High cholesterol is it result of 6 years on pred ? pmr , anyone else experience raised levels , any advice would be appreciated
Raised cholesterol levels : High cholesterol is it... - PMRGCAuk
Raised cholesterol levels
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Barney546
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Pred can raise cholesterol considerably. No doubt weight gain and less exercise as often happens when we have PMR don't help either.
Thanks for your reply I will keep that in mind and improve my lifestyle and get tested again after a couple of months.
Bowl of proper porridge for breakfast, followed by a whole orange (not juice).
Lowered my Cousin's level within 6 months down to just below 4 and has stayed there. That advice came from the Stroke Clinic.
I will give that a try I have proper porridge but add blueberries banana and raspberries,but will include a JaffaMy cholesterol was 7.1 I now have got it down to 6.2 will add a orange see how that goes.😊
I hope I made it clear that you eat the orange after the porridge by itself. Do not ask me why, I have no idea. We just did as we had been told by the Stroke Clinic.
Yes thank you I understood.After our salad me and the OH always have two satsumas each, but I wondered why you were told to eat the orange after porridge.
I have no idea at all, I just ensured my Cousin who had the stroke did exactly what had been passed on to me. At the time I was laid up for months after an op on a snapped tendon could not put a foot to the floor for nearly three months. Friends came to help us out and they told me what the clinic told them. It worked for Joan.
Does the orange have to be eaten straight after the porridge, or can it be later, with lunch?
I would imagine straight after...but not sure we know exactly why, guess it's something to do with the fibre in both porridge and oranges.
If you look at my reply to Blackcat above you will see you eat the orange after your porridge.
Also I put this in to another question.
Like other types of soluble fiber, pectin forms a gooey mass in your stomach that traps cholesterol and carries it out of your body before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream (where it contributes to clogged arteries).
DL is not wrong.
They recommended Jaffas if possible then what I call normal.
I don't think I even thought to ask about Clementines or oranges. So I had a look on the net and the only thing they talked about (remember this was nearly 10 years ago) was oranges.
Today you made me wonder I put it in again when you asked the question (Cholesterol + Oranges is comes up with about 5 links to ( Health.com etc).
One now contains mandarins and clementines. But neither of them are thick skinned.
"First up is a very common citrus fruit that contains pectin. Like other types of soluble fiber, pectin forms a gooey mass in your stomach that traps cholesterol and carries it out of your body before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream (where it contributes to clogged arteries).
One medium orange provides about 2 to 3 g of soluble fiber, as well as other beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
You have to eat oranges in order to benefit from their fiber content, so put your juicer aside, and choose thick-skinned varieties for the best taste and easiest peeling."
I would be very happy for you to take a look when you can..........you can make more sense than me 👍😘
I know the theory behind it but what I don't get though is how it actually does it - most of the cholesterol comes from the liver actually MAKING it!
Does it get into the bloodstream before it gets into the stomach? Jogging your memory, not that I need to, I wonder if Ieuan would know ( pharmacist) you met when we went to Shirley's meeting in Surrey and he came to Roche with me. If you think that is sensible I will ask him. I was just talking to him this pm - he is not in a good place.
Storm Dudley is hitting us since lunchtime and the next one Storm Eunice is coming along overnight Thursday. Never known so many one after t'other. Storm Arwen wrecked the garden and I had new fencing put in - lost two trees and hoping that the other 3 survive. Thank goodness the cottage has been here since 1785.
🍃🌧 ☔️ no use at all.
Currently the power (elec) has issued this warning, just as I am sitting here replying to you
"Hello,
We wanted to reassure you that we are closely tracking Storm Dudley as it impacts our region. However, the current forecasted wind speeds are beginning to cause some damage to our network.
The current Met Office forecast tell us that the wind speeds are forecast to be 60 to 70mph with potential for gusts of up to 80mph in exposed areas. Wind speeds in this range typically cause some damage.
Unfortunately, the indications are that the most significant impact will be in the same parts of the region that suffered the most during Storms Arwen and Malik."
grrrr
The Waterboard and Council have also issued warnings - looks like we are in for a hectic few days.
I'm staying here!!!
Dietary cholesterol is absorbed from the gut including the stomach. But the liver makes cholesterol too and releases it directly into the bloodstream which is why it is usually difficult to get blood cholesterol down with diet. But the porridge and orange thing does seem to do something.
Esca said it was wet 'n' windy in Whitby - she's on her way to work, on nights.
Here too! Grrrr! More pain for the next few days
Alle Wetter sounded a bit rough!!! Yes - the snow yesterday didn;t improve me either!!! Though the foggy cold a couple of weeks ago was far worse.
As you know we’ve had crappy weather for weeks.It’s not “cloudy with a chance of pain” at the moment. It’s “cloudy with a chance of agony”!
