Shake Weight took my Statin muscle pains away.

[G1g1]

I went from Simviatatin, to Crestor, to Lipitor for 2+ years, depending on what my insurance is willing to pay for. Then 8 months ago my doctor changed to Atorvistatin. I started experiencing shoulder pain and memory loss. If not for a pharmist who warned me of the serious side effects of statins, I would have continued to suffer in silence.

After stopping Atorvistatin, I no longer have shoulder pain. (Previously diagnosed as frozen shoulder and memory loss as "old person diesease".) I still do have significant muscle loss affecting range of motion. Strangely enough I slowly recalled my son (memory coming back after quitting the drug) had suffered tennis elbow years back when playing varsity tennis. He had used shake weight to balance both his arms so he wasn't lopsided. I picked up the dusty book weight and used it. After just one sesh (I couldn't do the full 6 mins.) I have no pain. And I have greater range of motion. I can lift my arm straight up without the other hand propping it up. (I can now apply deodorant without help. Lol. Pretty soon I can shave.) Seems like a small miracle to me. So I wanna share it on every forum.

[jeanetteubo]

Hi - went to my GP yesterday with shoulder (on Crestor at the moment but had similar problems with others ) . Can I ask have you stopped all statins now or are you continuing ? Also, what is a 'shake weight' - is it a blade type thing ?

[G1g1 in reply to jeanetteubo]

I stopped altogether because I was prescribed statins due to diabetes meds not high cholesterol. Doc did re-prescribe something called phenofibrade, but not covered by insurance. So haven't filled the prescription.

Shake Weight is an old 2005/2007 as-seen-on-tv gimmicky exercise tool. It looks like an extended dumb bell, but weighted at the ends. So when you shake it side to side in certain directions counter weight is exerted giving you a slight pull that forces your muscles to adjust, stretch, and flex. Its the ideal exercise for me who cannot flex or stretch. You will probably find them in thrift stores, garage sale and eBay. My son has 4; 2 women weights and 2 men weights to work up resistance.

[sandybrown in reply to G1g1]

It is a fact some medication can increase cholesterol.

[G1g1 in reply to sandybrown]

That's because statins block the bad cholesterol AND along with the good cholesterol (or "inhibits"; for a lack of a better word). The good cholesterol is what promotes/protects healthy brain matter. Or so I read.

[jeanetteubo in reply to G1g1]

Thanks- I'm just going to try a lower dose for 1 more month. I have the genetic version of cholesterol which cannot be controlled by diet. I'm not convinced that low cholesterol is a good thing and I have had problems with all previous statins prescribed. It can't be ok to be in pain from taking medication.

[G1g1 in reply to jeanetteubo]

You should do whatever is best for you. I have no experience in low cholesterol. Just make sure you are not being manipulated by the doctor. My doctor kept giving me different brands and prescription strengths. Then the symptoms just kept changing or getting worse or multiplying symptoms.