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Just got the results of a recent physical and my "bad" cholesterol came in at 155. I suppose I need to look into my diet although the doctor didn't go down that path yet. At this point he has started me on Lovastatin. I go back in month to make sure that the medication isn't jackin with my liver. I don't know if I need to alter what I eat, but I do know that there are a few things I am reluctant to change. I make a family size batch of potato soup a few times a month that includes a pound of salted butter. I have wondered if the fat in the butter is a bad thing, but then again the amount I make nearly fills the pot / dutch oven. I can't imagine substituting butter flavored vegetable oil and I can't imagine not having bacon to accompany the soup.   I went back to today for an EKG and PFT. She had to dry shave a few spot on my chest for the EKG....ouch. The pulmonary test was interesting since I had to blow into the tube several extra times since the nurse's netbook needed rebooted. I suggested she may want to consider upgrading to a laptop. After a few of her comments following the reboot I did wonder if the problem might be both the low end computer and the operator.
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I have been through all of that crap,...changing the diet is huge.
It's a racket to get you to buy drugs. The doctor(s) will take the easy way out.
Mom and Dad spend ALL of their SocSec on pills.
I'm not doing that.
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Just watch that diet, man. If you like fish, have salmon at least a couple times a week. I usually dress mine up with some spices and I've found I really like it.
Also, you may want to look into Omega-3 supplements. I do believe that helps with cholesterol (there's a lot of it in salmon, too).
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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Oatmeal and whole grains are supposed to help with cholsterol.
My mom brought hers back down to baseline normal by watching and limiting saturated fat intake. Hers was higher then yours, IIRC ..... and she refused to take medication because of potential side effects.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Thanks for the suggestions.
A friend at work also warned me of the side effects of high cholesterol medication. I'm going to look a few things up later.
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Quote:
Just got the results of a recent physical and my "bad" cholesterol came in at 155.
I believe they consider that borderline high. I got my down to 151 from 194 just by taking the Zocor. I can honestly say, sadly, I didn't do that by my diet. The statin meds work great for me. Thanks for reminding me I need to go get it checked again and to actually try to do some of this on my own instead of relying on a pill.
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The hidden danger is the damge they do to your liver,...THAT alone is worth doing it naturally.
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The hidden danger is the damge they do to your liver,...THAT alone is worth doing it naturally.
I think I already did that in my 20s. 
But yeah, I know. That's why I need to go get it checked again.
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I will say that I'm on some cholesterol meds right now, but I certainly don't plan on being on them for long. My numbers were sky high, so I've changed my diet and am on Lipitor. My checkup when the numbers were high was in late May. I went back at the end of July and all my numbers were well within the normal range. I'm also down about 50 lbs. since late May, so that helps.
I go back in about 5 months to the doctor for another checkup. If my numbers are still good, I'm going to be going off the meds then.
All I'm saying is that, while it would be optimal to reduce your numbers naturally, I think it'd be ok to be on the meds for a relatively short time to help you out.
But, that's JMHO.
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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Down 50,...?? Dude, that's awesome,.....  I'm down ten since 1 Jan, and feel like a new man. (Still need to lose 20 more.)
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When you have about 100 lbs. to lose, it's easy to drop weight fast.
I actually entered a program that helps people like me (absolutely addictive eaters). They preach no sugar and no flour. It's a high protein diet similar to Atkins. I eat a ton of salad, well portioned high protein (lean beef, chicken, salmon, pork), oatmeal, fruit, veggies, and yogurt, plus a little 2% milk.
I have to say that I am rarely all that hungry (except for right around meal times when I should be hungry). My problem was that I was a bored eater, or a stress eater. Essentially, I could have eaten all day and never really thought about it. Looking back, it's almost gross how much I used to eat and, in fact, how much I used to spend on fast food and junk.
I do feel like a new man. I felt great when my doctor said all my numbers were normal. All my clothes are really loose, so I'm looking forward to getting down to my goal weight so I can get some new threads.
Getting back to the subject at hand, though, you really have to watch your diet. It was easy for me because my doctor told me if I didn't start watching, I would very soon be at high risk for pancreatitis, which seemed kind of scary. Add in the other cardiovascular concerns and the fact that my first kid is due soon, and that was a wake up call. Now, every time I want to stop at Wendy's or eat something I know I shouldn't, I think about that and it helps keep me straight.
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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Not doing the fast food is huge,...I did it by convincing myself that certainly nobody at the microphone cared about my health, so why should I care about their profits ??
The most they get from me, on a regular basis, is a salad at Wendy's.
Doesn't mean I don't enjoy a BK Big Fish or Mac's Fries once in a while. I burn a lot of calories working outside and playing softball; riding a bike.