My cardiologist said exactly the same to me when I was initially diagnosed with high cholesterol long before my PMR diagnosis. He told me that I'd have little chance of reducing it myself through lifestyle changes because of this but agreed to allow me 3mths grace to try. Three months later....after major dietary changes, increasing my exercise and one of those 'plant stanol' yogurts each day..... I'd reduced my overall cholesterol reading from 7.5 down to 4.2. Cardiologist didn't believe the test result was accurate so had it repeated and the result was the same again. So, I definitely think it's possible to influence the reading to some degree, but I was following such a disciplined regime (particularly with what I ate) that it was completely unsustainable. I don't know whether my success was a fluke or not, but one thing I definitely know.....trying to repeat it a few years down the line when I was older and more 'weathered' had a significantly lower level of success.
Was going on Statins ever mentioned all i get from my doctors is you need statins.I don’t want to go on statins in 2019 my cholesterol was 3.2 then in 2920 it had gone up to 7.1 the doctor never really looked into why this happened.
I have a good diet and eat plenty of vets and fruit got it down so will see what it is in a month if they test it.
I've no real idea why your cholesterol increased so much in under a year but I do know that the older I became, the more my body was unable to effectively control my cholesterol level itself....despite all my efforts. Eventually I needed to take statins too.I also discovered that even with a fasting blood cholesterol test, what I ate the day before could affect the result to some degree.
My initial regime was daily exercise, low saturated fat diet and a plant stanol yogurt daily. I discovered that if any one of those 3 interventions was missing, my cholesterol reading would increase, but all 3 working together brought about a successful outcome for quite a long time
Fruit and veg are good but you need to include not only foods that promote the good HDL cholesterol but foods that help eliminate the bad LDL cholesterol. I eat porridge oats daily for breakfast (very good for helping to mop up LDL cholesterol) avocados, fresh fruit and veg, nuts & seeds, etc. All very helpful.
I know statins have had a bad press recently, and as individuals, we'll all react differently to them if prescribed them. However, I've had no real side effects on my Atorvastatin (I did experience achey legs when on Simvastatin so medication was changed)
As with the steroids, I really don't want to be taking them but I have to view the statins in the same way I view the steroids......as another ally in my efforts to manage and protect my health.
in reply to Blackcat1M
Maybe that's your prob...you're eating to many vets and not enough veg LOL
What did - or didn't you eat that was so hard? I asked that before I saw your post - so was it the combination that was so difficult? My HDL is very high, contributing to the high total.
They reckon diet influences cholesterol for well over the 8 hours that is usual before a fasting blood, i.e. from midnight.
But the effect the 2 statins I have tried had on my PMR I wouldn't WANT to live for years more. And the two were different. The first atorvastatin made me weak and out of breath. Rosuvastatin I just HURT.
Yes I understand my diet is similar to yours and I eat fish, salmon trout etc.I am just loathed yo go on statins but thank you for temple.
I cut out literally all saturated fat so was constantly seeking acceptable alternatives. This impacted hugely on my social life because it made eating out really challenging... I was so disciplined it meant there was little I was prepared to eat on most menus. (Think pizza, pasta, pub Sunday lunches, etc. All had elements containing saturated fat) I also exercised for at least an hour 7dys a week at the gym which again impacted on time spent with David and Joshua. Everything was so rigid and intense but it seemed to work. Unfortunately, I found it impossible to live my life amidst so many constraints.
Not surprised. Mind you - I have similar struggles eating out in the UK since everything has wheat in it! And the gym is my bete noire - detest it with a passion!
I do actually enjoy the gym now...mainly because there's no guilt if I miss a day and there's no longer the pressure to complete a full workout regime each time I'm there. To be honest, I do half an hour on the treadmill (walking) followed by half an hour exercising my jaw! ...much more satisfying.😄
I enjoyed the gym I belonged to in the UK - aquafit every day Mon-Fri plus Pilates and yoga. And the vibration plate. But the machines? And I would far rather go for a half hour walk than use the treadmill which I find difficult and terrifying! No gyms with that variety of options here - machines mostly.
I usually do the gym in the morning and go for a walk after lunch... energy levels permitting! Definitely find a walk outdoors more therapeutic and uplifting though. Love seeing all the wildlife, hearing the birds, feeling the sun etc. Definitely diminishes some of the pain and other symptoms.
If I had done the gym in the morning I'd never get anywhere in the afternoon ...
I know I'm fortunate to be able to do that most days and I never take it for granted because it might not always be the case.
I can set the clock by how I feel after a walk - and it is improving. It was 45 mins walking and on my feet before my hips protested, just got to an hour! No aquafit classes here, supposed to be but there isn't.
Never taken part in an aqua fit class. Do they just improve general mobility or strengthen muscles too.
Strengthens muscles too - you are always working against the "weight" of the water so it is like resistance exercises. You can strengthen muscles just by using body weight - you don't need to use weights. In water everything needs 7x more power. We used woggles/noodles and foam dumbells to increase it further but I didn't at the start. I really enjoyed it too - one of the very few things I miss here.
There's a pool at my gym and I know they do what they call aquasise classes so I'm going to check them out. Sounds like fun with results! Make a nice change from the gym. Never seriously considered joining in with anything like that as I'm not particularly confident in water but presumably you don't exercise out of your depth so I'd feel quite at ease..I'm now going to baton down the hatches....the wind is becoming really strong so need to make sure everything outside is secure.
