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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think these cholesterol values are very bad?

111 replies

AtDeathsDoor · 14/10/2024 22:32

Cholesterol level 8.26 mmol/L
LDL cholesterol level 6.04 mmol/L
HDL cholesterol level 1.27 mmol/L
non HDL cholesterol level 6.99 mmol/L
cholesterol/HDL ratio 6.5 mmol/mmol

Should I be seriously worried about these values?
I’m ok about dropping down dead but I don’t want to be incapacitated
I’m mid fifties and obese.

OP posts:
BirthdayRainbow · 15/10/2024 20:12

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:04

I thought 5.1 was ok?

Show quote history

It is. But someone saw fit to call me in. Nurse was just it's fine.

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 20:11

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:08

Do people stop the statins when they get their cholesterol down to a good level? I have a phobia about taking medication after bad experiences being forced to when sectioned in the past.

I made a deal with my cardiologist but I'm still young so my risk factors where low I said give me 6 months and I will get them to a normal level if I haven't I will go on statins. They where normal level in under 3 months

Original poster
AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:08

Do people stop the statins when they get their cholesterol down to a good level? I have a phobia about taking medication after bad experiences being forced to when sectioned in the past.

OP posts:
Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 20:06

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2024 20:05

I think it's 4 now.

Show quote history

It is mine was 7. Something and the goal was 4.

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2024 20:05

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:04

I thought 5.1 was ok?

Show quote history

I think it's 4 now.

Original poster
AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:04

BirthdayRainbow · 15/10/2024 20:02

Mine was 5.1 and I was called in to see a nurse to have a chat. So don't be so dismissive about who you're seeing. They are clearly up to the job.

As you say you're depressed and not fussed about staying alive, maybe talk about that too.

Show quote history

I thought 5.1 was ok?

OP posts:
BirthdayRainbow · 15/10/2024 20:02

AtDeathsDoor · 14/10/2024 22:47

No. I’ve just got the results of the blood test and GP surgery has booked me an appointment with the surgery pharmacist in a months time to discuss the results.
Seems like it should be done by a GP but I guess that is the state of the NHS
I have PMI so should I arrange to see a specialist instead?

Show quote history

Mine was 5.1 and I was called in to see a nurse to have a chat. So don't be so dismissive about who you're seeing. They are clearly up to the job.

As you say you're depressed and not fussed about staying alive, maybe talk about that too.

Original poster
AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:02

LightSpeeds · 15/10/2024 19:55

My cholesterol was at 7.4 earlier this year and I was put on statins which have now brought it down within normal limits.

I also got a diagnosis of pre-diabetes and that was enough to make me give up the sugary treats (I was eating a LOT of sugary treats daily).

It's really hard to make changes when you don't feel good about yourself. The statins will be a good start, though...

Thinking of you x

Well done for making these changes xx

OP posts:
Original poster
AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:00

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:39

Nothing wrong with that, bit carby and might get those cravings going but its better than a snickers if it were replacing that

Its not about eating perfectly, its about eating a bit better

Think about your insides as something you need to protect and nurture. Think about your tummy like a pet, how would you look after that pet?
(yes I know I sound mad)

Show quote history

I know what you mean. My pets get nothing but the best. Quality nutritious food, no junk at all and plenty of exercise. Also keep an eye on their weight to make sure it is just right.
Wish I could be bothered to look after myself like that.

OP posts:
Original poster
AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 19:55

BunsenBurnerBaby · 15/10/2024 19:44

Mostly diet: I cut out red meat and cheese. I make overnight oats for my first meal (can make 3 days worth in one batch and keep in fridge): I make them with water and 0% fat greek yogurt and add some fruit and nuts; honey if I feel I need some extra sweetness. Something good for me when I start eating helps me make more sensible choices later in the day. I try to have ready to eat food in the fridge several meals ahead so that I am never starving and needing to prep food. I also try to get outside for a walk every day: it stabilises my mood and helps me make better choices. It’s about doing small things that you can do and don’t feel overwhelming and then allowing yourself to feel pride in what you are doing— and then adding the next small thing.

Thanks for sharing this @BunsenBurnerBaby
Well done for having the strength to make these changes.

OP posts:
LightSpeeds · 15/10/2024 19:55

My cholesterol was at 7.4 earlier this year and I was put on statins which have now brought it down within normal limits.

I also got a diagnosis of pre-diabetes and that was enough to make me give up the sugary treats (I was eating a LOT of sugary treats daily).

It's really hard to make changes when you don't feel good about yourself. The statins will be a good start, though...

Thinking of you x

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2024 19:55

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:45

There can be, OP wont know though until or if those other issues are removed like the excess weight, diet etc.

However until that happens, OP should start on the medication to get it down anyway, for safety now.

Show quote history

Definitely take the meds AND try to make changes to lifestyle. I just wouldn't want her to turn down the statins and feel she's being fobbed off with the pharmacist.

BunsenBurnerBaby · 15/10/2024 19:47

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:45

There can be, OP wont know though until or if those other issues are removed like the excess weight, diet etc.

However until that happens, OP should start on the medication to get it down anyway, for safety now.

Show quote history

Yes. This, too. Didn’t mean avoid meds; but lifestyle changes can and do help

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 19:47

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2024 19:42

Lifestyle and diet isn't the full story there is a big genetic impact too.

