Lowering LDL to help bones

Lewis is a shot for genetic high cholesterol. I take one shot, three months later a second shot then one every six months. It is ever expensive. My insurance picked up all but 700.00 patient assistance is picking up the rest. My first shot lowered my cholesterol quite a bit. I get my second one in October. My mother and grandmother had high cholesterol.

The shot I took for high genetic cholesterol Leqvio above was auto correct.

RED RICE YEAST lowers cholesterol. It’s a supplement.

That supplement red rice yeast is contraindicated for specific conditions, medications, and use with other supplements.
I always research everything to make best informed decisions in order to not aggravate what I already have going on in my body.
What's beneficial and absolutely fine for one person does not equate to being safe for others.
Just saying....

I unfortunately have had familial hyperlipidemia for decades, and have been treated with various statins which did help bring down cholesterol readings but created unbearable side effects. Stopped all statins, then another cardiologist convinced me to try Simvastatin. THAT was a horrid year of increasing symptoms that I confused as being related to my fibromyalgia and other issues. I was so ill. But there were flags that told me there was more to the story. Learned through medical journals and reputable institutions here in US, UK and Australia, that some people can and do exhibit the intense side effects that seriously plagued me AND which augmented my other issues. So I did not ask, I TOLD that cardiologist that I would NOT take any statin whatsoever. Provided the documentation. She reluctantly supported my decision. Changed doctors. Continued dealing with readings ranging from 240 to 260, so tried non-itch inducing niacin (Enduracin, not a prescription). Three months later, levels went down by 25 points! BUT my A1C went up to 6.2 from my usual 5.2 to 5.4. No way was I going to continue the niacin (which yes can affect A1C levels). So again I dealt with what I'd been doing my adult life: high readings. Until my triglycerides (which had always been "enviable") AND the readings of bad cholesterol went significantly up😳. Mind you, there is no red meat in our diet (has not been in over 30 yrs), little cheese (always part skim) and zero fat Lactaid milk (lactose intolerant). Use Brummel and Brown "yogurt based" spread (really tasty), don't indulge in candies or commercial baked good, baking for myself and diabetic husband with using reduced am't of sugar (even replacing successfully with Truvia), egg substitute, etc.
Researched doctors in my area specializing in hyperlipidemia and located a cardiologist with impressive background and education. Checked credentials and places where he posted he had done research on the very problem that I dealt with. I made appointment, he LISTENED intently, and assured me that he'd work with me on trying to obtain better heart health, including the cholesterol issues. So despite all of my efforts, yes my cholesterol was still high so I agreed last year to try low dose Pravastatin which studies show is best tolerated by sensitive people especially recommended for seniors (which being in mid seventies certainly "qualifies" me). Started at 10 mg one at night, followup blood work showed it didn't make a dent so agreed to have it increased to 20mg one at night. Found not to experience the many issues encountered with Simvastatin! And it DID reduce the levels from 262 to 246. So I asked my new cardiologist about increasing another 10 mg. Started taking one 20mg and one 10mg nightly since Pravastatin isn't available in 30mg strength. Finally had success! BOTH bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped😊. So last reading in July '24 showed cholesterol at 230mg. While many would consider that to be still high, both my cardiologist and I are pleased. Triglycerides are great also.
One final note: I had also researched ALL of the necessary and prescribed meds that I'm on and learned that one glaucoma med in particular can INCREASE cholesterol. I consulted with my incredible ophthalmologist, who agreed to my decision to cease using that medication and replacing with a .5% solution of Timolol. That is just for the left eye, which has more serious glaucoma than my right eye (which gets a .25% solution of Timolol).

I'll never get my husband's incredibly low readings of way UNDER 200mg but I am happy. There are health issues that affect my overall wellbeing, and I do what I can to deal with them, as best as possible. I consider my battle with the cholesterol to be a victory, as also do both my primary and my cardiologist👍🏼.

That supplement red rice yeast is contraindicated for specific conditions, medications, and use with other supplements.
I always research everything to make best informed decisions in order to not aggravate what I already have going on in my body.
What's beneficial and absolutely fine for one person does not equate to being safe for others.
Just saying....

