Maverick1
03-07-2006, 03:43 PM
My Father has been on Lipitor for quite a while and is a very active and strong as a bull 67 year old. He recently within the last month or so developed severe pain in his legs . He can barely move , walk, now the pain is in his shoulders and he can't even lift a comb to comb his hair. He says it hurts to have his jacket on his shoulders. Once so fit, now he moves and acts as if he is 90+. He has stopped taking lipitor after talking to many who have had the same sysmptons. His docs are doing many tests, liver test came back normal, they did blood work and are waiting results of a cpk test. They want him to talk to a rumatoid arthritis doc, so we are waiting for that.. He is soaking daily in a hot tub and a suana and says that makes him feel better, but then once out, things go back to the way they were. Does anyone know what he can do? He can't sleep at nigh because he wakes up in pain and has to move to a different position which is painful ANy help would be greatly appreciated. He has been off this drug now for about 5 weeks.
Sponsor
janeslk
03-07-2006, 05:45 PM
My husband started taking high doses of CoQ 10 enzyme immediately after going off Lipitor. I think he was taking 500mg per day for the first few months and then tapered off. He was taking the regular soft gels, but has now switched to the Q gel type since it is absorbed better. His pain, however, started abating after the first week so I surprised your father is still in such pain. He also used a TENS unit to stimulate his muscles and that seemed to really help with the pain. My husband's CPK level was elevated for the first few months after stopping Lipitor.
Was your father's dose increased recently? Did his symptoms occur gradually or all of a sudden? I hope you find some answers from the tests. It may be something unrelated to Lipitor.
Jane
Was your father's dose increased recently? Did his symptoms occur gradually or all of a sudden? I hope you find some answers from the tests. It may be something unrelated to Lipitor.
Jane
enie
03-07-2006, 06:22 PM
I hope the cpk is clear and his pain resolves by itself quickly. They are really checking your Dad out completely. Sounds like he has a good Doctor.
Yes, statins can really cause a lot of pain and inflammation of the joints. It did my husband, even after he had stopped taking it for quite awhile. Just wondering, if everything else checks out OK (and I pray it does), did your Dad have a flu shot a little while befor the pain started? Or has he had an infection recently? My Mom had some experience with that problem and when I looked it up on the web I read that those things can bring about acute inflammation of the joints also. [Although you won't hear a Doctor talk about the negative side of flu shots.]
enie
Yes, statins can really cause a lot of pain and inflammation of the joints. It did my husband, even after he had stopped taking it for quite awhile. Just wondering, if everything else checks out OK (and I pray it does), did your Dad have a flu shot a little while befor the pain started? Or has he had an infection recently? My Mom had some experience with that problem and when I looked it up on the web I read that those things can bring about acute inflammation of the joints also. [Although you won't hear a Doctor talk about the negative side of flu shots.]
enie
Maverick1
03-07-2006, 07:18 PM
Thanks for responding!
What is CoQ10. I have read about that in other places. No, he didn't increase any of the lipitor, it just started rather suddenly, first with his legs and then his arms and now his shoulders. He just said today he was able to bend over and tie his shoes for the first time in awhile.
What is CoQ10. I have read about that in other places. No, he didn't increase any of the lipitor, it just started rather suddenly, first with his legs and then his arms and now his shoulders. He just said today he was able to bend over and tie his shoes for the first time in awhile.
HubbleRules
03-07-2006, 08:52 PM
Thanks for responding!
What is CoQ10. I have read about that in other places. No, he didn't increase any of the lipitor, it just started rather suddenly, first with his legs and then his arms and now his shoulders. He just said today he was able to bend over and tie his shoes for the first time in awhile.
Maverick1,
It is not unusual for side-effects to happen after a prolonged time on statins. Contrary to what many believe, side effects do not necessarily happen within weeks or months of drug therapy commencement.
I would suspect your dad's muscle pain is statin induced. It can take a while to recover from it also, so tell your dad to be patient. It took 8 months after I stopped Lipitor (had been on 10-20mg for 7.5 years) before I noticed any lessening of pain or strength returning. However, I am now fully recovered - your dad can recover too...
CoQ10 is an important enzyme that is instrumental in proper functioning of the mitochondria, which among other things help with ATP (energy) production for the muscles. COQ10 is depleted by statins. It is thought that this depletion adversely affects the mitochondria, in turn causing pain and weakness. Taking supplemental CoQ10 (100-200mg/day at least) will help build up CoQ10 tissue levels over time. Finres posted before that it takes 6 months for each generation of mitochondria to renew itself - so it could help explain why it takes so long for some people to recover from muscle problems.
HubbleRUles
:cool:
What is CoQ10. I have read about that in other places. No, he didn't increase any of the lipitor, it just started rather suddenly, first with his legs and then his arms and now his shoulders. He just said today he was able to bend over and tie his shoes for the first time in awhile.
Maverick1,
It is not unusual for side-effects to happen after a prolonged time on statins. Contrary to what many believe, side effects do not necessarily happen within weeks or months of drug therapy commencement.
I would suspect your dad's muscle pain is statin induced. It can take a while to recover from it also, so tell your dad to be patient. It took 8 months after I stopped Lipitor (had been on 10-20mg for 7.5 years) before I noticed any lessening of pain or strength returning. However, I am now fully recovered - your dad can recover too...
