Well, I'm on the STATINS Train

[WillyWump]

But surprisingly it's not entirely due to cholesterol. My cholesterol wasn't terribly high (210?), cant remember. But doc wanted to put me on low dose statins to see if it would help with "Inflammation issues" as she put it. She thinks my joint pain could be due to inflammation saying that HIV related inflammation can cause all sort of problems including pain. She actually loves statins and thinks that really anyone over 45 should be on them regardless of cholesterol levels.  I've not heard of statins being used for issues other than cholesterol. But I'm all for it.

The only thing I dislike about them so far is the horribly dry mouth I get, especially at night.

[mitch777]

Well that's kind of odd. I had to stop taking statins because they caused joint pain. (somewhat common side effect) hmm...

[Theyer]

Mr Wump I would like to advise some form off artificial saliva encouragement as a dry mouth for a prolonged period doth not make for perserving those Strong healthy gums so evident amongts your country men .

Gel, Pastel Gums, spray all available.

This will be greatly appreciated by your Gums ,  your bank account and any vanity you may possess.

Yours who learned the above the hard way and now have teeth that think they are skittles..

[WillyWump]

Well that's kind of odd. I had to stop taking statins because they caused joint pain. (somewhat common side effect) hmm...

LOL. Maybe since I already have joint pain she thinks this will help. 2 negatives equal a positive?

[Miss Philicia]

Well that's kind of odd. I had to stop taking statins because they caused joint pain. (somewhat common side effect) hmm...

Ignore Guilhermina -- her doctor actually has a degree in cosmetology (nail specialty) -- Loraines Academy Inc. (Toll Free: (888) 393-5015)

Also, cocks... she'll be hopping' on that ole neuropathy train within two years.

[Buckmark]

But surprisingly it's not entirely due to cholesterol. My cholesterol wasn't terribly high (210?), cant remember. But doc wanted to put me on low dose statins to see if it would help with "Inflammation issues" as she put it. She thinks my joint pain could be due to inflammation saying that HIV related inflammation can cause all sort of problems including pain. She actually loves statins and thinks that really anyone over 45 should be on them regardless of cholesterol levels.  I've not heard of statins being used for issues other than cholesterol. But I'm all for it.

The only thing I dislike about them so far is the horribly dry mouth I get, especially at night.

I dunno, Wumpy.  Your doctor seems a little statin-happy to me.  Some of the statins are known for being tough on the liver, and I know how you love your margaritas.    I'd really recommend you do your own research on the use of statins to reduce inflammation.  And if your joint pain is really significant, go see an orthopedist or a rheumatologist to get a specialists opinion.

For dry mouth, I highly recommend Biotene.  Buy the spray, and keep it on your nightstand.

Hugs,

Henry

[Miss Philicia]

I don't understand why 8 months after the onset of all this his doctor hasn't had x-rays done or had him sent to physical therapy, much less a specialist of some kind.

It's all very odd. But hey -- let's throw the boy unlimited refills for opiates and muscle relaxers.

[eric48]

... it would help with "Inflammation issues" as she put it.
...She actually loves statins and thinks that really anyone over 45 should be on them regardless of cholesterol levels.
... I've not heard of statins being used for issues other than cholesterol.

A .... I did read something about this not too long ago
B .... American dream
C .... Ditto, but is there really HIV inflammation in people with CD4/CD8  > 1 ?

Note : recently a correlation between use of statins (rosuvastatin) and onset of diabetes has been published

Statins take 2 weeks to build up, so any result (including it or excluding it) can be observed after 1-2 weeks

Some people have muscular issues. I don't

But, self experimenting such as 1 month on, 1 month off, as far as I am concerned show:
- reduced energy  -> less motion  -> more weight
- less to no erections (this effect is very marked and on off cycling have confirmed)
- worsening of prediabetes ?

The snowballing effect (inhibitors, then statin (an other type of inhibitor) , then glucophage (an other type of inhibitor), then ... viagra (an other type of inhibitor)) is what concerns me most in 'modern' HIV 'management'

For the first year I  had not noticed anything... then started to become suspicious.

Stopped for 2 months, felt better

to my surprise, the cardiologist did NOT issue a continuing script ...

