Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
Another thanks & p.s. - Polly, thanks for the reminder about Vitamin A - I checked, and our cod-liver oil has 5000 IUs. We only have that a couple of times a week, in smoothies, and I'm not taking any other supplemental source. (I finally found a source of fish oil that's not flavored, so probably will phase out the CLO entirely.)
Love,
S
Doctor's appointment this afternoon (primary care)
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Sara,
That is a terrific site for calculating ratios and I have bookmarked it. Thanks for looking up the ratios for me. My Dr. wants me to get another lipid profile in 6 months to see if the low dose simastatin lowered my LDL to a more normal level. If so, then I expect to be off the statin.
Why does your Dr. want you to get another colonoscopy? You're doing so well. Is it to check for inflammation? Since you already know about the MC, I'm confused by her asking that.
garina
That is a terrific site for calculating ratios and I have bookmarked it. Thanks for looking up the ratios for me. My Dr. wants me to get another lipid profile in 6 months to see if the low dose simastatin lowered my LDL to a more normal level. If so, then I expect to be off the statin.
Why does your Dr. want you to get another colonoscopy? You're doing so well. Is it to check for inflammation? Since you already know about the MC, I'm confused by her asking that.
garina
Polly,I have wondered about - is the vitamin A (retinol) in the retin A skin cream (tretinoin) that some women use on their face to reduce wrinkles absorbed through the skin in high enough amounts to interfere with vitamin D absorption? I can't seem to find this info.
Retinol, as Retinyl Palmitate, was found to increase skin tumors and skin cancer risk when exposed to sunlight. EWG and other groups sounded the alarm about the risk of sunscreens containing this Vitamin A ingredient last year. I also can't seem to find whether it blocks Vitamin D production, but it certainly does get absorbed through the skin and should be factored in to the overall Vitamin A intake.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/ ... ITAMIN_A)/
Garina, believe it or not I have *never* had a colonoscopy - I was diagnosed with CC in 1997, via flexible sigmoidoscopy. So, from her point of view, I am overdue for my 50yo colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy.
Z, that's some big news about Retinyl palmitate. I've never used it (in sunscreens or wrinkle creams), though I sometimes look at my aging face and think maybe I should be a *little* vainer and make more of an effort. Classic case of a benign-sounding ingredient not being so benign after all...
S
Z, that's some big news about Retinyl palmitate. I've never used it (in sunscreens or wrinkle creams), though I sometimes look at my aging face and think maybe I should be a *little* vainer and make more of an effort. Classic case of a benign-sounding ingredient not being so benign after all...
S
Sara,
You were well-prepared for your doctor visit, and it sounds like she saw you as a partner in managing your health care. Your numbers all look pretty good to me.
I also was interested in the ratios of the lipid panel numbers. I entered mine into the page and was surprised to see the results. These numbers were from the blood work I had after I had been off Simvastatin for a couple of months last year:
Cholesterol: 242
Triglycerides: 106
HDL Cholesterol: 63
LDL Cholesterol: 158
Of course, my cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were flagged as high and I went back on Simvastatin based upon these numbers. But when I put the numbers into the website, this was the report:
Your Total Cholesterol of 242 is HIGH RISK
Your LDL of 158 is BORDERLINE
Your HDL of 63 is OPTIMAL
Your Triglyceride level of 105 is NORMAL
RATIOS:
Your Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio is: 3.84 - (preferably under 5.0, ideally under 3.5) GOOD
Your HDL/LDL ratio is: 0.399 - (preferably over 0.3, ideally over 0.4) GOOD
Your triglycerides/HDL ratio is: 1.667 - (preferably under 4, ideally under 2) IDEAL
According to the ratios, I'm good. Of course, these numbers don't tell my risk for a stroke.
Gloria
You were well-prepared for your doctor visit, and it sounds like she saw you as a partner in managing your health care. Your numbers all look pretty good to me.
I also was interested in the ratios of the lipid panel numbers. I entered mine into the page and was surprised to see the results. These numbers were from the blood work I had after I had been off Simvastatin for a couple of months last year:
Cholesterol: 242
Triglycerides: 106
HDL Cholesterol: 63
LDL Cholesterol: 158
Of course, my cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were flagged as high and I went back on Simvastatin based upon these numbers. But when I put the numbers into the website, this was the report:
Your Total Cholesterol of 242 is HIGH RISK
Your LDL of 158 is BORDERLINE
Your HDL of 63 is OPTIMAL
Your Triglyceride level of 105 is NORMAL
RATIOS:
Your Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio is: 3.84 - (preferably under 5.0, ideally under 3.5) GOOD
Your HDL/LDL ratio is: 0.399 - (preferably over 0.3, ideally over 0.4) GOOD
Your triglycerides/HDL ratio is: 1.667 - (preferably under 4, ideally under 2) IDEAL
According to the ratios, I'm good. Of course, these numbers don't tell my risk for a stroke.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
It's really interesting, Gloria - I've been reading about the various ratios a little more this morning. Apparently low triglycerides can throw off the calculation for LDL (the LDL in most standard cholesterol tests is not directly measured, but calculated) - I found a different calculator that some consider more reliable when triglycerides are low, which mine are (at 50). Using that method my calculated LDL would be 115. (Link is here, and it makes your calc'd LDL "look" worse - but that is because your triglycerides are normal, not low-normal: http://homepages.slingshot.co.nz/~geoff36/LDL_mg.htm )
In either case, it's still a calculation - the VAP or NMR test would give a direct measure of LDL, among other things. I'm looking forward to that test result, and to sharing my exploring of 'ratios' with my doc...
