Update on new meds

[aztecan]

The doc grabbed me today when I brought in someone new for him to see. I didn't have an appointment, but then again, 99 percent of the time I never have an appointment, we just grab each other in passing.

That didn't come out right, but you know what I mean!

He got the results of the lipids bloodwork I had done yesterday. Amazing how fast they get those tests done.

I stopped taking Pravastatin and Zetia about three weeks ago. The CPKs have dropped a little, but not that much and the cholesterol did go up a bit.

OK, more than a bit. It was 170 overall before and now is 294 or so (I didn't get a printout today but will this week so I can be more exact.)

The HDL is still amazingly high - 43. (That's amazingly high for me, who once had an HDL of 17).

The CPKs are worrisome to some degree.

The doctor told me he is seeing this among some of his patients, especially some of us who are "a bit older."

The CPKs just don't drop back down again. Mine are in the 450 range at the moment, I think. They were in the 550 range last month, when we decided to drop the pravastatin and zetia.

The 450-something still isn't nice and normal, like 200 or less like they're supposed to be.

I have had perennial muscle aches in the legs, in part because of the elevated CPKs. When the CPKs start climbing, so does the level of muscle pain.

But, right now it is tolerable and the muscle cramps seem less obnoxious than they have been. I am now able to sleep almost an entire night without jumping up with cramps in some part of my body. (Get your minds out of the gutter!)

So, all in all, I am hanging in there.

Now, for the other shoe. The doctor wants me to start a new cholesterol med, Lescol. It is supposed to be kinder and gentler with PI-based regimens. But, so was Pravastatin.

I guess we'll see. He admonished me to monitor the pain levels carefully and it seems to be getting worse to notify him immediately.

Between this and the PN, sometimes its hard to tell if things are worse or not.

I guess I will just play it by ear. I guess we are all pretty used to that at this point.

HUGS,

Mark

[AlanBama]

Oh Mark, you are just having a time lately aren't you honey?   I hope this one will be the one that 'does the trick' and helps you get it under control.

I am also going through med changes currently, but not like yours (mine are the ones the psychiatrist prescribes!)   Changing from Wellbutrin to Celexa (a new one for me) and lowering my Nortriptylane (for sleep) to try to get my cardiac issues (racing heart) to settle down.   Hope it helps, but as you say, it's play it by ear and take it one day at a time.   If this doesn't do it, it's back to the cardiologist and "square one" as they say...

hugs, and good luck to you mister!

Alan   

PS - sure will miss seeing you this year 

[aztecan]

I am also going through med changes currently, but not like yours (mine are the ones the psychiatrist prescribes!)   Changing from Wellbutrin to Celexa (a new one for me) and lowering my Nortriptylane (for sleep) to try to get my cardiac issues (racing heart) to settle down.   Hope it helps, but as you say, it's play it by ear and take it one day at a time.   If this doesn't do it, it's back to the cardiologist and "square one" as they say...

hugs, and good luck to you mister!

Alan   

PS - sure will miss seeing you this year 

Hey Alan,
Now, I know you have a heart of gold and as big as the great outdoors, but honey, don't you let it run away with you!

I hope your new meds do the trick too. I've heard of Celexa but know nothing about it.

I will miss seeing you this year too. It just won't be the same without you.

I will have an Irish coffee and offer a toast in your honor though. Its not as good as your being there, but at least you will know you were there in spirit.

BIG HUGS,

Mark

[Robert]

I'll be joining Mark in that toast, Alan.  We'll all be missing you.

Mark, this cholesterol thing is  just nuts.  Before AIDS my levels were always well below 100.  Now I'm averaging around 230, pretty good compared to you but for me not so hot. 

I really hope the new meds work for you.  I'll give you thumbs up for attitude, that's for sure.  If you make your clients feel half as good as you make us feel, they're very fortunate.  That's why we need to get these meds to work for you.  You're a vital link in all our lives.

robert

[BT65]

Mark, good luck with the new meds.  I take Lipitor for my cholesterol and that's worked well.  I hope the Lescol works for ya.  The Lipitor got my cholesterol down right away, but I've never had luck with getting my triglycerides under control.  My doctor said that's probably due to me being a diabetic though.    Hang in there; I know the drill.
  Luv,
Betty

[OutOfDarkness]

Hi Mark,

I am cooking brown rice as I read your post.  I found this brown basmati rice that cooks rather quickly and is somewhat less expensive it's Della brand and it is so good!  It fills you up like you just ate something fatty and fiiling and pardon this, but it really helps with regularity.  I add dressing and veggies  and grated parmesan cheese to it as well.  The dressing is made with olive oil. 

I noticed a commercial the other day for Bayer aspirin low-dose with an added cholesterol lowering agent, I am going to ask my doctor about it.  Have you heard of it?  I had trouble with Lipitor, my stomach did not like it at all. 

Good luck with your new meds, keep us posted!