randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
did have a uti. got macrolide. he said since I had 10 days of flagyl I can take both. again he wants me on zocor. here's why
hdl. 241 ldl. 158
he said I should be 200 and 100.
sugar was excellent. everything was fine but ast was 39. what is ast? is that the bladder infection? still passing scalding urine. oh did get cranberry tablets and azo for pain.
yea...joined weight watchers and have lost 7 pounds. ways to go but it's a start.
overall he was pleased. wanted more exercise and more weight off. back on abx tho.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
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posted
- "He wants me on Zocor" (end quote)
There are other ways to approach this. Basic two choices:
1. explore the other ways (which, IMO are safer - not as VERY dangerous as statins - and will also impart various other health benefits). You said a while back that you did get Stephen Sinatra's book. That's where to begin.
2. or just do what the doctor wants. -
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Keebler
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Simvastatin (By mouth) [Zocor] - from PubMed Health
"Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or a history of stroke or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly or have a history of liver disease"
(well, ALL those things are stressed & sometimes damaged by chronic lyme)
"This medicine may cause liver problems, or myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage)."
(and patients just put up with that? And what they put here is just the tip of the iceberg.) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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randibear
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posted
well that dr and I have had this discussion before and I'm not on statins yet. with diet and exercise I feel I have other options available.
I know he's concerned about family history but I've had a complete cardiac checkup and all is fine.
don't know why dr's feel statins are the knowall endall to problems anyway. must be a pharmacy kickback or something.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
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AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues. . . .
. . This test is mainly done along with other tests (such as ALT, ALP, and bilirubin) to diagnose and monitor liver disease. . . .
may slightly vary depending on the individual laboratory's reference values. Typically the range for normal AST is reported between 10 to 40 units per liter and ALT between 7 to 56 units per liter.
Mild elevations are generally considered to be 2-3 times higher than the normal range. In some conditions, these enzymes can be severely elevated, in the 1000s range.
--------- Be aware that some aspects of liver dysfunction and damage may not show on typical blood tests. So, even if the numbers are okay, to think this is the green light to take anything that could damage the liver - well, that is not necessary going to work out okay for us. -
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Keebler
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posted
- "Family history" of certain illnesses can be deceiving. It may be genetic, or not. Just because a certain illness has affected blood line family members before you is in no way saying it "runs in the family" as there are so many other influences to consider.
For certain things that might be very specific & unique, genetic tests may be worth a look. For most things, even diabetes and heart disease, most may not really be "in the family" at all, rather things that family members acquired in one way or another.
Infections can also contribute to both diabetes and heart conditions.
Lifestyle is part but with that involves considering the locale with regional foods, tendency toward fried foods or certain methods that have just been ingrained in regional culture or family tradition -
- and trans fats are a biggie there not just in regional foods but everywhere you turn in packaged foods which have now been ubiquitous for about 2-3 generations.
Stress, too, can contribute to illness and no generation can avoid that. But we are at an advantage in that we have more tools, perhaps, with adrenal support, being proactive in stress reduction, etc.
What "runs in the family" may not be the disease but what can contribute to that. -
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Keebler
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posted
- An approach with nutrition and movement is of course the cornerstone, yet may not be enough.
You may need one (or more) very specific supplements - which would still be nutrition, just very specific for your needs / goals.
Adrenal support, too, is absolutely essential to control of cholesterol for someone with chronic lyme. Adrenal stress can send cholesterol numbers to the moon.
And, as for exercise, it still needs to be modified and not too stressful. Even Tai Chi can help. It does not have to be fast and furious at all. And, IMO, it must be movement you enjoy, in an enjoyable atmosphere, etc.
Best with no electronic stuff around you (other than a stereo across the room, not on you) as that can stress the body & brain in many ways, against our natural rhythms. -
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Keebler
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- Anti-inflammatory support -- almost forgot about how important that is. I was amazed that when I found the right anti-inflammatory supplement, with no changes to my otherwise "doing my best" routine, forty pounds just melted away over about a year.
A very nice surprise. And I'm glad I was not looking for that to happen, it just did.
So much about excess weight is about inflammation. And that can also get all messed up with our blood vessels and plaque, too. Many (if not most) anti-inflammatory herbs can also be great support for the heart, liver and affect our lipid levels in positive ways.
Gluten contributes a great deal to inflammation, too. Just one more reason that being GF matters so much - it helps reduce a lot of internal puffiness. I hope the Weight Watcher's selections you get are CERTIFIED gluten-free (made in a GF kitchen so not cross contaminated -- or with MSG as that can trigger inflammation).
Also - because the entrees are never enough food alone (and, to be sure, skimping on food is not the answer) - be sure to add lots of good vegetables to your WW entrees, especially fresh leafy greens.
Garden herbs and spices, and good oils (the oils in the entrees are not fresh enough, so add fresh oil like EVOO as you serve - and fresh good oils will really help satiety) will help in so many ways but mostly, for enjoyment of flavor, gifts from the earth. That's key, too. -
[ 09-02-2014, 05:04 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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posted
- This has been on my mind. The doctor "wanted more exercise and more weight off" -- I'd tell him where to stuff it.