I have nonetheless asked my doc to write the script (which he did). The ON-OFF cycling confirmed what I thought

Currently on half a pill (*). Next visit to cardiologist : this week...   

(*) and full erections, I should add, anticipating some comments

So mixed feelings here

Eric

[thunter34]

I love my statin.  Crestor gives me boners.

I have no idea why, but it might have something to do with improved blood flow all around.

That and the trazadone and I feel like I'm 17 again.

The crack of dawn ain't safe.

[J.R.E.]

Will,


This article goes back to 2011 :

This is inflammation "Linked to heart disease"

http://www.poz.com/articles/hiv_hscrp_crestor_761_20414.shtml

What is your triglycerides number currently at.

I think your doctor is getting a kickback from the statin manufacturer !

I had a lot of issues years ago, with some of the Statins that I was on, and for that reason I skipped taking them, because of joint pain or body aches. I had to experiment with a few different ones to get it right.

Simvastatin seems to work OK with no noticeable body ache or joint pain as a side effect for me, however if you read my thread in the LTS forum, about some heart/blood pressure medications, and statins possibly causing memory issues, that's another story !

EDITED: I have no issues with erections on my medications.


Ray

[J.R.E.]

Just wanted to add, Its the triglycerides, which is raising my total cholesterol. I would like to see how your numbers break down

My last test on 6/4/14   


TOTAL CHOLESTEROL:  201 ( ON SIMVASTATIN/   40MG ONCE A DAY)

TRIG:    243      ( RANGE <150 )

HDLC:   54        ( REF RANGE > 40)

LDCALC :  98    ( REF RANGE < 130 )

TC/HDLC:   3.7       (REF RANGE 0-5 )


Ray

[J.R.E.]

And here's another link from earlier from 2011. Not sure of anything new :


http://www.poz.com/articles/HIV_statins_inflammation_761_19919.shtml

[bocker3]

Just wanted to add, Its the triglycerides, which is raising my total cholesterol. I would like to see how your numbers break down

My last test on 6/4/14   


TOTAL CHOLESTEROL:  201 ( ON SIMVASTATIN/   40MG ONCE A DAY)

TRIG:    243      ( RANGE <150 )

HDLC:   54        ( REF RANGE > 40)

LDCALC :  98    ( REF RANGE < 130 )

TC/HDLC:   3.7       (REF RANGE 0-5 )


Ray

Actually, Trig's do not raise or lower your Total Chol.  These are separate measurements.  TC is a made up of HDL, LDL, and VLDL (not always calculated).  You want a high HDL

Mike

[WillyWump]

  Some of the statins are known for being tough on the liver, and I know how you love your margaritas.   

Oh I do love them.

For dry mouth, I highly recommend Biotene.  Buy the spray, and keep it on your nightstand.

I will try that.

I don't understand why 8 months after the onset of all this his doctor hasn't had x-rays done or had h

Your memory is really not what it used to be is it? You and I discussed the Xrays, and how it didnt show much other than tendonitis in my arm (from too intense workouts).

Just wanted to add, Its the triglycerides, which is raising my total cholesterol. I would like to see how your numbers break down

My last test on 6/4/14   


TOTAL CHOLESTEROL:  201 ( ON SIMVASTATIN/   40MG ONCE A DAY)

TRIG:    243      ( RANGE <150 )

HDLC:   54        ( REF RANGE > 40)

LDCALC :  98    ( REF RANGE < 130 )

TC/HDLC:   3.7       (REF RANGE 0-5 )


Ray

Im actually looking for my results now...Ill post when I find that darn paper. While my cholesterol was a bit high it wasnt really anything to get excited about according to her, but that it would allow her to write a scrip for statins and have my ins approve it. She put me on 5mg of Atorvastatin (which she indicated is a low dose). I've been  on them for 2 weeks now and I go back to her in 4 weeks as a follow up on them.

I cant say ive noticed any changes other than maybe a slight easing of pain.

[Miss Philicia]

My short term memory actually has gotten bad. I think I have H.A.N.D. stage 1.

[J.R.E.]

