optimize990h, I might call the doctor today and see if I could try a healthy diet first, without the meds. I love garlic, so I wouldn't mind eating it every day. I have something I want to do first--get Godiva chocolates and have "one last hurrah" before cutting out the bad stuff and limiting my sugar intake greatly. I hope that's ok, and that I'll be okay.

Permanent Pajamas, what do you mean by "loose"? Diarrhea? I know everyone is different and experience different things, but I'm just scared I'll take it and end up with one or more of the dangerous things the info says can happen, and it might permanently damage me or kill me. I know, I seem paranoid...I guess I am. But once I've taken the pill, there's no turning back.

Jimi, I had blood tests done back in December-January. I am still nervous about starting the Lipitor. I might call my doctor today and annoy him with my silly scaredy-cat questions. I will ask him if I may attempt to lower my cholesterol without the drug first, and then see where we go from there. I don't want to have a heart attack, but I'm just nervous before taking a new drug.

Yes, I eat sugar like it's my life's blood. Lots of soda, usually diet. Fruit juices raise bad cholesterol? I don't drink those much, but that's a bit confusing to me.