I'm sad and angry right now!!!!

[cinmell]

I had my physical last week and they did blood work for cholesterol. I received a letter today saying I have to go back. I went from 241 two years ago, which was high then, to 274!!!!

Since that appointment two years ago I started exercising (with exception of past 2 months) and eating better. I haven't completely changed my way of eating but have made big changes from what I'm used to. For cheeses(which I LOVE) I switched mostly to 2% cheeses, I used whole wheat oat bran pita pockets instead of white bread or sub roll and eat boar's head roasted turkey breast for lunch instead of ham. For breakfast it's been cheerios or mini shredded wheat or egg whites and dinner is mainly some type of chicken or pasta and veggies for snack. We have really cut down on eating out too. I dont' eat a lot of red meat but I when I do I buy the extra lean. I've tried boca burgers but those just weren't for me. I've lost a little over 30 pounds too!

I have to go tomorrow for the blood work where I fast and if it's still high she will put me on meds esp. due to my family history which consists of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol.

I'm so furious with myself. I know I could be doing better but I have been making efforts with changing what I eat and exercising. I'm only 34 and shouldn't need medicine for cholesterol. Shouldn't the changes I have made be making a difference in my cholesterol by helping it go down instead of up?

Does anyone here have high cholesterol or have you had it in the past? How did you or how do you control it? What is the medication like side effects wise?

Thanks

 

[teachingmykids]

Sometimes diet and excercise won't lower it enough. It's nothing you're doing wrong. Several years ago I was a complete vegetarian and at a good weight. I still had high Chol. Doc said some people 'just do' I have been on meds for several years ~~ no side effects and mine, Pravachol, is supposed to have some heart protecting qualities. Talk to your Doc and have him explain the benefits of each brand, continue your good eating and excercising and don't be hard on yourself. Good luck and don't worry!

 

[Cruise04]

My mom never had a problem with her cholesterol until she went through chemo when she was diagnosed with cancer. It skyrocketed and she was eating right and getting plenty of exercise. So it's sometimes just out of your control no matter how hard you try. If you have a family history it may be enough in your genes to knock it out of whack and no matter what you do it just needs some extra kick.

Don't beat yourself up too bad. I know if it were me I'd be incredibly upset too. But don't let it discourage you from stopping the great work that you are already doing because you are making yourself healthier with your choices. Maybe kick up the exercise again and kick up the water intake to help flush some of the bad stuff that might be sitting there out.

Good luck and hang in there!

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

I'm only 34 and shouldn't need medicine for cholesterol. Shouldn't the changes I have made be making a difference in my cholesterol by helping it go down instead of up?

Cinmell~

DH has a cholesterol problem. He had a successful triple-by pass surgery 7 years ago and 3 years ago completed a full marathon, too! Anyway, I learned that diet is really just a small part of the problem and heredity is the largest factor. Don't get me wrong, diet and exercise should be a very, very important part of your daily regime, but if you need meds to lower the overall number, work with your doctor to get the best one for you.

Right now DH takes zetia (has tried zocor which made him really tired) and now the dr has him on otc nyacian too.

Hopefully, with the meds, diet and exercise you can control your number and be a healthier you!!!! Hats off to you for going for a check-up and then following through with a plan.

 

[cinmell]

Thank you for the words of encouragement! I will go for the bloodwork tomorrow then go over the results on Thursday. I'm hoping no meds but I think I'm going to get them. I do have a horrible family history when it comes to heart disease, diabetes and cholesterol so I'm doomed!

 

[donac]

I know how upset you are. I worked with my doctor for a year to get my blood pressure under control before she put me on medication. I was doing everything right. I was eating right, exercising and even meditating but nothing would bring it down. My mother has it and my father has it so I was predestined to it. Sometimes you can't fight city hall. Good luck and I hope the numbers come out alright.

