Hypercholesterolemia: your solutions, treatments and feelings

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@JosephineO‍ Thank you for the above.

What reading would one classify as having 'hypercholesterolemia' or too high cholesterol? 

Doctors always tell us our reading is too high... When complaining of 'statins' which is the medication given, i.e. which cause muscle pains and other problems, we are told to try and remain on them to get our reading down.  The last time I visited I was told reading was 5; get it down to 4? Then blood test is wanted? 

Have you any links one can follow to find out more! 

I have tried to persevere with Pravastatin now for over 6/7 months. 

My last supply of medication is completed and I have decided to stop taking the medication, before another batch is issued by the pharmacy.

This medication has caused severe leg muscle pain, both in the calves, thighs and upper legs. 

Will speak to my Doctor when next appointment is made. 

@lesmal‍ 

I had the same symptoms with Atorvastatin, which is supposed to be the better of all anti Cholesterol medication. The muscle pain and the cramps were unbearable. it also sent my Creatinine Kinase levels dangerously high. So my Cardiologist put me on Ezetemide which is a substitute to Statins. That suited me so well that I am now off the medication and my Cholesterol levels have dropped from 6.9 to 5.5 Its something for you to think about.

Good luck

Nineteen_gale

@lesmal‍ 

Good luck with that Lesley. Hope you get sorted.

nineteen_gale

Yesterday I had a phone call from the Doctor to make an appointment to discuss cholesterol medication again. I believe my last blood test picked up cholesterol level at 5.6? 

According to the voicemail left on my mobile, he wishes to either increase the dosage of Pravastatin or discuss putting me on another medication. Appointment set for 2 weeks time.

@nineteen_gale‍ ... Will speak to him about Ezetemide - thank you for the name of the medication... There's no ways I'm increasing the dosage of Pravastatin if its causing problems already! I don't see 5.6 as high? 

Any feedback from others on this subject? 

@lesmal‍ 

Hi Les

You are right. no good increasing the dose of Parvastatin.  Atorvastatin is the best of the Statins available on the market, but that may also cause the muscle pain and cramps in some people. Failing that, Ezetemide would be your best bet. Its not classed as Statin, but is a substitute. But it does help lower cholesterol. it certainly did mine. PDo you know if your blood test included Creatinine Kinase? If yes, and if its high, it would account for the muscle pain and cramps. Have they stopped since you stopped taking Parvastatin?

Have you ever tried any of the natural therapies, eg, foods that lower your blood pressure? Pomegranate, and Water Melon are very good. I eat pomegranate most mornings with my fruit and yogurt breakfast. If you Google,"list of food to lower High BP, you will see an extensive list. Not sure if you are aware of Tumric, look up the website "Turmeric for health". I also add 2 tea spoonfuls of Extra Virgin Olive oil to my Turmeric milk every single day. That helps as well.

Good luck Lesley. I will be interest to know the outcome of your consultation with the GP.

@nineteen_gale‍ Thank you for your feedback above.

I have now tried 3 statins to lower cholesterol, i.e. Simvastatin, Atorvastatin and Pravastatin... They all have the same side effect - sore muscles! I will definitely speak to the doctor about Ezetemide if he is willing to try me on it. Am not sure whether he tested for Creatinine Kinase, but will find out too. The muscle pain has improved since stopping the tablets, but am sure pain just above the knee is due to osteoarthritis. 

Regarding pomegranate and water melon; I am allergic to most fruit due to the pips and seeds they include, so only eat grapes which don't seem to cause a reaction. Any other fruit does, i.e. apples, pears, oranges, etc.  I've also put myself on a porridge mixed with fruit that's supposed to lower cholesterol, so will see what happens with that change too. 

Thank you for the suggestion of Turmeric; will do a Google search and find out more. 

Hope you are keeping well and promise to let you know the outcome. 

@lesmal‍ 

Hi lesley

thank you fop your reply to my comments. yes, oats are very good for lowering the Cholesterol and are also a good source of fiber, which makes you feel fuller for longer so you don't over eat. I have my porridge with seeds and nuts dried fruits and dried black current with a half a teaspoon of honey. Shame you are allergic to most fruits. That makes it rather difficult. 
Please do bear in mind that if you are on blood thinners, you can only take turmeric in dietary form which is the safets rather than supplements. Google the information first from the website i gave you, and write down a list of questions for your GP, as Turmeric can interact with some of the prescription med. But that can be easily over come by creating a 3 hour gap between the Turmeric and the prescription meds.

Please do let me know how you get on.

Thanks.

nineteen_gale