Statins and arthritis

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

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?

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.

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 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!

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Statin not station.

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.

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