Hi
@Ryhia .
It is hardly surprising that some people have gained weight during lockdown, with disruption to normal life. I started to, then I put brakes on by reducing portion size, and some fasting, too.
Dave Feldman does give excellent advice and info. I think with any info we each need to apply advice to our own, individual, circumstances. It can be difficult to come to decisions when there is so much conflicting info. It appears that GPs seem to just treat statins as a ‘miracle cure all’. My own decision to accept statins was based on knowledge at the time. In addition to the family history, I also had hypertension (since my first pregnancy in my mid twenties, when I also had pre-eclampsia), and was morbidly obese in addition to the diabetes diagnosis, I had seen close relatives develop heart problems and some had early onset dementia.
I was prescribed Metformin at the same time as the statins, (originally Atorvastatin) and I don’t have my data to hand from the start of that , but cannot remember any great increase in BG levels. If I find my records I will give that info. I did have some joint pains, but that could also be due to arthritis I have had since my teens (yes, I inhertited all the dodgy genes) and the excess weight I was carrying. The dosage of Atorvastatin was reduced, and Ezitembe added. I don’t have any discernable problems with these, and have not had any adverse cardiac events. As I am now getting on (mid 60s) and female, I am reviewing all medications, as polyphamacy in old age is, I believe, often the cause of more problems than it solves. Unfortunately, my GPseems to have gone into hibernation, and there have been no opportunities to discuss anything, unless I want to do it by phone. As I also have hearing loss (see what I mean about bad genes) this is not really a viable option. I don’t see this as a disadvantage, as I feel the GP advice is generally toeing the NHS line. I am considering private blood tests at local pharmacy. If I were just starting the journey, I would definitely consider the CAC scan, too.
I am sorry that you have the worry about your brother. In making decisions I did consider my siblings’ health conditions, too. I would read as much as possible before making any decision, bearing in mind that some are biased, and influenced by agendas and big pharma and food producers. Alas, even my earlier references to topics on familial hypercholesterolaemia have advice on diet that follows the low fat ‘good carbs’ mantra.
Best of luck.