the statin debate (again)

[DebE13]

I've posted before about my husband's cholesterol levels. He has been taking fish oil for about 9 months now and his numbers have improved but still need work. He is also pre-diabetic with a family history of diabetes. He is agreeable to taking the supplements I put out for him but is not receptive to dietary changes. He will eat what I make but still enjoys his beer, wine, and a less than perfect diet. He is concerned about enjoying his retirement which is now about four years away but at the same time says he wants to live his life. Meaning, so many restrictions would lessen his enjoyment.

I find it incredibly frustrating because I cannot police every move he makes and do not want to be the eternal nag that shoots a dirty look every time he has something in-hand that he shouldn't. I have come to accept that I need to respect his choices just like he respects mine. I just envision the heart attack down the road and the I- should- haves that go along with it.........

His employer provided free calcium scoring CT scans and he just got his results back at 80. That puts him at a mild risk. I totally expected something worse. His doctor has now gone on the statin kick again. A year ago, he wanted him to take it and he declined, wanting to see what the fish oil would do for his numbers which six months later are at:

total cholesterol 251
Triglycerides 222
HDL 45
LDL 162

He took a statin about 15 years ago and had issues with muscle soreness/cramping and stopped taking them. He is now 57 and is telling me he will do whatever I tell him. I told him I won't make the choice because if he would have issues and I told him not to take them, I would feel responsible. I believe without a push from me he will not take them. I really don't know if that's a good thing or not. I know there is no great answer but any opinions would be appreciated.

He has no health issues aside from the high cholesterol so I always feel it is quite comical that he doesn't even have to try to be somewhat healthy and I am doing everything possible to regain my health and have been spinning my wheels for the past ten years. It is so easy to take your health for granted until it's gone.

[tex]

Deb,

I can feel your consternation — it's a tough call. If he had already had a coronary event, the recommendation would be obvious — statins work for high-risk (past event) cases. But without a past history, there's no proof that statins would help. If it's any consideration, taking a different kind of statin than the type he took 15 years ago might eliminate the unpleasant side effects.

One year past my stroke, I no longer have the "mini-strokes" that I was experiencing prior to the stroke, and I attribute that to the atorvastatin that I'm taking. I tried simvastatin about 8 years ago, but stopped taking it after about 9 months when it began causing my fingers to lock up during the night. Atorvastatin doesn't seem to cause any side effects.

Tex

[DebE13]

Thanks Tex,

I do appreciate your patience and explanations. I wish I didn't have such an immediate distrust of the medical community. The last time we talked to his PCP, after he gave the fish oil a try and expressed his concerns about statins, the doctor said he could skip the statin and that focusing on the pre-diabetes was more important. I had asked about statins having the potential to raise his blood sugar.

The report we received said for a score less than 300 and less than the 75th percentile (his is between the 50th and 75th for males age 55-59), risk assessment and treatment should be based on risk calculator stratification. Risk factor modification or pharmacologic therapy should not be withheld on the basis of low or normal CAC.

That did absolutely nothing to help in deciding the best course of action.

[Martha]

Dear Deb,

In early February, I started taking a micronutrient supplement called Micro Daily. I was taking it to get back energy after radiation for breast cancer. It's supposed to help with healing at a cellular level.

I joined two Facebook groups of people sharing their experiences with Micro Daily (used to be called MMF). Several people have commented that their cholesterol numbers have really improved, and one was able to get off cholesterol medicine. I don't know if the others were on medication, or whether their numbers were just higher than ideal.

If your husband would be interested in trying this for a few months to see if it helps, before going on statins, I can give you more information on it, and also add you to the Facebook groups if either of you are on Facebook. Please send me a PM if you are interested, including your Facebook name if you want to join the groups. I would have to friend you first on FB before I could add you to the groups.

On the MC front, I started taking Micro Daily in early February, starting at a very low dose and slowly increasing it to make sure it didn't set off a flare. On the contrary, since taking it, I have been having very dependable normans. It's delightful! I hate being so pleased about poop, but I am.


Martha

[brandy]

Hi Deb,

Not for or against statins but thought I'd share Dad's story.

Dad had stents put in his heart about 15 years ago. He is now 82. Doc put him on statins after the stent installation.
He had the severe muscle soreness/problems. Dad took himself off of statins.

Dad ran into a woman on a cruise ship and she recommended the red yeast rice supplement and also some kind of icelandic or norwegian
fish oil.

Dad has been taking the red yeast rice supplement as well as the icelandic or norwegian fish oil for the last 15 years.

He had a small heart attack in January.

Docs say he has to stay on plavix now and he cannot take red yeast rice now so he is on the statin.

Even in his 60's he lived a poor diet and lifestyle and has continued his poor diet and lifestyle up until present.

I think he has had a good 15 year run on the red yeast rice particularly given his poor diet and lifestyle.

I thought I would mention it if you want to look into it or perhaps consider a 6 month trial.

Again...I have no thoughts positive or negative re: statins.

[dfpowell]

Deb,

Would Cholestyramine be an option?

Just a thought,