Yee ha, dodged the Lipitor bullet again!

After having a heart attack 11 yrs ago I experienced what everyone in this position endures; the shelf full of medication in the medicine cabinet. The one positive thing that has come about is a huge improvement in cholesterol along with everything else they test us for. My cholesterol, etc. is near perfect for the last several years and I guess it's due to the drugs and my lifestyle adjustments. Doc says being able keep my weight down is a major contributor keeping things under control. Good luck to all of us.

I have come to the realization that genetics is far more important then a lot of other factors. No one in my immediate family has type 2 diabetes but I developed it at age 35. Turns out all of my fathers sisters (4) and his mother died from diabetes. I was the genetic roulette loser. the important thing now for all of us once we know our fate is regular monitoring and treatment to control the negative impact.

Yellowboat. wrote:
My doctor started me on Lipitor and I started having muscle cramps. I had a cramp so bad that it tore a muscle loose in my theigh. I told my doctor and he didn't think it was Lipitor causing my cramps.

I started going to the VA and they assigned me to an Endocrinologist. The Endocrinologist changed my cholesterol medication and the muscle cramps went away.

What did they put you on??? Simvastatin? That is what they have me on. 1/2 of a 40 MG tab per day. It works for the cholesterol, but the triglycerides are still high in the mid 300s. Tried to cut out white bread, and processed foods, and gluten but it did not help. VA doesn't seem concerned about the numbers. Not seeing a Endocrinologist, just a PA.

My doctor started me on Lipitor and I started having muscle cramps. I had a cramp so bad that it tore a muscle loose in my theigh. I told my doctor and he didn't think it was Lipitor causing my cramps.

I started going to the VA and they assigned me to an Endocrinologist. The Endocrinologist changed my cholesterol medication and the muscle cramps went away.

smarty wrote:
I would die for your numbers. I eat nothing with fat in it, no potato's/rice/etc

Tryglyceries currently are at 700, cholersterol 255

Genetics sucs!

Like I said in my OP, family history is not on my side. Everybody died of heart disease or has it. High blood pressure also runs in the family. Diabetes and obesity is rampant.

I made some lifestyle decisions in my 20s. I wish more of my friends would have taken care of themselves. Some are already gone. Too many are too sick to enjoy life. I've been running, walking, biking, skiing, mountain climbing and weight training for almost 40 years. I did pay for my activity by having knee replacement two years ago. So, no more running. I weigh within a few pounds of what I did when I graduated from HS in 1967. By BP runs about 125 over 75. The only thing I take is Tylenol from too much fun and Prilosec to put the fire out from my wife's Southwest green chili.

I eat red meat 2-3 times per week, eat ribs, love smoked brats, have bacon for breakfast, use real butter, eat ice cream, etc. We do go meatless 1-2 times per week and eat lots of veggies and salads. We eat no fast food except for the occasional Subway on the road. Haven't had wife's chicken fried stake, cream gravy and black eye peas in years. Do miss the fried southern food I was brought up on.

Maybe my secret is the Jack Daniels!

I would die for your numbers. I eat nothing with fat in it, no potato's/rice/etc

Tryglyceries currently are at 700, cholersterol 255

Genetics sucs!

I would give anything to have your HDL number. Mine usually rests in the 38 to 40 range taking 3 medications. I had my first bypass on my 26th birthday. I'm happy you don't have to take any meds, but for me they are a lifesaver.

Thunder Mountain wrote:

ScottG wrote:
Congrats!
I have kinda similar numbers and need to get them checked again.
May I ask if you fasted before the test?

Thx,
Scott

Yes, those were fasting numbers.

Ok, thanks.
I ask because my numbers were a bit high so I cut out red meat and most everything else I like and after a year my bad cholesterol went up 10 points and my good went way down.
The only difference was I didn't fast. I keep reading conflicting information on this but next time I won't let the Dr. surprise me - I'll be ready for the test.

Thanks for the post.
Scott

ScottG wrote:
Congrats!
I have kinda similar numbers and need to get them checked again.
May I ask if you fasted before the test?

Thx,
Scott

Yes, those were fasting numbers.

That's great news. Genetics and lifestyle are everything. I have very low total cholesterol and LDL (140 and 65), but my HDL is low also (38). I had my first stent at 49 years old!