what do I need to do to lower my high choleserol...dr says I'm out of options!

'I've battled high cholesterol for a number of years and  can't find the right medicine...Lipitor caused  severe muscle weakness, Zetia caused all kind of digestive problems and Pravachol zapped my energy...my count actually went up 30 points while taking WelChol!  My doctor is telling me that I have no other choices of medicine to lower my count (total 285, HDL 106 VLDL  21, LDL 188, Triglycerids 106.)  My sister is having the same problem so I guess this problem is a family thing.  I am really troubled by my doctor's lack of concern.  Is it true that I do not have other options?

[oxygen8ed]

Londres is certainly correct that there are a few other options available to treat what could be assumed to be familial hypercholesterolaemia, even though your doctor has obviously tried those that would be most obvious.

Generally, if you experience muscle weakness as a side effect of Lipitor (atorvastatin), other statins will produce similar effects, so that eliminates the use of Zocor (simvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin) etc.

After statin therapy fails or is not tolerated, it is normal to try ezetimibe (Zetia), which you said did not work. The use of colesevelam (WelChol) is not high, and is often the 'last ditch effort' to lower cholesterol.

There is only one distinct class of cholesterol lowering drug that it seems has not been tried by your doctor: the fibrates (gemfibrozil, bezafibrate, ciprofibrate). These still have significant side effects, but may be worth discussing with your prescriber. Outside of drug therapy, try taking a look at dairy products that are marketed as containing plant sterols. The evidence to support the fact that these products can help to reduce cholesterol is relatively strong.

[Londres70]

I am not sure if your physician felt for your personal situation there is no more options or that there is no other medications besides the ones you have tried available.  If he meant the latter, he is incorrect.  Zocor, Lipostat, Crestor, Lescol, etc. are others that I know of.  

Secondly, have you tried lowering your numbers by diet and exercise too?  

[SassyLassie]

I take Red Yeast rice, it is the same as a statin without all those dangerous side effects. Also, increase your level of exercise and avoid all processed foods, sugar and alcohol.

[oxygen8ed]

Londres is certainly correct that there are a few other options available to treat what could be assumed to be familial hypercholesterolaemia, even though your doctor has obviously tried those that would be most obvious.

Generally, if you experience muscle weakness as a side effect of Lipitor (atorvastatin), other statins will produce similar effects, so that eliminates the use of Zocor (simvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin) etc.

After statin therapy fails or is not tolerated, it is normal to try ezetimibe (Zetia), which you said did not work. The use of colesevelam (WelChol) is not high, and is often the 'last ditch effort' to lower cholesterol.

There is only one distinct class of cholesterol lowering drug that it seems has not been tried by your doctor: the fibrates (gemfibrozil, bezafibrate, ciprofibrate). These still have significant side effects, but may be worth discussing with your prescriber. Outside of drug therapy, try taking a look at dairy products that are marketed as containing plant sterols. The evidence to support the fact that these products can help to reduce cholesterol is relatively strong.