My husband was on and off Zocor and then changed to Zetia. Zocor caused knee damage and had to stop taking it. Later on he was put on Zetia and it seemed to be working o.k., however, his personality changed some and I thought it was just old age creeping up on him. His driving was the pitts at times(dangerous), easily aggitated (he normally is a calm laid back sort of fella). Memory was getting bad, mental functioning in general not the best.

His knee started bothering him again and he stopped the Zetia. When his knee seemed to be o.k. he would start taking it again. This rocked on for about a year. Finally one day we were discussing when he had been on Zetia and when he had been off of it. Low and behold, the answer was there for all the things above that he was doing that was not normal for him. When he was on Zetia he drove crazy, irritable, easily aggravated, etc. When he was off Zetia he returned back to almost his old self, it all coincided with taking Zetia.

My husband has been off Zetia 2 months now and he is almost back to being normal, driving just fine, smiling again, not irritable, etc.

He was not aware of being like that and I had not associated it with the Zetia. He asked me to go with him to the doctor and tell them my observations. They agreed it was the Zetia doing that to him.

Now I know what his problem was at times when he was on and off of Zocor in the past. He does not tolerate statins.

If you are taking a statin drug, be sure and ask those around you if they notice anything different about you, could save your life. The sad thing is that the person taking statins are not aware of any change in their mental or physical functioning.

I am amazed we did not have a car wreck or worse. I spent all my time being a side seat driver to keep us out of trouble. Now I can enjoy riding with hubby driving again.

I had to take it at night it was putting me in a fog all the time. I went off all meds they suck IMO. I'm trying the diet thing..Lisa

My husband was on and off Zocor and then changed to Zetia. Zocor caused knee damage and had to stop taking it. Later on he was put on Zetia and it seemed to be working o.k., however, his personality changed some and I thought it was just old age creeping up on him. His driving was the pitts at times(dangerous), easily aggitated (he normally is a calm laid back sort of fella). Memory was getting bad, mental functioning in general not the best.

His knee started bothering him again and he stopped the Zetia. When his knee seemed to be o.k. he would start taking it again. This rocked on for about a year. Finally one day we were discussing when he had been on Zetia and when he had been off of it. Low and behold, the answer was there for all the things above that he was doing that was not normal for him. When he was on Zetia he drove crazy, irritable, easily aggravated, etc. When he was off Zetia he returned back to almost his old self, it all coincided with taking Zetia.

My husband has been off Zetia 2 months now and he is almost back to being normal, driving just fine, smiling again, not irritable, etc.

He was not aware of being like that and I had not associated it with the Zetia. He asked me to go with him to the doctor and tell them my observations. They agreed it was the Zetia doing that to him.

Now I know what his problem was at times when he was on and off of Zocor in the past. He does not tolerate statins.

If you are taking a statin drug, be sure and ask those around you if they notice anything different about you, could save your life. The sad thing is that the person taking statins are not aware of any change in their mental or physical functioning.

I am amazed we did not have a car wreck or worse. I spent all my time being a side seat driver to keep us out of trouble. Now I can enjoy riding with hubby driving again.

I'm glad U noticed all the signs and put it together and your dr. listened. My hubby was on Lipitor for 7 years, and only when I was put on it in 2000, and got very sick, did I start to research statins. I tried going off and I would be fine, then as soon as I was fine, they shoved me on something else, and it would start all over again. I finally tossed the fool things in the pail and said...FORGET IT!!

Not long after did I come across some of hubby's problems being related to statins, so we asked his cardio guy and he said yes, it sounded like he also was having reactions to it. Wish I would have known earlier, maybe half his problems would have never appeared, some are now permanent. As we look back now, we remember the forgetfulness, feeling like your walking on golfballs, irritablility to the point I was ready to walk out at times, and VERY sarcastic. I had no idea what was going on and never related it to a med., but since he has been off, he is his usual laid back self, but now has PN that is only getting worse. Yes, there are folks who take these drugs and have no problems, but many do, but trying to convince these drs. is like pulling teeth.

Happy things are getting back to normal, and I hear ya about the wacky driving. Hubby was a trucker most of his life, but the last 3 years before retiring, his driving was making me bats. One minute he was going too fast, next he was driving like a stinking turtle. Unfortuneatly, he had to retire 3 years early due to the horrid pain and PN from statins. Oh well, no sense dwelling on it now, not much we can do, but hopefully people will be a lil more cautious if taking these drugs, they are NOT the magic bullet most drs. make them out to be.

Take care, and good luck..... :wave:

Lisa, if you consume no more than 7 grams or less of saturated fat per day you will have a better chance of controlling cholesterol via diet, if diet is the culprit. Starches and sweets raise the triglycrides. Exercise raises the HDL.

Yes, there are foods to eat, not what you want, but, they will keep you alive and healthy.

After I became diabetic (type 2) I stopped starches and sweets, tris came down big time. I walk treadmill every day 2 or 3 miles total and that helps lower the LDL and raise the HDL.

Policosanol is made from sugar cane and supposedly lowers cholesterol. I have my husband taking that now (get at health food store). Policinasol is also made from beeswax and grains, however, it is only the one made from sugar cane that lowers cholesterol. According to PubMed it really does work for some people. I took it for a year and it did not change mine, however, my cholesterol was good to start with. Doc wanted the LDL down from 93 to 70 since I am diabetic. Policosanol cost $18.99 for 60 pills and you take 2 pills at night.