Actually, Trig's do not raise or lower your Total Chol.  These are separate measurements.  TC is a made up of HDL, LDL, and VLDL (not always calculated).  You want a high HDL

Mike

Now I am totally confused !    I guess I have not been understanding something. My doctor told me if I got the triglycerides down, by exercising more,  I would be under 200 for total cholesterol.

If my triglycerides were only ( Lets say )  185, instead of the 243 on my labs  listed above, my total cholesterol would only be 189.

At least according to this chart:

http://www.hughcalc.org/chol.php

I've used this calculation chart before.  If you go to this chart, and insert my HDL ( 54) LDCALC , which is 98, and  if my triglycerides were only ( Lets say )  185, on my labs  listed above, my total cholesterol would only be 189.


I will try to understand this !   


Ray

[WillyWump]

Here we go...(pre-statins)

Cholesterol Serum - 212

Triglyceride Serum - 151
HDL - 50
LDL  - 136

[J.R.E.]

Will,

When I punched your numbers into the calculator this was the results:

Your Total Cholesterol of 216 is BORDERLINE
Your LDL of 136 is BORDERLINE
Your HDL of 50 is NORMAL
Your Triglyceride level of 151 is BORDERLINE


RATIOS:
Your Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio is: 4.32 - (preferably under 5.0, ideally under 3.5) GOOD
Your HDL/LDL ratio is: 0.368 - (preferably over 0.3, ideally over 0.4) GOOD
Your triglycerides/HDL ratio is: 3.020 - (preferably under 4, ideally under 2) NORMAL


Ray

[J.R.E.]

Only 6 months ago when I was working, my Triglycerides were 96. 

LOL What the fuck Happened ? I guess retirement.  and I got very lazy.

In December of 2013 my labs were:
==================
Cholesterol:  221

Triglycerides:  96

HDL:  64

LDL :  138





 

[thunter34]

I can't believe you didn't call this thread "Off to Statin Island"

Missed opportunity.

Still here all week, folks.

[Miss Philicia]

My clinic/doctor doesn't worry about triglycerides unless they are consistently above 300. If a patient has a long history of being on HIV meds, particularly (I think) protease inhibitors it's not unusual for this number to be slightly out of range.

For example, my last labs showed my triglycerides to be 175, but my total cholesterol was within normal range. They have been like this for years and no fuss is made.

[Jeff G]

My TG are down to around 280 ... in 2006 - 2011  they over 2500 and they could not spin my my blood down for the rest of the test because there was so much fat in my blood .

I took all the statins and changed my diet but my labs never budged until I got off Atripla and now they are merely bad and not horrendous . I do not have hypertension or heart disease so my docs don't say much about it these days .

My point is even when you need them statins and cause some pretty nasty side effects ... I can not take them any more and would urge anyone to take them only if its necessary . I have muscle damage from my years on them .

[WillyWump]

I love my statin.  Crestor gives me boners.

The crack of dawn ain't safe.

Prolly no "crack" is safe.

I have noticed a tad bit harder erections, maybe my plumbing is getting cleaned out.

I appreciate all the input, I'm going to ride it out and see how it goes, and see what my labs say in 4 weeks with the liver and etc... I doubt the small dose I take will cripple me for life in the meantime.

-Will

[bocker3]

Prolly no "crack" is safe.

I have noticed a tad bit harder erections, maybe my plumbing is getting cleaned out.

I appreciate all the input, I'm going to ride it out and see how it goes, and see what my labs say in 4 weeks with the liver and etc... I doubt the small dose I take will cripple me for life in the meantime.

-Will

Watch out for side effects, particularly the muscle pain -- but if you aren't affected by that, you should be good!  I have been taking statins (Zocor, until I started my ARV's when I had to switch to Lipitor) for 20 years.  I have always been on the 20mg dose.  The men in my family dropped dead from heart disease before the age of 50, pretty routinely, prior to the advent of statins.

My Cholesterol is almost always in the "good" range now only creeping above 200 twice in the last 8 yrs and generally in the 160's -- my HDL stays in the low 50's - low 60's.

With your diet - I'm amazed you haven't been on this sooner.....   

M

[bocker3]

Now I am totally confused !    I guess I have not been understanding something. My doctor told me if I got the triglycerides down, by exercising more,  I would be under 200 for total cholesterol.

