60 replies to this topic

[tx98z28]

I haven't been on the site in a while, been very busy. I'm having some nasty symptoms during and after an intense run. I feel it building up slowly during the run, when I hit a half mile I have to slow down and walk for 30 seconds, I then start running again and finish out the mile which consists of steady inclines and declines.

 

My best time is 7:33. Today was 8:03 and I nearly had to lay down in my drive way when I got back to the house. Was coughing up thick fluid shit and wheezing, had chest pain on my top right side of chest, heart, lung area, also have tightness pain going up right side of my neck, I had to hit my chest in that area a couple times as I felt pressure there, it just felt better I guess, it felt real tight like it was clogged up or something. 

 

My cholesterol is horrible 6 months ago before I started running it was 275 total and LDL was 208!!! 190 is very high for LDL so I know lifestyle changes needed to be made. High cholesterol runs in the family along with, heart disease, diabetes etc.

 

I have been taking red yeast rice along with cholesterol support by NOW Foods, that red yeast rice is no joke thats for sure had to back it down to a cap morning and night.

 

Basically I am looking for suggestions or if anyone has dealt with these symptoms personally. I know somethings not right obviously, just looking for some answers. I'm going to see a cardiologist this coming week, this shits got me scared to be honest.

 

Just got bloods done yesterday, hepatic, lipid, and the other panel can't remember. Waiting for results to come in.

 

Also wanted to add my blood pressure at rest is around 120-130 over 60-70 range.

[Looseunitwa]

Hey champ.....you running any gear?

[tx98z28]

No gear at all. I'm afraid to run any with my cholesterol as high as it is, I don't think from the way I feel that it lowered much at all in the past couple months either. 

[Looseunitwa]

Are you not in winter where you are right now? U sure just not a cold, chest infection esp with all that phlegm?

[scuncknuts]

What color is the stuff you are coughing up? Do you have fever? Your blood pressure sounds good to me. Worst case scenario congestive heart failure or stable angina pain. Could be costochondritis or bronchitis.

[scuncknuts]

If you think you are having a heart attack you could take some asprin 324mg.

[tx98z28]

Are you not in winter where you are right now? U sure just not a cold, chest infection esp with all that phlegm?

 

It's almost winter here in Texas, current temperature is 38*F at my house. Sorry about the late reply, I feel asleep just woke up.

 

It's definitely not a cold, this has been going on for months getting worse it seems, good news is theres no blood in the phlegm.

[tx98z28]

What color is the stuff you are coughing up? Do you have fever? Your blood pressure sounds good to me. Worst case scenario congestive heart failure or stable angina pain. Could be costochondritis or bronchitis.

 

It's mainly clear or a frothy white color. No fever at all, I haven't been sick in over a year. I'm not ruling out the congestive heart failure or the angina pain that honestly to me looks what it's leading to, not to sound negative but the research I've done are leading in the direction of those conditions, it's just hard to believe it could possibly be going that direction and i'm only 25.

 

Something is not right thats for sure.

 

Bloods should be back this week sometime. My main concerns are the LDL, and the liver enzymes. Liver enzymes keep getting higher every year and already out of range as well which I feel is not right, the endocrinologist said it's no big deal.

 

I get complete blood work done every 6 months just to be on the safe side with my family history of cholesterol problems etc.

[bradray]

You sound like you have acid reflux

[scuncknuts]

I don't think you have CHF at 25.

[Looseunitwa]

You sound like you have acid reflux

This hopefully^^^^^^^.......but concerned regarding liver enzymes increasing and high. If it's bile your coughing up will prob point to that.

Flush your body will fluids constantly champ too in the meantime and rest. No running etc till it's all sorted IMO.

[tx98z28]

You sound like you have acid reflux

 

I don't think it's acid reflux, I had that when I was younger around 17. It just went away one day and never came back. What I'm experiencing now is different.

[tx98z28]

I don't think you have CHF at 25.

 

Most likely at 25 I agree its probably not CHF, would be very rare at least. There is so many different things it could be, I just feel it's something not good, I'm just trying to stay positive about it.    

[tx98z28]

This hopefully^^^^^^^.......but concerned regarding liver enzymes increasing and high. If it's bile your coughing up will prob point to that.

Flush your body will fluids constantly champ too in the meantime and rest. No running etc till it's all sorted IMO.

 

Agreed Looseunitwa.

 

I'll keep ya'll posted when bloods come in and when I see the cardiologist. 

[Looseunitwa]

Agreed Looseunitwa.
 
I'll keep ya'll posted when bloods come in and when I see the cardiologist.

Let us know how you go........Ive put on my Xmas list to Santa for your health to be ok, and he always comes thru!

[Doctor Steuss]

As an aside:

 

Unless you are purchasing your Red Yeast Rice from overseas, any results are likely placebo or from something else. It is illegal for RYR to contain therapeutic levels of lovastatin in the US.

