Hi Owen!
I recently stumbled into the PT whilst doing some research on CHD. I am a 43 year old male, whose father passed at 46. In June of this year, my Cardiologist ordered me for a Calcium CT score.
My score came out in the 90th+ % for my age. As such, I panicked and started to do some research. My cardiologist ordered an echo stress test. The results of which were normal. I was taking 1500mg of Niaspan, and 4grams of Lovaza.
My lipid panel at that time looked like this:
Total Chol: 198
HDL: 27
LDL: 112
Triglycerides: 296
CPR (this was taken last 3/2011): 6.6
After consulting with the doctor about my profile, calcium score and stress test, he wanted to put me on a statin. I reluctantly agreed and went on 20mg Pravoc hol daily. I continued all other Rx. I did this for 2 weeks, and was barely able to walk.
Despite the muscle weakness, and joint stiffness, I started walking 3.2 miles 5X / week. (started at the end of June. I was able to finish in 1:06 minutes on average.
After two weeks, I called the doctor and advised on my symptoms. I stopped the Pravochol, and returned to his office 2 weeks later. It was within this time (3 rd week of July ) that I stumbled into David Leakes book, and the Unified Theory. I started the protocol (of course without my doctors knowledge:).
I started, and continue with:
15 Grams of Vitamin C
6 Grams L Lysine
2 Grams of L Proline
I split my doses into 3 equal. (1000 mg of Proline before bed).
Upon my return to the doctor, he suggested another statin. This time, Crestor, 2x / week. After 2 doses, my weakness returned, and I stumbled into the Lipid Hypothesis". I started reading Anthony Colpo's book, The Great Cholesterol Con. I also picked up Malcolm Kendricks book by the same name.
Nonetheless, I decided that statins are not where I want to be.
I continued walking, and made some rather drastic changes. I cut out ALL processed food (with the exception of cheese). I have also Eliminated all refined sugar. Also, I have eliminated ALL wheat. My diet is more in line with Paleo right now. Fruits, some veggies, and mostly protein / meat. Eggs, butter, but no dairy except some cheese. I am now starting incorporation of coconut oil.
I did a lipid panel last week, and the cardiologist called, almost in a state of panic . I think they were great, but wanted your opinion.
Total Chol: 232 (up 17%)
HDL: 45 (Up 67%)
LDL: 166 (Up 48 %)
Triglycerides: 106! (Down 64%)
CRP: I am awaiting this score.
I think he was concerned about the increased total and LDL increase, but I am looking at the other numbers are really good improvements in 7 weeks from last profile and 3 weeks since changing my diet. He also noted that my Vitamin D was low ( I do stay out of the sun, and my dairy intake is VERY limited. In fact, I am cutting this entirely).
Of course I am concerned about my plaque, and the reduction thereof. I have two small children, and I do not wish to orphan them as my father did to our family . (note: he was a heavy smoker, overweight, and owned his own business( stress
!)).
My cardio has improved. I am now able to walk those same 3.2 miles in 54 minute
s.
My previous BP was 125/85 and 89-91 BPM. It is now 108/68 and 79 BPM.
I've only lost 3 LB, but feel so much better. I am now 5' 8" and 195....technically obese.
How would you look at my numbers? Am I nuts not to do the statin?
How can I REALLY see if the PT is working? Another CT scan?
I eagerly await your response.
Best regards,
Karl
Sent from my iPhone
First, congrats on research and stopping the poison (in my opinion) - the statin.
And congrats on your new diet ! All sounds good.
We have noticed that as people begin PT, their cholesterol goes up for a time, maybe because it is being loosened from the arterial walls, and not excreted right away?
Your total cholesterol number may indicate that you might need even more vitamin C, but you are taking a really good amount. (We are all different though).
Since this began with a high arterial calcium score - and the regular PT does not attack calcium, at least not for months and months or years, I recommend adding a good vitamin K daily (e.g. Super-K from LEF.ORG). A vitamin K supplement will lower your calcium score, at least in one year, maybe less, we don't know for sure. Less calcium in the arteries allows them to stretch and makes any clots that much less dangerous.
Not sure I understand your vitamin D issue - take sun (everywhere but face) for 20-30 minutes daily! Long story if you need it... let me know.
)