Coming off statins

[Khonkaen]

A few days ago I was reading a posting from a guy who was going to, or had stopped taking his statins because of leg pain and I can't find this posting. Perhaps he could remind me who he is, or PM me?

The reason for this is that I want to either do the same or reduce my doseage asap, possibly after year one, my cholesterol was never high before and thanks to my diet, is dangerously low, both LDL and total.

My cardiologist is a Thai and I am unsure of his reaction, (they don't like to be questioned) since my only conversation with him post procedure was basically "take all your pills or you will die".

This seems to state otherwise. youtube.com/watch?v=eb5SmhY...(Not working as expected?) along with a few other reports.

[Adaboo]

Not many here will talk about stopping statins. Most on here are very pro statin. Someone posted a new article citing studies on how statin outcomes were manipulated in the beginning. Needless to say it disappeared. There are groups on Facebook about statin use. Loads have stopped using them with no bad side effects, mostly have good side effects. Cholesterol as you probably know isn’t the cause of heart disease anyway. There is no scientific or medical proof at all that they stabilise plaque either but folk are happy to believe it. There are far better natural anti inflammatories to take. It’s all a matter of personal choice unless you have FH.

[Khonkaen in reply to Adaboo]

You kidding about people being pro-statins right? Who in their right mind would want to take these poisons. Now I take them because I was told to but I would very much like not to. My cardiologist is private, I have no choice in Thailand. I am back in the UK soon and will try to talk to somone there, I am still a UK taxpayer but don't have a GP.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Khonkaen]

Here in the UK you will be offered care and treatment that is recommended by The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence ( NICE) .

Evidence based care.

Shared decision making is encouraged so you can make an informed descision following a discussion with your healthcare professional about whether you wish to follow the recommended care.

nice.org.uk/guidance/cg172/...

Dr Google's Consultanting room is not necessarily the best place to seek advice.

[Lezzers in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for the link milkfairy, very informative.

[Lezzers in reply to Khonkaen]

Strangely enough there are people who are pro statins, it doesn't mean they're out of their minds it simply means they have a different view point to you. Each to their own.

[santisuk in reply to Khonkaen]

I live in Sisaket Thailand and had a heart bypass 3 years ago. I agree with your observation that Thai doctors tend to expect their patients to accept their opinions and pronouncements without question. I've had difficulty finding good heart advice in Ubon and Sisaket.

You may have to go to one of the big international hospitals in BKK to get a balanced discussion. Dr Aram Chusid at Bumrungrad is one you might try ie I recommend him. Ask also in the health forum of Asean Now (formerly Thai Visa.com). Bumrungrad is notoriously expensive for operations and meds but I find their consultations resonably cheap if you don't need scans, blood tests or other investgatory work. I've had such consultations at less than 2,000 baht (a bit less than 50 quid. Much cheaper than a special visit to the UK!

[Hidden]

You need to talk to your doctor about this, not someone online.

If you don't like any of your doctors you do have the right to get another one.

[Gazza01]

I'll only say this my mother became a house bound cripple through leg pain which she swore was down to the statins. But her GP said if you stop them you'll die. Simple as that. I think it would pay you to cough up a few quid and get yourself to a private cardiologist for a second opinion and show him your cholesterol etc and see what he says. It's not a decision you can make on your own safely.

[17Nevil]

What difference does it make what nationality your doctor is .?

If you decide to risk killing yourself that is your choice .I don't think you will many on here who will condone that

[Jack2019]

You could consider seeing a naturopathic doctor as well, they always start at finding the root of a problem and the first approach to address it is a natural one, they are like a life coach and their job is to follow up and continue to encourage progress, treating the symptoms with pharmaceuticals, or something else, if warranted. With your permission they will also work with your conventional doctor. That empowers me to consider with confidence what I need to do.

[seasider18]

Your Thai sounds just like my UK cardiologist when I stopped Warfarin.

I stopped statins about six years ago due to muscle pain. My GP has stopped them as well and his parents both had cardiac problems and aortic aneurysms . My wife's count has been going up but last year he pointed to the latest notification he has had on statins. Advise the patient of the pros on cons of statins but let them make their own decision.

[Khonkaen in reply to seasider18]

But do you have stents and if so when were they fitted?

[seasider18 in reply to Khonkaen]

No I had my aortic valve replaced in 2012

[Helen_BHF]

Hi everyone, just a reminder to anyone reading this thread - please discuss with your doctor before you stop taking statins. I know there's a lot of differing opinions, we don't want to police threads so much that people can't share their experiences but please do avoid recommending that people stop taking medication without talking to a doctor first. Otherwise i'll have to keep saying this (and nobody wants that!) Thanks all

[Khonkaen in reply to Helen_BHF]

Without doubt. I am just trying to find out if it can be done.