You are on the right track and hitting your stride and I may be reading in some attitude to his tone but usually those instructions can cause someone to feel deflated and then just ditch it all. I know I'd never want to go back to a doctor with that kind of mindset (or who pushes statins, either).
And this brings to mind so many of the TV shows that push too hard just to make more money. I sure hope you don't watch any of those. That military mentality can be abusive on many levels.
It's not about pushing more or harder. And, it's not about the patient pleasing the doctor or becoming worthy in their eyes, either (be sure not to stumble there).
It's just about doing good things at a level that is good for you. And it takes time. Even if the results don't show on the scale, just being in the "zone" is what matters.
Forget all the old "rules" and figure out the truth about certain foods - ditch what is not in line with health or a good vibe. Block out idiots who want "more" or "harder" or "faster" or too little food. Food is good. And we all need it.
I threw away my scale about 18 years ago. Best decision ever. No need to weigh if I know I'm in the "zone" and focused on the way of life that is now just part of me.
All the tags are cut out of my clothing - mostly because they are very irritating but it has the side purpose of not focusing on numbers.
Focus on enjoying enough flavorful, richly colored & life sustaining foods.
Focus on movement that makes you feel good while you do it. Do just what feels good for you. And vary the methods to capture more fun.
Sky Dive one day, Rollerblade the next, eh? Or just a walk around this block today and that block tomorrow, taking in nature as the main goal of the time.
The point is to ENJOY what you do and not have your body be the point of attention but have the atmosphere, others, skill, etc. be the focus so that you are engaged on various levels outside of your body. -
[ 09-02-2014, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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lpkayak
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posted
I dont think mercola would say those numbers are high
The drug companies keep lowering the number that is healthy so they make more money on meds
Id look into this further-many get permanent damage from statins
Congrats on losing weight
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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Keebler
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posted
- lpkayak brings to mind an excellent source for learning more. The Sinatra book, articles are very important, too.
Google: Mercola, cholesterol. Just two of many articles:
There’s serious confusion about cholesterol; whether high cholesterol levels are responsible for heart disease, and whether statins — which are cholesterol drugs — are really the appropriate solution to reduce heart disease risk.
The documentary above, Statin Nation — The Great Cholesterol Cover-Up, sheds much needed light on this topic. . . .
. . . Where Did the High Cholesterol-Heart Disease Myth Originate? . . .
. . . Why Do You Need Cholesterol?
Missing from the cholesterol-CHD hypothesis is the holistic understanding of how cholesterol operates inside your body, and why arterial plaques form in the first place, which is clearly described in the film. Cholesterol is actually a critical part of your body’s foundational building materials and is absolutely essential for optimal health.
It’s so important that your body produces it both in your liver and in your brain.
There’s no doubt that your body needs cholesterol.
In fact, we now have evidence showing that cholesterol deficiency has a detrimental impact on virtually every aspect of your health. One of the primary reasons is because cholesterol plays a critical role within your cell membranes. . . .
. . . Cholesterol also plays an essential role in your brain, which contains about 25 percent of the cholesterol in your body. It is critical for synapse formation, i.e. the connections between your neurons, which allow you to think, learn new things, and form memories.
In fact, there's reason to believe that low-fat diets and/or cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause or contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Low cholesterol levels have also been linked to violent behavior, due to adverse changes in brain chemistry. . . .
. . . total cholesterol will tell you virtually nothing about your disease risk,
- unless it's exceptionally elevated (above 330 or so, which would be suggestive of familial hypercholesterolemia, which, in my view, would be about the only time a cholesterol-reducing drug would be appropriate).
Two ratios that are far better indicators of heart disease risk are: Your HDL/total cholesterol ratio: HDL percentage is a very potent heart disease risk factor.
Just divide your HDL level by your total cholesterol.
This percentage should ideally be above 24 percent. Below 10 percent, it's a significant indicator of risk for heart disease
Your triglyceride/HDL ratios: This ratio should ideally be below 2 . . .
- much more detail in full article, link above. -
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randibear
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posted
family history tho in my case is a factor. for example.
mother died of heart failure and she had diabetes father heart attack and cancer sister had heart attack and is on heart meds sister has extremely high cholesterol sister has crippling ra (I have 3 sisters) grandfather on mom's side died of lung cancer grandma on mom's side died of stroke uncle has Alzheimer's grandma on dad's side died of heart attack dad's father unknown uncle c heart attack uncle l heart attack aunt e heart attack uncle b heart attack
so family history can be revealing. mine--not so good.
but I ain't jus gonna lay down either....
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
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posted
- This pattern may not be genetically caused, however. Family history includes food and work habits, environments, etc. Individual infections also play a part, with damage to heart, brain, pancreas (leading to diabetes).
Alzheimer's may not so much run in the family, again, as can have outside causes - including lyme.
Various kinds of dementia can be affected by "sticky blood" seen in lyme, too . . . nutrition defects, gluten trouble / celiac, infections, certain medications, chemical exposures, trans fats, etc.
