5 month update... still a mixed bag! Cholesterol??

[ccwh70]

Hi All... well I'm still here which is a good thing! Things have continued to be very up and down unfortunately and the emotional effects really started to kick in a month or so back when the realisation of what happened, what could have happened, what might happen all started to overwhelm me a little and I found myself having pretty low and emotional days more and more. My recovery hasn't been straight forward with the ectopic beats issue still hampering things 5 months later and in the last week some shortness of breath and other discomfort especially a stitch like pain under my left rib. This has added to my anxiety and stress levels for sure and the lack of direction from the cardiologist has left me in limbo with no answers or reassurance.

To make matters worse I've struggled with Statins, having tried 2 different ones and both causing significant muscle issues. This may be related to a reaction to Ciprofloxacin 2.5 years ago which has left with ongoing musculoskeletal issues even now. If you search for tendon damage causes the only 2 medications listed are Statins and Quinolone antibiotics of which Cipro is one... lucky me huh. So I've not been taking Statins for weeks, I imagine I've had maybe 2 months on in the last 5 months. However my cholesterol wasn't high in the first place (5.2 I believe) before the CAD was diagnosed, one reason my gp didn't believe I could have a heart problem (how wrong he was 2 x CABG later), that and the fact I wasn't overweight, don't drink or smoke and was pretty healthy and active. Anyway I've been on a predominantly plant based diet since the bypass, no red meat, very little chicken, lots of beans! I expected my Cholesterol would be lower because of this and in August it was 4.7 but today 3.5 months later it's up to 5.6! Higher than it was before yet I'm eating a low fat, low cholesterol diet. Feeling really frustrated that the diet has made no difference it seems. I'm about to start Ezetrol which apparently does a similar thing to Statins.

Anyone had any issues with cholesterol since OHS? Anyone noticed diet not changing much?

[Karenpr]

Husband had a CA in July and initially fine, but after a month started having weakness in legs and can’t get up and downstairs, consequently work is out of the question (how do you get on and off trains and up and down escalators). Had an MRI to check for brain damage, all clear. He got our GP to halve the statin dose and has recently given up taking it altogether as he is convinced this is the cause of all his woes. Like you his cholesterol is low, so we will wait and see if it rises after his abstinence!!

Could be stress and anxiety causing your cholesterol rise, no way to say chill out, the depression, anxiety and PTSD are all side effects of heart attacks from what I have read.

I have added more beans and pulses to his diet. Other than that we eat a varied diet plenty of fruit and veg on the plate tho probably more than normal.

Good luck

[Csnp]

Hi , like yourself I led a very healthy lifestyle Had a vegetarian diet ,swam 3 times a week and did yoga and not overweight.and a none smoker.My Gp said because of my lifestyle didn’t need statins but my cholesterol was7.5 when I had my HA and emergency CABG .8 weeks post op ,my appetite is poor at present,when will they check my cholesterol again?I am very low emotionally and wonder if the statins cause it?

[ccwh70 in reply to Csnp]

I think they checked mine about 6 weeks or so after the bypass, then again last week but only at request. I know my levels are average for the U.K. but that’s not great for someone with CAD and 2 x CABG. The fact it’s gone up despite my efforts is really frustrating.

[Twobells]

Statins are a huge problem and I too had major muscle issues. I don't have high cholesterol at all, but cardiologist insist it good. Well I disagree, what's is the point of taking a drug that creates another problem.

Interestingly, I take Ezetrol, which is not a statin, but does the same as a statin without the side affects. This is given o patients who cannot tolerate statins, but I didn't ask I just told GP I'm not going to take the stain then she gave me this drug. chlorestral levels are also metabolic and gentic and can in some people go up and down regardless of diet or weight. Hope this helps.

If you are feeling low ask for counselling. I think this should be availble post op instead of having to wait until it hits you. As time passes though it does become easier. I still have days were I think all those thoughts, but they are reducing as time passes. Its not easy and there are no real answers.

Try talk this through with your doctor and ask for help

Take Care x

[ccwh70 in reply to Twobells]

I’m due to start Ezetrol myself because of the statin issues and I’m still anxious about the potential side effects although I understand it’s less than on statins. Because of an adverse reaction to Ciprofloxacin which has left me a lot of muscle and tendon issues I’m more anxious when taking any drugs that could add to the existing damage, although I know my cardiac health is ultimately the most important thing. Hope it works without any issues this time.

[Twobells]

Touch wood no real probs with Ezetrol, however, they do make you a bit windy lol, rather that than muscle problems though.

[Nicky3]

Hi,

I had a good cholesterol when I had my heart attack since then it increased possibly the medication or age?

I couldn't tolerate any of the three statins I tried, terrible muscle aches and pain! Well been on ezetrol for about a year along with enormous bag of heart meds and no side effects from it. It has brought down my cholesterol so it does work.

Good luck

Nicola

[ccwh70 in reply to Nicky3]

Hi thanks for replying. When was your surgery? What level is your cholesterol now do you know?