[Mary4Mike]

Julie,
I have to agree with Marlene about embarking on 2 new drugs at once. If there are problems, how do you know which one to attribute them to? Mike took Cellcept post transplant for maybe 100 days - I can't really remember. He didn't experience anything that, I can recall, while on it. They weren't really watching choloesterol levels at this point, but now, 2+ years post transplant, it has become an issue because of the immunosuppressant that he is currently taking - Rapamune (sirolimus). His lipid counts are all elevated (HDL in normal range). The internal medicine doctor wanted to put him on a statin. After consulting with the BMT doc, who wasn't as alarmed with the numbers, we are going to hold off 6 months or so and see if supplements, diet, and exercise can have an effect. She said if it doesn't and he is still taking Rapamune, they usually put people on Lopid for cholesterol. If I am reading this correctly, this is a fiber based drug. I hope it doesn't come to that, but it sounds better than a statin.

You have to be able to trust your doctor, but DON'T be afraid to ask questions. Statins are hard on your liver and kidneys. They also deplete your body of Coenzyme Q 10. I would discuss supplementing with this with your doctor. Perhaps you could try lowering your cholesterol naturally as a first step. Let your body become adjusted to the Cellcept, recheck your cholesterol in a few months, then make the decision about a statin.

Of course, this is just my opinion and I am certainly not a doctor. Everyone is different. All the best to you in this decision making.