Will see if it works for my husband, he has only been on it a couple of days now.

JJ, I hear you about the wacky driving. Same here, driving too fast then like a turtle, aggressive, refuse to let someone pass, turn left without good clearance, sitting like in a trance at steering wheel (not alert). I was beginning to think I was going to take car keys away from him. Our kids would not listen to me when I told them how he was driving, they chalked up to complaining mom. They now know it was the statins. One day he raced a drag racer guy and I kept telling him to get off the accelerator and he kept on. I screamed at him, told him he was not a teenager, stop it right now, all fell on deaf ears and he now remembers the dragracer but not that he was acting that way. Our car has same engine as police cars since it was made end of year right behind a police car order. Our mechanic told us otherwise we would not have known. We could have hit some rather high mph on city streets.

I told DH several times "I am not ready for this" when he was acting up at home. I really am not ready for an old man with mental problems. His doc laughingly told him "she was about to put you in a nursing home". Little did the doc know that if it continued he would have ended up somewhere cause I would not be able to hold up to very many years coping with that kind of behaviour. I love him dearly, but there is a limit as to what a person can cope with. Thank goodness he is returning to his old self and it is wonderful. His knee is still bothering him and I hope it is not a permanent thing.

When a fella has been quiet, laid back, etc. for years it is difficult to put up with their sarcasm, irritability, etc. My DH shredded important papers one day when I was not looking, ugh!! Many other things took place while he was under the influence of statins.

I am sorry both of you experienced horrible side effects from statins.

Perhaps others reading our posts will wake up and put two and two together and realize statins may be causing a problem.

Misty

JJ, I hear you about the wacky driving. Same here, driving too fast then like a turtle, aggressive, refuse to let someone pass, turn left without good clearance, sitting like in a trance at steering wheel (not alert). I was beginning to think I was going to take car keys away from him. Our kids would not listen to me when I told them how he was driving, they chalked up to complaining mom. They now know it was the statins. One day he raced a drag racer guy and I kept telling him to get off the accelerator and he kept on. I screamed at him, told him he was not a teenager, stop it right now, all fell on deaf ears and he now remembers the dragracer but not that he was acting that way. Our car has same engine as police cars since it was made end of year right behind a police car order. Our mechanic told us otherwise we would not have known. We could have hit some rather high mph on city streets.

I told DH several times "I am not ready for this" when he was acting up at home. I really am not ready for an old man with mental problems. His doc laughingly told him "she was about to put you in a nursing home". Little did the doc know that if it continued he would have ended up somewhere cause I would not be able to hold up to very many years coping with that kind of behaviour. I love him dearly, but there is a limit as to what a person can cope with. Thank goodness he is returning to his old self and it is wonderful. His knee is still bothering him and I hope it is not a permanent thing.

When a fella has been quiet, laid back, etc. for years it is difficult to put up with their sarcasm, irritability, etc. My DH shredded important papers one day when I was not looking, ugh!! Many other things took place while he was under the influence of statins.

I am sorry both of you experienced horrible side effects from statins.

Perhaps others reading our posts will wake up and put two and two together and realize statins may be causing a problem.

Misty

Misty, I think alot of folks are starting to realize some of their problems are from statins. A friend emailed me from MN. as her hubby was on Lipitor, and she knew I had some sort of problem, but couldn't remember exactly, but told me her hubby was getting snippy, short tempered, and extremely forgetful and wanted to know if this what I had gone thru. I told her yes, so she took him off, and the dr. she has said she thought it was the statins also. This guy has his own business, is extremely active, even teaches an arobic class, but started also getting lazy about wanting to do much of anything.

Like I said, hubby was a trucker for over 20 yrs., took the same route nite after nite to PA. from here in CT., and several times told me he missed his exit, now that was weird, as he is and always was one to know every shortcut around. We didn't have a computer during those years, so I knew nothing about statins, but after I retired in 2000, we got one and that is when I started the searching routine. This board was one of the first I was on, and boy, did I get my eyes opened. Oh well, I hate the fact he has some permanent damage, but glad he is back to his normal self, and I also don't fear riding with him, cause I am afraid he will glide thru a stop light, as he had done several times, and didn't even realize it, that is scarey!!!! Many times if we were going to a friends house, I would take my own car and make the excuse I might want to leave early. I know hubby use to give me funny looks, but somehow I pulled my lil fib off. Actually had some of his friends tell me they didn't like riding with him anymore, as he seemed too forgetful on the road, so I know it wasn't just me. Finally had to tell him the truth, and of course he was very defensive, and thought WE were all nuts.

Oh well, good luck, and keep on smiling....... :wave:

Hi Misty,

I have been 8 weeks now and down 2 sizes and I have changed my eating habits to almost vegetarian and totally organic and I love it. I only have about 4oz of lean meat or fish a day sometimes I go a few days no meat at all. Ne red meat at all I eat and all whole grains and veggies and fruits. I rarely eat saturated fats and if I do I know they do not exceed 7 grms. I'm anxious to see my bloodwork in a few weeks. I had to have made progress. I'm already a gym rat and have been for years so it is not the exercise thing. It was the way I ate I'm sure of it..Lisa

Just to set the record straight ZETIA (ezetimibe) is NOT a statin. It works entirely differently. Ezetimibe's method of action is to prevent the intestines from absobing cholesterol from bile used to digest food, thus eliminating a portion of the bile's colesterol from the body rather than allowing for recirculation. THis forces the body to make more bile from circulation liipoproteins thus lowering them.

