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

Way back in 2014 when my PCP was concerned about an elevated Cholesterol he prescribed Lipitor which I took for a month or two until I realized the extreme pain in my left shoulder muscles was “new” and after a bit of research decided to stop the statin. Lo and behold within a month, the pain was gone! And never returned. I later discovered the importance of calculating my ratios as cholesterol did remain over 200. Dividing total cholesterol by my HDL resulted in a ratio of 2.6 ~ excellent. I also did a calcium heart imaging test resulting in a score of 1. I was diagnosed with Type 2 in 2016, could not tolerate Metformin and decided to manage with diet and exercise. Brought A1c from 6.4 to 5.6 in six months! Still doing well with an A1c under 6.

Thanks for the reply ... My neighbors told me about Mayo Connect at a gathering last evening. I was intrigued and joined!
Cheers.

Way back in 2014 when my PCP was concerned about an elevated Cholesterol he prescribed Lipitor which I took for a month or two until I realized the extreme pain in my left shoulder muscles was “new” and after a bit of research decided to stop the statin. Lo and behold within a month, the pain was gone! And never returned. I later discovered the importance of calculating my ratios as cholesterol did remain over 200. Dividing total cholesterol by my HDL resulted in a ratio of 2.6 ~ excellent. I also did a calcium heart imaging test resulting in a score of 1. I was diagnosed with Type 2 in 2016, could not tolerate Metformin and decided to manage with diet and exercise. Brought A1c from 6.4 to 5.6 in six months! Still doing well with an A1c under 6.

Statins caused so many serious side effects, some rare, I refused to take them. Then I wrote this short poem that is to the point.

“What is the sense in living life?” “Just so you can live it?” “I all it gives you back to live.” “Is a life of pain and sadness!”

Doctors tell you that you need this pill, then that pill, then others to help you live longer, why? Back when I did everything my doctors told me to do or take these pills, guess what. By the time 13 different doctors prescribed 13 different types of pill, I was taking 42 pills a day, every day. They literally turned me into a prescription addict. Take a pill for this pain or that pain, a pill to go to sleep, a pill to wake me up, you name it and they told me to take a pill. Finally, I said enough is enough and got off everything. That was over 40 years ago and I refuse to take any medication yet unless I know exactly what it’s going to do to me and why. I don’t take any pain medications, none, pain tells your body somethings wrong with it. You deaden the pain with pills, how will you know how bad the damage is getting? I have a very bad heart birth defect, I’m 78, with my bp less than 140/80, recommended by 3 different cardiologist taking care of me. Then the AHA says, I must have a bp of 120/70, why? Because most people can’t get that low without, you guessed it, a pill. Gee, I wonder who came up with that recommendation? Remember my poem, I’m a freak of nature living in a hellish nightmare I cannot wake up from. Guess what, no medications, no pills and watch what I eat. My vitals this morning, 116/68 heart rate 67. Yesterday 111/64 heart rate, 65. Gee, think I’ll take a pill, a happy pill that is. Just become your own health activist and decide if you need the pill or is it a doctor saying you need to take it. Judge for yourself if your body actually needs it or will a life style change work instead, I did!!!

My cholesterol has been off the charts since my 30s. Over the years I tried several different statins, and every single time had horrendous side effects, very weak muscles and pains and aches in my legs and would refuse to take them. Now, at age 70, the Cardiologist convinced me to try Pravachol. I have absolutely no side effects whatsoever from it and my numbers are dropping.

@bijouxb My cholesterol was around 300 then finally Dr found a statin that has brought my numbers way down without any side effect it is rovustatin or Crestor this is the only one that will work for me and no side effects have you tried others?

Maybe try a different statin?
I’ve been taking Atorvastatin for twenty years, with Coq10 200mg to supposedly counter any muscle problems, which I never had, and that regimen seems to be working for this 82 year old. Wishing you well!