I'm worried about taking statins and side effects

Hi @mfv, here is a related discussion on Connect that might be relevant for you.
- "Dents" in leg muscles https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dents-in-leg-muscles/

Have you talked to your doctor about your concerns regarding statins?

Not yet but I am going to on Monday. From what I have read I don’t like the sounds of staying on statins at all!

@mfv, I have had that same talk with my primary care doctor on statins but my concern was the statins making my neuropathy worse since statins can increase the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy and I already had been diagnosed with small fiber peripheral neuropathy and didn't want to make it worse. My PCP was fine with me not taking them once we discussed how I can make some lifestyle changes to improve my cholesterol numbers. I also have a few "dents" in my shins but I think they may be considered pitting edema since I also have been diagnosed with lymphedema and have to wear compression socks.

These dents just seemed to keep
Popping up since I started taking the statins ...are you saying these dents could be pitting edema? I didn’t think pitting edema would leave permanent dents. I don’t know why but I thought that was when you pushed on your skin and the skin didn’t bounce back as quickly as it should so I am confused by that. I have had no experience with it and I am scared!
What is lymphedema?

You are correct about the pitting edema. It may not be related to the dents I have in my legs but they seemed more pronounced when my legs were swollen with the lymphedema which is a long-term condition where excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling (edema) and why I have to wear compression socks to help push the excess fluids up towards my waist. More info here on the condition - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919

I would discuss the dents with your doctor. Since there is no associated pain with the dents I think that is a good sign.

Thank you! I am just curious ...have you had experience with statins?

Thank you for clarifying for me John. I don’t have swelling in my legs that I can notice at all just the stupid dents. Just seems weird that I am just starting to notice them after starting statins🤷🏻‍♀️ But I will definitely be having a discussion with my doctor! I am hoping you are right that it’s a good sign that I have no pain! I will let you know! Thanks for your responses!

I used to think it was possible the cause of my neuropathy but now I'm not so sure. I took simvastatin for years along with another med for high blood pressure when I was in my early late 30s to early 40s until I participated in a Mayo Clinic heart study which resulted in my diagnosis changing to being hypertension related and my BP meds were changed and I no longer take simvastatin.

Here's some information you may find useful for your discussion with your doctor on cholesterol levels.

Top 5 lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935

@mfv If like to become you also to connect I've had high cholesterol for along time till the Dr found the right statin for me since then I have had no muscle pain on my legs Have you tried different stations?