Not so great bloodwork - High Cholesterol Message Board

mommaof5 · 10-19-2003, 11:55 AM

HI everyone,

I've been trying to get my cholesterol down. At least get the bad cholesterol down and the good up and make my ratio's healthier. I'm trying to avoid going on medication. Since I had a hysterectomy, it appears that my cholesterol is going up. I used to be fine. Age might be a factor too. Both my older sister and mother are on meds. Other sisters seem to be doing fine. I've lost over 25 pounds and I'm trying to watch what I eat (no foods with hydronated and partially hydronated oils, etc) Anyway, here are my numbers. I know they are really bad. I had bloodwork done on 11/2002, 4/29/2003, and 5/5/2003. I will list numbers in that order.

Cholesterol 232, 242, 248
HDL 43, 47, 43
LDL 119, 174, 176
Triglycerides 346, 104, 146
GGT 149, 132, 91

I know from the lab reports that some of these are high. I have not been checked since May. Any suggestions on how to lower these more. My doctor seemed very concerned and wanted to start me on prevachol until I got it down?? I'm trying to avoid meds, but, maybe I have no choice. Any suggestions?

[This message has been edited by mommaof5 (edited 10-19-2003).]

ARIZONA73 · 10-19-2003, 01:50 PM

Hello again mommaof5!

I know I've already given you some advice on the vitamin board, but I'd just like to add one other thing. Although your doctor appears to be in a hurry(you've only been given 3 months to show improvement) to prescribe Pravachol, I can also understand your reluctance to take it. But if worse comes to worse, why not ask if you can try Niaspan(prescription niacin)instead? I think that it would be a much better alternative, and it carries far fewer potentially serious side effects than the statin drugs. In addition, it has a far more favorable impact on HDL, increases LDL particle size(rendering it less harmful), and helps to lower Lp(a), another damaging lipid component.

Read "Niaspan makes me smile" on page two. Some good information is contained in that post.

mommaof5 · 10-19-2003, 03:04 PM

Thank you Arizona!

My chiropractor sold me something called Lipotain. It is a non-flush Niacin and standardized guggul extract. I haven't tried it yet. Is this something similar to what you are talking about? Also, i responded to you on the Vitamins board ..with those numbers you were asking about. Let me know what you think please. Thank-you very much.

[This message has been edited by mommaof5 (edited 10-19-2003).]

ARIZONA73 · 10-19-2003, 09:18 PM

mommaof5,

Niaspan is simply plain old niacin(nicotinic acid), but in an extended release form. It is only available by prescription. Why only via prescription, I have no idea.

The flush-free niacin you have is probably inositol hexanicotinate. It is niacin bound to inositol. It is generally regarded as being equal to or better than ordinary niacin, but much safer in terms of side effects.

Gugulipid is also in your supplement. Although I have never personally taken it, it is also supposed to be effective for lowering cholesterol. In combination with the niacin, it may work better. Of the two, inositol hexanicotinate is probably the most effective.

I don't know what the dosages are, but in the case of inositol hexanicotinate, you generally need to take anywhere from 1,500-3,000mg/day in order to experience any beneficial results. This is usually taken in divided doses with each meal.

In addition, you may also want to include fish oil, lecithin, and a garlic supplement which is standardized to contain at least 4,000mcg allicin. With the garlic, one tablet a day should be fine. As far as lecithin is concerned, 2-3 tablespoons/day should be sufficient. With fish oil, 4-6 capsules each day.

As I have said, 3 months is a relatively short period of time. You may need more time before you see improvements. Is your doctor cooperating with you in any way, or are you pretty much on your own? If I know doctors, he's probably just ignoring your efforts, and waiting for you to return so that he can write out a prescription.

I have seen your numbers, and I agree that they need to be improved. But, as I've said before, if worse comes to worse, ask your doctor about trying the Niaspan. If he agrees, then at least he'll be willing to work with you.

mommaof5 · 10-20-2003, 05:04 AM

Thank-you Arizona,

I have written down your suggestions and will try them. Those numbers are from May, but, I'm giving it some time before I go back to the doctor. I didn't think 3 months was enough time either. Hopefully my numbers are getting better with the weight loss and dietary changes.

You hit it right on the head, my doctor is waiting for me to come back so they can put me on the meds.

I want to get my numbers down naturally. There is a walk in lab in town that I might go to for a cholesterol test before going back to my doctor

By the way, in your opinion, just how bad are my numbers? My doctor acted like I was doomed unless I immediately went on the meds.

Anyway, I just bought a bunch of vitamins and supplements that are supposed to help with cholesteral too. I'll let you know how it works out.

Thank-you for all your help!
take care Arizona!