When I went for my annual in May, the doctor wasn’t real happy with my cholesterol results. I told her I was not going to take statins and I would work on getting it lower. She looked skeptical and said she wanted me to have it rechecked in 6 weeks. Yesterday I had the bloodwork done and below are the cholesterol results.
You can see that I’m not quite where it needs to be, according to the suggested numbers, but I think getting it that much lower in six weeks was great. I haven’t talked to the doctor yet to see if she wants me to re-check it again in six weeks. I’m hoping she sees I’m working on it and she’ll say “good job” and I’ll see her in a year.
Donna W says
Great job Judy! Making the right food choices is much better than taking medication! It’s a shame your Dr wasn’t a little more encouraging. Keep up the good work! I’m proud of you!!
Donna
Susan says
My numbers were high a year ago too. They are all normal now. My A12 was much improved- everything was better. I have been exercising 30 minutes per day as well as being more careful of what I eat. Keep up the good work- it’s encouraging to know that others are working in the same issues
Helen Glover says
could you share with us what changes you have made? Might help all of us to do the same. Good for you! Hope the doc gives you the credit. It is hard work!
Elle says
I suppose your Doc did NOT tell you that 70% of your cholesterol is made BY your body rather than ingested in your foods? (ask any chemistry major). I’m with you. Never will a statin pass my lips. I want my HDL high high high (this rises with exercise and fitness) and that’s long been my goal. I’ve given up the foods I’m willing to but this girl is gonna have cheese most days of the week, eggs often and a fried food 1-2 times per month. (we did get an air fryer so we can have lower oil fries more often rather than deep fried at the local fresh-cut-fries place).
My Mom had every possible side effect from statins. But Doc told her to take it and she got very upset when I asked her to stop. Her generation follows doc orders not RN daughter’s insights.
I wouldn’t recheck in 6w. Let it wait until your next annual check-up 🙂 My 2 cents.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
The doctor didn’t tell me but I already knew. As my foot gets better, I’m able to exercise more, and we’re eating more of the recommended foods that don’t raise. I was a little surprised my HDL went down but we’ll see what happens next time. We may eat at Chick Fil-A once every three months but that’s the only fried foods we eat. I do eat (and will continue to eat) bacon and eggs.
We have to get our second set of blood tests in 6 weeks for the functional medical doctor so I’ll get all these same tests again then. Just part of the program.
Linda in NE says
I’d be surprised if the doctor doesn’t want you to take statins no matter what. The cardiologist I went to said they put everyone over a certain age on statins. There’s a note on my medical record that says I’m a difficult patient because I refuse statins (and flu shots & pneumonia shots). I tried a statin drug for about 6wks and it shot my glucose numbers straight up. Quit the statin. Cardiologist wasn’t happy, said I would die. I said we all do eventually. Her jaw dropped. I read somewhere that doctors actually get bonuses for getting as many patients as possible on the statins. The numbers considered normal do get lowered about every 5-10 yrs. if you keep track of stuff like that. Apparently the statin level considered normal before statins were invented was about 300. On top of it all, it has never been proven that statins prevent heart disease. I have just enough of the rebel in me that I don’t consider what a doctor says to be the bee all and end all….so, documented difficult patient.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I’m sure the doctor does want me to take them. We have that discussion every year, with every doctor I’ve had and ultimately, I make the decision as to what I take and I will never take it.
Kathy C. says
You chol/hdl ratio is great. It’s more important than your total cholesterol. And your triglycerides are down too. I’d be happy with those numbers.