Statins work by blocking an enzyme that prevents the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver.

Lenin, that is very true, Zocor is a statin and Zetia works a different way. However, both caused the same kind of side effects for my husband. He is suffering from knee problems due to Zetia the same as he did from Zocor. His mental stability has been messed up the same with both drugs.

Cholesterol lowering drugs in general have similar side effects.

Best to always be aware of any changes regardless of what medicine a person is taking, whether it is for cholesterol or for other problems.

Some people have no problems with statins or other cholesterol lowering drugs and then others have serious problems. The sad thing is that the person taking the drugs are not aware of acting out of character for them.

I think if different classes of medication are associated with the same problem, that the evidence points to the problem having an entirely different cause.

If for example, my leg hurt from each and every different vitamin I took, it would likely be incorrect for me to conclude that all vitamins cause leg pain. Perhaps arthritis or injury would be a more plausible cause.

A personal example for me is that beta-blockers cause insomnia and other classes of hypertensive meds don't...cause and effect.
If however I had insomnia with calcium channel blockers, ARB's ACE inhibitors and diuretics, it would be far more likely my insomnia was caused by "none of the above."

Well, I think the medical authorities are pushing the envelope much too far when it comes to cholesterol in general. Every time guidelines are revised, the trend is toward lower and lower levels. I think they've already gone too far, and are being overly aggressive and irresponsible in their prescribing of cholesterol lowering drugs to such a large segment of the population. So I don't find it surprising that more and more people are running into problems. Whether it be statins, Zetia, or some other cholesterol lowering drug, the consequences of excessive cholesterol lowering in and of itself may result in many of the problems that people often encounter. Cholesterol is vital, it is essential for our health and well-being, and I believe that eventually it will become less of an issue as we learn more and more about inflammatory risk factors, and their role in the development of atherosclerosis. Yes, sooner or later we must change course, since our obsession with cholesterol lowering has not made any significant impact on heart disease. It's still our number one killer.

I think if different classes of medication are associated with the same problem, that the evidence points to the problem having an entirely different cause.

If for example, my leg hurt from each and every different vitamin I took, it would likely be incorrect for me to conclude that all vitamins cause leg pain. Perhaps arthritis or injury would be a more plausible cause.

A personal example for me is that beta-blockers cause insomnia and other classes of hypertensive meds don't...cause and effect.
If however I had insomnia with calcium channel blockers, ARB's ACE inhibitors and diuretics, it would be far more likely my insomnia was caused by "none of the above."

I hear what your saying Lenin, but I also tried a couple of the statins, and got lousy side effects, and also Whelchol, which gave me a whole different kind of side effect, bloating, constipation, and wicked heartburn. Once off of them, I felt find after a few weeks. I'm actually begginning to believe some people having low cholesterol is possibly the problem. I know numbers can be too high as well as too low, and it could be some of us who are borderline should be left alone. Maybe our bodies just can't function with lower numbers, as each person is different. Just a thought...... :)

Well, I think the medical authorities are pushing the envelope much too far when it comes to cholesterol in general. Every time guidelines are revised, the trend is toward lower and lower levels. I think they've already gone too far, and are being overly aggressive and irresponsible in their prescribing of cholesterol lowering drugs to such a large segment of the population. So I don't find it surprising that more and more people are running into problems. Whether it be statins, Zetia, or some other cholesterol lowering drug, the consequences of excessive cholesterol lowering in and of itself may result in many of the problems that people often encounter. Cholesterol is vital, it is essential for our health and well-being, and I believe that eventually it will become less of an issue as we learn more and more about inflammatory risk factors, and their role in the development of atherosclerosis. Yes, sooner or later we must change course, since our obsession with cholesterol lowering has not made any significant impact on heart disease. It's still our number one killer.

Well thursday I have my 3 month appt. with the dr. and I intend to tell her I think testing me every 3 months is nuts. I have never had numbers off the charts, always borderline, and even hubby only gets his checked every 6 months. I am not going to fall victim to another dr. who is number nuts. I know she is going to be upset, but I will tell her, I'll sign a fool paper if she wants saying she warned me, as I am just not about to go thru this riduclous low numbers game again, enough already!!

How are U enjoying the weather BTW? It is like spring here today, man I wish it would stay till Feb. Hey, I can dream...... :D

Take care, I'm off to go enjoy the weather, as we know it sure isn't going to be long before the snow, ice and freezing temps. will be here...YUK!!

The American Medical Association admits themselves that perscription drug side effects are now the fourth leading cause of death in America. Here are some cold hard facts:

*75% of Americans over the age of 50 are pharmaceutical drug addicts.
*An FDA scientist admits Vioxx alone may have caused as many as 150,000 deaths. The FDA is virtually defenseless against similar catostrophes with other drugs.
* Crestor causes serious muscle damage and other health risks.
* Cholesterol lowering drugs can trigger heart attacks.
* perscription drugs are now killing more people than the diseases they are supposed to be curing.