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I should probably correct myself and not give total credit to the pills, because I did lay off the fast food at lunch time. When gas got over $3, I got a small fridge in my office and started eating lunch out of it.
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I suppose I need to look into my diet although the doctor didn't go down that path yet. At this point he has started me on Lovastatin.
You need to find a new doctor, stat. The first thing you should do is diet, not start popping pills that have known side effects. This guy is an idiot.
Thomas - The Tank Engine
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every once in a while i'll have a mcdonald's breakfast, like once a year, usually if i'm driving to c-town because there's not much else out there.
but other than that, i don't really eat much fast out like mcdonald's or bk or any of those places...
i've improved my diet little by little over the last few years...
i stopped drinking pop completely... i drink sugarless kool aid, water, and tea.
i don't drink a ton of beer now. and if i do it's not that much...
i don't eat after 8 anymore, i've been about a year on that. no more late runs to the burrito joint after hockey games. no snacking before bed.it's a lot easier than it seems, and i sleep a lot better at night too.
i'm also walking 2 miles after work everyday that i am not skating
and skating 3-4 times a week has obviously helped.
i also take a multi-vitamin every day, i rarely miss a day. i think they actually do help a little, i got into the habit of taking them about 2 years ago. i don't eat much between meals and i think that has helped.
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Quote:
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I suppose I need to look into my diet although the doctor didn't go down that path yet. At this point he has started me on Lovastatin.
You need to find a new doctor, stat. The first thing you should do is diet, not start popping pills that have known side effects. This guy is an idiot.
Bingo ! on that,...it's the kickback.
I stopped communicating with my "cardiologist" over a year ago and neither he, nor anyone on his staff has called to check up on me.
Hello,...
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Also, you may want to look into Omega-3 supplements. I do believe that helps with cholesterol (there's a lot of it in salmon, too).
'
ding ding ding ding! we have a winner...yes it will help you a lot...it's supposed to increase your "good" cholesterol..
i'm 26 and both of my parents have cholesterol...my dad died of a stroke(cholesterol related death in the family) so it's huge for me to watch what i eat...
I was on statins(lipitor) for a while...but off of it now...i try to exercise when possible and try not to eat lof of fatty foods in one sitting.(however i'm bad at that when i'm drunk and it's late at night and there is pizza in front of me)
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My total cholesterol was close to 300 only 2 years ago. Since then, I've been on Vytorin, along with losing 40lbs, my total cholesterol is now 168. I don't remember what my bad cholesterol was, but I think it was close to yours. Cholesterol is not always just caused by food and lack of exercise. It also comes from genetics. If your parents have it, you're prone to have it. Something to look into. Of course, a lifestyle change definitely sounds to be in order. Good luck. 
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I have high cholesterol too - primarily hereditary based, but a few years ago I certainly let myself get out of control with the lack of diet and exercise. Total cholesterol of 289, LDL of 200. ...Mind you, I run a fitness center of all places.
Began watching my diet (nothing too extreme, just cut back on the wings, pizza, red meat), watched the calories in vs. calories out, added 5 days of cardio, 3 days of weight training/week and in about a year, without medication I had it down to TC 230, LDL 130, and HDL of 105. As long as my TC and LDL aren't flying off the handle, I primarily concern myself with my TC:HDL ratio, which you optimally want at 4:1 or lower.
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You need to find a new doctor, stat. The first thing you should do is diet, not start popping pills that have known side effects. This guy is an idiot.
No, you're wrong on this. Sometimes cholesterol cannot be helped by diet and pills are the only way to lower it. I worked on a cholesterol drug for 2 years (when I worked at Merck) so I'm pretty knowledgeable on this subject.
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as long as you know the risks associated with them.
In some cases, taking a statin can create a situation where you can suffer a rebound effect if you stop taking it. Some have weird interactions that can be potentially hazardous ..... such as Lipitor and grapefruit.
There is also a risk of interaction with other drugs .... so my personal philosophy is; the fewer drugs the better.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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As someone who has taken way too many pills in too few of years, I can attest to the above.
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Just watch that diet, man. If you like fish, have salmon at least a couple times a week. I usually dress mine up with some spices and I've found I really like it.
Also, you may want to look into Omega-3 supplements. I do believe that helps with cholesterol (there's a lot of it in salmon, too).
YESS Omega 3's are essential. They block many of the fats and cholesterol in the foods that you eat. If you have a diet high in omega 3's you can afford to slip up on the diet a bit.
Good luck man!
Cleveland Browns, Space Browns ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/iVP5Po2.png)
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Cholesterol is not always just caused by food and lack of exercise. It also comes from genetics. If your parents have it, you're prone to have it. Something to look into.
I haven't talked to my doctor since the blood work came back and his nurse called about the prescription, but I suspect that is where he is coming from. One of my grandmothers died from a heart attack. In addition, a co-worker mention that his doctor targeted a 130 count for him due to his family's history of cardio problems.