If my triglycerides were only ( Lets say )  185, instead of the 243 on my labs  listed above, my total cholesterol would only be 189.

At least according to this chart:

http://www.hughcalc.org/chol.php

I've used this calculation chart before.  If you go to this chart, and insert my HDL ( 54) LDCALC , which is 98, and  if my triglycerides were only ( Lets say )  185, on my labs  listed above, my total cholesterol would only be 189.


I will try to understand this !   


Ray

Well, folks with high cholesterol tend to have high trig's and vice versa, but they are separate.  Looking back at my labs (yes, I have a spreadsheet with all of them for the past 8 years.....), my Trig's bounce around much more than my cholesterol -- and there is no apparent correlation between them (that is just anecdotal -- I haven't done any studies......).  I've had higher TC and lower Trigs and I have had higher Trigs and lower TC.

Not sure WHAT the calculator is all about.....  I don't think it is from any medical institution........

Have your Trigs been consistently higher or just an outlier or two??  Has your diet changed since retirement?

Mike

[J.R.E.]

Have your Trigs been consistently higher or just an outlier or two??  Has your diet changed since retirement?

Mike

Hey Mike,

This is the second time my triglycerides were not in ref range, in over 10 years   In Dec/ 13 they were at 96.

The only other time they were at 157.  looking back @ past results they were consistently  <130


As far as diet,      yes,   it has changed over the past 6 months since retirement, and unfortunately for the worse, but slowly getting better again. I am thinking this contributed to the latest number.

I am cutting back on the carbs, and the doctor would prefer a vigorous walk schedule of 30 minutes a day five days a week.  Kind of hard to do in 95 degree heat and 90% humidity, and being 62 ! 

Maybe I should get a treadmill ( do the walk in AC) ! Plus,  Ed and I are thinking of joining a gym. Since I've retired, Ed has gained 10 pounds.( and he's not happy about that at all).  Since retirement, we eat out almost everyday, and we both decided that has to stop !


I think I am scheduled for tests again Sep 28 Th 14, so we"ll see what happens then.


Ray

[WillyWump]

With your diet - I'm amazed you haven't been on this sooner.....   

I am cutting back on the carbs, and the doctor would prefer a vigorous walk schedule of 30 minutes a day five days a week.  Kind of hard to do in 95 degree heat and 90% humidity, and being 62 ! 

Maybe I should get a treadmill ( do the walk in AC) ! Plus,  Ed and I are thinking of joining a gym. Since I've retired, Ed has gained 10 pounds.( and he's not happy about that at all).  Since retirement, we eat out almost everyday, and we both decided that has to stop !


I think I am scheduled for tests again Sep 28 Th 14, so we"ll see what happens then.

Mike, My diet is not all that bad. Yes, Yes I remember the 2 value meals I bought at the Smithsonian...but a ghurls gotta eat after all that prancing about we did.

At times my diet may get borderline "attrocious" but I do exercise ALOT and I think that has helped keep my Cholesterol at fairly good levels. I either walk or ride every other day for about an hour or 2. I also workout.

Ray, have you thought about a bike? I bought a mountain bike a couple months back and LOVE it. It's alot easier on the knees and is better cardio in my opinion. And it's fun. It doesnt have to be a mountain bike, it can be any old bike, they have some cool cruisers out now. I bike in the evenings when its a bit cooler.

[bocker3]

Mike, My diet is not all that bad. Yes, Yes I remember the 2 value meals I bought at the Smithsonian...but a ghurls gotta eat after all that prancing about we did.

Miss P -- paging, Miss P!  comment, please.......   

[Miss Philicia]

Miss P -- paging, Miss P!  comment, please.......   

Oh, her diet is more atrocious than any of you know. Miss P, as righteous a woman as she is, is subjected daily to SMS embedded pictures of Guilhermina's odious dietary choices and is constantly affronted.

And while Wumpella may exercise from time to time, we all know her excruciating (so she claims) "joint pain" surely prevents anything over 15 minutes. Her body is merely propped up by deca-durabolin injections and has been for the past five years -- evidence of such is plainly apparent in her contracting prairie oysters. If she is claiming hours upon hours of daily exertion I can only chalk up this delusion to the intake of opiod analgesics her "creative" quack doctor doles out.

ps: I've just been informed, via text, that Wumpy is holed up at a bar (natch) and can't respond to this post until a later date. I'm predicting that her next medical issue will be fatty liver.