And your "ideal" ratio, btw, is the best news of all:
To your health!
L,
S
In either case, it's still a calculation - the VAP or NMR test would give a direct measure of LDL, among other things. I'm looking forward to that test result, and to sharing my exploring of 'ratios' with my doc...
And your "ideal" ratio, btw, is the best news of all:
That's the conclusion from this article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664115/ - which, as you point out, does not address your risk for stroke. That is a concern for me, as well.Nearly all routinely assessed lipid variables were associated with the extent of coronary disease, but only the ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol or to HDL-c were robustly associated with disease extent. Elevation in the ratio of TG to HDL-c was the single most powerful predictor of extensive coronary heart disease among all the lipid variables examined.
To your health!
L,
S
I’m not sure I am understanding what this Doc said in your first paragraph of your visit summary, but that is not important. What is important for you is that you are understanding it. In my experience, the HDL/LDL ratio, plus triglycerides, are the important metrics for coming to some kind of comprehensive conclusion with regard to evaluating Cholesterol levels in an individual. Those numbers will then be played against such factors as family history etc.
The Total Cholesterol number is not particularly meaningful -- with a few exceptions. TC is the popular metric though, mostly because that is a singular number most people can relate to, and recall. Then they can gather at parties etc. and try to out-do each other with regard to their “number”.
Remember, one can get their TC checked at the County Fair, but for any kind of real interpretive process to begin, the lipid profile must be obtained and calculated. A high number at the county fair only tells a person that they should have their Doc look in further detail.
You are on your way here. Once you get this all under your belt, you do have valid talking points regarding use of Statins with your Doc. Doc’s all are quite aware of the various considerations with these statin drugs. They have all formed their own opinion accordingly.
The previous PCP I had here was something of an irreverent guy, -- I liked him. -- Anyway his statement on the Statins/Cholesterol debate was “Only in America could it be possible to make this substance called cholesterol into a multi-billion dollar a year business. LOL.” He unfortunately left to pursue his dream of a “Rocky Mountain High Life Style”, 
and I bet his patients out there appreciate his attitude toward some of these things also. (he was a SHARP guy). He wasn’t against statins per-se, but did think they were being dished up like peas in a college cafeteria.
The Colonoscopy question??? Only you can decide, but since you have never had, and unless there are some big extenuating circumstances, I think you are on the hook. And when in this spot, personally, I usually will elect to just get it over with. Then they will most likely be off your back(end) for 10 years. The dread is far worse than the experience itself. The major difference between the full Colonoscopy and the Flex–Sig for the patient, is of course that prep. UGH!!
RE: Vit D level – Looks like you have done/are doing well there. I might try to vary the intake some and see if there is change, and in what direction, and how much -- 6 to12 months from now. I’ve never heard that there is any way of predicting on that question. My only thought is sometimes “Better can be the enemy of good”. If one is happy with that level, be satsfied with that level.
Cheers,
Gayle
The Total Cholesterol number is not particularly meaningful -- with a few exceptions. TC is the popular metric though, mostly because that is a singular number most people can relate to, and recall. Then they can gather at parties etc. and try to out-do each other with regard to their “number”.
Remember, one can get their TC checked at the County Fair, but for any kind of real interpretive process to begin, the lipid profile must be obtained and calculated. A high number at the county fair only tells a person that they should have their Doc look in further detail.You are on your way here. Once you get this all under your belt, you do have valid talking points regarding use of Statins with your Doc. Doc’s all are quite aware of the various considerations with these statin drugs. They have all formed their own opinion accordingly.
