Owen,
I am 51 years old and my total cholesterol has run between 300 - 400 (mg/dl) since my twenties.
After almost being murdered with 80mg. a day of Lipitor in 2004-2005, I sought an alternative and began the Pauling Therapy. 6-7 months later I noticed my horrible night vision had miraculously cleared up. Searching for the reason, I found it linked to the Pauling Therapy. Prior to this I was always told at my eye exams of the cholesterol deposits in my eyes, and to speak to my doctor if I hadn't already done so. Since that time I now always ask about it during my eye exams. Not once has anyone seen any more deposits, not even the retinal specialist who was treating me for another condition in 2010 - 11.
My primary doctor for years has tried to get me back on statins and made endless fun of Linus Pauling. I recently had my first VAP test, ordered by a diabetic/lipid "expert" at my request. My total number was 298. My HDL was low as usual, 22. My lp(a) was 0. Yes, zero. The expert tried to ignore it. I told him we could talk about it at my next appointment, as I could see his agitation with the result, and probable his lack of understanding. You should have seen the look on my primary's face yesterday when I showed him the results! He immediately wanted to know exactly what I was taking and how in the world did this work. I ended by noting that I had been correct listening to that "dead guy", as he refers to Pauling, all these years.
Thanks,
Wonderful report and I am happy for you, especially about the 0 Lp(a) number which implies that your still elevated cholesterol is not dangerous. Can you share what "Pauling therapy" protocol you used? ( because we believe the reason why Lp(a) goes to zero is because of added proline. Pauling only recommend vitamin C and lysine in high doses.)
I understand your cholesterol is lower than it had been, but according to Ginter as reported by Pauling in his 1986 book HOW TO LIVE LONGER AND FEEL BETTER, total cholesterol "normalizes" to 180 mg/dl on optimal vitamin C. The further away, the more it comes down but may not reach 180 mg/dl. So in your case I would guess that on the optimal dose of vitamin C (and that may have to include liposomal if you have gut issues) your cholesterol would normalize between 220 and 240 mg/dl, thus your vitamin C intake is probably low.
(Your lysine and proline intakes are probably fine).
How much vitamin C are you taking daily these days?