CoQ10 is an important enzyme that is instrumental in proper functioning of the mitochondria, which among other things help with ATP (energy) production for the muscles. COQ10 is depleted by statins. It is thought that this depletion adversely affects the mitochondria, in turn causing pain and weakness. Taking supplemental CoQ10 (100-200mg/day at least) will help build up CoQ10 tissue levels over time. Finres posted before that it takes 6 months for each generation of mitochondria to renew itself - so it could help explain why it takes so long for some people to recover from muscle problems.
HubbleRUles
:cool:
Imacarbuff
03-07-2006, 09:24 PM
My Father has been on Lipitor for quite a while and is a very active and strong as a bull 67 year old. He recently within the last month or so developed severe pain in his legs . He can barely move , walk, now the pain is in his shoulders and he can't even lift a comb to comb his hair. He says it hurts to have his jacket on his shoulders. Once so fit, now he moves and acts as if he is 90+. He has stopped taking lipitor after talking to many who have had the same sysmptons. His docs are doing many tests, liver test came back normal, they did blood work and are waiting results of a cpk test. They want him to talk to a rumatoid arthritis doc, so we are waiting for that.. He is soaking daily in a hot tub and a suana and says that makes him feel better, but then once out, things go back to the way they were. Does anyone know what he can do? He can't sleep at nigh because he wakes up in pain and has to move to a different position which is painful ANy help would be greatly appreciated. He has been off this drug now for about 5 weeks.
I have to agree with Hubble for sure. I stopped statins over one month ago and continue to have pains. I had hoped that once off the statins that I would bounce back very quickly. That has not happed...but as you've read, it takes 6 months for some of the regenration process to take place. It's very hard to deal with, and hard to be patient. I do get encouragement here when I see that others have also had to invest months and months waiting to get back to normal. I would take the COQ10 (I take 100mg but am going to at least 200mg) and 1000mg of Vit C. I also take Folic Acid 400mg.
Something I haven't seen others report, but other than the muscle aches I now continue to have low body temperature (95.5 at night zooms to 97 degrees during the day. This started at the same time as the muscle aches and burning. I still feel tired and weaker but try to keep a good attitude about this that it is temporary. I'm hoping that since I was in pretty good shape before this happened, that my odds of complete recovery are decent.
I hope the best for your dad.....I sure know how he feels
Imacarbuff
I have to agree with Hubble for sure. I stopped statins over one month ago and continue to have pains. I had hoped that once off the statins that I would bounce back very quickly. That has not happed...but as you've read, it takes 6 months for some of the regenration process to take place. It's very hard to deal with, and hard to be patient. I do get encouragement here when I see that others have also had to invest months and months waiting to get back to normal. I would take the COQ10 (I take 100mg but am going to at least 200mg) and 1000mg of Vit C. I also take Folic Acid 400mg.
Something I haven't seen others report, but other than the muscle aches I now continue to have low body temperature (95.5 at night zooms to 97 degrees during the day. This started at the same time as the muscle aches and burning. I still feel tired and weaker but try to keep a good attitude about this that it is temporary. I'm hoping that since I was in pretty good shape before this happened, that my odds of complete recovery are decent.
I hope the best for your dad.....I sure know how he feels
Imacarbuff
Spin444
03-08-2006, 03:14 PM
Zocor, also a statin, put my sister in a wheelchair after 6 weeks. She's now taking coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C each day. I ordered a pamphlet off the internet about statin recovery. I don't think that I'm allowed to name it here or not. It's got a lot of different advice and a long list of supplements to take.
Listen, we ALL need to call the FDA about these things AND the manufacturers who also have to report our calls to the FDA. Patients are SUPPOSED to be warned about myopathy BEFORE they take statins, so that, the very day they experience this side effect, they will know to quit taking the drug. Neither the nurse practitioner who prescribed or the drug for my sister, OR the pharmacist, warned her about this most common and serious problem. So, when she started to feel pain and weakness, she tried to live with it and only got yet another drug from the clueless nurse, for inflammation. My sister lived with the pain for another several weeks until I visited and found out she was on a statin. I did a quick internet search and found, in seconds, that myopathy is common. Just makes you wonder about the supposed "pros" and how much they really know about drugs. Make sure to report these things and encourage your doctors and pharmacists to warn future users. We all have that responsibility.
Listen, we ALL need to call the FDA about these things AND the manufacturers who also have to report our calls to the FDA. Patients are SUPPOSED to be warned about myopathy BEFORE they take statins, so that, the very day they experience this side effect, they will know to quit taking the drug. Neither the nurse practitioner who prescribed or the drug for my sister, OR the pharmacist, warned her about this most common and serious problem. So, when she started to feel pain and weakness, she tried to live with it and only got yet another drug from the clueless nurse, for inflammation. My sister lived with the pain for another several weeks until I visited and found out she was on a statin. I did a quick internet search and found, in seconds, that myopathy is common. Just makes you wonder about the supposed "pros" and how much they really know about drugs. Make sure to report these things and encourage your doctors and pharmacists to warn future users. We all have that responsibility.
Maverick1
03-08-2006, 04:20 PM
Thank you so much for the info. My mom is going out right away to get that supplement for him to start taking. Hopefully it helps.
NHone
03-14-2006, 12:24 AM
She should probably start with 600mg of the COq10. Dr Dimauro from cornell suggested that 600mg is what you need for mitochondrial damage... you can reduce it after the damage has repaired.