Still not convinced that the pharmaceutical industry pushes drug sales and usage at all costs, and has an insatiable desire for increasing profits? Then consider this:

Doctors receive cash bonuses to prescribe drugs..I have witnessed this first hand when I was a medical assistant many years ago. Drug reps come in and tell the doctors how they can make money by prescribing more drugs. I mean even the Wall Street Journal reported that professors take payments to express certain views. A bunch of scam artists if you ask me..Sorry I had to vent. I could go on and on....Lisa

Moxie75,

I agree with you 1000%.

I've posted several times in the past myself about the incestuous relationship between the FDA the Pharmaceuticals and the Medical profession.

There is so much financial conflict of interest in the system that it is very hard to trust the opinion of any doctor or the FDA or even 'independent studies' about drugs. Many of the studies are done by people who have a financial tie to the pharmaceuticals, and the pharmas also fund the FDA's drug approval division, and of course doctors still continue to accept gifts from drug company sales reps....

Until Congress steps in and passes laws to stop these financial distortions, then medical advice must be taken with a grain of salt.

It is 'buyer beware' when taking prescription meds (or even supplements) today. You really have to do research and make a determination if you are being sold a bunch of bunk or not...

HubbleRules
:cool:

The American Medical Association admits themselves that perscription drug side effects are now the fourth leading cause of death in America. Here are some cold hard facts:

*75% of Americans over the age of 50 are pharmaceutical drug addicts.
*An FDA scientist admits Vioxx alone may have caused as many as 150,000 deaths. The FDA is virtually defenseless against similar catostrophes with other drugs.
* Crestor causes serious muscle damage and other health risks.
* Cholesterol lowering drugs can trigger heart attacks.
* perscription drugs are now killing more people than the diseases they are supposed to be curing.

Still not convinced that the pharmaceutical industry pushes drug sales and usage at all costs, and has an insatiable desire for increasing profits? Then consider this:

Doctors receive cash bonuses to prescribe drugs..I have witnessed this first hand when I was a medical assistant many years ago. Drug reps come in and tell the doctors how they can make money by prescribing more drugs. I mean even the Wall Street Journal reported that professors take payments to express certain views. A bunch of scam artists if you ask me..Sorry I had to vent. I could go on and on....Lisa


I will never forget that 20/20 or Primetime show I saw last year about Pfizer hosting such a huge shindig for drs. Some drs. did talk on camera, others wouldn't, but it sure did show one monsterious party going on!!! I remember one dr. saying they gave his son a brand new car because it was his 16th B-day..Hmmmmmm, that dr. must have pushed alot of their drugs huh?

Have seen some other shows where they do say the drs. sometimes get pressured into precribing certain drugs, so like U and Hubble say, take it all with a grain of salt. Hubby's cardio man told us he went to one convention, and swore it was his first and his last. I'm not surprised, as he will prescribe statins etc. for his patients, but if they have problems, he will tell them to either try something else, or if need be, STOP. His famous saying is...If the quality of your life is messed up by certain meds., then they aren't worth the risk. At least he is honest, and not too many of them around these days!

Well thursday I have my 3 month appt. with the dr. and I intend to tell her I think testing me every 3 months is nuts. I have never had numbers off the charts, always borderline, and even hubby only gets his checked every 6 months. I am not going to fall victim to another dr. who is number nuts. I know she is going to be upset, but I will tell her, I'll sign a fool paper if she wants saying she warned me, as I am just not about to go thru this riduclous low numbers game again, enough already!!

How are U enjoying the weather BTW? It is like spring here today, man I wish it would stay till Feb. Hey, I can dream...... :D

Take care, I'm off to go enjoy the weather, as we know it sure isn't going to be long before the snow, ice and freezing temps. will be here...YUK!!


You go to the doctor every three months for a blood test :confused: ? Why should it be necessary to go that often? I can understand having it checked that often if you were on statins, but even so, I work with a guy who is on Lipitor, and even he doesn't always get it checked that often.

Oh, the weather has been really great this week. Last night was an ideal night for a walk, and I ended up taking a six and a half mile walk. I haven't taken that long of a walk in several months, usually sticking with the 2-3 mile trek. It takes me about 90 minutes to walk six and a half miles, the same amount of time that it took me 15 years ago. So, at the age of 50 I guess I haven't slowed down any (maybe it's all those vitamins I take :D ). Too bad we can't have this kind of weather all year long. I just hope we have a mild winter for a change. The price of heating oil is going through the roof! And if it gets too cold, and we have a lot of ice and snow, I'll have to resort to using that boring treadmill again.

You go to the doctor every three months for a blood test :confused: ? Why should it be necessary to go that often? I can understand having it checked that often if you were on statins, but even so, I work with a guy who is on Lipitor, and even he doesn't always get it checked that often.

Oh, the weather has been really great this week. Last night was an ideal night for a walk, and I ended up taking a six and a half mile walk. I haven't taken that long of a walk in several months, usually sticking with the 2-3 mile trek. It takes me about 90 minutes to walk six and a half miles, the same amount of time that it took me 15 years ago. So, at the age of 50 I guess I haven't slowed down any (maybe it's all those vitamins I take :D ). Too bad we can't have this kind of weather all year long. I just hope we have a mild winter for a change. The price of heating oil is going through the roof! And if it gets too cold, and we have a lot of ice and snow, I'll have to resort to using that boring treadmill again.

