Does this sound normal? - High Cholesterol Message Board

Brett67 · 02-05-2004, 01:57 PM

My very FIRST cholesterol test EVER revealed that I had dangerously high cholesterol numbers.Hdl-41,ldl-201,tri-71,total-247.Dr. said diet and exercise alone at this time wasn't and option.He immediately prescribed me 10mg of Crestor.My follow up blood work a month later revealed my new numbers hdl-48,ldl-72,total-135.My question is does this seem like a "normal" decline in numbers after only a month on the statin and no change in diet?I'm begining to wonder if the numbers on my original test were accurate and if I should of requested a second blood test.I have NO family history of cholesterol or heart problems.I do not choose to be on the statin or any other drug for that matter if all possible for the rest of my life.I'm willing to do everything in my ability to stay off medicating myself if all possible.

ARIZONA73 · 02-05-2004, 05:10 PM

Brett67,

What, you mean this was the first time your cholesterol was checked, and already your doctor has you on Crestor? Why did he say diet and exercise is not an option at this time? If not now, then when? It just doesn't make any sense to me. Many people on this board have improved their numbers through diet and exercise, and through the use of various nutritional supplements. Furthermore, as you stated you don't have any history of heart disease in your family. I just don't understand the urgency to put you on Crestor (a very powerful statin). On top of that, a total cholesterol level of 135 is low, maybe even too low. And yes, statins can slash cholesterol levels drastically in a short period of time. What bothers me the most is the fact that your doctor never even gave you any options, and I'd be surprised if he has any intention at all of ever weaning you off this stuff, unless of course you put your foot down and demand it.

zip2play · 02-06-2004, 07:23 AM

Brett,
While your response might be on the high side for Crestor, it is by NO means uncommon.
What I'd try if I were you is pill splitting sometime down the road to judge the effect of 5mg. Crestor. I agree than t 135 is usually considered "too low." It might screw up some of the myriad functions that cholesterol plays in the body. And a smaller dose is always less likely to cause symptoms.

Add some fish oil to further raise your HDL's (and maybe your total a bit.)

I got 102 point drop with Lipitor in 30 days and Crestor is even stonger but I started at 265 so I never got "too" low!

Brett67 · 02-09-2004, 08:03 AM

Hi Zip and Arizona, Thanks for your response.
Yes Arizona this was the very first time ever to have my cholesterol checked and Dr. went straight for the statin remedy.I am new to the cholesterol issue and never knew anyone who had this problem.I never knew anything about the dangers of the statins either.When I was diagnosed the Dr. said that diet and exercise was not an issue because the results were "too" high and also my weight was not an issue, 150lbs 5'11" male.I am one of six children in my family and none of the others have any cholesterol or heart issues.Mom and dad either.My parents and grandparents lived to be in their 70's.Am I an odd case or what?

My results went from too high to too low.Thanks to these boards and you fine people I have learned alot in such a short time.I agree with Zip on the messing up the benificial functions that cholesterol plays in the body.I'm gonna try the natural means without the drug.I'm just very disappointed that my Dr. rushed to the answer of the statin without the pros and the cons and not believing in an alternative method for me.