Zimm
03-20-2006, 09:33 PM
Hi,
I have been reading the posts on Lipitor and was truly amazed. I have been on Lipitor 10 MG for approximately 2 years and five months ago I started with pain in my upper back,chest and down my arms, I thought I had strained muscles because the pain was burning and really bad, well one night I couldn't take the pain and went to the ER. They did blood work,Xrays and took a Cat scan. They found gallstones and said that was probably one of the reasons for the pain,gave me muscle relaxants and pain pills which of course did not take away the pain,just made me float. I then saw my doctor who sent me to a surgeon who took out the gallbladder,still had the pain,had to see a Cardiologist who did tests,Stress,cardio cat scan and said I needed a Catherization. Well,they found three blockages,one was totally blocked but had formed its own bi-pass, I had one Stent put in,the other blockage is being treated with meds,but I still have the pain,which has always every once in a while seems to let up a little,but they did increase my Lipitor. Now, I'm wondering if this pain could be from the Lipitor since it really hasn't gone away,I have also noticed that the burning in my chest seems to be a little worse sometimes. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks for any advice.
I have been reading the posts on Lipitor and was truly amazed. I have been on Lipitor 10 MG for approximately 2 years and five months ago I started with pain in my upper back,chest and down my arms, I thought I had strained muscles because the pain was burning and really bad, well one night I couldn't take the pain and went to the ER. They did blood work,Xrays and took a Cat scan. They found gallstones and said that was probably one of the reasons for the pain,gave me muscle relaxants and pain pills which of course did not take away the pain,just made me float. I then saw my doctor who sent me to a surgeon who took out the gallbladder,still had the pain,had to see a Cardiologist who did tests,Stress,cardio cat scan and said I needed a Catherization. Well,they found three blockages,one was totally blocked but had formed its own bi-pass, I had one Stent put in,the other blockage is being treated with meds,but I still have the pain,which has always every once in a while seems to let up a little,but they did increase my Lipitor. Now, I'm wondering if this pain could be from the Lipitor since it really hasn't gone away,I have also noticed that the burning in my chest seems to be a little worse sometimes. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks for any advice.
NHone
03-21-2006, 12:29 AM
It is from Lipitor. Look up myopathy and proximal muscle weakness. CPK levels are not always elevated even with the muscle. Recently it has been found that the cpk is not really a good test. You need to have a muscle biopsy. However as one doctor who is skilled in this area said. "Why do you want to go to the trouble to have a muscle biopsy. You have a myopathy. Period" There is also a conection with the gallstones and the Lipitor. I hope you are taking your COq10.
Spin444
03-21-2006, 02:57 AM
I agree, it's probably the Lipitor. Funny how most doctors don't have a clue that myopathy is common. Just as in your case, so many people end up getting tests and treatment for things that may not even relate. It's rather like taking your car in and just saying that, "it isn't running right, fix it". Well, they're going to find some stuff to fix, but that doesn't mean that what they do, will make your car run the way it used to.
Myopathy's a serious condition too, so don't ignore it. Even the manufacturers suggest that patients be warned about the possibility of it, so they can quit taking it the day it presents itself. A person must quit taking the statin they're on, when they have unexplained muscle pain or weakness. The ignorance surrounding these types of drugs is just plain astounding. My sister went back to her doctor within a few weeks of being on Zocor. Her muscles in her right leg were very sore. She could hardly stand on it. The doctor not only didn't warn her about myopathy before she prescribed Zocor; she didn't even recognize it when she saw it and only put my sister on yet another drug, an anti-inflammatory! It wasn't until weeks later, after my sister ended up in a wheel chair and I found out that she was on Zocor and did an internet search, that I learned that she had myopathy. Heck, I didn't even go to medical school for 12 years! I often think that those of us who have any common sense at all and take a few minutes to do some research, know a whole heck of a lot more about drugs than the "pros" do. That's not really saying that much though, is it.
Myopathy's a serious condition too, so don't ignore it. Even the manufacturers suggest that patients be warned about the possibility of it, so they can quit taking it the day it presents itself. A person must quit taking the statin they're on, when they have unexplained muscle pain or weakness. The ignorance surrounding these types of drugs is just plain astounding. My sister went back to her doctor within a few weeks of being on Zocor. Her muscles in her right leg were very sore. She could hardly stand on it. The doctor not only didn't warn her about myopathy before she prescribed Zocor; she didn't even recognize it when she saw it and only put my sister on yet another drug, an anti-inflammatory! It wasn't until weeks later, after my sister ended up in a wheel chair and I found out that she was on Zocor and did an internet search, that I learned that she had myopathy. Heck, I didn't even go to medical school for 12 years! I often think that those of us who have any common sense at all and take a few minutes to do some research, know a whole heck of a lot more about drugs than the "pros" do. That's not really saying that much though, is it.
NHone
03-21-2006, 03:11 AM
Yes spin... and why is it doctors can't read or follow directions...??? you think there is a medication for that..oh , maybe a statin!
Zimm
03-22-2006, 12:16 AM
Does the pain from the Lipitor continue all the time or does it sometimes let up, I have had it for 5 months but there are times when it seems to let up. Is this the same thing?? I know this sounds dumb,but I am very confused over this. Any answers appreciated.
NHone
03-22-2006, 03:16 AM
Does the pain from the Lipitor continue all the time or does it sometimes let up, I have had it for 5 months but there are times when it seems to let up. Is this the same thing?? I know this sounds dumb,but I am very confused over this. Any answers appreciated.
