Cholesterol treatment depends on level

Dear Dr. Gott: I was 64 years old when I received external beam treatment for prostate cancer. I currently am 72 years old, and last year it was suspected the cancer had returned because my PSA readings were increasing with every test. I currently am receiving a Zoladex implant every three months. My question: Is it necessary to continue taking cholesterol medication and being concerned about what I eat? I am assuming that I have about two years left, from what I have read.

Dear Reader: I don’t know. The answer depends on your cholesterol and PSA levels.

If your cholesterol is 250, for example, I’d hold off on treating it. You have enough to worry about without adding a third factor. However, if your cholesterol is above 300, a lipid-lowering diet and medicine is appropriate.

I suggest that you review this situation with your family physician, who is more familiar than I am with your general health status. For instance, are you obese? Hypertensive? Have a cardiac ailment? Also, is the Zoladex producing favorable results? Perhaps two more years of life is an unrealistic minimum, in which case cholesterol-lowering therapy should continue.

Good luck. Let me know which path you choose.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “The Prostate Gland.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I’m 54 years old and presumably healthy now. I have not been to a doctor for more than two years since losing my job of 12 years and my health insurance.

In 1998, I had a pancreatic attack. My triglycerides were over 3,000 and my cholesterol was over 1,000. I refused to go in the hospital and recovered by living on Gatorade.

Since then I’ve chosen to not take any meds. No hormones, no antidepressants, no birth control, no cholesterol drugs, no high blood-pressure meds.

I feel great and am so happy and healthy. What’s all the stuff about meds when you put your mind in action?

Dear Reader: You recovered from your pancreatic affliction because of your body’s natural healing properties, not because of mind over matter.

Nevertheless, I’d like to know the current status of your pancreas and blood fats. I urge you to return to your family physician for what I consider to be further, necessary testing. If your lipid levels are still astronomically elevated, you will need to consider therapy to lower them. Work with your doctor to resolve this situation.