Posted by DonnaT on August 13, 2007, at 7:42:53
In reply to Re: St. John's Wart vs. Statins » Phillipa, posted by FredPotter on August 12, 2007, at 21:46:42
Fred, I know, this has been my thorn in the side for years. My cholesterol unattended gets very high (close to 450); I had a triple by-pass four years ago due to clogged arteries. I have also been on supplements, vitamins and herbs (including Red Yeast Rice) for about as long, refusing to take prescription medicine, but could only get my cholesterol down to about 280. Dr. said I really should take a statin to get it lower and to ensure against a heart attack.
I finally agreed to try a low-dose Vytorin (10/20) and did get it down lower, about 225. A few months later I decided to go on St. John's Wort (thanks for the correction) for moodiness, etc. Still no success in getting cholesterol lowered, in fact it went up again to 260, Doc put me on 10/40 Vytorin (haven't been tested since), but then learned about the possible clash with St. John's Wort.
My Dr., although patient with my "all-natural-no-prescribed-medicine" approach to my health, is still from the school of thought that statins prevent cardiovascular accidents.
Any help out here in babbleland would be greatly appreciated. FYI, my body manufacturers cholesterol, even if I don't eat anything.
I really don't want to stop SJW because the benefits have been terrific, but I'm also afraid of my cholesterol going up again. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place.
poster:DonnaT
thread:775740
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070808/msgs/775941.html