66yr old woman, GFR of 54 but cholesterol of 7.4, normal blood pressure. I've already got muscle problems in my legs without statins.

[stargazey]

[Chin69]

Problem is unless your willing to put in the hard work exercising your cholesterol is going to remain too high. I hate statins so I understand you not wanting to be on them, my cholesterol is 5 on the dot but the docs put me on them as a precaution as my GFR went to 20 but I came off them after about 5 months because I was worried about my muscles too. However I am very active and very careful what I eat. Really think about what changes you could make to your life, to help your situation talk about it with your doctor and family. I can't stress how good exercise is and a healthy diet.

[Chin69 in reply to Chin69]

Sorry I think my comment was a bit hard, as you are 66 years old I can't expect you to be running around a gym trying to get your cholesterol down, again sorry perhaps I should have asked you first what kind of exercise do YOU like to do or would like to do?

[stargazey]

Until 18 months ago when a physio injured my back I would walk 4 or 5 miles about three times a, cholesterol was then 6 and GFR went up and down. Physio caused ruptured disc abd I have never really recovered. Can walk 2 miles on a good day but hardly at all on bad day. No treatment offered by NHS only tramadol. Had blood test yesterday. No results but 8 weeks ago my creatinine was 90 and potassium okay at 4.2. until January 2nd 2013 I used to go to Pilates and could do shoulder bridge on one leg, and downward facin dog. Life as I knew it ended that day now I've got kidney probs as well. Actually, I'm not even sure if I care.

[hairyfairy]

Iv`e tried diet & exercise to lower my cholesterol, but it still remains at 6.5. I tried statins, but they made me so tired and achy that I had to stop taking them.

[starstationearth]

I struggle with Cholestrol but have found that the following food choices specifically help to keepmy levels lower.

Porridge Oats at breakfast with blueberries and honey to sweeten

Almonds

Garlic

Cranberries dried/ Juice

Cut out crisps and eat lowered fat cheese and skimmed milk or Flora Pro active milk

Use benecol or flora proactive spread

Have one benecol or flora proactive yoghurt drink a day

Dark chocolate instead of milk ( 70%+ cocoa content)

Lower or non alcoholic drinks

Self discipline - try to walk if you can`t manage anything else it will help

[stargazey]

Well nine months ago it was 54, then 49, then 55 and last week 53. Doctor not concerned but I did have kidney ultrasound a few months ago and nothing to be seen. I think I'll just be sensible, have a six month check and not dwell.