Statins

Iam64

Maw, several years ago, I stopped taking them because of muscle ache. I started again last year because my cholesterol levels had gone higher than my rheumatologist believes safe. RA - heart disease are good friends. I have other risk factors, heart disease on maternal family tree and atrial fib. So I agreed to try again. The doc prescribed a different statin and I’ve had no problems. Best

Good to know it is working. It so worries me that Statins are given such a bad name on Social Media, putting people off taking them- wehn they are true life-savers, but perhaps even much more importantly quality of life savers- preventing debilitating strokes. So well done you. As you say, it is important to talk to doctor and find the one that suits you, rather than give up and take huge risks.

Grannie06

I was very interested to read this as I have just been told to take statins but like others I don't want to and have decided to try changing my diet first.

12 years I went on the strict diet to appease my Dr. My reading was 9.6. I stuck to it rigidly ( and miserably) for 6 months.
My reading came down to 9.4.

I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again: I think it’s the biggest con ever perpetrated by a drugs company.

I've been on statins since my mini stroke and had no adverse effects from it. And my cholesterol was halved. I honestly believe that they are life-savers.

This can be your opinion- but please- they can be life savers and especially quality life savers.

A friend of ours, very healthy lifestyle, slim- was told his cholesteral was too high. He refused statins because he had read exactly what you said. When he died a year later, of a heart attack- his wife and family wanted to sue their doctor because he had not made a case strong enough for him to take statins. We have a friend currenly in a care home, unable to communicate or to walk- after a massive stroke in the autumn. He refused statins for the same reason.

Please, listen to your doctor, not the internet or GN. If your cholesterol is over 5- you are at very serious risk. A quick heart attack does not frighten me too much, but a debilitating stroke rendering me unable to communicate or live my life stuck as a semi-'vegetable' is just terrifying.

Two quick heart attacks and the physical an emotional consequences certainly frightened me, Fleurpepper.
A healthy diet, low chlorestoral, clear arteries and well functioning valves made no difference.
I will do anything in my power to avoid another one.
Unless you have suffered one, you have no idea of the physical and emotional fallout.
I am strong minded and resilient, but it had a tremendous impact on my wellbeing.

pascal30

Every time,I've tried statins and over the years I've tried 6 different types because my GP keeps pushing them, I've had terrible pains and weakness in my legs.. The last try a few months ago after not having taken any for several years, and because my GP kept persuading me, I tried a new one, resulted in my not being able to walk. The GP pharmacist insisted that these statins did not have that side effect.. I will never take any again because as soon as I stopped so did the weakness and pain.. Frankly I'd rather risk having another heart attack, though since I stopped taking blood pressure tablets my blood pressure has returned to normal..

I had exactly the same experience - the weakness in my legs was actually so bad that I had a couple of falls.

Marydoll

Two quick heart attacks and the physical an emotional consequences certainly frightened me, Fleurpepper.
A healthy diet, low chlorestoral, clear arteries and well functioning valves made no difference.
I will do anything in my power to avoid another one.
Unless you have suffered one, you have no idea of the physical and emotional fallout.
I am strong minded and resilient, but it had a tremendous impact on my wellbeing.

Oh I am so sorry. Yes, this is not what I meant, sorry. I meant if I have to go of a quick and massive heart attack, I am not afraid. But a massive stroke, which would leave me unable to communicate or do anything, just terrifies me.

I wish you all the very best, and hope you get the right medication, care and support to continue to improve back to the life you love

This thread is very timely. My DH has literally just come home from seeing the nurse at our practice who has told him he needs statins. I’ve just read out all your replies to him. He is undecided now. I will keep reading.

Forsythia, get professional advice. Not GN or social media- which is very dangerous. Please.

Depends on his cholesterol values, his BP, his history and family history, weight, diet, drinking, exercise, etc. NOT social media.

Yes he will Fleur Pepper. It’s just interesting reading this, that’s all.

Pheew. Bravo.

No harm in trying, and if he has any issues, and most do not, then change to a different one. But he shouldn't start with all the negatives in his head, as we are all so subjected to pre-conceptions which can affect the outcome. Tell us how he gets on.

