P.A.D

[Katrinatroy]

I was diagnosed with the above about 1 yr ago, and my GP put me on Atorvastatin, and since realized after reading on the med, it explains why my condition has worsened, muscle spasms in tummy, feeling weaker, spasms in legs. Is there an alternative med that doesn't weaken the muscles. Also diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Speakeazi]

Hi I also have PAD. There are lots of other statins that you could try. I was on the same as you but the results of my 6 month blood test showed deranged liver results. I am now on rosuvaststatin and all is well.

There are other statin type medications if you ask your GP.

As an aside did you manage to walk during the v hot weather this week?

[Katrinatroy in reply to Speakeazi]

I've got appointment to see GP next week to discuss my meds, so thanks, at least I know there maybe other med options. And as to walking in this heat.. Nope! I can't walk far, about 20 paces, and I have to rest. But purchased a mobility scooter, so I'm not stuck indoors.

[Dickyticker26]

You don't mention the amount of the drug

I was on Atorvastatin 40 mg (and others) and developed constant diarrhoea

[Katrinatroy in reply to Dickyticker26]

Hi Dickyticker26,

I'm on 20mg Atorvastatin and 75mg Clopidogrel. It's in both groin area, been suffering for for 6 yes, but obviously wasn't as bad , it was a TV doc, explaining symptoms, and I thought, that's me. Unfortunately my docs, didn't listen to me, when I complained about numbness in leg, etc. So pretty upset, when specialist, said, it's too late, plus scar tissue, I wouldn't survive a bypass. Just keep taking pain meds etc.. ☹️

[Dickyticker26]

...to continue I am now on Rosuvastatin 10 mg and Lansoprazole 30 mg which I believe protects the stomach and it seems ok so far

I am also on betablockers, bloodthinners and anti-coagulants

Nitrates have been dropped

Hope that you can reach a successful "cocktail"

I haven't had PAD as such but I have had vascular surgery without medication before or after and I know that I have weak valves in the groins

[Dickyticker26]

I am sorry to hear all that

I had SVT (Supra Ventricular Tachycardia) that is very rapid heart beats in late night episodes for years but only recognised in a few months ago when I read about it on this forum

Up to then I had put it down to indigestion

I controlled it by cutting down on caffeine and got down to 2 cups a week

Then after a visit to A&E a year ago I cut it out altogether and the SVT episodes have not returned

All the best

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I have had Type I diabetes since childhood, developed PAD in my fifties and had a quadruple bypass in my sixties. Whilst I had resisted statins as a default medication I went onto them with the diagnosis of PAD as the vascular surgeon would not see me otherwise. The first statin prescribed was Simvastatin but this was changed to Atorvastatin as I experienced severe muscle aches in the shoulders. It is important to maintain statin treatment to reduce the chances of a "leg attack"! Besides reducing cholesterol statins stabilise plaque and reduce irritation often a precursor to plaque formation (the variable blood sugars of diabetes increasing it). Gary Mabbutt, the ex-footballer and a diabetic hero, suffered a leg attack and needed his leg artery bypassed (Google if you want) ending his prospects of becoming a football coach/manager. Someone else I know had a leg attack resulting in a BKA (below knee amputation). I think you need to see your doctor after the weekend to discuss and try another statin (there are about five). Good luck!

[Wangpeng]

hi, i have been on atorvastatin for last 10 years now..initially my GP gave me 80 mg dosage which is quite high and i did experience muscle wasting and weakness, spasms in my back and legs. overtime, my dosage was reduced to 40mg then 20 mg and now to 10 mg. may be you can speak to your GP about the issues you are experiencing and he can help you out..i was told that there are no suitable alternatives in my condition. but may be in your case, there may be. hope this helps katrinatroy!