No, I go to have my BP checked, as I am on a new med. so she checks it every 3 months, but each time I have gone, she wants another cholesterol test. When I went in Aug. is when I got that test after I was on the green tea and cinnamon, and all my numbers were good, so she said we will retest in 3 months and sent me the paperwork. After I left, I told hubby I have got to have a talk with her, as no way am I going every 3 months, like U said, I know people on statins that don't go but every 6 months. She claims that she wants it tested so often cause I am an on again, off again smoker, well so far I have been off more then on, so she had best get off my case. Geez, U know hubby's situation, and even his drs. don't test him but every 6 months, enough already! Even my GYN guy said she was overdoing, but said it might be because she has only been in practice for 2 yrs. and is being overly cautious. Time will tell.

Yup, I have been really been busy with all this great weather, sure wish we had it all summer instead of that horrid heat and humidity. I also hope we are lucky and get a mild winter, even though my oil price is locked in, it sure isn't at the price it was for the last few years.

About 8 yrs. ago I had a treadmill, and although I liked it, after awhile it did become boring. It wasn't an electric one, so it finally broke, and I never did replace it, and now I have no room for one, electric or not, and I hate the bike, that drove me bats. Still wish they would open another gym around here, as going to that I had options of so many different machines, so I never got bored. Oh well, we will see what happens. Will let ya know what she says after our lil talk, who knows, I might fire her behind too. LOL I'm so sick of these numbers drs., and man, if they are out there, I find them.

Have a good one, and enjoy...... :wave:

JJ,

I've got one of those Nordiktrack treadmills. It's not motorized, and you really have to work! When I was on a cruise a couple of years ago, I got the chance to try out one of those motorized treadmills. It was so easy walking on that one. It was a piece of cake! But with mine, after 15 minutes, I'm sweating bullets!

My husband was on and off Zocor and then changed to Zetia. Zocor caused knee damage and had to stop taking it. Later on he was put on Zetia and it seemed to be working o.k., however, his personality changed some and I thought it was just old age creeping up on him. His driving was the pitts at times(dangerous), easily aggitated (he normally is a calm laid back sort of fella). Memory was getting bad, mental functioning in general not the best.

His knee started bothering him again and he stopped the Zetia. When his knee seemed to be o.k. he would start taking it again. This rocked on for about a year. Finally one day we were discussing when he had been on Zetia and when he had been off of it. Low and behold, the answer was there for all the things above that he was doing that was not normal for him. When he was on Zetia he drove crazy, irritable, easily aggravated, etc. When he was off Zetia he returned back to almost his old self, it all coincided with taking Zetia.

My husband has been off Zetia 2 months now and he is almost back to being normal, driving just fine, smiling again, not irritable, etc.

He was not aware of being like that and I had not associated it with the Zetia. He asked me to go with him to the doctor and tell them my observations. They agreed it was the Zetia doing that to him.

Now I know what his problem was at times when he was on and off of Zocor in the past. He does not tolerate statins.

If you are taking a statin drug, be sure and ask those around you if they notice anything different about you, could save your life. The sad thing is that the person taking statins are not aware of any change in their mental or physical functioning.

I am amazed we did not have a car wreck or worse. I spent all my time being a side seat driver to keep us out of trouble. Now I can enjoy riding with hubby driving again.

WOW... :confused:

Zetia is NOT a statin. I take it with a statin and it works GREAT. Helped drop my LDL (BAD STUFF) further than the statin alone.

JJ,

I've got one of those Nordiktrack treadmills. It's not motorized, and you really have to work! When I was on a cruise a couple of years ago, I got the chance to try out one of those motorized treadmills. It was so easy walking on that one. It was a piece of cake! But with mine, after 15 minutes, I'm sweating bullets!


Arizona,

I've got an older Nordik Trak cross-country ski excerciser. If you want to work up a sweat, get one of those, and adjust the resistance up just a notch. This machine forces you to use your upper and lower body, since it very closely simulates the motions and forces just like cross-country skiing outside.

I tend to use it in the winter, when jogging outside is out of the question. I like to put in a travel video and watch something interesting while I'm working out...

Hurt my back in August, and had to stop jogging for about 2 months, but I'm back into it again. Problem is the snows and freezing temps will be here soon, so I probably will stop jogging outside in another month or so...

Oh well, that's part of life in the northeast...

HubbleRules
:cool:

JJ,

I've got one of those Nordiktrack treadmills. It's not motorized, and you really have to work! When I was on a cruise a couple of years ago, I got the chance to try out one of those motorized treadmills. It was so easy walking on that one. It was a piece of cake! But with mine, after 15 minutes, I'm sweating bullets!

My old one was like that too, man U really had to pump that sucker to get to a decent speed. I've seen some nice ones in the stores, but after remodeling downstairs, now I have no place to put one...BUMMER!! Another piece of equipment I had was an air stepper, and I really loved that, U could put it in front of the tv and go like heck, I use to use that thing at least 20 minutes a day, twice a day, but I can't find another one. It didn't take up much space at all, so it would be perfect, and U could really get your heart going on that thing. Will have to look around, maybe on one of the shopping channels to see if they still sell them, as I don't see any in stores. As we all know, that nasty weather is coming on in soon, so I have to find something.

