I chose not to take statins for lowering my cholesterol because I already have neuropathy and just didn't want to chance making it worse. I would rather work on lowering the numbers by lifestyle changes. Also, my numbers really weren't that high when my primary care doctor wanted to start me on them. I really think a person has to weigh the risks and have a discussion with their doctor. Mayo Clinic has some good information on weighing the risks. I also ran across some interesting side effects of statins while researching..

Mayo Clinic - Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

Statins Have Unexpected Effect on Pool of Powerful Brain Cells
-- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/2051/statins-have-unexpected-effect-on-pool-of-powerful-brain-cells.aspxAw

I'm finding this discussion representing many points of view and maintaining respect, for that I thank all of you.
I can certainly understand the drive to finding causes and relief from neuropathy, and hoping for prevention and cure. Anecdotal evidence can lead to research. I sincerely believe that doctors as much as patients wish there were more to do and offer to help patients with all types of neuropathy. I agree that one must weigh the risks of not taking a statin with the risks and benefits of the drug to prevent stroke or a cardiac event. For each person that bears a discussion with their doctor.

Here are a few recent articles I found on the topic.
- Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks (Mayo Clinic) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013
- Statins do not increase risk of polyneuropathy (American Academy of Neurology) https://n.neurology.org/content/neurology/early/2019/02/08/WNL.0000000000007148.full.pdf
- Statin Toxicity (Circulation Research) https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.312782

Excerpt
"Neurological conditions that have been associated with statin use include hemorrhagic stroke, cognitive decline, peripheral neuropathy, depression, confusion/memory loss and aggression, and personality changes.19 It is unclear whether these are because of the direct action of statins given the blood-brain barrier’s selective permeability to substrates and the brain’s self-sufficiency when it comes to endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Lipophilic statins are thought to have a higher risk because of their increased ability to cross the blood-brain barrier; however, it should be noted that these effects may not be specific to statins per se and instead a result of low cholesterol levels."

@dutchman09, thanks for the clarification about why you are using apple cider vinegar and that it is not to help manage peripheral neuropathy. Here is some information about apple cider vinegar.
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Your Health (WebMD) https://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-your-health

Thank you for the correction.

If not gabapentin, what do you take for your pain, may I ask? I have not tried Lions Mane mushroom, is it helpful?

Hi @helennicola, I use natural inflammatories through foods I eat and supplements like turmeric. I deal with the pain. I have read reviews on Lion’s Mane Mushroom. It seemed to help people with neuropathy. I don’t know how long people were taking the supplement before getting good results. I would think it depends on the individual and degree of illness for it to help. I had heard about it by calling a major supplement company. Their sales representative told me his company did not carry a supplement that could help with neuropathy but he had heard of Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Studies were done to prove it had helped.

The reviews on Lions Mane mushroom are very positive although like many alternative meds, have not been proven in humans. It is supposedly beneficial and preventative for many ailments and sounds like a sensible possibility to try.

I have heard that stopping statins can take the neuropathy away very fast. As far as natural ways to lower cholesterol, I have read to eat a red apple, carrots, and beets, several times a week, and they will lower your cholesterol. There is a doctor speaking of this on you tube. Perhaps try this, and see if it helps! Lori Renee

I stopped Crestor 11 months ago and am using an Electronic Nerve Stimulator twice a day and have resolved myself to the fact (after much research and trials) that there is no cure for Neuropathy....period!

I have had severe case of PN June 9th that lasted for 5 months caused by taking Lipitor for more than 30 days. No doctors was able to help me so I resorted to self help. Based on what I've read through research, I took magnesium, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Zinc. My new primary doctor prescribed Ezetimibe and Vascepa for my cholesterol and I did treadmill at least 4 times a week 30-50 min. My LDL is now down from 146 to 111 and to this day 34 days now, I have not experience PN. I hope this help.

@jeffrapp - Nicely said. I was considered a renegade in my younger years when I taught childbirth classes without being a medical practitioner. Silly me - I figured that having 2 - 4 children of my own and doing a lot of reading equipped me to do a better job than my local health unit - where our class full of first time mothers was told that we would experience 'some discomfort' while in labour. Not only did I learn that labour hurts like Hell - I also learned that being a medical practitioner did NOT equal 'all knowing'. Based on my own birthing experience, a critical component of my teaching to new mothers was: Do your own research and be an active partner in your health care.

I don't know if apple cider will lower cholesterol, but I agree that it is a choice and we should talk to our doctors if that's the route we want to go. Interestingly enough - I have been summoned to my new doctor's office because my cholesterol has been creeping up steadily over time. The only time it dropped was when I was on the Keto diet! I achieve ketosis very quickly/easily and I guess I could try that route again, but I am not interested in going back on that diet because it's so restrictive - so - I assume my doctor will want to talk to me about meds.... *sigh* Time to do some research on the subject!!!