Dougie22
Well-Known Member
Hello again,
Just been through my three monthly tests (see below) and had the consultation with my GP today.
From my point of view, things are going really well - weight down again (slightly), BP 140/80 (well down from peak level) and, most encoutragingly, HbA1C down to 6.1!
Doc reopened the question of cholesterol (which is up despite the above, diet, etc) and put considerable pressure on me to start meds to lower it. Her very strong viewpoint is that the link between high cholesterol levels and heart disease is unquestionable and accepted by every reputable medical professional, NICE, SIGN, etc. (presumably she's not heard of Kendrick et al).
When I said I'd had severe joint pain and suspected memory loss on atorstatin and simvastatin she suggested rosuvastatin or bezafibrate. I said I'd think about it. A quick scan doesn't suggest to me that rosuvastatin would be any better. I haven't found out much about bezafibrate yet but it wouldn't presumably give the "non cholesterol lowering" benefits attributed to statins. I will have to do a bit more reading, though.
She completely poo poo'd my concern that no drug was safe to use for 30 years, the implication being that I'd be dead before that if I didn't take them (where as the stuff I've read absolutely contradicts that viewpoint).
One good thing is that she did, for the first time, let me have my actual lab results for the last three sets of bloods.
These are as follows:
Mar 2011, chol 8.0, Hdl 1.01, ratio 7.9, Trig 3.19
Jun 2011, chol 6.8, Hdl 0.91, ratio 7.5, Trig 1.37
Sep 2011, chol 7.7, Hdl 1.04, ratio 7.4, Trig 1.96
Targets are stated as chol<5.0 (fail), HDL >1.0 (hovering on ok), trig<2.3 (pass)
I really think it is difficult for (even well read) laymen to stand up to this type of pressure from doctors and has an detrimental effect on the trust relationship. I already can't discuss issues from self testing because she is flat out against it. Now I feel we are heading down the same track on cholesterol (I'm considering rejecting further tests at my next three month assessment).
Really just wanted to get this off my chest but would be interested in comments both from supporters and disbelievers of the "taking statins extends life" hypothesis, especially on how these results compare to yours and whether you are accepting medication.
Moving closer to changing doctor but not quite there yet (as it seems impossible to evaluate alternatives before moving). Sorry for the length of this post.
Just been through my three monthly tests (see below) and had the consultation with my GP today.
From my point of view, things are going really well - weight down again (slightly), BP 140/80 (well down from peak level) and, most encoutragingly, HbA1C down to 6.1!
Doc reopened the question of cholesterol (which is up despite the above, diet, etc) and put considerable pressure on me to start meds to lower it. Her very strong viewpoint is that the link between high cholesterol levels and heart disease is unquestionable and accepted by every reputable medical professional, NICE, SIGN, etc. (presumably she's not heard of Kendrick et al).
When I said I'd had severe joint pain and suspected memory loss on atorstatin and simvastatin she suggested rosuvastatin or bezafibrate. I said I'd think about it. A quick scan doesn't suggest to me that rosuvastatin would be any better. I haven't found out much about bezafibrate yet but it wouldn't presumably give the "non cholesterol lowering" benefits attributed to statins. I will have to do a bit more reading, though.
She completely poo poo'd my concern that no drug was safe to use for 30 years, the implication being that I'd be dead before that if I didn't take them (where as the stuff I've read absolutely contradicts that viewpoint).
One good thing is that she did, for the first time, let me have my actual lab results for the last three sets of bloods.
These are as follows:
Mar 2011, chol 8.0, Hdl 1.01, ratio 7.9, Trig 3.19
Jun 2011, chol 6.8, Hdl 0.91, ratio 7.5, Trig 1.37
Sep 2011, chol 7.7, Hdl 1.04, ratio 7.4, Trig 1.96
Targets are stated as chol<5.0 (fail), HDL >1.0 (hovering on ok), trig<2.3 (pass)
I really think it is difficult for (even well read) laymen to stand up to this type of pressure from doctors and has an detrimental effect on the trust relationship. I already can't discuss issues from self testing because she is flat out against it. Now I feel we are heading down the same track on cholesterol (I'm considering rejecting further tests at my next three month assessment).
Really just wanted to get this off my chest but would be interested in comments both from supporters and disbelievers of the "taking statins extends life" hypothesis, especially on how these results compare to yours and whether you are accepting medication.
Moving closer to changing doctor but not quite there yet (as it seems impossible to evaluate alternatives before moving). Sorry for the length of this post.
; I shall do a bit more work on this with diet - low carb normally keeps my lipid levels okay and I've maybe been eating a few too many carbs this time! (for me, that is.). I've had bad muscle pain side-effects on a low level of simvastatin and would rather not take them again.
