Statins... Are killing me

[Sluggo42]

So a few years ago a had a clogged artery and had to have a stent installed. Pretty scary stuff at the time. My cholesterol count was 287. With a bad ratio too. So the dr has me start up on 80 mg of Crestor. About a week later I was almost back in the hospital from back/ kidney/hip pain, so intense I was down flat for two days. I deduced it was statin caused. Two years later I'm down to 2.5 mg 3-times a week, and still suffer lower back and hip joint problems. Lots of internet studies and I see a LOT of people that say statins are messing you up way more than the benefits of the reduced chol numbers.

It's a tough decision for me to stay on it, fearing the heart problems, yet dealing with the debilitating effects daily is becoming unbearable.

Do any of you have issues with statins?

[wbealsd]

Fortunately, I don't. That said, in my age group, none of us play without some physical issues. I'm just thankful I'm healthy enough to keep playing.

 

Have you discussed this with your Dr? If he doesn't have any other suggestions, I'd recommend a specialist.

 

Wish you the best!

[SPY ZINGER]

I have nothing to add, but wish you the best. Interesting topic.

[BIG STU]

I don't really know what to say because I have not experienced it. They thought I had a heart attack at age 51 but it was inconclusive. They found out mine was caused by sleep apnea and I have been on a CPAP machine ever since. I do know that when I look at the tube all these companies are running ads for their prescription drug products and the side effects seem worse than the cure. Also I see a lot of lawyers suing the drug companies for everything from stroke to heart attack to death. It really makes me wonder what the hell the FDA is doing. Personally I would consult my doctor and do a lot of research. Sometimes I wonder if the cure is worse than the cause

[revkev]

I had some issues a couple of years ago and one of the nurses in my congregation told me to try red rice yeast. It worked better than the Lipitor at lowering my cholesterol. When I told my doc after the numbers back good at this years physical he said add some fish oil and if it stays good he's good. I actually have a follow up scheduled soon.

 

I don't know your particular case and I'm not a doctor so you need to seek medial advice but it worked great for me.

 

Good luck.

[Sluggo42]

Wow RP, what a killer write, thank you!

I have been working with my cardiologist for two years now. We have tried every different statin there is. And we have adjusted dosage from 80 all the way down to 2.5, every other day.

My frustration comes from being one of the 25% whose body just flat out doesn't like the stuff. Ive tried all the alternatives with very limited success. It really has been an adventure to find something.

I was basically wondering if any of my fellow hackers were also fighting the statins.

 

I have another friend who deals with the diabetes like you, and that isn't fun in any way, and I'm sorry you have to deal with that hand. If it's anything like my friend, that is a sour deal at best.

 

I suppose as we all get around the big 60, we will all start getting the whatever we do sandwich, but it still sucks whatever ailment gets us.

 

My internet study isn't to outsmart my cardiologist, but perhaps more of a search to see what others do to cope, and to get a wider base of knowledge. And I have seen many of the papers you describe. I pretty much turn into a glassed donut about three sentences in when they use words bigger than my house! Ha!

 

Anyways, thanks for a well written response, I appreciate a real answer like that a lot my brother!

[Siamese Moose]

I'm not a doctor, and I won't try to give you anything near as comprehensive as RP, just my story...

 

I was first prescribed statins about 1990 (when I was 30). Brought my LDLs down nicely (I don't remember the exact numbers from back then). Over time the numbers crept back up, which my internist told me was not unusual as you get older. He increased my dose, and I started having muscle pain in my legs. We did a blood test also that had results that indicated a side effect problem. We tried several different statins and different doses without relief. Even going back to the original drug and dose I still had problems. Apparently I became sensitized. Now, the good part is I have no other indicators for heart issues. Now every few years I go in for a heart check-up. It was originally a calcium MRI heart scan, which looks at plaque in the heart arteries. I got a 0, which is a perfect score. Now they give me an arterial ultrasound, which gives you a "cardiovascular" age. When I had it at 52 my cardio age was 33. As long as these numbers remain good there is no need for me to take statins. The downside is these tests are not covered by insurance, but the med center gives a special price of only $100. That's cheaper than copays for statins for an equivalent period. If you don't have any other indicators for heart issues, you might ask about this option. Good Luck!

[Hula Rock]

I too go to a cardiologist for a heart Checkup.  My Cholesterol levels after Lipids check prompted me to get the CAC Xray as mentioned above which came back with a score of "0".  Take heed and follow what RP says,  Dr. Google is a dangerous practice.  I lowered my cholesterol levels back into normal range after eating right, going back to the gym 3 days a week, etc.  Overall I lost 30 pounds and dropped my cholesterol by 100 points......

[silver & black]

I just had my annual check up. My doc said I'm in great shape. My cholesterol was 160. HDL was 90. He said that is almost unheard of in a man. He said if we could bottle my blood and sell it we could make millions...lol.

 

I guess I just drink the right amount of whiskey most evenings. 

[revkev]

This is a good thread. Bottom line is to be smart, educated and actively involved in your medical care. If you don't trust your doc get a new one.