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1st Sorry about your problem Maddawg.
I have coronary artery disease and diabetes so I have some knowledge about some of the issues surrounding these diseases. Controlling high cholesterol is the only issue surrounding coronary artery disease that I would choose the drugs over the diet.
There have been a mountain of studies done and the drugs they use to control high cholesterol called statins are actually recommended for everyone regardless of whether or not you have high cholesterol or not. Check around the web you should be able to find more info. So like I said if I were 45 again I would ask the Dr. to actually give me the drug regardless according to what I have read and seen. In fact I take a statin and I do NOT have high cholesterol. My Dr. says he puts all his heart patients on Statins.
Now Maddawg here comes the really bad news brother. If you loose your insurance and you try to get insurance on your own you’re in for a world of CHIT. Believe that. Pre-existing condition forget it.
BTTB
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AKA Upbeat Dawg
Can't believe I am in a group that is comprised of the best NOT just fans but people on the planet.
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Just watch that diet, man. If you like fish, have salmon at least a couple times a week. I usually dress mine up with some spices and I've found I really like it.
Also, you may want to look into Omega-3 supplements. I do believe that helps with cholesterol (there's a lot of it in salmon, too).
Fish oil is good at reducing cholesterol.
In the end, it is diet. Reduce the fats or take pills...pretty simple.
This isn't a case of a organ not working properly. It is simply a matter of what you choose to eat.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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Good for you man...I am down 25 since April....I could probably be down about the same if I didn't pack on a extra 600-700 calories in liquor each night....but that is another story.
I basically have cut the calories to about 1200 per day and walk about 30 miles a week and lifting some light weights(20 lb dumbs)
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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 Just don't add 6 cups of sugar to get that sugar paste in the milk.
Last edited by FloridaFan; 08/12/09 08:12 AM.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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Just watch that diet, man. If you like fish, have salmon at least a couple times a week. I usually dress mine up with some spices and I've found I really like it.
Also, you may want to look into Omega-3 supplements. I do believe that helps with cholesterol (there's a lot of it in salmon, too).
Fish oil is good at reducing cholesterol.
In the end, it is diet. Reduce the fats or take pills...pretty simple.
This isn't a case of a organ not working properly. It is simply a matter of what you choose to eat.
Garlic is also good at reducing cholesterol.
And cholesterol isn't just about what you choose to eat. My cholesterol is sky high and is due to genetics, regardless of what I eat. Dad, his Dad and all my Uncles all have high cholesterol. And we're not just talking slightly elevated. We're talking unnaturally high (over 300 in total cholesterol). The only thing that ever brought my cholesterol down to a "safe" number was pills. But I am trying to lay off pills, so I go in cycles. I take meds to lower cholesterol. Get it to a good level, go off meds for a while, then start again.
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You need to find a new doctor, stat. The first thing you should do is diet, not start popping pills that have known side effects. This guy is an idiot.
No, you're wrong on this. Sometimes cholesterol cannot be helped by diet and pills are the only way to lower it. I worked on a cholesterol drug for 2 years (when I worked at Merck) so I'm pretty knowledgeable on this subject.
You actually advocate no change to diet first to see if that works? First take some pills with known side effects, don't think about a simple change to diet that may work? 
I still say see if diet alone can make a change. Don't go straight to pharmas. If the change in diet doesn't work, then consider medication.
I noticed that you worked for Merck. 
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High Cholesterol
I'm all for it... I vote Yes!
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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Diet, and exercise, I dropped 40 points by riding a bike.
The Doctor said that exercise helps "burn off" colesterol.
Welcome back, Joe, we missed you!
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High Cholesterol
I'm all for it... I vote Yes!
LMAO! 
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You actually advocate no change to diet first to see if that works? First take some pills with known side effects, don't think about a simple change to diet that may work?
I still say see if diet alone can make a change. Don't go straight to pharmas. If the change in diet doesn't work, then consider medication.
I noticed that you worked for Merck.
No, I DID work for Merck, I don't any more. I have no allegience to them or their products, just stating a medical fact since I worked on a cholesterol drug for 2 years.
Of course changing diet should be THE change one makes when trying to lower cholesterol, but I'm also saying that sometimes that isn't enough and pills ARE necessary.
Someone like myself, relatively healthy and pretty young, to have a cholesterol of close to 300 just isn't due to my diet.
The pills helped lower it to 190. Losing 30 lbs only lowered it by 20 points.
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And cholesterol isn't just about what you choose to eat. My cholesterol is sky high and is due to genetics, regardless of what I eat.
It sucks doesn't it?  To think that I'm not in control of my body depresses me.
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Look on the upside... you never were in control, so it's not like you've lost anything 
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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