 

God bless our fun mixture of capitalism, and pharmacology.

 

Edited to add:  Try popping a Claritin, or Allegra a few hours before your run.

Edited by Doctor Steuss, 07 December 2015 - 11:36 AM.

[WrkHrdPlyHrd9999]

1st off, what's your approx age, height, weight and body fat levels

2) What's your cardiovascular regimen? Are you a regular exerciser?

3) You don't need an Endocrinologist you need a Cardiopulmonary specialist.

4) Your complaints are very unlikely related to your LDL levels.

Regardless, have your docs run an LDL-P ("p" = particle)

Often times, elevated LDL-C (the typical LDL test) values are high but NOT dangerous at all due to the LARGE fluffy particle size.

Conversely, LDL-C (typical LDL) levels that are "within range" but discovered to be SMALL in particle size "can be" of more concern.

5) I did not see you post your HDL or Triglyceride levels unless I missed it. What are they?

6) Lastly, lipid levels (cholesterol values) are only ONE "variable" (insignificant at times too) when assessing the in the entire CVD risk picture.

Have your docs run a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and assess your Homocysteine levels along with fasting blood glucose / A1C levels to get a better analysis of your risk for CVD.

[tx98z28]

1st off, what's your approx age, height, weight and body fat levels

 I'm  25, 6'1, 215, body fat at least 18%, horrible I know. 
2) What's your cardiovascular regimen? Are you a regular exerciser?
I Run a mile every other day, under 8 minutes with good grade inclines, I switch it up so my body doesn't get used to the same routine, no different than when I'm body bodybuilding. Haven't been bodybuilding in a while, reason why I'm running, trying to re strengthen my knee from lateral meniscus surgery.  
3) You don't need an Endocrinologist you need a Cardiopulmonary specialist.
The last endocrinologist I saw was a joke.
4) Your complaints are very unlikely related to your LDL levels.
I wouldn't call it complaining, only discussing/stating how I feel. 
Regardless, have your docs run an LDL-P ("p" = particle)

Often times, elevated LDL-C (the typical LDL test) values are high but NOT dangerous at all due to the LARGE fluffy particle size.

Conversely, LDL-C (typical LDL) levels that are "within range" but discovered to be SMALL in particle size "can be" of more concern.

5) I did not see you post your HDL or Triglyceride levels unless I missed it. What are they?
HDL 43, Triglycerides 107, LDL 208, Total 272
6) Lastly, lipid levels (cholesterol values) are only ONE "variable" (insignificant at times too) when assessing the in the entire CVD risk picture.

Have your docs run a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and assess your Homocysteine levels along with fasting blood glucose / A1C levels to get a better analysis of your risk for CVD.

 

Thank you for your post, good, very informative info here, looks like more fasted blood work, my favorite.

[Looseunitwa]

1st off, what's your approx age, height, weight and body fat levels
2) What's your cardiovascular regimen? Are you a regular exerciser?
3) You don't need an Endocrinologist you need a Cardiopulmonary specialist.
4) Your complaints are very unlikely related to your LDL levels.
Regardless, have your docs run an LDL-P ("p" = particle)
Often times, elevated LDL-C (the typical LDL test) values are high but NOT dangerous at all due to the LARGE fluffy particle size.
Conversely, LDL-C (typical LDL) levels that are "within range" but discovered to be SMALL in particle size "can be" of more concern.
5) I did not see you post your HDL or Triglyceride levels unless I missed it. What are they?
6) Lastly, lipid levels (cholesterol values) are only ONE "variable" (insignificant at times too) when assessing the in the entire CVD risk picture.
Have your docs run a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and assess your Homocysteine levels along with fasting blood glucose / A1C levels to get a better analysis of your risk for CVD.

Shit sorry OP....forgot to ask this before lol

This is why we have Wrkhrd here...............knows his medical chemistry stuff.

[tx98z28]

As an aside:

 

Unless you are purchasing your Red Yeast Rice from overseas, any results are likely placebo or from something else. It is illegal for RYR to contain therapeutic levels of lovastatin in the US.

 

God bless our fun mixture of capitalism, and pharmacology.

 

Edited to add:  Try popping a Claritin, or Allegra a few hours before your run.

 

I was under the same impression, all I know is the stuff I take does something, shit makes me dizzy if I take to much. Keep in mind my body does not need the dose recommended same with pharmaceuticals. I take less then half and get the same or better results. My liver just doesn't destroy the consumed amount relative to most individuals.

 

True about the capitalism. Are nations going down hill and takes the good people with it. I'm looking REAL forward to the health insurance massacre next year.

 

I use Nasonex. Nothing else does anything for me, except for amphetamine, vyvanse, opens the passages up real good. 

[tx98z28]

Shit sorry OP....forgot to ask this before lol

This is why we have Wrkhrd here...............knows his medical chemistry stuff.

 

True that, knows his stuff that for sure.

