Re: I came here for information and advice

zob wrote:

Thanks for the link. After what I've been reading, it looks as if it
might be prudent to stay on Plavix for the rest of my life also. At
least until new studies that are being done now are completed. It
looks as if the danger lies within the first three months after
stopping Plavix; there seems a rebound effect where the platelets,
previously repressed, suddenly multiply and form clots in the stent
area. I've read some hopeful news, that studies currently under way
may show that it's simply a matter of weaning off the Plavix gradually
rather than stopping cold turkey.

I'm also on Tricor and Lipitor, which -- like you -- I am working hard
to get off of. I had my angioplasty October 25, 2007, a month after
you, and I have lost 50 pounds since then sticking to a low fat/low
glycemic diet. I'm hoping to get off the statins for more reason than
one. Between the statins, Niaspan, Plavix, three BP meds and a couple
of other meds, even with good insurance my prescription co-pays amount
to several hundred dollars a month. These are all tier 1 and tier 2
meds.

I'm really hoping that with lifestyle changes I've made that this will
change. My blood pressure was averaging around 150/85 even with the
meds. Now with my weight loss it's averaging about 118/65 and I've
already been able to switch from the very expensive Catapres
transdermal patch to the much cheaper clonidine. SInce October my
total cholesterol has dropped from 239 to 117, and triglycerides have
plummeted from 359 to 117 also. I've begun an exercise program and am
very optimistic that when I go for my next follow up with the
cardiologist (in August) that I'll be able to get off several meds.

Since the angioplasty I feel better and have more energy than I've had
in years. My only real concern has been the prospect of eventually
stopping Plavix with the drug exuding stents. Guess I'll just wait
and express my concerns to the cardiologist at my August appointment.

Zob

Sounds like you are doing pretty well. Here are my stats:
Male, age 52 when I had my attack. I smoked almost continiously since I was a teenager, and was up to a full 2 packs a day. I was 6'4" and about 285 lbs. At times I had been in the 290's. My job has me on my feet most of the day, with some occasional heavy lifting.
Total Cholesteral as of DOA was 197 with LDL in the 120's, HDL 39.
I also had HBP, 140/80's mostly.
Upon discharge from the hospital, I was put on:
Plavix 75mg, Benecar 20mg, Toprol 25mg, Lipitor 80mg, Ecotrin 325.
I also went on Chantix, and have not had a single smoke since.
I used to drink tons of whole milk, use boatloads of butter, 1/2&1/2, some fried foods, pastries for breakfast, classic American bad diet.

Blood test 12/08/07 Total Ch 88, HDL30, LDL45, TG64. Dr cut my Lipitor to 40mg & added Niaspan 500 to try & bring HDL up.

I took a 36 session Cardiac Rehab program, and started also exercising on a treadmill & eliptical at home every morning. I got down as low as 256 in early Feb, the last day of rehab. Since then I have climbed back up to about 263. I'm eating lots of yogurt, berries, apples, oranges, whole wheat crackers, flax seed, avacados, walnuts, salmon, and lots of other stuff I have read to be helpfull in raising good HDL's.
I go for another blood test next week, and hope to see the HDL's up.

I started having pretty serious memory lapses, which peaked in early March. On 3/14 I saw my Dr again, and he took me off Lipitor & put me on Crestor 10mg. I feel my memory situation & brain farts have improved much since then.

Best of luck to you Zob!

David
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