Just got back from seeing our family doctor.  He told me that based on my cholesterol total of 255 plus a high risk reading on the CRP test, I have to take a statin drug to lower cholesterol. He put me on 80 mg. of Lescol, which he says is a rather high dosage.  One of the possible side effects is dizziness  ( But I've been struggling with dizziness/vertigo  at times for weeks now WITHOUT the cholesterol meds.)   And he also gave me something for  dizziness today...something called Bonine.)  Another side effect of Lescol is gastrointestinal problems.  (I just got my irritable bowel problems under control a few months ago and am finally feeling better.). Yet another side effect is tingling in hands and feet (I also had that for several years and finally got over it).  I'm so afraid that I'll get side effects that will cause problems with things I finally got rid of or am having trouble with now, like dizziness.  If my CRP level had been lower, he wouldn't have put me on a cholesterol medication, because my ration of HDL to LDL was good, and my triglycerides were down over a hundred points, to 128.  I had worked so hard to get the triglycerides down! I 'm really having trouble getting up the courage to take that Lescol pill at bedtime tonight.  My doctor will be on vacation for two weeks, (he's leaving tonight) and I won't be able to talk to him if I do develop trouble.  Gee, I feel discouraged, scared mostly.  Have any of you taken Lescol and not had any side effects?  I'm usually pretty optimistic, but this really has me feeling kind of down.  The doctor also said not to go through all the misery of having my ears tested,  plus MRIs, etc.,  just yet, since the dizziness may resolve itself.  But I never know when it's going to hit.  When it does, it's usually at night, from early evening until 2 or 3 in the AM.  It's happened three times in the past month, 10 or so days apart.  I hope it's nothing serious.  Anyone have any advice about the Lescol?  Or hugs?

Hi Madge,I haven't had any experience with Lescol but can sure send you some hugs!! (((((((((((((((((((((Madge)))))))))))))))))I can sympathize with you as I am on blood pressure medicine. I 've gone thru these same feelings taking that. I feel that for my health I have to trust my dr. at least for now. I'm hoping things will change after menepause is over...... Contratulations on lowering your triglycerides and your good levels of HDL and LDL! Keep doing what you're doing- maybe the cholesterol will come down enough and your CRP reading will improve  and you can stop the meds after awhile .

Hugs, Suzie

Thanks so much for the encouragement.  My family doctor is a personal friend, and someone I've known for at least 15 years.  He said he'd give the same advice to his own wife, and that he and the cardiologist were trying to do the best they could for me.  My cardiologist is a very good one, excellent reputation and track record. It's the CRP level that made the Lescol necessary.  The docs did say that if I can lose  weight, and the Lescol works to lower the CRP some, I can stop taking the medication.  So I guess I have to trust the doctors too.  I haven't started the Lescol yet, since some people I respect keep warning me about  th dangers of it, but I may have to.  From what I've read, CRP levels are nothing to take lightly or fool with.  They are possibly more dangerous than elevated cholesterol.  I'm doing as much reading as I can before I decide.  I do so appreciate your input.

Suzie, I just wanted you to know that I finally decided to take the Lescol XL, and just got back my first blood lipid results since starting it.  My total cholesterol is down from 255 to 170;  triglycerides now at 144; LDL down from 181 to 91; HDL the same at   50.  Also took ground flaxseed each day on my Cheerios and lost 10 pounds over the 6 weeks.  Good news.  Of course, CRP levels are harder to change, but at least now I only have one problem to deal with since the cholesterol is in the normal range.  As it turned out, dizziness wasn't a problem.  Initial constipation went away when I started using a little more ground flaxseed.  I feel good.  Also took 1/2  of a water pill, and blood pressure is down about ten points for both the top and bottom numbers.  So I guess all I have to do is keep taking it until the CRP levels drop some. Doc says if I lose another 20 pounds maybe I can stop the meds.  Sure hope so.   Anyway, that's what's been happening. How's your blood pressure now?

hello i just joined this and iam on lescol xl 80 mgs i have not had any side effects i am doing okay my cholsterol is real bad i hope mine goes down when i go back and i send hugs to you to i am all kinds of meds i have so many health problems and mental this is great i wish you all the best  

Hi there, Joni!  Did you just start on Lescol XL recently?  I think you'll find it will help your cholesterol.  I was SO worried that mine wouldn't drop much, but it did.  Last time I went to the doctor, I asked why he put me on Lescol instead of another statin.  He said that in his experience, those who took Lescol XL had  fewer problems with muscle pain and other side effects.  He said that while 80 mg.  of Lescol seems like a lot, Zocor and Lipitor  doses are smaller because those medications are stronger.  He feels that since Lescol XL is extended release, there are no highs and lows to deal with, so there are fewer side effects.  I'll have my 6 month blood tests at the end of July.  I've managed to take off close to 20 pounds, and am feeling okay.  Keep in touch, Joni.  It's good to know that we're not alone in this, isn't it?

Joni & Suzie...Haven't been to power surge for awhile, but thought I'd check in tonight.  Joni, how's your cholesterol?  Any blood test results yet?  My July tests showed an even bigger drop in cholesterol.  Total is down to 154, and all the subtests (HDL, LDL, etc.) are low normal.  And the best news...my CRP (inflammation) level is down to 2.0, which is normal.  I've lost an additional 8 pounds too, so the doctor says that in 5 months, when I have my next blood test, I can probably lower my cholesterol meds.  Eventually he feels I can stop the Lescol completely, if I can take off another 10 pounds.  I've had a lot of luck eating small amounts of food every few hours.  In order to reduce CRP, I've cut out all red meat and all products containing white flour or hydrogenated fats (trans-fats).  I use only whole grain bread made with a small amount of canola oil, etc.  My only vice is a small piece of dark chocolate (a Dove Promise) after supper, with a cup of tea.  I'm doing a lot better, and I hope you are too, Joni.