DR YELLED AT ME ABOUT CHOLESTEROL

ny_shelly · 09-16-2009, 02:18 PM

Sooo I go to the doctor yesterday and I bring my blood test sheet with me b/c I didn't understand why he circled for me only to get my A1c and my LDL cholesterol checked. I couldn't figure out why he didn't circle HDL.

And he said "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO OVERRIDE ME ON THESE THINGS? I am the doctor and I have blahblah years of experience and training as an MD. If I had wanted you to get the HDL I would have circled it."

And I said, "Well, I thought it was the HDL / LDL ratio that meant more than just the LDL number by itself. And I was reading an article about LDL subfractering which said that just the LDL number by itself wasn't an accurate predictor of CAD."

And he said "We don't do LDL subfractering here. The LDL is the measure that is accepted by <some association I didn't catch> and LDL subfractering is NOT supported by research as a valid predictor of CAD. And I don't have time to explain to you why this is the case."

And I said - keep in mind I am seriously PO'd by this time - "I am not going to just follow what a doctor says like some sheep. I am not taking statins b/c I have heard nothing good about them. My body is my responsibility and we are a partnership that decides how I should treat myself."

He also said that there is no point in checking HDL b/c that number pretty much never changes.

WHAT? I said, "Do you mean to tell me there is nothing you can do to improve HDL cholesterol?" And he said, "Beyond vigorous exercise, no." WHAT?

So he circled the HDL on my blood test, refused to circle triglycerides, and I went over and got the blood test.

When I got home I looked up in Dr. Atkin's Vita Nutrient Solution how to treat Cholesterol with nutritionals. There are several nutritionals you can take to improve HDL and lower cholesterol.

This whole episode really ruined my day. I had lost 24 lbs since last visit, my blood sugar was normal, my blood pressure was normal (take meds still) and this is the kind of discussion I get.

I don't really have a problem with him disagreeing about the LDL, I just don't appreciate being cut-off with a refusal of discussion. As if, just because he's an "almighty doctor" I'm supposed to just do what he says like some mindless dolt.

Have any of you had any luck lowering cholesterol and increasing HDL by diet and/or nutritionals?

From seinfeld -- these doctors think they are "delicate geniuses"

thestreets · 09-16-2009, 02:22 PM

What an *******!

If he said that he doesn't have time to explain it to me I would say then I don't have any more time to waste on visits with you and would have walked out.

HDL doesn't change? What century did he get his degree in? Perhaps it was from one of those fabulous Caribbean medical schools?

Violet Skye · 09-16-2009, 02:24 PM

MD does not mean "Medical Deity".

jeepifer · 09-16-2009, 02:24 PM

There's no nice way to say this. Can you change docs? He's an idiot with an MD.

Gibby · 09-16-2009, 02:26 PM

Wow, Shelly! What a jerk! I would seriously consider getting a new doctor who listens and wants to partner with me and my health.

I haven't experienced lowering my HDL with diet - I have never had a problem with my cholesterol - but I do read and what he said goes against everything I've read.

Sorry you had to experience that. And he didn't even commend you on your weight loss? What a tool!

Lillianna · 09-16-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thestreets

What an *******!

If he said that he doesn't have time to explain it to me I would say then I don't have any more time to waste on visits with you and would have walked out.

HDL doesn't change? What century did he get his degree in? Perhaps it was from one of those fabulous Caribbean medical schools?

I can tell him how my HDL went from 45 to 25 (low fat diet for one year)
and why it is now 70 (low carb, high fat)

You need to get a new doctor. The guy's a condescending idiot...

jezzie · 09-16-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

DR YELLED AT ME ABOUT CHOLESTEROL

The day a doc yells at me is the last day he will see me.
I don't pay people to disrespect me.

CarolynF · 09-16-2009, 03:11 PM

Find another doctor pronto.

Charski · 09-16-2009, 03:27 PM

That's inexcusable. Can you go elsewhere? I'd be out of there ASAP if it was ME.

I'm sorry you had to go through that experience!

ny_shelly · 09-16-2009, 03:36 PM

I guess I want to know if I was wrong to ask about the HDL?

I want to know if I was wrong to question LDL methods of measuring? I read in another thread about LDL subfractering.

I really don't have a problem with the guy disagreeing with me - it's the manner in which he did it. He said he was mad b/c in all the months prior to july he was making recommendations and I wasn't following them. Well, I followed them starting in July. And he was mad b/c I didn't go to the last appointment we had - which I didn't do on purpose - I forgot.

I don't really think he is a crappy doctor - he genuinely wants me to improve my health. I think he is seriously lacking in nutritional knowledge though and doesn't like to be questioned. I noticed he gets frustrated when asked to explain things.

Maybe all of these doctors are so overbooked they don't have time for intelligent people who question the treatment methods. I got kicked out of the practice from the last doctor I went to for questioning methods!! I couldn't believe it - I got a Dear John letter from a doctor. LOL

I have no idea how you would go about finding a doctor that believes in nutritional support and alternatives to medicines.

Gibby · 09-16-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ny_shelly

I have no idea how you would go about finding a doctor that believes in nutritional support and alternatives to medicines.

Too bad you can see Dr. Oz

He's perfect for that.

YadaYada · 09-16-2009, 04:18 PM

Get another doctor, this man is an egocentric idiot.

Leo41 · 09-16-2009, 04:31 PM

I have had TONS of blood tests because I'm hypothyroid and need to be checked every few months to adjust meds. NO DOCTOR has ever tested only LDL--ever. They always check HDL as well as triglycerides. I can't imagine why he would only check LDL--and anyone who says that HDL 'doesn't change' isn't a "good doctor"--regardless of his other virtues.

But any doctor who didn't like to be questioned would not be a doctor I'd ever see again.

Portia · 09-16-2009, 05:18 PM

Agree with all posts - get another Dr.

We recently took DS to a "top" pediatric gastroenterologist. DH and I listened to all he had to say, left with DS, got in the car, looked at one another and said, at the same time: "that guy is a lunatic."

Go with your gut.

ny_shelly · 09-16-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Portia

Agree with all posts - get another Dr.

We recently took DS to a "top" pediatric gastroenterologist. DH and I listened to all he had to say, left with DS, got in the car, looked at one another and said, at the same time: "that guy is a lunatic."

Good one.

Joy-FL · 09-16-2009, 06:05 PM

I recently showed my Dr printouts from the internet about a non-FDA-approved treatment for a problem he'd never heard of. He wrote me a trial Rx. I have never respected a doctor more.

on yours.

ny_shelly · 09-16-2009, 08:06 PM

I looked up high cholesterol in my Dr. Atkin's vita-nutrient solution and just ordered a bunch of major nutritionals that are supposed to help with cholesterol levels.

Super EPA
Advanced Gamma E plus Tocotrienols
Niacin, 500 mg, Flush-Free
Pantothenic Acid, 500mg
Veggie Carotenoids
Pantethine, 600mg

And the funny thing is he gave me a blood test form for 3 months from now and he only circled A1c on it. No lipid profile at all. The thing that gets me is that if I am losing weight and working on changing things you would think that it would be in my best interest to see the progress of my lipids over the months.

Portia · 09-16-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ny_shelly

Good one.

If you heard the "treatment" he wanted to use on my 3 y/o you would fall off your chair...

gerard · 09-16-2009, 08:47 PM

He's flat out wrong about not being able to change HDL. In my pre low carb days, it was always around 25-30. After doing low carb , it sprung up to about 130. My doctor said she has never seen it that high. And I get chol checked about once a year. Been low carbing for almost 11 years.

09-16-2009, 02:18 PM	#1
ny_shelly Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Rochester, NY but originally from Pittsburgh Posts: 3,607 Gallery: ny_shelly Stats: 321/300.4/135 ~ 5'6" WOE: Atkins - Week 18 Start Date: 7/15/09	DR YELLED AT ME ABOUT CHOLESTEROL Sooo I go to the doctor yesterday and I bring my blood test sheet with me b/c I didn't understand why he circled for me only to get my A1c and my LDL cholesterol checked. I couldn't figure out why he didn't circle HDL. And he said "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO OVERRIDE ME ON THESE THINGS? I am the doctor and I have blahblah years of experience and training as an MD. If I had wanted you to get the HDL I would have circled it." And I said, "Well, I thought it was the HDL / LDL ratio that meant more than just the LDL number by itself. And I was reading an article about LDL subfractering which said that just the LDL number by itself wasn't an accurate predictor of CAD." And he said "We don't do LDL subfractering here. The LDL is the measure that is accepted by <some association I didn't catch> and LDL subfractering is NOT supported by research as a valid predictor of CAD. And I don't have time to explain to you why this is the case." And I said - keep in mind I am seriously PO'd by this time - "I am not going to just follow what a doctor says like some sheep. I am not taking statins b/c I have heard nothing good about them. My body is my responsibility and we are a partnership that decides how I should treat myself." He also said that there is no point in checking HDL b/c that number pretty much never changes. WHAT? I said, "Do you mean to tell me there is nothing you can do to improve HDL cholesterol?" And he said, "Beyond vigorous exercise, no." WHAT? So he circled the HDL on my blood test, refused to circle triglycerides, and I went over and got the blood test. When I got home I looked up in Dr. Atkin's Vita Nutrient Solution how to treat Cholesterol with nutritionals. There are several nutritionals you can take to improve HDL and lower cholesterol. This whole episode really ruined my day. I had lost 24 lbs since last visit, my blood sugar was normal, my blood pressure was normal (take meds still) and this is the kind of discussion I get. I don't really have a problem with him disagreeing about the LDL, I just don't appreciate being cut-off with a refusal of discussion. As if, just because he's an "almighty doctor" I'm supposed to just do what he says like some mindless dolt. Have any of you had any luck lowering cholesterol and increasing HDL by diet and/or nutritionals? From seinfeld -- these doctors think they are "delicate geniuses" __________________ STEELERS RULE! Mini Goal 1: 304 by 8/31 - made it 8/24! Mini Goal 2: 294 by 9/30 - made it 8/27! Mini Goal 3: 295 by 11/24 Mini Goal 4: 285 by 12/29

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09-16-2009, 02:22 PM	#2
thestreets Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: it's a band, not the ghetto Posts: 1,595 Gallery: thestreets Stats: 140/110 5'6 WOE: Atkins - it's a diet	What an *******! If he said that he doesn't have time to explain it to me I would say then I don't have any more time to waste on visits with you and would have walked out. HDL doesn't change? What century did he get his degree in? Perhaps it was from one of those fabulous Caribbean medical schools?

09-16-2009, 02:24 PM	#3
Violet Skye Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montreal Posts: 4,584 Gallery: Violet Skye Stats: 219.4/175.0 - 44.4 pounds gone!/134 WOE: Controlled Carb Weight Watchers Start Date: December 23, 2008	MD does not mean "Medical Deity".

09-16-2009, 02:24 PM	#4
jeepifer MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Twin Cities 'Burbs, MN Posts: 2,491 Gallery: jeepifer Stats: HW:242/SW:232/135 WOE: Bad carbs are yucky. Start Date: Every minute!	There's no nice way to say this. Can you change docs? He's an idiot with an MD.

09-16-2009, 02:26 PM	#5
Gibby Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Phoenix Posts: 537 Gallery: Gibby WOE: Atkins DANDR Start Date: Augut 8, 2009	Wow, Shelly! What a jerk! I would seriously consider getting a new doctor who listens and wants to partner with me and my health. I haven't experienced lowering my HDL with diet - I have never had a problem with my cholesterol - but I do read and what he said goes against everything I've read. Sorry you had to experience that. And he didn't even commend you on your weight loss? What a tool!

09-16-2009, 03:11 PM	#8
CarolynF Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 23,529 Gallery: CarolynF Stats: 195/151/139 WOE: Eat Fat, Get Thin/I Can Make You Thin Start Date: January 2001	Find another doctor pronto.

09-16-2009, 03:27 PM	#9
Charski Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central Coastal CA Posts: 13,326 Gallery: Charski Stats: 174 (WW)/130/150 goal 5'5" 56 years young WOE: ATKINS! now and always.... Start Date: 5/03	That's inexcusable. Can you go elsewhere? I'd be out of there ASAP if it was ME. I'm sorry you had to go through that experience!

09-16-2009, 03:36 PM	#10
ny_shelly Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Rochester, NY but originally from Pittsburgh Posts: 3,607 Gallery: ny_shelly Stats: 321/300.4/135 ~ 5'6" WOE: Atkins - Week 18 Start Date: 7/15/09	I guess I want to know if I was wrong to ask about the HDL? I want to know if I was wrong to question LDL methods of measuring? I read in another thread about LDL subfractering. I really don't have a problem with the guy disagreeing with me - it's the manner in which he did it. He said he was mad b/c in all the months prior to july he was making recommendations and I wasn't following them. Well, I followed them starting in July. And he was mad b/c I didn't go to the last appointment we had - which I didn't do on purpose - I forgot. I don't really think he is a crappy doctor - he genuinely wants me to improve my health. I think he is seriously lacking in nutritional knowledge though and doesn't like to be questioned. I noticed he gets frustrated when asked to explain things. Maybe all of these doctors are so overbooked they don't have time for intelligent people who question the treatment methods. I got kicked out of the practice from the last doctor I went to for questioning methods!! I couldn't believe it - I got a Dear John letter from a doctor. LOL I have no idea how you would go about finding a doctor that believes in nutritional support and alternatives to medicines.

09-16-2009, 04:18 PM	#12
YadaYada Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SC Posts: 92 Gallery: YadaYada Stats: 170/120 WOE: VLC	Get another doctor, this man is an egocentric idiot.

09-16-2009, 04:31 PM	#13
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	I have had TONS of blood tests because I'm hypothyroid and need to be checked every few months to adjust meds. NO DOCTOR has ever tested only LDL--ever. They always check HDL as well as triglycerides. I can't imagine why he would only check LDL--and anyone who says that HDL 'doesn't change' isn't a "good doctor"--regardless of his other virtues. But any doctor who didn't like to be questioned would not be a doctor I'd ever see again.

09-16-2009, 05:18 PM	#14
Portia Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 3,134 Blog Entries: 4 Gallery: Portia Stats: 244/240/199 WOE: LC Start Date: 9/1/09	Agree with all posts - get another Dr. We recently took DS to a "top" pediatric gastroenterologist. DH and I listened to all he had to say, left with DS, got in the car, looked at one another and said, at the same time: "that guy is a lunatic." Go with your gut.

09-16-2009, 06:05 PM	#16
Joy-FL MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,011 Gallery: Joy-FL Stats: 223/191/160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: July 30, 2009	I recently showed my Dr printouts from the internet about a non-FDA-approved treatment for a problem he'd never heard of. He wrote me a trial Rx. I have never respected a doctor more. on yours.

09-16-2009, 08:06 PM	#17
ny_shelly Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Rochester, NY but originally from Pittsburgh Posts: 3,607 Gallery: ny_shelly Stats: 321/300.4/135 ~ 5'6" WOE: Atkins - Week 18 Start Date: 7/15/09	I looked up high cholesterol in my Dr. Atkin's vita-nutrient solution and just ordered a bunch of major nutritionals that are supposed to help with cholesterol levels. Super EPA Advanced Gamma E plus Tocotrienols Niacin, 500 mg, Flush-Free Pantothenic Acid, 500mg Veggie Carotenoids Pantethine, 600mg And the funny thing is he gave me a blood test form for 3 months from now and he only circled A1c on it. No lipid profile at all. The thing that gets me is that if I am losing weight and working on changing things you would think that it would be in my best interest to see the progress of my lipids over the months.

09-16-2009, 08:47 PM	#19
gerard MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: upstate NY Posts: 2,664 Gallery: gerard	He's flat out wrong about not being able to change HDL. In my pre low carb days, it was always around 25-30. After doing low carb , it sprung up to about 130. My doctor said she has never seen it that high. And I get chol checked about once a year. Been low carbing for almost 11 years.