I will try statins again if my GP thinks I need to. I will try a different one and check the side effects carefully.

I didn't want to take statins when my cholesterol was found to be 6.4. It was agreed that I would try for 3 months to reduce it myself with diet/ lifestyle changes. It came down to 6.3. I went on statins and in 3 months it came down to 4.3. I have no side effects and I am happy that my cholesterol is now within normal limits.

Forsythia

This thread is very timely. My DH has literally just come home from seeing the nurse at our practice who has told him he needs statins. I’ve just read out all your replies to him. He is undecided now. I will keep reading.

I agree with Fleurpepper, we shouldn't be relying on social media to help us decide to take statins or not.
I would only take the advice of a clinician, because everyone of us is different and there are so many factors involed.

Which is why I was careful not to ask for advice but “opinions and reactions”.

I'm 74 and after my last check up I got a text to say my cholesterol was a bit high and it was recommended that I went on statins. I asked for a telephone chat with my doctor as I was a bit unsure and having had that chat I'm now into my second month of taking statins. I've had no problems so far. My doctor said a lot of the "side effects" are actually just a part of getting older rather than from taking statins and the effects of a heart attack or stroke (if I survived) would be a lot more problematic.

MawtheMerrier

Which is why I was careful not to ask for advice but “opinions and reactions”.

I wasnt refering to you Maw, but to a post, where someone was still undecided after reading this thread.

Red Dr. Malcolm Kendrick's books 'The Great Cholesterol Con' and 'Statin Nation.'

Lynker, my diet is good enough. On statins my cholesterol came from 5.7 to 3.5
I stopped the statins, tried harder with diet, cholesterol soon back to 5.8. Back to statins it’s 3.5 again
My husband died recently. He had three strokes in three days, the final one catastrophic. He was 71, very fit until a devastating cancer diagnosis six months before he died. The treatment for brain tumours caused the strokes. Having lived with him on the stroke ward for his final days, I’d avoid strokes if possible

Kate1949

I will try statins again if my GP thinks I need to. I will try a different one and check the side effects carefully.

How do you check? It is just amazing how our minds and bodies react to reading the medication leaflets mentionning side-effects. I choose not to reas them and rely on trusting doctors I know to be competent and experienced. Because if you read about side-effects- most of us do react negatively often. We just can't help it- it plays on the mind, and body.

So sorry to hear about your husband Iam64. I am slim, I exercise regularly and I eat healthily. I was surprised that my cholesterol was high and I have wondered about coming off them now that it is reduced. However my mum had high cholesterol. She also had a triple heart bypass and then vascular dementia. She also spent 7 years of her life in care. I will follow medical advice to reduce my risks.

Tests done with placebos showed that many people develop side-effects mentionned in the leaflet.

As for leg cramps, etc, it is simple to get a test for a specific muscle enzyme, which would indicate that the Statin is the issue. So ask to be tested if you develop such muscle pains.

As for Kendrick's book, make sure you also read the 4S study done in UK and Scotland, for a more balanced view.

Marydoll

MawtheMerrier

Which is why I was careful not to ask for advice but “opinions and reactions”.

I wasnt refering to you Maw, but to a post, where someone was still undecided after reading this thread.

I know MD -apologies for being unclear

Fleurpepper. I mean I would read the accompanying leaflet which I didn't do last time. I began to get heavy nosebleeds, one of which was in the middle of the night. I had to throw bedding away. I then had more bleeds, one that wouldn't stop and my husband rang 111. My GP couldn't find a reason for them. I had never had one in my life.
I couldn't understand it. The only thing I had done differently was to take statins so I read the leaflet and sure enough nosebleeds were one of the main side effects. I stopped taking them and the bleeds stopped.

FleurPepper. You are spot on!
I speak as somebody who takes a low dose as borderline gratefully. Familial cardio links. Also having. Worked on neuro rehab for awhile anything to help pre this situation I willing go with. I also eat well ( or try to ).
I honestly believe they are worthwhile and recommend anyone who thinks they know better, think again.