Statins and arthritis

I haven’t taken statins myself but I do know that joint pain is a side effect of them.

BIL went onto Statins and after a few days was unable to walk up the stairs, he came off them and was fine within a few days.

I like to think that taking turmeric has helped my arthritic knee.

People start taking Statins at a time of their life when arthritic pain develops. The fact your knee is worse AFTER coming off Statins, seems to indicate that they were not the problem.

If there are strong reasons why you were prescribed statins, they could save your life. Not easy at our age to achieve a balance.

You need to discuss this thoroughly with your medics, and not read the anti statins, who are often worse than the anti vaxxers, and with less knowledge. Get proper advice.

Kali2

You need to discuss this thoroughly with your medics, and not read the anti statins, who are often worse than the anti vaxxers, and with less knowledge. Get proper advice.

How dare you compare people who have had really bad experiences with anti vaxxers what an ignorant statement.

I have no medical knowledge, but I don't need any to realise that when my husband was 60 and was on statins he was crippled and could only walk with 2 sticks, now off them for 12 years he runs 2 charity shops which is actually physical work, and although OLD AGE has given him dodgy knees he can walk just fine with no sticks in sight, of course it was the statins.

Oh and define 'proper advice' I wont rely on my GP to give it, last time I was at the GP he noted my age and decided I should be on statins, he was going to prescribe them then and there without even ordering a blood test to test my cholesterol level he made a 'judgement call' on nothing more than my age and that I should be on them because of it, had he ordered the tests, had my cholesterol levels been high then we could have had an intelligent conversation about treatment, including lifestyle/diet changes and MAYBE I would have decided to take them after all I might not have got the side effects that nearly ruined my husbands life, that would have been proper advice not 'oh you are old so take them'

I should add that MrOops has been on Statins for several years and has had no problems at all.

I have osteoarthritis in several places it’s crippling at times. I was taken off meds for the pain because of my kidney disease which the medication had contributed too.
I was advised to take statins for cholesterol I flatly refused. I know three people including my husband who since taking them complains continually of aching legs etc.
I altered my diet and at the risk of my teeth losing enamel eat a lot of citrus fruit. I am in enough discomfort without adding to it. My cholesterol has reduced it was my decision to refuse statins each person has the choice.

I'm not anti statin. I was happy to take them. However, in my particular case they gave me horrendous nosebleeds so I stopped taking them. It's personal choice.

I always reply to station threads with the same advice. Read 'Statin Nation' by Dr. Malcolm Kendrick. Then decide if you want to take them.

Statin not station.

Antonia

I always reply to station threads with the same advice. Read 'Statin Nation' by Dr. Malcolm Kendrick. Then decide if you want to take them.

Exactly - another book of his, The Great Cholesterol Con is a real eye opener too.

Kali2

People start taking Statins at a time of their life when arthritic pain develops. The fact your knee is worse AFTER coming off Statins, seems to indicate that they were not the problem.

If there are strong reasons why you were prescribed statins, they could save your life. Not easy at our age to achieve a balance.

I think you need to come up with some hard evidence if you believe that statins will save anyones life! By that I mean a link or two to some scientific papers would be very helpful.

Kali2

You need to discuss this thoroughly with your medics, and not read the anti statins, who are often worse than the anti vaxxers, and with less knowledge. Get proper advice.

This is a really offensive comment, you should be ashamed of yourself.

What is offensive about suggesting that a gp would be the best person to consult?

MissAdventure

What is offensive about suggesting that a gp would be the best person to consult?

For the reasons I stated in my post, GPS often prescribe them for people of a certain age without even doing blood tests for high cholesterol as I stated in my last post, My Dads GP told him that his leg pains were due to old age and not statins even though NICE state that myalgia, arthralgia, pain in extremity, muscle spasms, joint swelling, and back pain are common side effects but apparently he should expect to have legs pains in his 80s anyway he actually got so fed up with his GP dismissing his concerns that he just gets his prescription filled and throws them down the loo - oh and yes his leg pains stopped

just gets his prescription filled and throws them down the loo
Seriously? What a waste of NHS resources!

Wow - irritable divisive comments here. Where’s the debate that might help people consider the pros and cons

I think that sometimes GPs feel compelled to prescribe them, even for 'borderline' cholesterol levels - just to comply with recommendations.

Ask your GP exactly what difference (on average) taking them would make. Often, statistically, it's tiny.

I refused statins, don’t know whether it was right, but I couldn’t risk the pain I am in getting worse. I do need to alter my diet as well, I believe refined sugar and fat should be avoided., I love chocolate.

Chakotay
Same situation with my dear friend. Prior to her heart attack her cholesterol was perfect. Then she was put on statins. She too got to the stage where she couldn’t walk.
After being badgered by her daughter ( a senior radiographer) and myself, she came off them. She got her life back.
She was called to hospital for a check up with the heart surgeon. She asked me to go with her.
He asked her if she was still taking the statins. She told him she had come off them, and why. He told her to stay off them

I would look at both issues separately.
Arthritis is sadly common in older people especially in joints, but high cholesterol can contribute to strokes / heart attacks so I wouldn’t be eager to stop them if they have been prescribed.
I would seek further advice with your doctor Chakotay.

Lizzie72

^just gets his prescription filled and throws them down the loo ^
Seriously? What a waste of NHS resources!

Yes isn't it and all down to the GP who refused to listen to him, in fact prior to this action he told the Pharmacy who deals with his repeat meds he didn't want them only to be told they cant change it until ordered by his GP so back he goes again only for the GP to refuse to take him off them. He had no choice

TillyTrotter

I would look at both issues separately.
Arthritis is sadly common in older people especially in joints, but high cholesterol can contribute to strokes / heart attacks so I wouldn’t be eager to stop them if they have been prescribed.
I would seek further advice with your doctor Chakotay.

IF my GP orders a blood test to check my Cholesterol levels and IF its found to be high then I will listen to any advice he gives, I would also ask to be referred to a Lipid Consultant, but his advice seems to be you are old and need to take them - that's not advice that's tantamount to bullying and coercion.