Yes it does let up... (or did in my mother's case).. She had good days and bad. Also, she took relafen for her joint pain, so that masked a lot of the lipitor problems. Because she didn't have any pain , her doctor said she didn't have side effects for the cholesterol medication, nor any myopathy. An expert at Cornell kicked that out of the window ...real quick. He said you do not have to have pain with muscle damage and muscle wasting. Also the reason it takes so long some times is that you have many, many muscle bundles that create motion. you can lose quiet a few and still not see any symptoms. However you get to a certain point and there are just not enough of them working anymore to move the muscles properly. Kind of like blood sugar..it can go up and up and up... and you really don't know it..but one day it hits.
Yes it does let up... (or did in my mother's case).. She had good days and bad. Also, she took relafen for her joint pain, so that masked a lot of the lipitor problems. Because she didn't have any pain , her doctor said she didn't have side effects for the cholesterol medication, nor any myopathy. An expert at Cornell kicked that out of the window ...real quick. He said you do not have to have pain with muscle damage and muscle wasting. Also the reason it takes so long some times is that you have many, many muscle bundles that create motion. you can lose quiet a few and still not see any symptoms. However you get to a certain point and there are just not enough of them working anymore to move the muscles properly. Kind of like blood sugar..it can go up and up and up... and you really don't know it..but one day it hits.
Zimm
03-22-2006, 03:41 PM
Finres,
Thank you so much for your answer, I really was doubting (even after over 5 months) that it could be something else. I appreciate all of the people who took the time to give me some much needed advice.
THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much for your answer, I really was doubting (even after over 5 months) that it could be something else. I appreciate all of the people who took the time to give me some much needed advice.
THANK YOU!!!
Zimm
04-09-2006, 01:45 PM
Hi,
I have another question, does anyone experience extra bad arthritis pain along with the muscle pain? I have been off Lipitor for 18 days now and sometimes it seems to be a little bit better,but my arthritis,especially in the rib cage is worse,plus I am having trouble with my hiatel hernia even though I am on Nexium. Could this all go back to the Lipitor?? I would really appreciate some help before I go totally bonkers.
Many thanks!
I have another question, does anyone experience extra bad arthritis pain along with the muscle pain? I have been off Lipitor for 18 days now and sometimes it seems to be a little bit better,but my arthritis,especially in the rib cage is worse,plus I am having trouble with my hiatel hernia even though I am on Nexium. Could this all go back to the Lipitor?? I would really appreciate some help before I go totally bonkers.
Many thanks!
Zimm
06-12-2006, 01:13 AM
Well, it has been 3 months since I discontinued taking Lipitor, I sometimes notice a difference in the amount of pain and burning,some days it is much better and then some days it feels terrible, I understand from reading these posts that it can take up to 6 or 8 months to feel better,but I wondered is this the way the healing starts? I know I'm going to have to start taking more medication because my cholestral goes way up and I already have one full blockage (which has formed its own collaterals) one with a stent and one with 40% block. But I would like to get one problem under control before I get another. My doctor has suggested I take Omega-3. has anyone had success with this and can it be tolerated by someone with a highly sensitive stomach? Thank you for any info!
Schupp1832
06-12-2006, 11:02 PM
The muscle and joint pain is a sign of myopathy, a condition that should be reported to your doctor. The makers of statins warn that one stop taking the drug immediately when this side effect presents itself. If left unchecked, it can be damaging to the kidneys and eventually cause death. Myopathy is painful muscle wasting. Muscle protein gets in the blood and is very hard on the kidneys. Don't ignore this problem. Statins, like so many other drugs, harm and kill a lot of people.
NHone
06-14-2006, 01:51 AM
I have to agree with Hubble for sure. I stopped statins over one month ago and continue to have pains. I had hoped that once off the statins that I would bounce back very quickly. That has not happed...but as you've read, it takes 6 months for some of the regenration process to take place. It's very hard to deal with, and hard to be patient. I do get encouragement here when I see that others have also had to invest months and months waiting to get back to normal. I would take the COQ10 (I take 100mg but am going to at least 200mg) and 1000mg of Vit C. I also take Folic Acid 400mg.
Something I haven't seen others report, but other than the muscle aches I now continue to have low body temperature (95.5 at night zooms to 97 degrees during the day. This started at the same time as the muscle aches and burning. I still feel tired and weaker but try to keep a good attitude about this that it is temporary. I'm hoping that since I was in pretty good shape before this happened, that my odds of complete recovery are decent.
I hope the best for your dad.....I sure know how he feels
Imacarbuff
On your low body temperature...you metabloism has been slowed. I think you might want to read/search (semenkovich low metabolism and heart disease). He is a research doctor at washington university in st. louis (school of medicine). He was wanting to explain why cholesterol was only present in increased rates in some of the people with heart disease. THey thought if you lowered metabolism, the cells and heart might benefit. He said they were absolutely wrong in the aspect. This research is also interesting on the aspect of essential fatty acids... (fish oil)... It also could be that you thyroid became "fouled up". Body temperature is not variable in people. It must be kept in a certain "tight" range for certain enzymes to be activated. Some doctors will say that your temperature just runs lower than other people, not to worry. As Dr. Semenkovich found, it is very important.