My grandfather died of cancer, too, but he was a chain smoker. My concern, more than the cancer is now that I'm sorry he must have needed to self medicate that way. Wish he had been able to address the reasons why he needed to smoke and find better, healthier ways to balance all that.
But life was very hard back in his time (WWII) and men were men and didn't talk about such stuff. Still don't.
And women don't want to be viewed as complainers, either. So, all kinds of people may self medicate to calm themselves or stay alert and that can be detrimental in some ways by:
Smoking? Drinking?
Fried Foods were the norm up until the last couple decades. Those are killer foods right there.
Lead water pipes? Spam? (Seriously, the "spam generation" takes a hit for several reasons but I'm hoping it was a bit healthier back when it started, maybe?)
With your sisters, you've written about the possibility of lyme and that can cause the other dx.
If those family member were excellent with food choices, or died very young, etc. it would be worth a genetic look. But if they ate typical America Foods, had the hard stressors of life, it may be more outside influences than genes.
Still, in the end, it's usually either the heart or the brain that stops anyone. You likely have some memories or indication of the environments they lived in (habits, foods, stressors, etc.) and can use that to connect the dots.
If there are red flags of genes, and not outside influences, explore that and it could be a help to alter a key component of your plan.
Came back to add something that caught my eye in today's news -- they don't say it here but this is also why MSG and "Natural Flavors" are so damaging -- they excite the addiction center of the brain and create cravings that just won't stop.
. . . When their brains were scanned using MRI at the start and end of a six-month period, those following the programme showed changes in the brain's reward centre. . . . -
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Keebler
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posted
- For heart attacks in family past, you might want to think about QT rhythm issues and just sort out that possibility a bit. Anyone prone to startles & then fainting? That's one clue. Literally dying from a fright?
Many Rx (and not just for the heart, some abx) can affect QT Rhythm so it would help to avoid those if there happens to be a genetic component, too. But, really any drug that affects heart rhythm, IMO, is not something I'd want, anyway.
WHO - Genomic resource centre - Genes and human disease
------------ MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY can contribute to many heart issues. That may not be of genetic nature but it sure can be frequent in family members, too. -
[ 09-02-2014, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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Razzle
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posted
MTHFR and other methylation issues can also cause an increased heart disease risk (and many other issues).
Statins will not do anything to help methylation issues, and in fact may actually cause more problems that way (since depleting Co-Q10 may damage mitochondria).
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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Keebler
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posted
- Beyond considering genetics & environmental issues (smog, etc.), & lifestyle . . . it seems important to know how to help ourselves in normal days, and in emergencies. And that brings me back to magnesium.
It could really save lives, if only more knew this. Wish both my mother & my father would have had this detail available to them.
So, even if genetics or circumstances clobber one, if they know this, and are proactive, that can make a difference.
Also see the part about cravings.
Thanks, again to Carol in PA for introducting this to me years ago:
. . . Symptoms or signs of the cardiovascular system include palpitations, heart arrhythmias, angina due to spasms of the coronary arteries, high blood pressure and mitral valve prolapse.
Be aware that not all of the symptoms need to be present to presume magnesium deficiency; but, many of them often occur together.
For example, people with mitral valve prolapse frequently have palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks and premenstrual symptoms. People with magnesium deficiency often seem to be "uptight."
Other general symptoms include a salt craving, both carbohydrate craving and carbohydrate intolerance, especially of chocolate, and breast tenderness. . . .
. . . For many conditions, such as acute heart attacks, magnesium given by either an intramuscular injection or as an intravenous drip, is the preferred method of treatment.
Studies show it reduces the death rate and complications of acute heart attacks. . . .
- Much more excellent information at link above. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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"Several studies show that there is a lack of cholesterol in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. In 2012, another study looked at the effects of statin cholesterol-lowering drugs on Alzheimer’s patients.
The patients in the study had their statin medication stopped for six weeks, and then restarted. The results showed that during the six weeks when their statins were stopped, the basic brain function of the individuals improved."
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Losing weight will do more for you than statins.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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randibear
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posted
yeah that's what he said. he would like to see me at 150. he said moderate to very low level exercise, like gazelle or walking, etc. he wants me on statins but he said only temporarily and then he wants me off asap. he said only six months but I'm going no way.
he's pleased about weight watchers.
also I took the microbid for the uti but,man, what a headache. said to cut the flagyl in half for 250 mg and take twice a day with the microbid and up the probiotics and coq10.
trying to type and make sure I make sense. doing better I think huh?
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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I have high cholesterol (as measured for the last 15 years) and normal BMI. Is the scale they use off to sway more people into taking long term medications?
I try to take phytosterols, which bind to bile precusors that would normally be reabsorbed and made back into cholesterol. The problem is that if your body is making more of it - is it for a good reason or a bad reason.
-------------------- * Posts: 74 | From Bowie, Maryland | Registered: Aug 2014
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I have high cholesterol (as measured for the last 15 years) and normal BMI. Is the scale they use off to sway more people into taking long term medications?
- yes
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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randibear
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posted
means thinking. your mind is going down a path.
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