OT Just A General Question

[Kathi49]

I had some bloodwork done the other day for Cholesterol. My HDL and Tryglicerides are great! The LDL is 140 but went down by 10 points. So, I think the Lovaza is working. However, I stopped two weeks before my spinal injections because that is what the cardio doc said to do. I am just wondering because I didn't get into depth about it, but is it true you should stop fish oil before any injections (forgot to ask my PM about that too)? Also, the nurse mentioned trying Zetia and after reading about it...I don't think so. :eek::) But I will talk more to the cardio doc about it next month. I'd rather just stay with the Lovaza.

And, Dr. Steve, I just have to say I am constantly amazed by the Limbrel. :) My knees were hurting so bad the other day and I didn't have my usual dose of 250mg with me. But I did have a 500mg sample in my purse. So, I just took it instead. The next morning it was like I had new knees! :) I thought it wasn't supposed to work this fast. :confused: But I have been experimenting with it a bit. Some days I wasn't taking any just because I thought I was imagining the relief. But on the days I DO take it, it seems like within hours there is relief. Oh, well, maybe I am just having some good days but I don't think so. I can really tell a difference. I did want to ask if any of your patients complain of slight headaches. I get a wee bit of a headache when I do take it. Then again, the humidity around here is ridiculous. ;)

[Tbackpain1]

Kathi,

Yes, I believe you should stop taking fish-oil before procedures, as that's what I was informed to do during my last couple of injections, because fish oil and flaxseed oil are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Diets rich in these compounds induce the accumulation of omega-3 fats on platelet membranes. This effect results in the production of thromboxane A3, which inhibits platelet aggregation. The overall effect may increase clotting time.

Before all invasive procedures, its a good idea to stop taking anything that can increase your clotting time, such as ibuprofen, asprin, Vitamin E supplements and some other medications. Of course, always check with your doc ;)

Theresa

[Kathi49]

Thanks Theresa,

I knew about Ibuprofen and things of that nature. I was just unsure about the fish oil even though the cardio doc DID say to stop it before any injections. It is just that I had forgotten to ask my PM. And I knew I had read it or heard it before; just trying to make sure. :) It all makes sense though...thank you. Now I am wondering about Limbrel since it also fights inflammation but maybe not in the same way as fish oil?

[Mark N]

Kathi, my thought was that some of the supplements could be blood thinners and that is the reason to stop using them before procedures. I don't know about fish oil particularly but I agree with Theresa that interfering with blood clotting is the concern.

[Kathi49]

I agree Mark. Again, I was unsure too other than what the Cardio doc said. They ALWAYS ask before any injections if I am on any blood thinners or if I am diabetic. Of course the answer has always been no and I did stop the Lovaza prior to this last round of shots...two weeks before.