Important information about statins that I’m going to ask my doc about

@amberpep- My sister and I use to take Lipitor and we both had what appeared to memory loss. After we stopped it and went on to something else that loss returned. It's not permanent.
Where did you find the information that you stated?

Here is up to date information on Statins.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

Merry ..... actually, the first hint I had of it (not thinking of meds.) I was talking to my therapist and he was updating his medication records on me. When I mentioned simvistatin, he looked at me and said, "really? hmmmm" ..... well, not being one to let anything slide, I immediately got on line and just typed in simvistatin. Up popped several sites, with Mayo and Cleveland Clinic being the ones I rely on.
harp player

@amberpep Thats interesting I used to take simvastatin year's ago and it might explain my memory issues I've had. I take Atorvastatin now and my numbers are much better, actually better than they have been in years. Thanks for the information. I wonder if the memory issues recover. I can say that I had one issue back then that bothered me I could not remember one of my grandchildren's names. It did come back to me but maybe it was when I was on the other statin.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana

Interesting discussion. I am on an anticoagulant & Astrovastin.
Since both are prescribed to reduce stroke & heart attack, why take both? With all the downside on satins, could one just drop it, rely on Xarelto for adequate protection?

Hi Dana .... It is nerve wracking and scary when you can't remember things like that .... my most difficult seems to be the last 4 numbers of my phone number, which I've had for over 18 years! I see my doctor this coming Friday and I'm going to tell him that I want to get off of them. The article I read said to reduce it with your doctors guidance, so I'll do that. If it were any longer than another week, I'd call him and get his advice over the phone. I want to try this without statins first, just by eating differently. I admit I have a sweet tooth, and I know all that has fat, etc. in it.
harp player .... i.e. abby

Definitely talk to your doctor first, @elwood .... don't do this on your own. abby

.harp. - for sure. Would not change meds without first consulting. Just an interesting thought

For sure consult Dr. I had a bad reaction to statins and choose not y take. Body became very weak, couldn't walk up stairs or work in garden. I'm much better now, I just take Ubiquinol coq10 n magnesium, every day, been holding good for 10 yrs since incedent. Perfect natural path, but it's not fr everyone

Yes, Always ask your provider before changing your medication.

I was put on Atorvastatin, and in less than 2 months I developed: (a) TERRIBLE muscle pain in both feet and legs; (b) partial tears in both my tibial tendon and plantar fascia; (c) sudden onset of Stage II CKD; (d) Pre-Diabetes; and (e) brain fog from hell. Statins almost killed me. And now, I am being told that "if I do not take statins, I risk death" because my cholesterol is NOT good. So I am being told to pick between one hideous disease that might kill me, or the absolutely certainty of Kidney Failure and Diabetes - that will also kill me, but not before it turns me into a Dialysis patient, and THEN kills me.

This is 2020. There have to be alternatives to the type of medical care that says "We'll fix (sort of) this problem, but the cure will kill you" type of scenario I am facing. Or put another way: right now, I have one hideous disease that might kill me. If I take Statins, I'll have three hideous diseases that will kill me. Because they don't "cure" heart disease. They just slow it down. Supposedly. And I have also read that there is little evidence of an increased life span from statin medication. Especially for women. The Statin Pharma Lobby is a really powerful organization. Biggest moneymaker in history. And that is fact.

By the way, my cholesterol was perfectly normal. Then I hit Menopause and Holy Mother of God. And I have discovered - the hard way - that the medications doctors are fond of giving to anxious patients (especially women) cause my cholesterol to surge even higher. Prozac was a biggie. 100 points. In less than a month of usage. I stopped the Prozac and that 100 point increase disappeared. I have since watched my numbers from BEFORE cholesterol was a problem to now. I have also been able to see what triggers spikes in cholesterol AND the sudden onset of potentially debilitating disease of other organs. I stopped taking Atorvastatin because I was practically crippled in less than 2 months. My "out-nowhere" Kidney Disease disappeared, as did my Pre-Diabetes. Not so lucky with the muscle pain, but it is getting better. I'll never be a power-walker ever again, however. My days of hiking are over. And it hurts to lose function like that. Not being able to really exercise is just as hard on a person's heart as the dreaded "Cholesterol" debate. I still wonder how a substances that is essential to healing the body (Cholesterol) has been so demonized. Isn't it inflammation to blood vessels that Cholesterol is generated to try and repair damaged arteries? Input from cardiologists without skin in the game would be really helpful.

What are patients like myself supposed to do? It would appear that we are damned if we do, and damned if we don't. I live with someone who has End Stage Renal Disease and has to endure the rigors of dialysis thrice weekly, and I will NEVER allow that to happen to me on purpose. It is a living hell. You never "get used to it" and your life, plans and EVERYTHING that matters(ed) to you take a back seat. And being told these are my only options are not sitting well with me.