Cholesterol gone through the roof

[WalkingtheMoors]

I have been off the pred now for 6 months and saw my GP as I was getting quite bad withdrawal symptoms including aches and pains across my neck and shoulders. I had a cholesterol blood test 3 months ago and although it was a little high we decided to give my body a bit of time before discussing statins. A recent visit to my GP following a second set of blood tests showed my cholesterol had shot up and he has now referred me to a cardiologist. Has anyone else going through the withdrawal phase had similar experiences....I am still reluctant to go on to yet another form of medication if there is a likelihood that this rise could be linked to my adrenal glands. Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred raises cholesterol so I doubt no pred would be associated with raised cholesterol. But who knows.

[Leafsong66]

My cholesterol shot up to 8 whilst on Pred. I’m quite adverse to the risks of statins vs their benefits in females without a cardiac history, so I asked for a Calcium Scan of my heart to check if there were any obvious issues to warrant such drastic medication. My test results came back a reassuringly 0% of Calcium build up around the heart.

[whitefishbay in reply to Leafsong66]

I am sure if I requested a Calcium Scan of my heart the GP would just look at me. They wouldn't even think of a Dexa Scan and for my underactive thyroid they said there is no need to see an Endocrinologist.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to whitefishbay]

Ahh, but that just highlights the difference between countries - and some members don’t always realise what happens where they reside isn’t universal… 😊

[Missus835 in reply to whitefishbay]

I've mentioned so many issues that could arise while tapering (at 4 mg) and I'm met with "we don't do that" or a deer caught in the headlights stare from my GP. My cholesteral did go up at higher doses, but I tried every statin going and couldn't tolerate them, not that I wanted to. She as much as said "you've been warned". I'm not sure where the levels are right now as GP seems reluctant to do any bloodwork (but she insists on a phone consult to get my pred refilled every month), and I don't know what my recent ER visit showed. If I asked for a "calcium scan of my heart", I'm sure the deer and headlights scenario would manifest....again. I do wish we had the capability here in Nova Scotia to access our reports, bloods, etc. It would save the system a lot of money in the long run. I asked one time and they said it "would cause too much confusion". 🤔🙄