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Statin discontinued due to neuropathy. What are some alternatives?
I have been using Lipitor since 2007 for lowering my cholesterol which is on the list of those medicines that are suspected to cause neuropathy. I am thinking of discontinuing this menace but before doing so want to check with those members who have discontinued using statin and what is their experience. What alternative methods have they since adopted for lowering their cholesterol .. diet, alternative medication, exercise or anything else ?
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I agree! My doctor insisted I try one, so I did.. one pill. lowest dose. Got terribly sick for 24 hours, delerious and in pain. My first husband was very healthy but decided to do what his doctor said. He went on statins and then shortly after died. heart attack.
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1 Reaction@rois4richo I think this may be the article on statins and neuropathy back in 2002 that you were referring to:
Statin Drugs May Increase Risk Of Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/05/020514075710.htm
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1 ReactionYou are exactly correct. I hope it helps.
@maryflorida @johnbishop there is a short article in a Scientific American that gives some cautions for further investigation.. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-statins-produce-neurological-effects/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20adverse%20effects,and%20greater%20irritability%20and%20aggression.
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1 Reaction@maryflorida As you know the body is a very complicated system of all sorts of interactions. Your post on reactions to Statins does not establish a "cause and effect or symptoms" relationship for the use of Statins. There are many statistical studies with hundreds of patients that try to establish what are the most frequent side effects of statins vs the real therapeutic benefits. You may find this Study in the UK interesting.. I must say that I take Statins and I do think there are side effects. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201115185935.htm
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1 Reaction@jeffrapp, I'm new to Mayo Clinic Connect, just seeing this post and wanted to comment. I am in agreement with your take on the medical professionals, but I do see how people might feel "dismissed" after visiting their respective doctors. If I quote some of the things my neurologist has said, I can make him out to look dismissive, but, I can tell you he is NOT. Right now after some thorough testing, I've basically been told that I have polyneuropathy, some vitamins may help and it isn't likely to progress.
I wish that I could sit him down and discuss everything he knows and doesn't know about my exact condition; what he's learned from the research and from the hundreds of patients he's treated. I'd like for him to give me a detailed explanation of the terms used and results given on the tests I've taken. And I want him to explain to me exactly why he chose the diagnosis he did and his likely prognosis for progression of my particular disorder. Oh, and why the condition has so many variables.
But, that is really asking a lot. It would require having him over for dinner followed by several hours of discussion. And that's only because I have a decent background in anatomy and physiology. Otherwise, we might need a week-end together or maybe a semester of classes!
I've learned that I need to take on more responsibility for learning and understanding the details of my exact condition and it's status in the medical field. Basically, that's why I'm here! I want to pick the minds of those who know! So, if you're free for dinner, I still have a ton of questions, LOL!
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3 ReactionsHello @mamamarch, and welcome to connect.
Thanks for the dinner invitation!
Unfortunately, by this time, you probably know almost as much useful information about PN as I do.
Like many neurologic diseases, PN can be quite maddening. The diagnosis is complicated, the causes are often unknown, and the treatment is usually barely effective, at best.
Further complicating things, neurology has become a victim of the ridiculous way physicians are paid in this country. Ones who mostly think (internists, pediatricians, general practitioners, etc.) are paid much less than ones who do procedures (various surgeons, cardiologists, dermatologists, etc.).
I was a board certified ER doc. We used to have a semi-serious saying: "Don't just stand there thinking, do something". The procedures we did were much higher paying than our thinking.
Neurology is especially hit hard. Before MRI's, etc., all they did was make an often difficult diagnosis the old fashioned way, and then be left with almost no effective treatments. Now, with MRI's, most of the diagnoses are made with imaging studies, and there still are no very good treatments.
So, no, your neurologist is not likely to spend hours with you. He/she will likely feel rushed to see you in the short time allotted for your appointment, complete your chart, order your meds and tests, fill out ridiculous insurance and other forms, etc. These same dynamics likely apply to other specialists you see.
If you would like to read about a neurologist who somehow found the time to spend weeks and months with one patient, read the books by Oliver Sacks, who became famous after the movie "Awakenings", which was about one of his stories.
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4 ReactionsDoes taking it three times a week keep your cholesterol in check I have been getting a lot of muscle issues tinnitus had gotten worse your fam
Yes, the low dose suffices to lower my LDL to about 60
The data on stains is really all over the board with regard to quality studies. One thing I am convinced of, however is that statins do improve risk. The most frustrating is that cardiologists are not consistent with dosage. I have been told to take 20mg of Crestor per day, then a second opinion said 5mg per day, yet another said 5mg every other!... So I did my own regime..... 5mg twice a week, low low carb diet, intermittent fasting, religious exercise only 30 minute per day. Latest LDL was 57, Triglycerides 99, Total 127, and HDL 50. Lifestyle changes work, but some meds are needed for higher risk patients. Don't be afraid of side effects that are reported as rare. Work with your doc to find a lifestyle that works for you. Do not just follow without knowledge. Follow up on labs is critical and sometimes those are not re-ordered for 6 moths or longer.
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