Hi Elisha
I have been on Diovan for hbp for 1 year and lipitor for high cholesterol since July last year. I have not taken an active roll in my medical treatment before but due to issues with my husband's health and having to be an advocate on his behalf i have become more assertive and done some researching of my own about my own health issues.
I discovered firstly that my cholesterol readings back in July 2006 were very borderline, none of my TC, LDL, HDL and triclyceride readings were over the amounts (here in Vancouver, BC) that categorize high cholesterol, mind you some were equal to those values but none were higher. so really lifestyle changes should have been discussed before prescribing meds. Also i was put on 20mg of lipitor and not 10mg, who knows why??? and my doctor has never sent me for cholesterol tests or liver or kidney function since starting it!!!
I actually want to stop taking lipitor and perhaps some of the other meds i am on. My medical history is complicated and spans mostly the last 10 year: started with a major depressive episode 10 years ago (and a string of antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds); ditropan then detroLA for incontinence from the birth of 3 large babies; pantaloc for gastrointestinal refux (leftovers from an ulcer in my teens i reckon); diovan for high bp (genetic disposition); then lipitor (risk factors present:overweight, inactive, smoker) etc.
I am now 50 and tested fasting glucose intolerant last spring. lost 47 lbs, gave up most sugar and simple carbs. coasted along. tested impaired glucose intolerant in Nov 2006, starting monitoring blood glucose more closely. then i went headfirst into another major depressive episode, my first in 10 years but managed to go to a diabetic clinic Feb 2007, and had a complete mindset turnaround, started exercising 30 mins each day, on a strict low carb, high fibre, lowish fat (not too low or I am constipated), low cholesterol, low calories for weight loss diet.
now i discover that half my meds can cause or worsen blood sugars, can impact kidney and liver function (on 3 new meds for depression/ anxiety now too) and other problems, my family doctor and specialists are not talking to each other and i feel that i have to take the bull by the horn and do something for me. but my family doctor is being quite resistent in my opinion.
sorry to write a book but it does feel good to get this all out. i would just like to be heard by my doctor and so i have booked an appt for next monday for a med review and if things don't go as i hope they do i am now ready to find a new family doctor, at least one i can talk to and who will listen to me.
thanks for your response, i do appreciate the time you took to respond
deb