lunch,and brisket with baked potato and rolls for dinner,with apple pie for dessert.

Gooba-my IBS is in an uproar just reading what you are eating today :-) I am getting terribly hungry by now--the green beans just didn't cut it!

Sorry,I was just letting you know that there are advantages to the statins.