Show quote history

For some people absolutely for other it's purely diet. Mine was high I changed my diet and it came down.

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:45

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2024 19:42

Lifestyle and diet isn't the full story there is a big genetic impact too.

Show quote history

There can be, OP wont know though until or if those other issues are removed like the excess weight, diet etc.

However until that happens, OP should start on the medication to get it down anyway, for safety now.

BunsenBurnerBaby · 15/10/2024 19:44

Mostly diet: I cut out red meat and cheese. I make overnight oats for my first meal (can make 3 days worth in one batch and keep in fridge): I make them with water and 0% fat greek yogurt and add some fruit and nuts; honey if I feel I need some extra sweetness. Something good for me when I start eating helps me make more sensible choices later in the day. I try to have ready to eat food in the fridge several meals ahead so that I am never starving and needing to prep food. I also try to get outside for a walk every day: it stabilises my mood and helps me make better choices. It’s about doing small things that you can do and don’t feel overwhelming and then allowing yourself to feel pride in what you are doing— and then adding the next small thing.

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 19:44

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 19:11

It is all true. I don’t want to be incapacitated but it is difficult to care enough to change when life is so bleak.
I don’t have the motivation to cook anything so I live on supermarket sandwiches, ready meals and chocolate/biscuits/cakes/crisps.
Does anyone have suggestions for healthy meals I could have with minimal preparation required.

Edited
Show quote history

I don't know if it would be something you would be interested in but I started a vlcd (the new you plan) I lost weight, my cholesterol came down and my energy levels went up and my mh improved. I was in a bad place mentally and lived on takeaways and slept all the time as I had no energy but doing this diet has completely changed my life. It's really easy to as no cooking or food shopping and it's no more expensive then what you would pay for your food shop

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2024 19:42

BunsenBurnerBaby · 15/10/2024 19:32

Lifestyle changes WILL make a difference. I got my cholesterol down from 8 to just above 5. Your depression is telling you you are not worth it, but you are, you really are. Please get some help: counselling if you can access it; and if you can make some changes you will begin to feel better. Good luck x

Lifestyle and diet isn't the full story there is a big genetic impact too.

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2024 19:41

AtDeathsDoor · 14/10/2024 22:47

No. I’ve just got the results of the blood test and GP surgery has booked me an appointment with the surgery pharmacist in a months time to discuss the results.
Seems like it should be done by a GP but I guess that is the state of the NHS
I have PMI so should I arrange to see a specialist instead?

Show quote history

I saw a pharmacist from the surgery. It didn't need to be a GP as the pharmacist had my blood test results. He told me everything I needed to know including what to do if I had any side effects. They're not fobbing you off with a lesser option as the diagnosis has already been made.

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:40

Also my preference is full fat milk as fat is filling

But that is personal preference, I cant eat low fat foods.

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:39

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 19:37

Thanks for the suggestion but that would be too ambitious for me at the moment.
I don’t usually eat anything until mid afternoon but I used to have alpen sugar free muesli with a banana and semi-skimmed milk for breakfast. Would that be a good option to try again?

Show quote history

Nothing wrong with that, bit carby and might get those cravings going but its better than a snickers if it were replacing that

Its not about eating perfectly, its about eating a bit better

Think about your insides as something you need to protect and nurture. Think about your tummy like a pet, how would you look after that pet?
(yes I know I sound mad)

Original poster
AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 19:37

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:30

Would you make yourself up some breakfast muffins, so a silicone muffin case (6 of them), 6 eggs, grated cheese, bits of whatever like chopped bacon, can buy that ready made, chopped up spring onion. Mix it in a jug, pour it into the molds, chuck in the oven and you have 3 days or 2 days worth of snacks/lunch/breakfast

I actually would do 12 in one go but some people are funny about how long things are in the fridge, Im not.

Show quote history

Thanks for the suggestion but that would be too ambitious for me at the moment.
I don’t usually eat anything until mid afternoon but I used to have alpen sugar free muesli with a banana and semi-skimmed milk for breakfast. Would that be a good option to try again?

OP posts:
Original poster
AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 19:34

BunsenBurnerBaby · 15/10/2024 19:32

Lifestyle changes WILL make a difference. I got my cholesterol down from 8 to just above 5. Your depression is telling you you are not worth it, but you are, you really are. Please get some help: counselling if you can access it; and if you can make some changes you will begin to feel better. Good luck x

Thanks @BunsenBurnerBaby
Which lifestyle changes did you make?

OP posts:
BunsenBurnerBaby · 15/10/2024 19:32

Lifestyle changes WILL make a difference. I got my cholesterol down from 8 to just above 5. Your depression is telling you you are not worth it, but you are, you really are. Please get some help: counselling if you can access it; and if you can make some changes you will begin to feel better. Good luck x

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 19:30

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 19:25

Thanks. could manage that if I microwave the eggs

Show quote history

Would you make yourself up some breakfast muffins, so a silicone muffin case (6 of them), 6 eggs, grated cheese, bits of whatever like chopped bacon, can buy that ready made, chopped up spring onion. Mix it in a jug, pour it into the molds, chuck in the oven and you have 3 days or 2 days worth of snacks/lunch/breakfast

I actually would do 12 in one go but some people are funny about how long things are in the fridge, Im not.