Have a great day, and TTYL.... :wave:

JJ,

I know what you mean about not having enough room in the house. My treadmill is a NordikTrak "WalkFit", and I have it downstairs in that dreary, cluttered basement, located next to the furnace. When I walk on it, I'm staring at the oil tank directly in front of me. Not very scenic, is it? My only form of entertainment that I get is when the furnace and sump pump kicks on and off!

It was another nice day today, so I decided to rake some leaves around the house. I was in the front raking, and my father was puttering around with a rake in the backyard next to the curb. Everything was going great until I heard my father calling me. I noticed that he was on the ground by the curb. He had lost his balance and couldn't get up. So I grabbed his arm and tried to help him up, but he couldn't push himself up. I realized that I would probably have to grab him behind both arms and literally lift him up. Just then a man pulled up in his car, got out, and helped me get my father back on his feet. He started asking my father all sorts of questions, just like a doctor might. Well, it turned out that he had actually been a doctor, but was now on disability, and no longer practiced medicine. He was only 47 years old, but boy did he have his share of problems. He told us that he had had a near fatal heart attack when he was only 38, and had undergone triple bypass surgery, as well as carotid artery surgery. He had other surgeries as well. Anyway, we were grateful that he stopped to help, and took the time to talk with us for a while. You know, all too often we tend to take so many things for granted in life, especially when we are healthy, and I'm no exception. But when we come across people who are so young, and have had so many medical problems at such a young age, we really should stop and think, and be thankful for each day that the good Lord keeps us well and in good health, because there are many others who aren't so fortunate. Even this doctor said that each day he gives thanks to the Lord, and that God has plans for each and every one of us.

JJ,

I know what you mean about not having enough room in the house. My treadmill is a NordikTrak "WalkFit", and I have it downstairs in that dreary, cluttered basement, located next to the furnace. When I walk on it, I'm staring at the oil tank directly in front of me. Not very scenic, is it? My only form of entertainment that I get is when the furnace and sump pump kicks on and off!

It was another nice day today, so I decided to rake some leaves around the house. I was in the front raking, and my father was puttering around with a rake in the backyard next to the curb. Everything was going great until I heard my father calling me. I noticed that he was on the ground by the curb. He had lost his balance and couldn't get up. So I grabbed his arm and tried to help him up, but he couldn't push himself up. I realized that I would probably have to grab him behind both arms and literally lift him up. Just then a man pulled up in his car, got out, and helped me get my father back on his feet. He started asking my father all sorts of questions, just like a doctor might. Well, it turned out that he had actually been a doctor, but was now on disability, and no longer practiced medicine. He was only 47 years old, but boy did he have his share of problems. He told us that he had had a near fatal heart attack when he was only 38, and had undergone triple bypass surgery, as well as carotid artery surgery. He had other surgeries as well. Anyway, we were grateful that he stopped to help, and took the time to talk with us for a while. You know, all too often we tend to take so many things for granted in life, especially when we are healthy, and I'm no exception. But when we come across people who are so young, and have had so many medical problems at such a young age, we really should stop and think, and be thankful for each day that the good Lord keeps us well and in good health, because there are many others who aren't so fortunate. Even this doctor said that each day he gives thanks to the Lord, and that God has plans for each and every one of us.


Wow, hopefully your dad is ok, and that sure was nice of that dr. to stop. What a shame he has had so many problems at such an early age. It's so true, U never know what life has in store for you, so as they say, live every single day like it was your last, as God only knows what tomorrow will bring.

It tears me up when I see some kids living with diseases they will have to cope with thru their entire live. I know sometimes when we are sick, we will say "Why me", but if ya look at what other folks are going thru, and are alot sicker then yourself, U should be grateful if your illness is just a short thing that will pass. God bless the dr. for stopping, and hopefully his remaining years will be filled with many pleasant days. Thanx for sharing, it really makes U stop and think how fortuneate U just might be...... :)

As far as your "view" on the treadmill, not pretty, but I use to put my Walkman on and listen to music at the gym, as all I had in front of me was a lousy blank wall. Sure wish I still had that stepper, it was nice and small and I could put it anywhere. I looked on line to see if they had anything, but either U get a huge thing or a lil tiny thing with springs, not what I want. The one I had was by Brenda Dycraf, but I don't see her around any longer, and I know I bought it off a shoppping channel. Oh well, I'll find something I hope before the stinking snow flies. BTW, my yard is totally covered in leaves now, one day the trees were still full, had some fog and rain yesterday, and just watched them all fall down. Winter is soooooo ugly!!!

Take care, and will CYL....:)

JJ,

Fortunately, my father wasn't hurt. However, I wish he would use a cane when he walks around. But he is stubborn, and usually doesn't want it. I said that maybe I should attach a big spring to his backside. That way, if he should lose his balance and fall backwards, he would be propelled upright again :D .

I'm sorry that you are unable to find the exercise equipment that you are looking for. But I suppose that's par for the course. It seems that whenever we find something that we like, it's been discontinued and is no longer available. And it's usually replaced by something that we don't want, or have no use for.