The previous PCP I had here was something of an irreverent guy, -- I liked him. --
Anyway his statement on the Statins/Cholesterol debate was “Only in America could it be possible to make this substance called cholesterol into a multi-billion dollar a year business. LOL.” He unfortunately left to pursue his dream of a “Rocky Mountain High Life Style”, and I bet his patients out there appreciate his attitude toward some of these things also. (he was a SHARP guy). He wasn’t against statins per-se, but did think they were being dished up like peas in a college cafeteria.The Colonoscopy question??? Only you can decide, but since you have never had, and unless there are some big extenuating circumstances, I think you are on the hook. And when in this spot, personally, I usually will elect to just get it over with. Then they will most likely be off your back(end) for 10 years. The dread is far worse than the experience itself. The major difference between the full Colonoscopy and the Flex–Sig for the patient, is of course that prep. UGH!!
RE: Vit D level – Looks like you have done/are doing well there. I might try to vary the intake some and see if there is change, and in what direction, and how much -- 6 to12 months from now. I’ve never heard that there is any way of predicting on that question. My only thought is sometimes “Better can be the enemy of good”. If one is happy with that level, be satsfied with that level.
Cheers,
Gayle
Excellent thoughts, Gayle, thanks. Those 'ratio' calculators were very persuasive to me that my cholesterol is not a current worry. I do want to get the colonoscopy over with... and am pretty concerned about the prep, and the risk of triggering a flare. I'd like my guts to be "more normal more of the time" before I throw that curveball. On the other hand, since I'm already a little south of normal, maybe just getting it over with is just as good a plan.
Just scheduled my DEXA scan & ob/gyn appointment (long overdue, seems to be kind of a theme). I love that the DEXA prep says "wear comfortable clothes." I don't own any other kind
About 'competitive' blood test comparing - too funny, and too true.
Thanks so much,
Sara
Just scheduled my DEXA scan & ob/gyn appointment (long overdue, seems to be kind of a theme). I love that the DEXA prep says "wear comfortable clothes." I don't own any other kind
About 'competitive' blood test comparing - too funny, and too true.
Thanks so much,
Sara
Hi Sara,
I guess the only question is:
If conditions with your MC should settle down to the point of then feeling well squared away, how would you feel about then messing with an improved status-quo -- with that prep? Wouldn’t you likely then, want to follow the “Let sleeping dogs lie” path?
If things aren’t exactly great presently, is that prep likely to make things worse (other than for the immediate time period)?
But you are already aware of all this – it’s now just the choosing of which way to proceed.
The DEXA is a piece of cake. Who doesn't try to forgetaboud dat dang GYN appointment!
Best of luck with -- whatever,
Gayle
I guess the only question is:
If conditions with your MC should settle down to the point of then feeling well squared away, how would you feel about then messing with an improved status-quo -- with that prep? Wouldn’t you likely then, want to follow the “Let sleeping dogs lie” path?
If things aren’t exactly great presently, is that prep likely to make things worse (other than for the immediate time period)?
But you are already aware of all this – it’s now just the choosing of which way to proceed.
The DEXA is a piece of cake. Who doesn't try to forgetaboud dat dang GYN appointment!
Best of luck with -- whatever,
Gayle
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8367
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Congrats on having a doctor that is working with you ( i am a tad jealous...)
In oz there are only 2 main pathology companies that you go to for your tests (blood, poop,biopsy etc), i ask the doctor to use the one that I have been to previously and that way when the results come through it shows the results of the previous tests so you can see trending with key things like Vit D, B12, Iron, Cholesterol etc etc.
Good luck as you prepare for your first bowel prep and scope, it is not the most pleasant 24 hours but there are way way worse things (based on my current situation, oral surgery has been worse than the bowel prep, scope and hemorrhoid banding)
as i can tolerate eggs, i do have quite a few of them in my eating plan (they are the cheapest form of protein) people ask me arent you worried about cholesterol? my reply not really, i will worry about it when it comes up as a concern in the blood tests at the moment, having good levels of protein and Vit D in my diet (within the budget) is the focus.
As my eating plan does not involve eating out or eating fast foods or pre-prepared frozen meals, I dont believe the cholesterol amount from eggs is going to kill me.
In oz there are only 2 main pathology companies that you go to for your tests (blood, poop,biopsy etc), i ask the doctor to use the one that I have been to previously and that way when the results come through it shows the results of the previous tests so you can see trending with key things like Vit D, B12, Iron, Cholesterol etc etc.
Good luck as you prepare for your first bowel prep and scope, it is not the most pleasant 24 hours but there are way way worse things (based on my current situation, oral surgery has been worse than the bowel prep, scope and hemorrhoid banding)
as i can tolerate eggs, i do have quite a few of them in my eating plan (they are the cheapest form of protein) people ask me arent you worried about cholesterol? my reply not really, i will worry about it when it comes up as a concern in the blood tests at the moment, having good levels of protein and Vit D in my diet (within the budget) is the focus.
