I really could use some help about now!

[Zimm]

Hi All,
I'm slowly losing my mind trying to find answers,the doctors never give any real help. I've posted my problems on the board under Lipitor question. I was on Lipitor for several years with no problems,then all of a sudden,everything broke loose, well,to shorten this post the doctor told me to stop the Lipitor for a month,which I did and I was beginning to have some periods of mild relief,well when I had blood work done my cholestral went way up (I have Coronary Arterie Disease and have one total blockage with Collaterals and one stent) then a little over two weeks ago he put me on Zetia. The last week or so I have been having trouble with bloating and stomach and intestinal cramping,plus the pain and burning seem to be acting up in my back,chest and arms. The question I need help with is if it's the Zetia that's causing these problems and I can't take Lipitor,does anyone know if all the cholestral meds cause the same problems? My Cardiologist wants me to go on Vytorin, I really need something because my body builds cholestral,it's genetic and I really want to avoid a heart attack or stroke. Thank you for any answers you can supply.

[Lenin]

Zimm,
The bloating and cramping are a common side effect of Zetia (along with nausea and constipation.)
Alas the Vytorin is a combo of Zocor (a statin) and Zetia so the cramping might be identical. What kind of numbers do you get on the Zetia?

Double alas:

plus the pain and burning seem to be acting up in my back,chest, and arms

THAT sounds too much like angina.

With your history you MUST keep your LDL's low and/or your HDL's high. I have to agree with your cardiologist that there is probably no reasonable alternative to statins. If you must do without them then you must, but please make absolutely sure that it is the Lipitor causing your problems and not something else. There is nothing better than a statin for those of us with proven large troublesome plaque deposits.

There is always the 5-10% fat diet...it works but it isn't for the faint of heart especially not when facing it for a lifetime.

[Zimm]

Lenin,
Thank you very much for the help. The Cardiologist says it is not Angina,but I do have to get my cholestral,especially the LDL down. My primary says it has to be the Lipitor,he says that there are many drugs on the market and the chemical makeup is different and probably won't cause the same side effects,but after reading the posts on this board,I'm not really sure I can believe it,I'm just freaking out here,as I said I really don't want a heart attack or stroke.
Thanks again!

[lane413]

Zimm, my mom took zetia for a month or so and she had the same complaint. Zetia can cause severe back pain. Did you search this board and read the other posts about zetia? There seems to be quite a few complaints about zetia.

My mom has a similar problem, she diabetic with high blood pressure. Her bp meds made her cholesterol rise, so now she has a cholesterol problem. Diet and exercise can help a little, but bcuz she has to take the bp med, she will always need the statin. Her new dr. prescribed zocor, and she was scared to take it, but decided to try it. She added coq10 and to the zocor. She hasn't had any complaints so far. She just stopped taking zocor bcuz the pharmacist told us it shouldn't be taken with verapamil. she will see the dr. Friday and hopefully get something else.

[Zimm]

Thank you lane413!! I really appreciate the reply. I'm so sorry your Mom is having that problem,it really is not easy to live with. Did your Mom ever take Lipitor and have problems? That's what I was on and the pain is really unbelievable,it's like no other pain I've ever had,even through several surgerys and three children. The one question I keep asking the doctors is do all of the cholestral meds cause the same pain,but the only answer I get is because of the CAD I really don't have a choice but to take something.It's really a vicious circle. Hope your Mom does just fine on Zocor. Thanks again.
Zimm