Just Arrived

[Mike4550]

New here. At 60 I was called into the GP for their Wellman MOT. Told I have to lose a couple of stone. But I was also told I have to start on stains. Remembering an article in the Mail I am reluctant to! Would you?

[sandybrown]

Could you please give more information on your blood tests. Blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids.

Did the GP do a risk analysis?

Were there any discussion on life style change?

You need to concentrate on hidden and free sugar food and drinks.

Regular exercise is necessary.

Work hard on reducing your weight and go for another blood test before considering any medication.

[Mike4550]

I was only told that my cholesterol was to high and it needed reducing particularly LDL. Although a lot of blood tests were done this was the only one discussed.

I saw the nurse who did the height, weight and other bits. BMI was around 27 and BP 135/68 which she seemed happy about. She gave me a diet sheet as I have to lose over a stone. Not going to give up my Thursdays with my mates where we fix Brexit and the world though.

[Mike4550]

I will ring the surgery next week and try and find these out for you as bar the cholesterol I was told all the results are in range. Are you a doctor Londinium?

[DakCB-UK]

Statins can do far worse than that. I have years where I remember maybe a tenth of what happened. I will never get that time with my loved ones back. In terms of Quality-Adjusted Life Years, I almost might as well have not lived those.

[Mike4550]

Well I have now got the results. The receptionist didn't seem to like me before but I think it's all out war now! Initially I was told "You have seen the doctor haven't you!". Anyway I finally got them on Friday.

Total - 7.4

Tricyclecides - 2.4

HDL - 1.2

LDL - 4.7

HbA1c - 42

Having read some of the posts I am totally confused. A few pints at lunchtime should take my mind off it!

[Mike4550 in reply to Mike4550]

Just tell me if it's very bad! I am so confused I do not know what to eat so just had a chicken salad sandwich for tea washed down with half a bottle of Pinot Gringo!

[kasibarndoor in reply to Mike4550]

Mike I would recommend that you listen to A/Prof Ken Sikaris on youTube, one of his lectures "understanding the numbers" might help you understand the blood tests better.

IMHO ratios are more revealing than the individual figures. You said that you needed to loose some weight, coupled with the fact that your Hb1ac which is the average blood glucose over three months is on the high side, I am told that 37-48 is the pre-diabetic range. It would be worth embarking on a LCHF or Keto diet, this should have the ability of weight loss without counting calories, reduction of your Hb1ac, increase of your HDL and lowering of your Triglycerides. After 3-6 months assuming your weight and BMI is back to normal then ask for new blood tests. diet doctor.com has some pretty yummy recipes, over a period of time you will find that you eat less, and only eat when you are hungry, I now eat breakfast & lunch only which adds intermittent fasting into the picture.

[Adaboo]

Maybe look for posts from sos007 on here as he is very knowledgeable on cholesterol readings. Plus research all you can. 🙂

[Mike4550]

I am starting on statins tomorrow (Atorvastatin 20 mg). In addition I am trying to change my diet (nurse recommended Mediterranean one) and have signed up for over 55s gym. Aim is to lose 7lb by end October. Wish me luck!

[Adaboo in reply to Mike4550]

Sounds fab Mike! 👍🏻

[Mike4550]

Well it's mid October and I have lost the seven pounds already so will aim for ten off by end of month.

Have a set of blood tests including cholesterol, LFT and HbA1c. Fingers crossed all good.