High cholesterol? I went to my doctor this past week and my cholesterol is sky high...apparently it's genetic, not diet related. So--he wants me to start taking medication for it. I'm a little concerned though because 1. The medication can cause liver damage after a while so now I need to have blood work done every 3 months 2. Is this something I need to be on permanently? and 3. What if I want to get pregnant?? I'm going to call him today before I start the medication but I'm just nervous.. Anyone else out there with the same problem? I feel like an old lady!!!
Leelee
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No one else?? I'm the only one?? I feel soooo old!!!!
Nanjoe
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I won't know till after my wedding. I have to go for blood work because I have been suffering from some really bad anxiety...but I won't do it until after the wedding...I don't want to hear any bad news!!!!
Leelee
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Oh no Nancy!! I hope everything turns out ok!!!!
shelzyp
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I also have hereditary high cholesterol but we are not sure to what extent is due to diet, I may be broderline, if I watch my intake, but you will need to be on the medicine for ever. Have you tried to lower it even a little by diet alone.
I am not really sure of th side effects or about pregnancy, but from what my dad said, who is on it, the risks are less than the benefits, my dad needed a stint, and just underwent a corated artery.
Leelee
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YAY!! I'm not alone!! That's what I'm milling over--should I just try the diet alone or just go on the meds. I'm about 70 points over what I should be for an average and my doctor explained to me that diet and exercise alone will only reduce my cholesterol about 10 points. I have so many questions and concerns that I'm holding off on having the prescription filled until I feel certain. That's the other thing--I'm not thrilled about being on something forever. My father is 75 and is taking the same medication that I was prescriped..that's another factor that's depressing me!! Ugh......
shamma
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Leelee I did at one time 244 got on a strict diet and never looked back, now I am somewhere around 144 Never had to take the meds. I am sure by eating right and exercising and the meds you will be ok soon
Leelee
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I hate to say this--and I would never wish anything bad on anyone, but it's making me feel better knowing I'm not alone!! It's not something I think most people think about..you know? I'm going to try my hardest Shamma!!!!
Sonicstef
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Some points to consider:
- Did you eat anything fatty the day before the test? Ive heard stories about out of whack test results after eating a meatball hero or something.
- Not sure if this affects cholestorol but are you very anxious during doctor appts? I know my blood pressure skyrockets when Im at the doctors even though my blood pressure is not normally high.
Before going on meds, you may want to take the test again just to be 100% sure.
shelzyp
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Make sure that you don't eat trans fatty foods (margarines), while they don't have cholesterol, they can raise you levels.
alina
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Leelee, i have high cholesterol too, about 218 or so. The doctor told me not to worry but try to eat more veggies and less beef/red meats.
I also know that my mom went on a strict diet b/c she doesn't want to take the drugs and her cholesterol fell. My coworker started eating hot oatmeal everyday, and that lowered his cholesterol too.
Being that you're young I would try to modify diet and see after 6 months or so if any progress has been made. Stay away from beef/port, and try to get more of your fat intake from veggie, not animal sources.
That's what I am trying to do.
Good luck
Leelee
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Nope--I don't eat anything fatty honestly at all! I eat mostly vegetarian cuisine-lots of veggies and only white chicken. I knew I had this condition for the past 2 years so it's nothing new--just been left untreated. My doctor definitely thinks it's genetic since all the other factors of my blood work, including nutrients were perfect. It's very frustrating to think of going on something forever that could potentially cause liver damage...
alina
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do you eat cheese?
Leelee
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Not really...I used to eat a lot but have cut down in the past 3 years...it was adding up on my waist line!
Do you take any meds for cholesterol Alina?
alina
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No, my doctor told me not to worry and try to eat more veggies. I am also generally pretty healthy, don't have high blood pressure nor am I overweight.
I like beef and want to cut down on it this year. I hope it will fall from the increased oatmeal and less beef. Most likely I won't take meds unless more heart desease warning symptoms come up.
Leelee
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You sound a lot like me...I'm actually under average weight for my height and have no other problems such as high blood pressure. I stopped eating beef 3 years ago for health and environmental reasons--I feel a bit healthier because of it! I'm going to call my doctor today to ask for the diet...I think I'll try it for a few weeks--I have to get my blood checked again in May so if there's no improvement, I'll do the meds. Thanks everyone! It's nice to know I'm not alone!
DrmnBlnd
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My FH has it...he has been on the medication since he was 15!! His is also genetic. He goes every 6 months to get tested, and so far, everything has been fine.
luvleyles
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My husband also has it - from genetics - he is active and thin. The Lipitor got him from a 300+ to 145! Don't feel bad about it - we can't help genetics!
Leelee
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This is making me feel so much better--you guys have no idea!! When I went to research this on the web--all the sites have pictures of elderly people running, etc.! Thank you again everyone!!!
Edited to say--I gave my father an earful the other day--I know I got it from him!!
Fran M
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My DH is on Lipitore (sp). He is monitored through blood test every 3 months. So far the meds are working very well and no liver problems. The only side effect he has experienced is occasional aches in his joints. He just stops taking the Lipitore for a few days and everything gets back to normal.