[WrkHrdPlyHrd9999]

TX & Loose: Thanks for the kind works

TX: "4)Your complaints are very unlikely related to your LDL levels.I wouldn't call it complaining, only discussing/stating how I feel. "

To clarify..."complaints" in the medical field merely serve as jargon to describe the patient's subjective symptoms. When you walk into a DR's office, he will ask you what your "chief complaints" are today. There is no negative connotation to be derived here. It's merely a semantics issue. So, you are correct in that all you are doing is "stating how you feel" and certainly not "complaining".

I will follow back up when I get off work tonight to see if I can shed some light after this new info TX shared with us.

[WrkHrdPlyHrd9999]

Some very random notes:

Your labs were from 6 months ago. Perhaps they've improved. Looking forward to the new/current assays. Your HDL and Triglyceride levels could stand to improve some but not a huge concern.

Are you on any meds? Some can skew lipid assays.

This discomfort you describe is a valid reason for concern but there is no way to conclude or even discern if this is in any way related to your lipid levels (which I presume is the root of your concerns, in that it has resulted in plaques/atherosclerosis) without any diagnostics done. Given your age, it would be very unlikely (but not impossible).

 

It could also be something more simple in nature; perhaps something merely musculoskeletal. Then again, it could very well be something heart-related like angina or even lung-related in origin as Scuncknuts suggested above. 

Your family history of diabetes, cholesterolemia as well as your previously elevated LDL findings and body fat levels (it is unclear how long you have been at these levels and these numbers are not that bad) all serve as good reasons and an incentive to stay in good shape and observe a healthy diet which it sounds as if you have already begun. Kudos to you.

Unconventionally, a lower carb diet with an emphasis on healthy fats should be a consideration. Healthy fats include mono's (almonds/oil, avocados/oil, olives/oil) and EFA's (fish oil). Another supplement that may be an interesting adjunct for you is PPC amongst others, but that can be determined at a later time after you have been diagnosed .

It should go without saying but limiting your processed foods, sugars and other high glycemic index / crap foods would be wise. A diet rich in greens, fiber, healthy fats, and a lower intake of processed foods and sugars will all assist in lowered A1C levels, improved glucose tolerance/insulin sensitivity and improved lipid profile. 

*All of these suggestions are premature and should be revisited once we get your official diagnosis and follow up lab work.

Good to hear you are getting your cardio in TX. That said, I think it would be prudent to get this checked out before continuing. Hard to unravel what's going on here with limited information.

I'm glad you did the right thing and sought medical treatments. Keep us posted TX.

[tx98z28]

WrkHrd,

 

I'm currently taking Lamictal 25mg's A.M & P.M a day Along with Klonopin .5mg A.M & P.M., Dapsone 100mg PRN, Xanax PRN, Vyvanse PRN, Nasonex twice a day.

I just started Paxil up again 5mg's P.M. for my mood, this time of year it goes down hill (my symptoms occurred way before I started the Paxil)

 

I eat relatively heathy, no sodas, pizza, processed shit, nothing like that. The only simple sugar I mainly consume is 12 grams of sugar in the raw in 16oz. of coffee in the morning. I drink these green shake things I make daily to, they consist of 3 scoops isopure mass with organic green & red kale with organic spinach mixed in. I eat sandwiches for lunch and stuff like that, rarely any junk food. Iv'e been on a 100% gluten free diet for 9 years. Yes, you can still eat very unhealthy on a gluten free diet but I choose not to.

 

It's hard for me to get my fruits in as I'm also allergic to citric acid & malic acid, pretty much all fruits are not an option for me, I can eat a very small amount and that it or it's hives.

 

I rarely drink any alcohol, mainly due to the medications I take. I do smoke cigars both Cuban & non Cuban, but not that often, only 2 a month or so.

 

I need to get more healthy fats and greens into my diet, as you have stated. Theres always room to improve are diets as we both know.

 

I see the cardiologist / specialist this Friday, got lucky and am getting worked in. He's so post to be very very good, he's a surgeon as well. I spoke with his receptionist and he has a hospital like office or office in the hospital where a bunch of tests can be run.

 

Bloods should be in any day now, will call other doctor tomorrow to see if their back from lab.

 

Will let ya'll know how everything turns out. 

[WrkHrdPlyHrd9999]

Lamictal can adversely impact lipid levels. Given its MOA, it may also be directly or indirecly related to these symptoms you are describing (although unlikely). Dapsone can cause cholestasis and this can lead to dyslipidemia. Given its attributes, it may also lend itself to these issues you are describing (although unlikely). Klonipin can be indirectly related to these symptoms as well (again, unlikely). It can also mess with lipid levels.  

 

That said, just because these sides may exist for others; there is no evidence that any of these medications are the cause for "your" issues.

 

Again, I'm glad you are seeking the medical advice of a Physician who can assess all of these things and intelligently draw an accurate conclusion/diagnosis for you!

 

Please keep us posted TX and good luck!