JJ,

Fortunately, my father wasn't hurt. However, I wish he would use a cane when he walks around. But he is stubborn, and usually doesn't want it. I said that maybe I should attach a big spring to his backside. That way, if he should lose his balance and fall backwards, he would be propelled upright again :D .

I'm sorry that you are unable to find the exercise equipment that you are looking for. But I suppose that's par for the course. It seems that whenever we find something that we like, it's been discontinued and is no longer available. And it's usually replaced by something that we don't want, or have no use for.

Well glad to hear your dad wasn't hurt. Hey, U might be on to a new invention, springs on the butt...... :D Now if U could make a lil soft "fanny" pack with soft springs and patent it, U could retire. I know about 3 years ago I was going downstairs to do wash, and somehow my slippers caught the edge of the carpeting on the stairs and I went flying. I grabbed the wrought iron railing, but man, did I ever hurt my arm.....YIKES!!! Needless to say the arm was sore for a couple of days. Oh well, it could have been worse.

Yup, I surfed the web last nite and again this evening, and they have nothing that even resembles the thing I had. It was about 3' x 3', had nice air type springs, so it was nice and quiet, and trust me, that thing got alot of use. The stuff they have now is either huge or so small I wouldn't trust it. Aaahhh, good ole modern technology huh? Once I purchased some thing that was almost like a big bike, but U also could pull the handles toward U, and after about 4 days of that I had a very sore chest, so I stopped using it for a few days. When I went for my physical with my old dr. I told him, and he said he had alot of complaints from women about that machine, and to stop using it, so luckily the store took it back. Oh well, something will come along that I will have space for and use, till then, just have to get out as much as possible while the weather is still nice.

U take care, and enjoy your evening, what is left of it.... :wave:

Although Zetia is not a statin, it is a cholesterol lowering medication. A warning issued by Health Canada (from a letter sent to them from Merck, the maker of Zetia), Health Canada includes the following information. ....post marketing reports of musculoskeletal events including myopathy, CPK elevations, and rhabdomyolysis. In addition, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and thrombocytopenia have been reported. These events have been noted with exetimibe (zetia) when used as monotherapy..... Also doctors believe that there is not a need for liver tests while taking Zetia, because Zetia is not a statin. This is not true. There should be a liver test. My mother could not get her doctor to do a liver panel, until my sister went with her and gave the doctor the Merck letter. As usual the doctor was arrogant. She told them she would do a liver test to make them happy, but there was no need too. Four days later they called back and said for mother to stop the zetia and welchol immediately because of elevated liver enzymes. Mother promptly told them she quit immediately after seeing her doctor. Finally mother believes the reports about cholesterol medications...it has taken us 5 years to convince her that her doctors are not well informed. As the people at the statin study are showing (and numerous other experts) these are not adverse reactions from the medications, but the artificial lowering of cholesterol. It does not matter if it is a statin or not. By the way mother is now in a wheelchair because of cholesterol lowering medications. If there was a medication that was helpful, I would be all for it...but cholesterol lowering medications are not them.

JJ,


It was another nice day today, so I decided to rake some leaves around the house. I was in the front raking, and my father was puttering around with a rake in the backyard next to the curb. Everything was going great until I heard my father calling me. I noticed that he was on the ground by the curb. He had lost his balance and couldn't get up. So I grabbed his arm and tried to help him up, but he couldn't push himself up. I realized that I would probably have to grab him behind both arms and literally lift him up.


Arizona,

I hope your dad is OK now - has he had this problem before? An episode like that tends to put your priorities in order...

I would get him to the doctor for a check-up... He either over-did the yard work, or something else could be going on....

I would get him to the doctor and have a full physical done to make sure he's OK...

HubbleRules
:cool:

Hubble,

Your concern is much appreciated. Actually, my father has several problems which may be contributing to balance related problems, unsteadiness, and difficulty walking. He suffers from severe osteoporosis, and has had about three compression fractures in just the last two years. He has been diabetic for the last 40 years, and also has arthritis and peripheral neuropathy in his left foot, as well as diminished circulation. He is also taking a number of medications, including Glipizide, Vasotec, Sular, Coreg, and Lexapro. The doctor is fully aware of my father's condition, as he sees him every three months. I wish my father would at least use the cane more often, but more often than not he refuses to use it. Oh yes, this has already been the second time that he has lost his balance and fell. But what can you do? Being diabetic for 40 years begins to take its toll in so many ways.

JJ,

It was another nice day today, so I decided to rake some leaves around the house. I was in the front raking, and my father was puttering around with a rake in the backyard next to the curb. Everything was going great until I heard my father calling me. I noticed that he was on the ground by the curb. He had lost his balance and couldn't get up. So I grabbed his arm and tried to help him up, but he couldn't push himself up. I realized that I would probably have to grab him behind both arms and literally lift him up. Just then a man pulled up in his car, got out, and helped me get my father back on his feet. He started asking my father all sorts of questions, just like a doctor might. Well, it turned out that he had actually been a doctor, but was now on disability, and no longer practiced medicine. He was only 47 years old, but boy did he have his share of problems. He told us that he had had a near fatal heart attack when he was only 38, and had undergone triple bypass surgery, as well as carotid artery surgery. He had other surgeries as well. Anyway, we were grateful that he stopped to help, and took the time to talk with us for a while. You know, all too often we tend to take so many things for granted in life, especially when we are healthy, and I'm no exception. But when we come across people who are so young, and have had so many medical problems at such a young age, we really should stop and think, and be thankful for each day that the good Lord keeps us well and in good health, because there are many others who aren't so fortunate. Even this doctor said that each day he gives thanks to the Lord, and that God has plans for each and every one of us.