Something I haven't seen others report, but other than the muscle aches I now continue to have low body temperature (95.5 at night zooms to 97 degrees during the day. This started at the same time as the muscle aches and burning. I still feel tired and weaker but try to keep a good attitude about this that it is temporary. I'm hoping that since I was in pretty good shape before this happened, that my odds of complete recovery are decent.
I hope the best for your dad.....I sure know how he feels
Imacarbuff
On your low body temperature...you metabloism has been slowed. I think you might want to read/search (semenkovich low metabolism and heart disease). He is a research doctor at washington university in st. louis (school of medicine). He was wanting to explain why cholesterol was only present in increased rates in some of the people with heart disease. THey thought if you lowered metabolism, the cells and heart might benefit. He said they were absolutely wrong in the aspect. This research is also interesting on the aspect of essential fatty acids... (fish oil)... It also could be that you thyroid became "fouled up". Body temperature is not variable in people. It must be kept in a certain "tight" range for certain enzymes to be activated. Some doctors will say that your temperature just runs lower than other people, not to worry. As Dr. Semenkovich found, it is very important.
dianemam
07-22-2006, 11:57 PM
Hey all
This is my first post, but I am encouraged by what I have been reading.
I had been on cholestral meds for about 20 years...mostly lipitor, and it was helping but never got my TC down below 250. I use to be a runner, as in I ran 5 miles every day, and usually 8 miles on the weekends. About 6 years ago, I started having trouble running, so had to slow down, then trouble walking, and could not walk fast at all. It felt as if I was walking in water...extremely difficult, and started to be painful as well. This progressed untill it was very painful to walk at all, and all my muscles were hurting, esp down the back of my legs. Went to many doctors, had shots in my back, nerve distruction done in my back, xrays, etc, and finally, a nero doctor said, its the choloesteral meds. SO, 2 years ago, I stopped taking the meds, and it has gotten a bit better, but still painful, and very weak leg muscles. I am wondering if these meds can cause permanant damage? My regular doctor says no, but she also is tired of dealing with me and just wants to keep me on pain meds, which I was on, untill they stopped helping at all, and I had to go thru withdrawls to get off. I am going to try the COQ10 enzime, and another doctor is having me try Tricor. I am so oooo tired of the pain, and esp the weakness. If I walk down a flight of stairs, or up, my legs are shaking. Sorry this is so long, I am excited to find out anything. BTW, my total cholesteral is 485, and I haven't looked at the rest of it...can't calculate it. I am 51 year young female, feeling 80.
Thanks for listening.
diane
This is my first post, but I am encouraged by what I have been reading.
I had been on cholestral meds for about 20 years...mostly lipitor, and it was helping but never got my TC down below 250. I use to be a runner, as in I ran 5 miles every day, and usually 8 miles on the weekends. About 6 years ago, I started having trouble running, so had to slow down, then trouble walking, and could not walk fast at all. It felt as if I was walking in water...extremely difficult, and started to be painful as well. This progressed untill it was very painful to walk at all, and all my muscles were hurting, esp down the back of my legs. Went to many doctors, had shots in my back, nerve distruction done in my back, xrays, etc, and finally, a nero doctor said, its the choloesteral meds. SO, 2 years ago, I stopped taking the meds, and it has gotten a bit better, but still painful, and very weak leg muscles. I am wondering if these meds can cause permanant damage? My regular doctor says no, but she also is tired of dealing with me and just wants to keep me on pain meds, which I was on, untill they stopped helping at all, and I had to go thru withdrawls to get off. I am going to try the COQ10 enzime, and another doctor is having me try Tricor. I am so oooo tired of the pain, and esp the weakness. If I walk down a flight of stairs, or up, my legs are shaking. Sorry this is so long, I am excited to find out anything. BTW, my total cholesteral is 485, and I haven't looked at the rest of it...can't calculate it. I am 51 year young female, feeling 80.
Thanks for listening.
diane
mattsmom32
07-23-2006, 07:22 PM
Just wondering if the myopathy can be in just one area of the body. My right arm, specifically from just below the elbow to the shoulder/neck. That's the only muscle pain I have.
Zimm
07-23-2006, 09:24 PM
Dianemam,
I have been going through pretty much the same as you except my pain and muscle problems are in the upper back,down the arms and in my chest. I have been off Lipitor for 4 months,after 1 month the doctor put me on Zitia,I was on that for 5 weeks but since it works through the intestines and I have pretty bad IBS, I couldn't take it either. Now after 6 weeks off the Zitia and a real hike in my TC 298 and LDL went up t0 221. Having CAD with three blockages and a stent I can't afford these numbers. Now, the doctor put me on Zocor and I'm praying this works,even though the pain from the Lipitor hasn't gone away,it's better but still present. Please let me know how you do on Tricor,real well,I hope.
Good luck!!:blob_fire
I have been going through pretty much the same as you except my pain and muscle problems are in the upper back,down the arms and in my chest. I have been off Lipitor for 4 months,after 1 month the doctor put me on Zitia,I was on that for 5 weeks but since it works through the intestines and I have pretty bad IBS, I couldn't take it either. Now after 6 weeks off the Zitia and a real hike in my TC 298 and LDL went up t0 221. Having CAD with three blockages and a stent I can't afford these numbers. Now, the doctor put me on Zocor and I'm praying this works,even though the pain from the Lipitor hasn't gone away,it's better but still present. Please let me know how you do on Tricor,real well,I hope.