I unfortunately have had familial hyperlipidemia for decades, and have been treated with various statins which did help bring down cholesterol readings but created unbearable side effects. Stopped all statins, then another cardiologist convinced me to try Simvastatin. THAT was a horrid year of increasing symptoms that I confused as being related to my fibromyalgia and other issues. I was so ill. But there were flags that told me there was more to the story. Learned through medical journals and reputable institutions here in US, UK and Australia, that some people can and do exhibit the intense side effects that seriously plagued me AND which augmented my other issues. So I did not ask, I TOLD that cardiologist that I would NOT take any statin whatsoever. Provided the documentation. She reluctantly supported my decision. Changed doctors. Continued dealing with readings ranging from 240 to 260, so tried non-itch inducing niacin (Enduracin, not a prescription). Three months later, levels went down by 25 points! BUT my A1C went up to 6.2 from my usual 5.2 to 5.4. No way was I going to continue the niacin (which yes can affect A1C levels). So again I dealt with what I'd been doing my adult life: high readings. Until my triglycerides (which had always been "enviable") AND the readings of bad cholesterol went significantly up😳. Mind you, there is no red meat in our diet (has not been in over 30 yrs), little cheese (always part skim) and zero fat Lactaid milk (lactose intolerant). Use Brummel and Brown "yogurt based" spread (really tasty), don't indulge in candies or commercial baked good, baking for myself and diabetic husband with using reduced am't of sugar (even replacing successfully with Truvia), egg substitute, etc.
Researched doctors in my area specializing in hyperlipidemia and located a cardiologist with impressive background and education. Checked credentials and places where he posted he had done research on the very problem that I dealt with. I made appointment, he LISTENED intently, and assured me that he'd work with me on trying to obtain better heart health, including the cholesterol issues. So despite all of my efforts, yes my cholesterol was still high so I agreed last year to try low dose Pravastatin which studies show is best tolerated by sensitive people especially recommended for seniors (which being in mid seventies certainly "qualifies" me). Started at 10 mg one at night, followup blood work showed it didn't make a dent so agreed to have it increased to 20mg one at night. Found not to experience the many issues encountered with Simvastatin! And it DID reduce the levels from 262 to 246. So I asked my new cardiologist about increasing another 10 mg. Started taking one 20mg and one 10mg nightly since Pravastatin isn't available in 30mg strength. Finally had success! BOTH bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped😊. So last reading in July '24 showed cholesterol at 230mg. While many would consider that to be still high, both my cardiologist and I are pleased. Triglycerides are great also.
One final note: I had also researched ALL of the necessary and prescribed meds that I'm on and learned that one glaucoma med in particular can INCREASE cholesterol. I consulted with my incredible ophthalmologist, who agreed to my decision to cease using that medication and replacing with a .5% solution of Timolol. That is just for the left eye, which has more serious glaucoma than my right eye (which gets a .25% solution of Timolol).

I'll never get my husband's incredibly low readings of way UNDER 200mg but I am happy. There are health issues that affect my overall wellbeing, and I do what I can to deal with them, as best as possible. I consider my battle with the cholesterol to be a victory, as also do both my primary and my cardiologist👍🏼.

That supplement red rice yeast is contraindicated for specific conditions, medications, and use with other supplements.
I always research everything to make best informed decisions in order to not aggravate what I already have going on in my body.
What's beneficial and absolutely fine for one person does not equate to being safe for others.
Just saying....

I unfortunately have had familial hyperlipidemia for decades, and have been treated with various statins which did help bring down cholesterol readings but created unbearable side effects. Stopped all statins, then another cardiologist convinced me to try Simvastatin. THAT was a horrid year of increasing symptoms that I confused as being related to my fibromyalgia and other issues. I was so ill. But there were flags that told me there was more to the story. Learned through medical journals and reputable institutions here in US, UK and Australia, that some people can and do exhibit the intense side effects that seriously plagued me AND which augmented my other issues. So I did not ask, I TOLD that cardiologist that I would NOT take any statin whatsoever. Provided the documentation. She reluctantly supported my decision. Changed doctors. Continued dealing with readings ranging from 240 to 260, so tried non-itch inducing niacin (Enduracin, not a prescription). Three months later, levels went down by 25 points! BUT my A1C went up to 6.2 from my usual 5.2 to 5.4. No way was I going to continue the niacin (which yes can affect A1C levels). So again I dealt with what I'd been doing my adult life: high readings. Until my triglycerides (which had always been "enviable") AND the readings of bad cholesterol went significantly up😳. Mind you, there is no red meat in our diet (has not been in over 30 yrs), little cheese (always part skim) and zero fat Lactaid milk (lactose intolerant). Use Brummel and Brown "yogurt based" spread (really tasty), don't indulge in candies or commercial baked good, baking for myself and diabetic husband with using reduced am't of sugar (even replacing successfully with Truvia), egg substitute, etc.
Researched doctors in my area specializing in hyperlipidemia and located a cardiologist with impressive background and education. Checked credentials and places where he posted he had done research on the very problem that I dealt with. I made appointment, he LISTENED intently, and assured me that he'd work with me on trying to obtain better heart health, including the cholesterol issues. So despite all of my efforts, yes my cholesterol was still high so I agreed last year to try low dose Pravastatin which studies show is best tolerated by sensitive people especially recommended for seniors (which being in mid seventies certainly "qualifies" me). Started at 10 mg one at night, followup blood work showed it didn't make a dent so agreed to have it increased to 20mg one at night. Found not to experience the many issues encountered with Simvastatin! And it DID reduce the levels from 262 to 246. So I asked my new cardiologist about increasing another 10 mg. Started taking one 20mg and one 10mg nightly since Pravastatin isn't available in 30mg strength. Finally had success! BOTH bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped😊. So last reading in July '24 showed cholesterol at 230mg. While many would consider that to be still high, both my cardiologist and I are pleased. Triglycerides are great also.
One final note: I had also researched ALL of the necessary and prescribed meds that I'm on and learned that one glaucoma med in particular can INCREASE cholesterol. I consulted with my incredible ophthalmologist, who agreed to my decision to cease using that medication and replacing with a .5% solution of Timolol. That is just for the left eye, which has more serious glaucoma than my right eye (which gets a .25% solution of Timolol).

I'll never get my husband's incredibly low readings of way UNDER 200mg but I am happy. There are health issues that affect my overall wellbeing, and I do what I can to deal with them, as best as possible. I consider my battle with the cholesterol to be a victory, as also do both my primary and my cardiologist👍🏼.