[hopeful]

HI Everyone,
I am finally starting to feel a little better. I am not sure if it is the R-Lipoic Acid because rhemo also placed me on Imuran. I tend to think it is not the Imuran though. I only took it 3 times and only 25 mgs. So it looks like the RLA is working. So thanks for the advice.
Ok my new questio is could a low HDL mean anything with all of this. All my other cholestrol levels are good. Actually, I was surprised by this. I eat healthy etc and probably have not had cholesterol levels checked in years. My HDL was 39. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks

[mrsD]

Depending on who you ask, it might be "low" or nothing at all!

Medical opinions swing widely on cholesterol numbers.

If you want to raise it, make sure you have some niacin in your vitamin mix... doesn't have to be alot though.

Or take some fish oil. Both are known to raise HDL.

I do think sugar will lower it.... because since I started on my low sugar regimen, my HDL went up. Hubby's is over 70, and he takes one flax oil a day and one double strength fish oil.
Mine is 64.

It is said that red wine may raise it, but for PNers that may not be wise to add wine to your diet.

[hopeful]

Thanks I will start the niacin or fish oil. the rest of my lipid profile was good. Of course my crazy mind went to Tangiers disease. Can cause PN and most of my fathers family including he died young of heart disease. I saw a post on here once from someone that said they were going to be tested for possible genetic causes. How do they know what to test for? I don't care as much as I use to about finding the cause but it would be nice. Thanks again. Have a great day!! glad to see Oreo is doing good and sharing with Houdini!

[mrsD]

Here is information on Tangiers disease:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangier_disease

I think your HDL's would be much lower than you have.

Yours is in a common range. I once had my endo tell me his HDL which was 34--lower than yours. He was envious of my typically high reading.

At one time HDL was a huge factor, a good thing to have. But now there are details about this that cloud the issue:
This is called "dysfunctional HDL"....
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Is...olTurnsBad.asp

Testing at the doctor's office does not reveal which you have or how much of it yet.

[mrsD]

Don't take too much Niacin.... the niacinamide in your multivit is enough. Straight Niacin causes the "flush" which is very uncomfortable. High doses have to be monitored by a doctor.

[hopeful]

Interesting article. what do you think of flax seed oil instead of fish oil? The fish oil repeats on me alot. That is why I stopped it. I think I will stay away from niacin. I do not smoke, I only need to lose about 5 lbs. I use to exercise probably to excess but can't anymore. I do still work though so I am up and about.
Did you ever have any type of genetic testing or know others that have? If so is there a list of testing somewhere that they use for those with PN and Hypothyroidism.
I suppose I should probably see a cardiologist just as a precaution from hamily hx but I don't seem to have any problems except occassional PVC's. Thanks!!

[mrsD]

Here is information on Tangiers disease:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangier_disease

I think your HDL's would be much lower than you have.

Yours is in a common range. I once had my endo tell me his HDL which was 34--lower than yours. He was envious of my typically high reading.

At one time HDL was a huge factor, a good thing to have. But now there are details about this that cloud the issue:
This is called "dysfunctional HDL"....
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Is...olTurnsBad.asp

Testing at the doctor's office does not reveal which you have or how much of it yet.

[mrsD]

You can do Krill oil instead. It does not repeat.

[hopeful]

Originally Posted by mrsD

You can do Krill oil instead. It does not repeat.

Thanks I am going to try that. Does that do the same to lower high cholesterol as fish oil? My husband is taking Crestor and has spoken with his Dr. about taking fish oil and trying to come off it. Thanks!

[Sallysblooms]

I think Crestor is a statin, make sure his doctor also knows about CoQ10. Surely all doctors know by now.