Good luck!!:blob_fire
dianemam
07-23-2006, 09:42 PM
MM32,
I have that pain in my Left arm, from elbow to shoulder, too. I cannot hold my arm up over my head at all.
Zimm,
I also use to fall down, all the time, and when I stopped the lipitor, that ended too. That was the most noticiable change, to make me feel the lipitor was doing bad things.
I just wonder if this pain I still have could be permanant, and if it is, will the COQ10 enzyme help at all? Its worth a try, for me. We have major clogging problems in my family, my father had 4way bypass, brother, at 52, same thing, and my mom died of a stroke, so.....I kinda think I need to get my numbers down. But, I don't want to sit the couch with the heating pad forever either.
Thanks to you both for the responses.
My husband just had a heart attack, 3 weeks ago, and had 4 stents put in, so I am trying to get serious about all this, for his sake too.
D.
I have that pain in my Left arm, from elbow to shoulder, too. I cannot hold my arm up over my head at all.
Zimm,
I also use to fall down, all the time, and when I stopped the lipitor, that ended too. That was the most noticiable change, to make me feel the lipitor was doing bad things.
I just wonder if this pain I still have could be permanant, and if it is, will the COQ10 enzyme help at all? Its worth a try, for me. We have major clogging problems in my family, my father had 4way bypass, brother, at 52, same thing, and my mom died of a stroke, so.....I kinda think I need to get my numbers down. But, I don't want to sit the couch with the heating pad forever either.
Thanks to you both for the responses.
My husband just had a heart attack, 3 weeks ago, and had 4 stents put in, so I am trying to get serious about all this, for his sake too.
D.
mattsmom32
07-23-2006, 10:43 PM
Thanks for the info dianemam. I'm going to see my orthopedist on Weds for carpal tunnel, and will ask him if he thinks that my elbow shoulder pain could be from the Vytorin I'm on.
Some days it's not too bad, but then I'll lift my purse wrong or something and it will hurt for days. Scratching my head hurts, brushing my hair or reaching to put something in the cabinet away. :( What's weird is even walking on the treadmill, just resting my hand on the bar makes it almost be impossible to move. :(
Some days it's not too bad, but then I'll lift my purse wrong or something and it will hurt for days. Scratching my head hurts, brushing my hair or reaching to put something in the cabinet away. :( What's weird is even walking on the treadmill, just resting my hand on the bar makes it almost be impossible to move. :(
edkal
08-08-2006, 05:21 PM
My Father has been on Lipitor for quite a while and is a very active and strong as a bull 67 year old. He recently within the last month or so developed severe pain in his legs . He can barely move , walk, now the pain is in his shoulders and he can't even lift a comb to comb his hair. He says it hurts to have his jacket on his shoulders. Once so fit, now he moves and acts as if he is 90+. He has stopped taking lipitor after talking to many who have had the same sysmptons. His docs are doing many tests, liver test came back normal, they did blood work and are waiting results of a cpk test. They want him to talk to a rumatoid arthritis doc, so we are waiting for that.. He is soaking daily in a hot tub and a suana and says that makes him feel better, but then once out, things go back to the way they were. Does anyone know what he can do? He can't sleep at nigh because he wakes up in pain and has to move to a different position which is painful ANy help would be greatly appreciated. He has been off this drug now for about 5 weeks.
THis sounds like my symptons after taking Lipitor for years as well as other Satins, as they came on the market. So after a blood test, I was told I has Polymayaligia, a disease of certain blood cell that attact the soft tissue of the joints, first starting in the neck area and working its way down to the shoulders and legs.
Your dads aches mirror my exactly. I was put on prednisone to correct the problem and after three hours of the first dose, I felt relief. The test was for "Sed Rate" to confirm the Poly. I don't really know what a cpk test is, but I suspect it is a Sed Rate test.
I have been off Lip. for 6-7 months and fell much better other then the nagging weakness in my legs, which again with the help of Pred. I can fuction pretty much normal.
I blame the all the Satins for my problems. I know these meds. are helping millions of people, but my tolerance came to an end, so I wound up like many of the people that have posts on tis forum.
I wish your dad well.
THis sounds like my symptons after taking Lipitor for years as well as other Satins, as they came on the market. So after a blood test, I was told I has Polymayaligia, a disease of certain blood cell that attact the soft tissue of the joints, first starting in the neck area and working its way down to the shoulders and legs.
Your dads aches mirror my exactly. I was put on prednisone to correct the problem and after three hours of the first dose, I felt relief. The test was for "Sed Rate" to confirm the Poly. I don't really know what a cpk test is, but I suspect it is a Sed Rate test.
I have been off Lip. for 6-7 months and fell much better other then the nagging weakness in my legs, which again with the help of Pred. I can fuction pretty much normal.
I blame the all the Satins for my problems. I know these meds. are helping millions of people, but my tolerance came to an end, so I wound up like many of the people that have posts on tis forum.
I wish your dad well.
NHone
08-08-2006, 05:54 PM
Statins have helped people lower their cholesterol numbers..anything other than "numbers" is still debatable. It also takes sometimes 20 years for cancer to show up. Statins have been shown to be carcinogenic even at doses that the normal person takes.
Zimm
08-08-2006, 08:22 PM
I also had many problems with Lipitor and have been having great difficulty finding another to lower my very high TC and LDL. I've tried the Omega-3 that everyone is talking about with horrible digestive problems. I'm now trying Cinnamon and praying it works!
