Statins and arthritis

I was offered them but refused. I understand that statins can exacerbate diabetes as well as can cause side effects as stated above. Many of the trials were done years ago in the USA using fit youngish men.

Was I in serious danger from cholesterol I would consider taking them after doing more research.

We actually need both types of cholesterol for liver and brain function especially as we age.

My son-in-law takes statins. Apparently, it depends on the quality of the statins. People taking a generic version have more side effects. He is taking a good quality one and is fine.

I was prescribed Atorvastin recently after I had a TIA ( mini stroke) which has damaged the layers of my retina leading to some sight loss - it was my optician who referred me to the stroke consultant. My Blood pressure was sky high so my regular bp meds were tweaked and I was given blood thinners after my initial visit. Then when my bloods came back, it showed my bad cholesterol levels were slightly high so I was also given the statin Atorvastin although my doctor was not totally happy about, he thought my cholesterol levels were not high enough to take statins immediately he would normally look at diet and life style first. However, as the Stroke Consultant recommended them, he’s agreed to prescribe them for a few months while I have other tests looking at heart function and the eye problems, then we are going to review things.

As I’m still going for various medical procedures, I was at the Eye Hospital again two weeks ago to asses damage to the optic nerve and then had an MRI scan on Friday and will be having a 72 hour heart monitor in January, I’m happy taking anything I’m prescribed to prevent a full blown stroke.

I also have very bad arthritis in my knees, it’s bone on bone now and I can barely walk ten yards so have a disabled parking badge and take tramadol with paracetamol four times a day for pain relief. I was concerned about the side effects of the statins re the arthritis but luckily I don’t seem to be affected, the pain levels and immobility are the same. But in the mean time with my ongoing three types of bp medication, I’m sure I rattle while I walk around I’m taking so many pills.

I have to praise the NHS for the care I’ve been given, all these hospital visits have taken place in the last three months and I have received excellent attention, empathy and advice at every visit. Even the MRI scan was not as bad as I thought it was going to be thanks to the lovely staff who took the time to calm me down and explain what they were doing with humour!

Teacheranne- I’m with you in feeling fortunate to have had good care for various health conditions. I feel for people at the start of investigations for auto immune conditions during these dark pandemic days.

I’ve taken statins for over 20 years.
It is familial inherited high cholesterol and cannot be lowered by lifestyle changes so I take the medication. It keeps the condition within normal range.

This is of interest to me as my DH has just been told his cholesterol is 5.1 on the scale. Just over the norm. He mentioned statins to the GP who was non commitall. I’m of the view that we need to try to tackle this through diet first and avoid statins unless essential, he has 2 friends (both drink and smoke) who take statins but my DH doesn’t drink/smoke. He does, However, like cheese and bread. So Im Going to see if we can approach this through a change to his diet. Has anybody done this successfully?

Forgot to add, his blood pressure is perfect they said.