Thanks for the info.
Take care.
I'm small - 5'1" - and I was never out of my depth. I tried to start with low intensity - I had a couple of super instructors who were really understanding about the limitations of PMR. Another woman had ME - she usually stopped before the end but not always. But it pays not to overdo things and build up slowly. Once I had done the aquafit in the warm pool I could manage Pilates or Iyengha yoga because I could move - and that was without pred!
That sounds sensible...I think I need to have a chat with the instructor first. Hope I'm as fortunate as you seem to have been.
We tried to get permission to use the hydrotherapy pool.
versusarthritis.org/about-a...
But PMR is not Arthritis and we gave up arguing as we were getting nowhere fast.
Skinnyjonny, being in the fire brigade has access to loads of stuff (a superior type of convalescent home - run by the brigade. He and 4 others raised money for a hydro pool for kids in Sunderland. He always swears that the Hydro helped him recover.
I discovered deep water exercises (sometimes called aqua fit or aqua jog), and it’s been the best type of physical activity for me. I go twice a week, 50 minute classes, and we seem to stretch/exercise every muscle in our bodies. Helps build up strength, flexibility, and core strength. Many wear a swimmers belt as we are in the deep end. My BMI affords enough buoyancy that I don’t require one lol. They play music throughout the class and I usually sing along.
I would never be able to do the things on land that I can do in the pool! Something to consider. You can slowly build up too, go at your own pace.
Quite a lot of gluten and wheat free options up here in Scotland. Veggie and vegan too. It always amazes me. My daughter is veggie and gluten free and she manages eating out quite well now a days. X
English pub grub is awful (IMHO!) - so many of them are chains. I get the impression there are more independent places in Scotland or small chains - and they realise they have to cater for their clientel. Daughter and granddaughter are both vegan, daughter's boyfriend and her son are both carnivores but they manage to find places to all eat together. Veggie and g/f isn't too bad - vegan and g/f is NOT!
High cholesterol can be familial & not improve through diet. I’ve been on statins, not through choice, for 20 years. My mum was tested, hers was 12. She was slim, but altered her diet, did everything right, six months later her test results was 12. They advised others in family be tested. Mum’s sister was 10, & mine was 11. The three of us tried hard. I refused the statin for 6 months. Then Mum had a stroke & passed away, Her sister & I have taken them since & are grateful for them. None of us had any side effects. Just giving another side to the high cholesterol & statins debate!! Oh, & my latest result was 4.5.
I have been on Pred for six years also and my cholesterol level has caused PAD. Taking Rosuvastatin Calcium for over six months greatly improved my numbers. I am grateful to have a med that prevents strokes. My pulse rate increased slightly at night so I take 5 mgs of a blood pressure pill during that time. No other bad results. I thought that I was eating healthily so it was a great surprise to me about the high cholesterol.
Been on pred 10 years. Last few years had high cholesterol readings despite decent diet and exercise. Gave in to statins. Really brought reading down. Came off them and back up it went! 8 weeks back on satins and reading down to 5.3. Looks like a built in yo yo!
I have always had borderline hereditary high cholesterol. I tried 3 different statins. All gave me extremely severe calf pain to the point where I couldn’t function so I stopped taking them. After 7 months of prednisone and 3 months of Actemra my cholesterol is through the roof. I now have to do something before I have a stroke. I have always been a healthy eater and avid exerciser. I can’t do anymore dietary wise. My doctor gave me a prescription for a drug called Rapatha. It is very expensive here in the US but I feel I have no choice. I have to try it.
Maybe I have missed it - what did you get to WITHOUT Actemra?
I don’t know because I didn’t get a lipid profile til now since I was diagnosed.
In fact I asked for a lipid profile because nobody suggested it. You really do have to be your own advocate
Oh that is very interesting. I have had calf pain since starting on Ezetembre (Zetia) for cholesterol. I didn't make the connection. I shall stop it for a day or two and see if that makes any difference. I was really wondering. I have to go in for bloodwork mid March so shall ask my GP again if this is why I'm getting it. I do love swimming but not in the cold high school pools. We used to get to Florida for holidays and the pools there were heated and lovely! Miss that.
I agree. I hate the idea of injecting myself
Haha. Sounds like a lot of fun.
My cholesterol has been creeping when it’s tested every year (3 years now). My GP recommended fish oil (omega 3) boosting the “good” cholesterol can help with the bad. I’ve also swapped out 5% or 2% yoghurt for 0%, substituted bacon, ground beef, etc with Turkey bacon and ground turkey. Lastly I exchanged the cream in my tea with 1% milk. We will see if it’s made a difference next time I get full bloodwork.
Lots of other good suggestions here. .
👍👍👍
Hi there. I too had slightly raised cholesterol which they think is hereditary as I have been careful with my diet. I have been taking simvastatin for a while now and this has been effective. However, before Christmas, my cholesterol spiked. My GP thought it could have been due to long term steroids. A further blood test was taken after Christmas and my levels are back to normal. A bit of a mystery! Are you taking statins?
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