My cholesterol (madubois63)

madubois63 · 11-13-2008, 02:42 PM

I've had my blood work done on a weekly basis for the past several years now, and I didn't know what my cholesterol level was. So I asked my leukemia onc to add that to my CBC a few weeks ago. I finally asked for a copy of my blood work and my cholesterol level is 300 even. I nearly hit the floor. My mom has high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but I take after my dad and have always been under 180. This was a big shock. After a little research, I discovered that steroids raise your cholesterol level. At the time the test was taken I was taking about about 80 mg of prednisone a day (I am down to 30 mg a day now). I have an appointment with a new PCP doc next month, but I think I'll ask my onc to do the cholesterol one more time.

Anyway, my reason for posting this is so that if your freaking out over a test result, check to see if one of your medications might actually be the culprit. Many onc's give steroids as a pre-medication for chemo or Herceptin. Don't forget to list that as a medication that you are taking...

tricia keegan · 11-13-2008, 03:42 PM

Maryann, I've heard about this before and think I read Vit D can raise the levels too but can't recall exactly.
I had to get an antibiotic recently for an eye infection and the Dr went through five before he managed to find one that did'nt interfere with my meds since bc. (arimidex, nexium, high BP meds)...strange to think three years ago I hardly ever even took aspirin!
Finger's crossed the next test is lower...

BonnieR · 11-13-2008, 05:25 PM

I promise not to make any snide remarks about that meat fest in your photo! I know it's not your normal diet. It just looks so funny illustrating a post about cholesterol!

StephN · 11-13-2008, 07:25 PM

GOOD POINT, Bonnie!!!

But I happen to have been with Maryann when the photo was taken and know she was only "sampling" the meats that were brought around. After all, it was in a Brazillian grill.

Look on her plate and you will see lots of vegies and salad items! The salad bar was about 20 feet long ...

And another GOOD POINT, Maryann. I know I would freak if my bad cholesterol level nearly doubled! Are you going to start on something to bring the number down if it still high next labs?

Does your "new DNA" have a history of high cholesterol??

ElaineM · 11-13-2008, 09:38 PM

We all learned something valueable from your experience.
Yes. Steriods have side effects. I have been there and done that. The steriods caused more problems than the treatment did. I had to be assertive and proactive when that happened to me, but I finally got rid of the steriods !! I had fewer side effects after I got rid of the steriods too !!

suzan w · 11-14-2008, 01:31 PM

My cholesterol also went sky high after all my treatments...and did not go back down so I have been taking lovastatin for 3 years. And NOW...my blood sugar is going wacky...staying in the 130 range, which I know is not 'dreadful' but with a huge history of diabetes in my family, it is worth 'thinking about' according to my GP. I think that high blood sugar can be a side effect of statins...what next?????!!!!!!!!!!!!

madubois63 · 11-14-2008, 06:12 PM

Steph, thanks for sticking up for me!! The salad bar was great and by the time the meat came around , I was pretty full. I do admit to sampling the meats. Just after that trip is when my gvhd/liver problems started up again and I cut out meat and anything high in iron. I think of that trip often, and will miss you at San Antonio!! Steph, I'm pretty sure this is all steroid related, but will take something if need be. I have no idea if my donor has high cholesterol. I put in a request to talk to her, but haven't heard back from her. The docs couldn't even tell me if she is allergic to anything.

Tricia - I take over 20 pills a day and long for those days when I didn't take anything more than the occasional aspirin!!

Elaine - The steroids, although they have saved my life and my liver, have been very much a pain in my butt - literally. Because of my liver, I had to take very high doses (140 mg per day). I have slowly weaned down to 20 mg per day, but then had to go back up to 40mg a few weeks ago. I am now taking 30 mg a day. That seems to be keeping my liver functions at a good level. Anyway, the steroids raise my sugar, and I've had to take insulin to regulate my levels. My numbers are now under control, but there were times that 500 - 600 were almost the norm for me. Yes - I've been over 600 several times and thankfully did not go in to a coma. It was scary. The steroids also atrophied my muscles, causing me to fall several times. One fall, caused pulled muscles and soooo much pain on my left side that lasted several months. I also had an abscess and had several hospital stays all because of side effects from the steroids. And I won't mention the hairs on my chinny chin, chin...

Susan - I have learned to NEVER ask "what's next?" I usually find out pretty quickly what comes next...

StephN · 11-15-2008, 01:02 PM

Dear Maryann -
Got to wish you all the best for a better cholesterol result next test. You could take pills all day long to counteract the side effects of the last pill or set of pills.

I also had some loss of function in my leg muscles from the decadron that took a long time to get back. And I was on much lower dose for much less time. Pernicious stuff!

And I remember that ALL of us (Chris, Joe, you and I) were on pretty lean type diets. Many times I have wanted one of those grilled Mahi Mahi fish tacos from that place across the road from the convention center!!!
Those were about the best food item we had that trip!

madubois63 · 11-15-2008, 02:18 PM

I saw that restaurant used in a movie a few weeks ago! I nearly forgot about it until you mentioned the fish tacos (mmmmm). At first, I thought I was imagining it, but they had a shot of the convention center and the trolley crossing. I got all excited and of course my daughter said I am sooo weird. Anyway, I'm going to brave the weather (very nasty here today) and go do some food shopping. It always comes down to food...