Posted on 08/21/2011 7:04:33 PM PDT by Battle Axe
Sorry man.
My condolences on the loss of your friend.
He had been stabbed in a robbery while working at South Lake Tahoe. He had lost the feeling and most of the use of his left arm. So if there were any pains he never would have felt them.
I too just lost a very good friend at the age of 67. I still am unable - at times - to believe he's no longer here.
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss...
my doc wants me to start taking cholesterol lowering meds,too.
I had an heart catheterization at age 50 they day after I had a bad (really good) bowl of Chili. The doctor insisted. I had it and had no problems whatsoever. I kinda think it ought to be like the “over 50” colonascopy. If you make it 50 you ought to know what condition your heart is in.
One person mentioned a non-invasive test that would show coronary artery disease. I think a lot of that is actually caused by infection which should be detectable also.
See my post # 16...
Its called the Cardiac Dopplar of the carotid artery. It that (sonogram) shows a lot of blockage, there is probably blockage everywhere else. I am not thrilled about going right to a catherization, that’s invasive.
and i am an expert...Cause I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night..ha.
A blessing...
My cholesterol was a little high the last time I went in, but they haven't mentioned meds yet. I don't want to take them either. Hubby was on them for a short time, then said "heck NO"! He hated how they made him feel.
I'm taking a supplement now called Policosanol; it's based from sugar cane, and is supposed to help lower cholesterol, along with changes in diet and exercise. I haven't gone back yet, for another test, but I'm curious to see if it has helped, not only me, but hubby, who had a higher cholesterol number, which, I believe, is genetic.
Thank you for this valuable information.
I’m so sorry for your loss. How kind you are to think of other people at this time. God bless you.
Start taking a very pro-active role in your health care. Get an internist that is very conservative in medications.
Get on legitimate websites that discuss cholesterol and talk to others that have this problem.
also, there are many actions you can take to minimize the need for more statins and help keep the cholesterol down: diet, excersise and stress reduction.
If you take a proactive role ( I ask for all my lab results printout and review them with a doc who is a friend of mine), you will help yourself immensely and more than that you will feel more confident and in control ...not just a patient who walks in totally ignorant.
Good luck!!
Take a look at the new, Sept 2011 issue of Consumer Reports, on news stands now. The cover story is on the heart. They give examples of how over testing leads to false positives, more tests, unneeded treatment and various problems.
I started taking vitamins and fish oil. And I walk a mile to work each way rather than pay for parking.
So very sorry for your loss. It’s good that you made this post, wish it had more views.
I nearly succumbed to a heart ailment recently. My Dr. could not locate the cause of an odd pain, and my blood results, as were his, showed an increased cholesterol level, especially LDL. He told me I needed a heart “cath” to determine the problem, but, my insurance wouldn’t allow it unless he could, specifically, say why...other than as a diagnostic. After much complaining, they relented, and allowed it. Of course they said it was all a mistake.
He found several blockages, one was really bad, and obviously the source of the pains. I had a mild heart attack when he attempted to clear it. I wound up with two “stents” and am now on meds for life. But I am lucky to be alive. :)
Everyone, male and female, over the age of ABOUT 45 should have a blood test every year, more often if their results indicate a need. Many FReepers are very much aware of this problem. Many even prepare all of their meals from scratch. Since my kids grew and left, I practically never did. I led a very busy life, and became a fast food junkie and a “go to the freezer and get the box” kinda guy. That was a huge, almost deadly, mistake.
Almost all of our prepared store bought food these days is chemicalized, in one fashion or another, and should be consumed with caution and in tight moderation. Read and head nutrition labels. Most probably don’t need to, but, I watch, log and weigh everything I consume now. And I complain to the food makers. A lot. lol
Thanks again for the post. Wishing you and yours the best!
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