Regretfully, I just learned today via the local newspaper that this man passed away this past thursday at the age of 47 at his home. He lived in my home town. I am shocked to learn this. He seemed to be doing reasonably well. But I guess I'll never know the true extent of his medical problems. You know, we spend all of our lives worrying about the future, scrimping and saving, and wondering if we'll ever have enough money to be comfortable in our retirement years. And then wham, something unforseen happens! We just never know when it will be our turn, do we? Scary? Yes, but it can happen just like that, to anyone of us. Well, may God bless this man, as I'm sure he is now in a much better place. I will be forever grateful for his help and kind words which he offered just a short time ago!

Regretfully, I just learned today via the local newspaper that this man passed away this past thursday at the age of 47 at his home. He lived in my home town. I am shocked to learn this. He seemed to be doing reasonably well. But I guess I'll never know the true extent of his medical problems. You know, we spend all of our lives worrying about the future, scrimping and saving, and wondering if we'll ever have enough money to be comfortable in our retirement years. And then wham, something unforseen happens! We just never know when it will be our turn, do we? Scary? Yes, but it can happen just like that, to anyone of us. Well, may God bless this man, as I'm sure he is now in a much better place. I will be forever grateful for his help and kind words which he offered just a short time ago!

Oh that is so sad. Like U said, there may have been much more to his problems then U knew, but at least U had the pleasure of meeting him, and he was nice enough to stop and give a helping hand and some kind words.

May God bless him and forever give him peace.

So true,

All we have is today and if we don't make the best of it we are COSMIC fools worthy of Shakespearean tragedy.

Of course taking as good care of our health as possible gives us a LITTLE more of a shot at having a tomorrow...but we shouldn't let it ruin our today.

Animals are luckier than we...they don't KNOW they aren't going to live forever!

I think we all need to just lay-back and enjoy life a little more. Don't obsess with your blood test results - the worry will probably do you in as fast as any underlying health problems will....

Take 'reasonable' responses to your health issues - but don't become a neurotic wreck fretting about them... Just accept there are some things within your control and some that are not - and make the best of the deck that you've been dealt...

I don't mean to sound flippant, but the stress from worry (especially about something you may not be able to control) has real and negative long-term health implications... My blood test results are "worse" than many I've seen on this forum - but I try not to let it get me down. First off, I don't buy-into the theory that high-cholesterol causes CHD - I think it's a lot more complicated than that... Secondly, even if it is true, why should I take medication that causes me more health problems than the cholesterol supposedly does? What kind of life would I have?

I try to get adequate exercise, take supplements that I think are helpful, and try to control my diet (within reason)... the rest is a matter of genetics, and modern medicine does not currently have a safe and reliable way to turn off problematic genes...

JJ - since winter is coming, we really should head south and do the 'beach bum' thing. You bring the green tea, I'll supply the Corona and Lime...

HubbleRules
:cool:

I think we all need to just lay-back and enjoy life a little more. Don't obsess with your blood test results - the worry will probably do you in as fast as any underlying health problems will....

Take 'reasonable' responses to your health issues - but don't become a neurotic wreck fretting about them... Just accept there are some things within your control and some that are not - and make the best of the deck that you've been dealt...

I don't mean to sound flippant, but the stress from worry (especially about something you may not be able to control) has real and negative long-term health implications... My blood test results are "worse" than many I've seen on this forum - but I try not to let it get me down. First off, I don't buy-into the theory that high-cholesterol causes CHD - I think it's a lot more complicated than that... Secondly, even if it is true, why should I take medication that causes me more health problems than the cholesterol supposedly does? What kind of life would I have?

I try to get adequate exercise, take supplements that I think are helpful, and try to control my diet (within reason)... the rest is a matter of genetics, and modern medicine does not currently have a safe and reliable way to turn off problematic genes...

JJ - since winter is coming, we really should head south and do the 'beach bum' thing. You bring the green tea, I'll supply the Corona and Lime...

HubbleRules
:cool:

Ya know what guys...I say AMEN to your logic. My old dr. use to tell me STRESS will kill ya, and the older I get, the more I believe it. Even though hubby is aware of his health problems etc. he just takes it one day at a time. Yes he tries to do the right thing, but like he says, when it is MY time to go, it will be my time. When U really think of it, noone is guaranteed anything, so we might as well take each day as it comes and be thankful we are alot better off then some others. When U look at tv or read a paper U can see people in much worse situations then we are, even young children, so definitely time to be a lil more moderate in our worries.

Hubble...I am soooooo ready for that Beach bum life, so bring on the Corona and lime, I'll bring the lawn chairs, and some beach towels, and if they have a good bargin at the store, a nice big umbrella...... :cool:

Y'all have a GREAT sunday, kick back and put your feet up and be good to yourselves, life is WAY too short. Enjoy folks, and CYL.... :wave: