Cholesterol

[RobertCLL]

Following blood tests my GP has advised that I start statins. However, I have reviewed my diet and reduced the consumption of a number of fatty foods (50%). So I plan to not start the statins until I have another blood test. How long should I leave it before requesting another blood test?

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Hi Robert,

I'm a bit concerned that you are asking for medical advice - particularly to a community supporting those with CLL, not high cholesterol. I would hope that you would have a better relationship with your GP, so that you could share with them that you first want to see if you can lower your cholesterol with dietary changes before starting on statins and ask them how long they consider you should wait for a follow up test. I appreciate you probably have concerns about the risks of long term statin use, so perhaps it would be appropriate for you to seek a second opinion?

Neil

[RobertCLL in reply to AussieNeil]

I note your points. However, sometimes quicker to obtain a view from a forum rather than wait for 3 weeks for a GP appointment.

[Sensara]

Was diagnosed with cholesterol,30 years ago adjusted my diet didn’t make any difference ,have stopped sometimes before blood test,in my case it is problem hereditary.I am still taking Statins various docs say it is an insurance,as with metformin,for type 2 diabetes.also blood pressure.

I was diagnosed with CLL in 2001.monitered every year.Next checkup November.Not on any medication for CLL,watch and wait.i am 81 now.

Every one is different.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I have to agree with Neil. My cholesterol went up and stayed up which was frustrating, both to me and my primary, as if I eliminated anything else diet wise I would have been living on a water only diet. In my case the issue was because my CLL involves my kidneys. Please discuss changing diet with your doctor, and the timing for a follow up test if you both agree to try diet first.

[albie58 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Hi MsLockYourPosts!

How did your doc determine your CLL was affecting your kidneys?

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to albie58]

Sent a chat as the original post is unlocked. Click on the orange circle at the top of the page.

[GMa27]

I am on .5 lowest dose of statin. Oncologist/GP said it was fine.

Change of diet usually takes months to show if it has improved those levels.

Ask ur GP how long.

Mine is probably hereditary, so I take the pill and don't fool around with trying to change foods. 💕

[shazie]

Which cholesterol test are you concerned about?

HDL (good cholesterol) almost always is hereditary. You can increase it slightly with vigorous cardio exercise.

LDL (bad cholesterol) sometimes can be improved through diet.

[lexie]

I have always followed low fat diet with vigorous exercise and was always just below borderline until they changed the range guidelines. For 5 months before my cholesterol test I followed a zero fat diet and felt that all my sacrifice would prove beneficial. My reading was still up over the limit and then was put on statins. Must be hereditary because because I really gave it a sincere effort with no cheating. At this point I have just conceded that my body has a cholesterol glitch.

[kathymac52]

My son gave up beer, pizza, cheese,sweets, and red meat....for three months and then got another test as his numbers were very worrisome. He is only 32, and in three months the blood work showed normal ranges, and he lost 21 pounds. For him, the diet changed made a difference.

[JigFettler Volunteer]

6 weeks? 8 weeks?

You havent specified what your levels are, Tot Chol, HDL, LDL and TGs...

These are also affected by alcohol, Thyroid, BMI, Sugar Diabetes control, other medication, etc - so there is likely not a definite answer.

If you are UK based - may I suggest email, phone or even write to your GP to get an answer. An appointment may not be needed.

I hope it goes well for you.

Jig