Re: Kaiser "cholesterol clinic" experience

"Ellen K." <firstinitiallastname@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:hCajp.1744$in3.952@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When I told her I really want to go off the simvastatin or at least reduce the dose, she said recent studies have shown statins are protective against Alzheimer's, macular degeneration, and colorectal cancer, quite apart from their effect on lipids.

Yes I have seen studies about those conditions. I can't take statins as all give me immediate (same day) excruciatingly painful and weak muscles. Weak enough that I can't walk without legs collapsing and painful enough that stong pain killers don't put a dent in the pain. People need to weigh up the pros and cons for themselves.

Wow, that sounds miserable. :(

For myself, I would like to go off at least for a three-month trial to see if my various symptoms go away, i.e. if they are from the simvastatin. If they *don't* go away, then I have to pester the doctor to find out what's causing them, but I would be ok with going back on it if my lipids went up during the trial period.

I haven't had any trouble with Lipitor for the several years I've been taking it (maybe 5? I'd have to look it up....) No unaccountable muscle problems & I don't think I'm any dimmer than "before".
bj


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