Doctors in uk

(Moriarty Philip) #1

So…I have been summoned by my GP after due to results of lipids tests from a few months ago…would imagine is not a good result. Has anyone had similar issue and how did you deal with GP…has anyone had a calcium cardic scan following visit to GP…??

#2

Tagging in @MarkGossage because I htink he has some experience of this. :slight_smile:

(bulkbiker) #3

Thanks @Brunneria

I blinded my GP with cholesterol science… most of which he was completely unaware of ( as I believe most are) he was going on about total cholesterol being high at 7.3 and I was talking triglyceride/HDL ratios which he didn’t understand. Is there a chance that you can get the results before the appointment then we can prepare you a bit?
I paid for my own Calcium scan as (yet again) GP had never heard of it but if they want you to go onto statins (and I’ll hazard a guess that’s where the conversation will end up) then see if they will send you for one first. I’d say to them… well before I start taking any more meds how about we do a scan so we can see what’s actually happening in my arteries rather than you using cholesterol as a not good proxy. When they say no (probably) tell the doc that you choose what goes into your body and they can go fuck themselves if they want you on statins. Or maybe that’s just what I would do… but I’m a bit like that…

#4

FYI, MDs seem to get pissy when their ignorance is pointed out…

(bulkbiker) #5

Couldn’t agree more… there are very few that like being challenged…

(ANNE ) #6

I guess trying a non confrontational approach might start the meeting on an even note. If the doctors says “blah blah blah high cholesterol statins recommended etc.” Ask him or her to break it down, into the high, mediums and lows, write the results down, and then say you are going to follow a dietary approach first and that you will come back in six to twelve months to see how you are getting on…No need to mention WHICH dietary method you are pursuing.
Thank them for their concern etc. For the most part GPs are dealing with those on a standard diet of high carb low fat and depending on your age, there is a huge drive to put the nation on statins… you will be given frightening numbers of risk etc.
You don’t have to take any medication you don’t want to.
Good luck

(Moriarty Philip) #7

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(Moriarty Philip) #8

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(Moriarty Philip) #9

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(Moriarty Philip) #10

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(Liz) #11

I agree that maybe they are difficult…but my recent experience with a new GP was that she listened! For background I am 56yr old woman with previous TIA, high bp and T2 diabetic. Since then, in 9yrs I have lost enough for her to reversre the T2 on my records and my bp is well within normal parameters.
The hospital wanted me on statins following the TIA ( which was only picked up after an eye test) …my GP said no! I was amazed but she said all the tests show no arterial issues and my cholesterol was 3 so why take an unnecessary drug!
So…my advice, try explaining what you are doing and ask if they would repeat the tests in a couple of months before taking the tabs, if there is one good Doc out there then there must be others!
Good luck with your appointment and KCKO :handshake:

(bulkbiker) #12

Was this a fasted test? i.e. had you eaten in the 12 hours before the blood was taken?

Your Trig / HDL ratio is 1.463 which might be considered a bit high (although classed as normal) less than 0.87 is ideal . This probably means that your LDL particles should be the nice large fluffy ones but I have never heard of anyone in the UK getting an LDL particle size test so we’l just have to take that one on faith. In your shoes I’d be trying to raise my HDL a bit by having a bit more fat in my diet but overall I wouldn’t be worried. If you want to get a CAC scan (which would tell you loads more than cholesterol) then I went privately to The Rivers Hospital in Hertfordshire who charge £225.00. That was the cheapest I could find in the UK in March 2017 when I had mine. You can self refer there so no need to get doc to send you.

In the meantime I’d e interested in what the GP has to say and in your shoes I’d be reading www.cholesterolcode.com to gen up on what I should or should not be worrying about.
Hope that helps
M

(Moriarty Philip) #13

This was fasted for 12hrs.
It’s all a bit confusing for me…will look over all the information people have advised.
Try and get my head around it.
Is coconut oil a good way to up fat as have this in my coffee.

(bulkbiker) #14

Yes coconut oil, butter, avocado, fatty meats. Should all help. Avoid veg oils though.

(Moriarty Philip) #15

Thanks for your help.