NHone
08-08-2006, 08:40 PM
It might be that your body does NOT want your cholesterol lower. Sometimes we should listen to our bodies.
JJ
08-08-2006, 10:55 PM
I definitely agree with you that sometimes certain people have major problems with drugs cause their bodies don't want lower cholesterol. Like hubby's cardio man tells us, if any drug ruins the quality of your life, it is not worth taking. Hubby took statins for 7 years, had alot of problems, but we knew nothing about statins and their side effects, as we had no computer and knew noone that took them. After reading about them on the computer and talking with other folks, we talked with the dr. and he agreed, his PN could very well have been caused by the statins. Their are many drs. who think all these side effects are in your head, but like my old dr. always told us, listen to your body, if it isn't feeling right, find out why, and if it is because of a med., change it or get off it.
ARIZONA73
08-08-2006, 11:25 PM
It might be that your body does NOT want your cholesterol lower. Sometimes we should listen to our bodies.
Sounds like words of wisdom to me. What you said makes perfect sense. I've often wondered about that myself. Besides, the cholesterol theory is quite controversal, but since there is quite a bit of money to be made from cholesterol-lowering drugs...well, you figure out the rest. In my opinion, inflammation, from whatever cause, is the real culprit. I'd be willing to bet that much of the danger can be reduced by an increase in our intake of antioxidants, and anything else that reduces inflammation.
Sounds like words of wisdom to me. What you said makes perfect sense. I've often wondered about that myself. Besides, the cholesterol theory is quite controversal, but since there is quite a bit of money to be made from cholesterol-lowering drugs...well, you figure out the rest. In my opinion, inflammation, from whatever cause, is the real culprit. I'd be willing to bet that much of the danger can be reduced by an increase in our intake of antioxidants, and anything else that reduces inflammation.
NHone
08-09-2006, 12:51 AM
They have found that bufferin worked to the same degree of reducing risk of heart attack and stroke as cholesterol lowering medications (or the risk reduction reported by the cholesterol medications makers) tey have ....all this while not reducing cholesterol. Its also interesting that bisphosphonates (foxamax, etc.) work in the same pathway as cholesterol lowering medications. Bisphosphonates stop bone loss, but also kill the mechanism that causes bone regrowth and remodeling; therefore, you are left with old brittle bone...ever see an old brittle tree? I for one am tired of picking up small branches all over the yard from our old brittle tree when there is a small wind. I was just thinking today, what the consensus will be on cholesterol medications in 20 years...could it be like margarine?? which they thought was soooooo essential to saving our heart?
ebrown
08-10-2006, 09:30 AM
I had to take myself off of Zocor about 3 years ago after having so much pain in the ribs and losing 30 lbs. The doctors never did find out what caused all the pain even after having test for everything you can have test for. About 6 months ago the doctor decided to put me on Vitorin and after 3 months I couldn't go to the gym because of back pain and leg that felt like flubber. I decided to stop the Vitorin and told the doctor I will never take a Statin again.
edkal
08-10-2006, 03:44 PM
I had to take myself off of Zocor about 3 years ago after having so much pain in the ribs and losing 30 lbs. The doctors never did find out what caused all the pain even after having test for everything you can have test for. About 6 months ago the doctor decided to put me on Vitorin and after 3 months I couldn't go to the gym because of back pain and leg that felt like flubber. I decided to stop the Vitorin and told the doctor I will never take a Statin again.
Good decision ! Too many of us have had bad side effects from Satins and I mean all brands of Cholestrol lowing drugs. I have a normal count of blood cellls of my SED RATE for polymaigia, muscel damaging disease, but my legs are weak from the thighs down to the calves of my legs. When I spin a certain way my knees want to collapse with a sudden twich of pain. I beleve this to be the effeicts from Lipitor and other satins I have been taking for the pase 38 years.
On my last visit to my Dr. he confirmed I should not have any more satins, He did however, put me on a one month trial of Tricor, a trigliseride ( spelling ?)
lowering drug that is digested through the intestine, rather then the liver.
Will see the numbers on my next blood workup in Sept. 06. He does not want to give me any more satins. That in itself should tell us that we are onthe wrong road, and that is injuring ourselves and making the drug Mfg. rich.
Good decision ! Too many of us have had bad side effects from Satins and I mean all brands of Cholestrol lowing drugs. I have a normal count of blood cellls of my SED RATE for polymaigia, muscel damaging disease, but my legs are weak from the thighs down to the calves of my legs. When I spin a certain way my knees want to collapse with a sudden twich of pain. I beleve this to be the effeicts from Lipitor and other satins I have been taking for the pase 38 years.
On my last visit to my Dr. he confirmed I should not have any more satins, He did however, put me on a one month trial of Tricor, a trigliseride ( spelling ?)
lowering drug that is digested through the intestine, rather then the liver.