 

[blueroses]

Also, CONGRATULATIONS on your 30 pound weight loss and good diet! That's super no matter what. I know you're discouraged and frustrated, but think of what your cholesterol numbers might be if did not watch your weight and diet. My family too has a bad history with heart disease, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. So far, I have been lucky and also careful with my diet/weight and have no problems yet. I hope everything works out for you with your next round of tests. Maybe your numbers the first time were just some fluke. <crosses fingers for you>

 

[LAinSEA]

Cinmell:

My sister and I did cholesterol studies while we were undergrads in college. They were really happy to find us, both in the 270 to 320 range as 18-21 year olds! and neither one of us were overweight or ate too terribly bad at that time.

They put us on special diets, loaded us with niacin, we did blind drug studies and nothing would take us down in total points significantly. However, our ratio of HDL to LDL was terrific.

Strangly enough, my cholesterol levels have come down over the years and I struggle terribly with my weight. My sisters has stayed in the 200 range and she is not overweight and gets exercise daily (she is also an RN).

Family history plays a big part. My mother swears she keeps her levels low by taking chitosan before every meal. My dad, who is very overweight, has very low cholesterol levels. My husband was put on Lipitor several years ago and it makes him quite sick to his stomach and he hates taking it. My overall levels have been higher than his, but because of the HDL to LDL ratios, I have never been put on meds.

Even if you watch every fat that goes in, if you have a body chemistry which produces lots, you will still have high levels. Until they can actually figure out a way to see if plaques are building up in your arteries, I don't think I'd sweat it too much. You are obviously doing a really great job with diet and exercise with your 30 lb loss! Make sure you have a real fasting blood draw and this may need to be more than 12 hours for you. Try cutting out any cholesterol laden foods a few days prior and fasting for 16 hours instead of 12 prior to the test. It may help. Ask them to focus on your ratios instead of totals. It you are 80 or more percent HDL, you should be fine.

 

[grlpwrd]

I have to go tomorrow for the blood work where I fast and if it's still high she will put me on meds esp. due to my family history which consists of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol.

I have a similar family history.

I was more than angry and upset when I found out that I had high cholesterol a few months ago. Keep in mind, I'm a fitness and health freak and I am very athletic. I thought I was really healthy, but I wasn't. My mom has been taking Lipitor for years and I don't want to end up doing that.. I wanted to do it naturally first.

For me I don't eat much cheese - just sparingly, I upped the grains and produce even more, and generally have incorporated a healthier heart eating plan, like eating fish with omega 3 fatty acids and/or taking supplements and eating more foods in general which help keep my cholesterol lower, like grapefruit. I wasn't eating much prepackaged, fatty foods food anyway - I just upped the good stuff even more. I also have made it easier by juicing and making smoothies, etc.

I also changed my exercise routine, concentrating on more cardio rather than strength. So far so good.

Have you consulted with a nutritionist or dietician? I did and it helped a lot.

Yet I do believe that no matter what some folks do it won't change things, unfortunately. We can only do what we can, though, right?

GL! I hope your "numbers" are good.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hoping things worked out for you at the doc.

It's all pretty much been said, I just wanted to WISH you success no matter what you are facing.

 

[cinmell]

Well my bad cholesterol only went down 13 points when I did the fasting blood work. My doctor said I still need to lower it by at least 30 points.

She doesn't want to put me on meds right away b/c she wants to give me some time to see if I can lower it myself so I have to go back in April for another fasting test.

She wants me to see a nutritionist so I have an appointment in 2 weeks. I really don't think that will help me but I'm going to go anyway. She also suggested exercising 1 hour per day everyday . I usually exercise 4-5 times per week right now.

Thank you everyone for your advice and words of encouragement, I really appreciate it!

 

[Cruise04]

Well right now that's good news I would think. I hope that you are able to lower it in the next several months. I guess those 4-5 times a week you need to make sure you are really working out (not that you don't) but nothing like pressure there . I know I have been told by my daughter's nutritionist that you need at least 30 minutes of good hard cardio to make much difference now but 45 is better if you can do it. It use to be 20 to 30 minutes.

Good luck and thanks for updating us.