Cholesterol conundrum...

[AdeleMalcolm]

Hi. Just had my cholesterol checked. The previous 3 tests showed elevated levels of 6.8,6.3,6.6. Pre PBC I was always around 4.9 +/- .1 or .2. Latest test shows 4.8. So in 4 months with no real change in diet, it's dropped substantially and mainly the LDL. I have been exercising a fair bit over the last 5 months though.

I know that result should be considered good but with no rationale for it is it really or is it down to a deterioration in my liver?? I'm going to make an appointment with my GP but thought it was likely with all the knowledge here someone else has likely had previous experience. My hospital check up and scheduled fibrosis and ultrasound aren't until mid May.

Any guidance would be welcome. Thanks everyone.

[Ottley3]

Are you taking urso or ocaliva? Elevated cholesterol can be a side effect of ocaliva ....

I eat well and exercise every day and my cholesterol went up for first time ever this year, then again I’m 49 and maybe part of life change

[AdeleMalcolm in reply to Ottley3]

Hi Ottley3.

I'm on 750mg of Urso. I'd always had decent cholesterol and put the increase down the the PBC. I'd reduced my exercise regime back in 2012/13 due to work pressures (couldn't fit it in with basically a 10 hour day and 2 hours travel), but re-invigorated that side of thing for a period in 2014, but then slid back again until the last few months of 2017, and have continued with the exercise regime since then. I've recently substantially decreased the amount of fats/oils in my diet but that is very recent, to try and shift some kgs. I can only assume it's the exercise that's done the job but am conscious that there may be something else at play here. I'm conscious that my liver is a major player here, along with the urso, and I don't have the knowledge to understand all the things that interlink and could impact. Definitely a conversation for my GP I think! If it all turns out that it's just the exercise then it couldn't be clearer that my lifestyle will have to include lots of it... I'm a bit older than you (58) and definitely still going through the menopause so who knows what's going on inside me these days!! Thanks for your response. Stay well. Adele

[gwillistexas]

Not sure I understand 6.8, 6.3 & 6.6 with cholesterol. Not seen that before.

[AdeleMalcolm in reply to gwillistexas]

Hi gwillistexas. They are the overall cholesterol levels from tests during 2016 -2017. I do have the split into HDL and LDL for some of them, but my GP has always told me that the ratio between these is good so not to be concerned. I'm hoping it's all down to my uplift in exercise that's the reason for the vast improvement but would like to be sure the positive shift isn't a reflection of something untoward. Adele

[gwillistexas in reply to AdeleMalcolm]

Thanks. Was wondering if it might be the ratio after I replied. 😊

[ninjagirlwebb]

Per my hepatologist, cholesterol can be a bit elevated in pbc patients with no cardiovascular risk. However your GP or hepatologist/GI will monitor you & put you on cholesterol lowering meds if necessary.

It is a known fact that diet & exercise are an important of lifestyle changes that can lower cholesterol. You don’t have to avoid all fats, only the saturated & trans fat. Good fats like olive oil, anything with omega 3 i.e. fatty fish is good for your body.

Continue exercising & avoiding processed foods, simple carbs (anything made with white flour), sugar. Good job!!!

Haley

[AdeleMalcolm in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Hi ninjagirlwebb,

I'm definitely good on the Omega 3 side of things - love my salmon, mackerel, tuna etc. Have largely removed butter and veg oils from my diet (not entirely though) and cheese is not allowed in the house at all. I've seen loads of positive stuff on coconut oil recently and I do use olive oil but only sparingly now. I've even reduced the amount of milk I drink - so black tea and coffee (no more than 2 cups a day). Must admit to loving 'normal' pasta though, but I might try the healthier options again. Very few processed foods in our house too but loads of veg and some fruit. The ageing process never comes alone so need to do what I can to stave off accelerated deterioration!! Hard work at times but worth it in the long run. Stay well. Adele

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to AdeleMalcolm]

Be careful on the coconut oil...I’ve heard it has saturated fat and not good for cholesterol. Have you tried almond milk? I use it instead of dairy. Just make sure it doesn’t have carageenan in it.

You are doing great! Stay well!

Haley

[AdeleMalcolm in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Hi... definitely everything in moderation. Only use any oil very sparingly these days. I've been having a look at alternatives to milk, but haven't yet gone that route, but probably will give it a go. I have a personal trainer and he went vegan and told me that for his cornflakes he uses water!! Yeuchh... May give the almond milk a shot but so long as it's not full of piles of e-numbers. Thanks Haley. All the best. Adele

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to AdeleMalcolm]

I laughed out loud water with corn flakes is a bit extreme.

Check out the Eat to Live books by Joel Fuhrman, MD. It is good reading. I also liked Mark Bittman’s VB6 book, he changed his lifestyle by becoming Vegan from morning until 6 pm & only eats meat at dinner. He has recipes etc.

[AdeleMalcolm in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I'll definitely have a look. Thanks for the recommendations. I don't eat meat but can't give up fish and seafood. At least for the time being. Who knows in the future. Take care. Adele

[tinypixie]

I always had cholesterol at about 5 until PBC when it went up to 10. It appears that Urso has brought it down to about 6.5 after a year or so. I haven’t changed anything in my diet. I do not restrict fats at all but try to avoid too much sugar. I also haven’t changed anything about my exercise. I’ve always done loads of walking and average about 15,000 steps a day. For me, it was all down to Urso.

Good luck to you and try not to worry.

[kingsnorth]

I think its down to exercise and diet my cholesterol was usually 5 at the most but my trigs side of it was high thats the fats floating around your blood. I always had a good diet and excersised regularly but to try and lower my trigs l stopped eating red meat and using butter or spreads l dont eat crisps or cakes and no junk food no white flour only wholemeal and wholemeal pasta my trigs came down by over half through exercise and diet. I miss my butter but use marmite instead x

[AdeleMalcolm]

Hi kingsnorth. I think it's probably all down to the exercise for me, but I have cut down on butter etc these days. What I'm at a loss to understand though is......marmite!!!! Most definitely not for me.... hubby loves it but I can't stand the smell and consistency. Each to their own I guess... All the best. x