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Important information about statins that I’m going to ask my doc about
Aging Well | Last Active: Jun 27, 2023 | Replies (182)Comment receiving replies
My PhD Nurse Practitioner of over 20 years is my "General Practitioner" - and my daughter's. Even after referral to a specialist, I go over the results & recommendations with her before I act.
Here is why I am so avidly pursuing an alternative to statins. My total cholesterol panel is good, except my LDL is at the higher end of normal for an "at risk" person. Age, heredity & mild to moderate heart changes and chronic pulmonary issues put me in the risk category for stroke, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. The cardiologist is quite put off by my refusal of statins, but a single trial years ago, plus watching the side effects in my Mom, siblings and husband has totally put me against them.
I have a note in to my NP about giving the bergamot a try, and which to use. She has agreed with my reluctance to use statins so far, but says we need to find an alternative. Diet & exercise haven't quite done the job.
Sue
Replies to "My PhD Nurse Practitioner of over 20 years is my "General Practitioner" - and my daughter's...."
I love bergamot but hadn't yet seen it mentioned in reference to cholesterol. It sounds interesting though. If you try it, please share results.
I also love Earl Grey tea so, just thinking here, one could in theory make a green-tea-based Earl Grey tea and avoid the caffeine from the black tea. Or try lemongrass-and-bergamot tea. Though I'd try the latter with some caution in case they both axtually do lower cholesterol?
Will ask herbalist about this idea and report her comments if any.
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@sueinmn, @karen1945 I have taken Statins now for about 13 years and seemed to have similiar side affects from them which were more related to numbness in my lower leg and feet.
My cardiologist told me that was unlikely contributing to that, but I was convinced it was.
I went to Mayo Clinic down in AZ. for a 2nd opinion for Ejection Fraction issues, but also brought up the statin issue. The Mayo Cardiologist was wonderful and recommended that I try the generic form of Crestor because he has had the best results lowering LDL with it.
My LDL was 82 at that point and he wanted to get it closer to 70. He started me on the 10mg. dose a day whereas in the past I was always placed on the 20mg dose for all other statins.
I had a Lipid profile done 4 momths later and my LDL had dropped to 65. In addition my numbness was mostly all gone as well. I continue on that lower dose and have been able to stay below 70. I have not had any other side affects. Jim@faithful