[WillyWump]

And while Wumpella may exercise from time to time,

Do you seriously think that a body such as this just magically appears after exercising "time-to time"..

No. this is the result of exercising like a 25yo, and a delicate synergistic mix of power bars, pain killers, ARV's, Tequila and a sprinkle of statins on top.

[Miss Philicia]

[Jeff G]

Looking fine Willy, looking fine .

[Theyer]

Looking fine Willy, looking fine .

Is also the opinion off my guests , myself and thats enough.

Evan the bloody dog looked.

[WillyWump]

Right back at yall, you sexy boys (and dog) 

[bocker3]

Do you seriously think that a body such as this just magically appears after exercising "time-to time"..

No. this is the result of exercising like a 25yo, and a delicate synergistic mix of power bars, pain killers, ARV's, Tequila and a sprinkle of statins on top.

Of course the unasked questions -- until now:  Ummm...  why are you taking a half-naked selfie in the dressing room at WalMart?  Is the trick waiting outside that door??

Mike

P.S. -- You are looking good, for a Grandma.....

[Theyer]

Thank you Mike, I did find it er confusing as to why Will would chose such decor , did you get a text message a few seconds before you took your picture Will? and thought given the circumstances , ' I.ll show him "

[Miss Philicia]

I'm more concerned with someone wearing baggy cargo shorts in 2014.

[WillyWump]

Ummm...  why are you taking a half-naked selfie in the dressing room at WalMart?  Is the trick waiting outside that door??

Mik

PLEASE. It was Target. I was trying on Texas Rangers shirts and looked in the mirror and thought "DAMN, I would do me so hard"... "this deserves a selfie"

I'm more concerned with someone wearing baggy cargo shorts in 2014.

My shorts are In. Unlike your mom pants.

[WillyWump]

Just an update..

After a month on low dose statins I can report that my pain has diminished GREATLY! I haven't had a pain pill in 2 days, maybe 3 as Ive actually forgotten when I ahd my last pill I was taking 3-4 a day  and 2 at bedtime at the height of my chronic joint/bone pain issue just a month or so ago.

My doc may be on to something here. Cant wait to see her in a couple weeks to report my progress.

Could it be a mere temporary lapse in pain that has nothing to do with Statins? Could it be a placebo type effect? Dunno, all I know is I have very very little pain right now.

I'm also curious If my "borderline" lipds have decreased! PASS THAT BUCKET O CHICKEN

[mitch777]

I hope that works out for you. Keep us posted. I've been off statins for quite awhile and haven't had them tested in the past year. They were highish with the last labs.

[tryingtostay]

Didn't read the entire thread but first off let me just say I envy your care that you get.  Now.  Just a suggestion and if anyone knows better please correct me but to help along with your gum health you can try oil pulling.  Coincidentally I am doing an oil pull now with Coconut Oil.  Apparently it's also used in the bedroom a-lot, if you know what I mean.. oddly I found that out on a Christian Love hotline.  Don't ask me how I got there but 'coconut oil' was the googled topic, hehe

[WillyWump]

Didn't read the entire thread but first off let me just say I envy your care that you get.  Now.  Just a suggestion and if anyone knows better please correct me but to help along with your gum health you can try oil pulling.  Coincidentally I am doing an oil pull now with Coconut Oil.  Apparently it's also used in the bedroom a-lot, if you know what I mean.. oddly I found that out on a Christian Love hotline.  Don't ask me how I got there but 'coconut oil' was the googled topic, hehe

Oh I used to Oil Pull back when Oil Pulling was uncool. I see it is making a comeback again.. I used Sesame Oil, both for oil pulling and in "emergency" bedroom situations. It's always nice to have the hole your plowing smell like stir fry

[Miss Philicia]

I still don't understand what the diagnosis is from your doctor. Oh... right -- she's never made one.

HOW ODD! Does she utilize a Ouija board per CDC recommendations?

[WillyWump]

^^ She so jellz I'm pain free from just a stain pill.