Will see the numbers on my next blood workup in Sept. 06. He does not want to give me any more satins. That in itself should tell us that we are onthe wrong road, and that is injuring ourselves and making the drug Mfg. rich.
ebrown
08-10-2006, 04:02 PM
My TC went to 273 so the Dr put me on Zetia. I think is sounds like the same class of drug your are taking. It's kind of ironic that I have been to the emergency room twice and in the hospital once in the past ten years and all were caused by prescriptions the Doctor prescribed. I only hope in the future I will find a way to get off the drugs the doctors are telling me to take for my high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
NHone
08-10-2006, 08:23 PM
It is not necessarily the cholesterol medication, but also possibly lowering the cholesterol itself. I suspect your will have problems with the tricor. The problems from cholesterol medications never actually go away after you stop the medication. You just don't notice them because you recover somewhat. Each time you have a problem with cholesterol lowering , the best you can hope to recover is 80 %. The next time 80% of that 80%.....the next time 80% of that 80%. This is information from the statin study.
Lenin
08-11-2006, 09:37 AM
Each time you have a problem with cholesterol lowering , the best you can hope to recover is 80 %. The next time 80% of that 80%.....the next time 80% of that 80%. This is information from the statin study.
I have read the results of the UCSD STATIN STUDY and found nothing vaguely like that amplifying 80% persistence rate of side effects that you did. Could you clear this up with any quotes from the study that indicate this.
I presume we are talking about the SAME statin study?
I have read the results of the UCSD STATIN STUDY and found nothing vaguely like that amplifying 80% persistence rate of side effects that you did. Could you clear this up with any quotes from the study that indicate this.
I presume we are talking about the SAME statin study?
NHone
08-11-2006, 10:30 PM
Sometimes you have to talk to the people at the studies. Besides the results will not be printed until december.
grandkidsrg8
08-15-2006, 10:41 AM
hi
i just read all the posts in this thread and I am so grateful to all of you for your posts. My husband just had three stents put in. He originally went to the dr complaining of terrible muscle weakness in legs-he could barely walk-he's been on pravachol last 2-3 years-dr said let's deal with other symptom first- so he just had 3 stents and now they changed his statin to Lipitor and upped it to 40 mg-and i'm wondering -my gosh this is probably the culprit of his leg pain to begin with! the nd we use laughs at me whenever i tell him i'm having adverse reactions to meds-I couldn't sleep for months and became depressed and suicidal on Levaquin- and he just prescribed anti depressants-which i didn't take but got off the levaquin. So anyway thank you I think we just solved my husband's pain. What can one do if not take statins? where do you get COq10? We've totally modified diets. any advice would be appreciated. thanks
i just read all the posts in this thread and I am so grateful to all of you for your posts. My husband just had three stents put in. He originally went to the dr complaining of terrible muscle weakness in legs-he could barely walk-he's been on pravachol last 2-3 years-dr said let's deal with other symptom first- so he just had 3 stents and now they changed his statin to Lipitor and upped it to 40 mg-and i'm wondering -my gosh this is probably the culprit of his leg pain to begin with! the nd we use laughs at me whenever i tell him i'm having adverse reactions to meds-I couldn't sleep for months and became depressed and suicidal on Levaquin- and he just prescribed anti depressants-which i didn't take but got off the levaquin. So anyway thank you I think we just solved my husband's pain. What can one do if not take statins? where do you get COq10? We've totally modified diets. any advice would be appreciated. thanks
NHone
08-15-2006, 04:36 PM
You can get Coq10 almost anywhere vitamins are sold. I would suggest 600 mg for at least 6 months for his problem. Also Coq10 is imparative for someone just having stents. If he just had the stents put in, there is evidence that cholesterol lowering medications can cause plaque to become unstable. (this happened to my mother). Plaque in itself is not always dangerous. I would also take fish oil. You might try the Thera Tears nutrition formula. It seems to contain all of the fish oil and also flax seed oil. Just because it says thera tears, does not mean the formula is not beneficial for other things.
edkal
09-11-2006, 04:28 PM
Thanks for the info dianemam. I'm going to see my orthopedist on Weds for carpal tunnel, and will ask him if he thinks that my elbow shoulder pain could be from the Vytorin I'm on.
Some days it's not too bad, but then I'll lift my purse wrong or something and it will hurt for days. Scratching my head hurts, brushing my hair or reaching to put something in the cabinet away. :( What's weird is even walking on the treadmill, just resting my hand on the bar makes it almost be impossible to move. :(
Be carefull of the carpal tunnel symtom as I had surgery done for the same thing, but get this-- the pain was from Lipitor. This is one of the side effects.
Hope tis get to you in time.
Some days it's not too bad, but then I'll lift my purse wrong or something and it will hurt for days. Scratching my head hurts, brushing my hair or reaching to put something in the cabinet away. :( What's weird is even walking on the treadmill, just resting my hand on the bar makes it almost be impossible to move. :(
Be carefull of the carpal tunnel symtom as I had surgery done for the same thing, but get this-- the pain was from Lipitor. This is one of the side effects.
Hope tis get to you in time.
mattsmom32
09-11-2006, 04:38 PM
Did you have pain all over or just in that area?? My PCP didn't think it was from the Vytorin, as it was localized, but I still wonder.
NHone
09-11-2006, 07:40 PM
My mother had surgery done for carpal tunnel and also trigger finger. The cause (as we now know) was from the statins she took and also the zetia. By the way, the surgery did not help.
mattsmom32
09-11-2006, 07:53 PM
Do these problems resolve when the drug is stopped, even if it takes a while??
mmvic
09-12-2006, 12:43 AM
grandkidsrg8, make sure your husband is not suffering the leg pain and weakness due to Peripheral Artery Disease called PAD. Ask your doctor. I usre wouldn't stop any meds without doing that first.