[Dennis Kalma]

In the interests of clearing the air a bit.....just came back from the doctor. Had a great 20 minute discussion about cholesterol, blood pressure, family history etc etc. Very open, young guy (37) who is up on the research (could quote chapter and verse), agreed that the cholesterol thing is overblown but is a risk factor....and "BTW Dennis, I am delighted that patients do their homework as it makes my job easier"....to quote, and certainly his point of view was that a good patient is an informed and questioning patient.

Anyway, upshot for me is to try cutting the Ezetrol pill in half (to 5mg/day) see what effect that is, try a very small dose of blood pressure pills (again half) to keep that under control and maintain the weight, exercise, diet control.

So for those who believe doctors are creatures of legendary stature, the MD agreed with a good deal of the thread that is here....one risk factor, important, but not a big deal if there are complications. There are risks if you take the pill....there are risks that you take if do not take the pill.

Now of course, he agreed with me only because I yelled and screamed at him, mentioned the names of several lawyers who were willing to take the case if he didn't do and agree with what I said, plus his responses were hard to hear with his throat in my fingers...but I am just that kind of guy.

...let the predictable responses begin....

Dennis