As my eating plan does not involve eating out or eating fast foods or pre-prepared frozen meals, I dont believe the cholesterol amount from eggs is going to kill me.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Gabes,
I don't know if you're aware of this or not, but cholesterol in the diet has nothing to do with cholesterol levels in the blood. The purpose of the digestive system is to break all that stuff down into individual units that can be reformulated, (just like any other food, except for gluten, which is indigestible), and the body uses those nutrients for whatever purpose it sees fit, at the moment. The idea that cholesterol in food goes straight to the blood, and is deposited on the walls of the blood vessels, never was valid, but for some strange reason, many people, including doctors, apparently believed it to be true for decades.
Eggs are one of the healthiest foods available, and I don't recall ever seeing any reliable research that showed that eating eggs increases one's cholesterol level. There are a lot of self-appointed "experts" who claim that eggs are unhealthy, but where is the proof? From an article published by the Harvard School of Public Health:
And yet:
Where do they get such convoluted recommendations?
Tex
I don't know if you're aware of this or not, but cholesterol in the diet has nothing to do with cholesterol levels in the blood. The purpose of the digestive system is to break all that stuff down into individual units that can be reformulated, (just like any other food, except for gluten, which is indigestible), and the body uses those nutrients for whatever purpose it sees fit, at the moment. The idea that cholesterol in food goes straight to the blood, and is deposited on the walls of the blood vessels, never was valid, but for some strange reason, many people, including doctors, apparently believed it to be true for decades.
Eggs are one of the healthiest foods available, and I don't recall ever seeing any reliable research that showed that eating eggs increases one's cholesterol level. There are a lot of self-appointed "experts" who claim that eggs are unhealthy, but where is the proof? From an article published by the Harvard School of Public Health:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionso ... ull-story/In studies of more than 80,000 female nurses, Harvard researchers found that consuming about an egg a day was not associated with higher risk of heart disease (too few women in the study were eating more than an egg a day to evaluate the effects of higher egg intakes).
And yet:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/707896_6The American Heart Association recommendation is to limit dietary cholesterol to <300 mg/d. The average egg yolk contains on average 213 mg of cholesterol.
Where do they get such convoluted recommendations?
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Maybe I phrased that too strongly. I didn't mean to imply that there is an absolute zero effect for everyone - I just meant that it's not normally significant for most people. People with diabetes may be an exception to that rule, for example.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Gayle,
My first DEXA some years back showed very slight osteopenia... my second showed I was A-OK normal, and right before I did the happy dance about my awesome accomplishment, I noticed the fine print: they had recalibrated their equipment, so comparison between the results was meaningless. I'm thinking - 3rd time's a charm.
I agree, maybe it's better to just take the hit on the colonoscopy prep. Maybe not now, maybe now - but for sure, I would like to rule out colon cancer, though I believe my risk to be low.
Gabes, I believe eggs to be the elixir of life, and have actually scheduled on my calendar (for early 2013) when I will re-attempt eating them (this timing may change when I do MRT). I agree with Tex, the idea that eating cholesterol in diet elevates cholesterol in blood has been debunked, but lingers in the popular and medical thinking. You're right, of course - perfectly healthy for you to be eating eggs in the context of your thoughtful and healthy eating plan. Hope they continue to work for you - as you say, it's an affordable and excellent source of protein (and they fit so nicely in one's purse!).
xox/S
My first DEXA some years back showed very slight osteopenia... my second showed I was A-OK normal, and right before I did the happy dance about my awesome accomplishment, I noticed the fine print: they had recalibrated their equipment, so comparison between the results was meaningless. I'm thinking - 3rd time's a charm.
I agree, maybe it's better to just take the hit on the colonoscopy prep. Maybe not now, maybe now - but for sure, I would like to rule out colon cancer, though I believe my risk to be low.
Gabes, I believe eggs to be the elixir of life, and have actually scheduled on my calendar (for early 2013) when I will re-attempt eating them (this timing may change when I do MRT). I agree with Tex, the idea that eating cholesterol in diet elevates cholesterol in blood has been debunked, but lingers in the popular and medical thinking. You're right, of course - perfectly healthy for you to be eating eggs in the context of your thoughtful and healthy eating plan. Hope they continue to work for you - as you say, it's an affordable and excellent source of protein (and they fit so nicely in one's purse!).
xox/S
Hi All!
I think about 2/3rds of a person's cholesterol value is endogenous - made within the body itself - and that the other 1/3rd is exogenous (from what we eat). At least that's what I learned in my training. So it's true that what we eat is not as important as most people think. Gabes, I agree with you about the value of eggs.
Polly
I think about 2/3rds of a person's cholesterol value is endogenous - made within the body itself - and that the other 1/3rd is exogenous (from what we eat). At least that's what I learned in my training. So it's true that what we eat is not as important as most people think. Gabes, I agree with you about the value of eggs.
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.