Statins

[Rosina1871]

Have a telephone appointment tomorrow with my surgery. I’m sure they will suggest status as my cholesterol isn’t good. I’m not over weight. I eat really sensibly and I exercise . Like to hear from anyone on statins that has no problems before I commit to taking them

[Kendrew]

Hi there. I've had a long relationship with statins....over 25yrs. With an initial reading of 6.3, I insisted on managing it myself at first. I successfully reduced it to 4.3 over a 3mth period through dietary changes and exercise. However, I had to be so disciplined in both those ways that it was virtually impossible to sustain such a regime. After 10+yrs on simvastatin I decided I wanted another break from them and when PMR was diagnosed they checked my cholesterol again and it was excessively and dangerously high, so I now take Atorvastatin.

I personally have never had any significant issues with statins but would not be taking them if I didn't have to. I occasionally experienced achey legs but nothing worse than that. However, I know of people on here who have definitely found them a problem but I guess until you take them you're not going to know yourself. I'm afraid as with all meds they'll affect everyone differently.

[Rosina1871 in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you for your reply. It’s a difficult decision .

[Headwood in reply to Kendrew]

Hi. I’m NEVER taking them again. After being bombarded by my GP about taking them I gave in. Fist lot stiffened me up. Second lot I feel sure tipped me into PMR! I now go to Boots and buy plant sterols these seem to do the trick. Your GP may also have a sterol or stanol clinic. But as many others say, they are no problem for som. As ProMo says “Watch them”! Good luck.

[Koalajane]

I take statins, atorvastatin, with no problems

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Like everything else it is probably something to try but be watchful. A week or so of atorvastatin nearly had me in a wheelchair but I stopped quickly. It still took some months to get back where I had been PMR-wise the week before starting them. My cardiologist is fine about it - agreeing with the studies that suggest they have no protective effect for women without a history of cardiovascular events, which I don't.

[Rosina1871 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Really don’t want to take statins. Ver sceptical but the docs seem to really push it . Is it financially viable for them! No idea. X

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosina1871]

What a doctor learns at a certain stage of their education is very difficult to dislodge ...

[Rosina1871 in reply to PMRpro]

My family has no history of heart disease but my mum died of a stroke aged 83. She had Parkinson’s so wasn’t very active. I’ve collected the tablets but still reluctant to take them 🙈

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosina1871]

My brother takes them because our father died at 49 of a cerebral haemorrhage - but I don't think it was a stroke, I'm pretty sure it was a cerebral aneurysm that burst judging by what the coroner said. So statins won't make a difference. If they don;t have bad side effects it is like everything else. fair enough. But polypharmacy (loads of different drugs) can kill or at least make you very sick.

[Rosina1871 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks . Very reluctant. Going to try the benecol drinks that claim an improvement in three weeks! My diet is good so very little I can change there and I have always exercised and still do. Also I have cataract surgery on 8th October and I don’t want to feel ill for that so will delay taking them . Thanks for your input

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosina1871]

I think I saw your level is about 10? That is high and I'm not sure the Benecol will be enough. I would agree to try a low dose and see how I got on - but not until after the cataract is done. And be sure to report any effects you notice quickly and don't be fobbed off. There are lots of different ones so if one doesn't suit you, another may well do.

[Rosina1871 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks . Appreciate your advice. Will definitely wait until after cataract op

[Maudie19 in reply to Rosina1871]

I use the spread, yoghurt plus the drink. Annoyed with Tesco as they are pushing their own brand and I have no idea if they would be as effective.

[Woodsey1]

I take atorvastatin with no problems

[Pome]

I had too many side effects on statins, switched to bezafibrate.

[V1a4]

I learned that my birth father and brother (I was adopted) had both died in their mid-forties from heart disease. I told my GP and when my cholesterol tested high he put me on to Atorvastatins. I've not had any problems with them, but my husband who's on a different type has. Your GP will change tabs if they cause any problems, until the right one comes along!!

[Pixix]

I take atorvastatin. Many years, for familial cholesterol issues that didn’t improve at all through diet for myself, my Mum and my Aunt. No problem at all & my cholesterol now under control.

[Rosina1871 in reply to Pixix]

Thank you

[Dambusters]

Do NOT accept Simvostatin. Everyone I know had problems and they crippled my husband (who does not have PMR) to the extent we sold our lovey long time home in the Yorkshire Dales to move nearer our daughter in Derbyshire, so she could help me look after him. Dr. here stopped it and his health improved to the extent we need not have moved home.Atorvastatin don't seem to cause either of us problems.

[Rosina1871 in reply to Dambusters]

Thank you

[AshPen9]

I have taken Atorvastatin for a couple of years with no problems, as has my OH. Hope you get on OK. Extra meds of any sort is a big thing isn't it, when most of us already taking so many.

[Rosina1871 in reply to AshPen9]

Totally agree. I’ve gone from very little medication to a long list!

[Predsharer]

Some people are fine on statins and some aren’t. When considering whether to take them don’t just take the figure they give you without asking for a breakdown. My cholesterol overall is very high, but my ‘good’ cholesterol is really high and as long as my ratio is under 5 my doctor isn’t concerned. It is difficult to get your overall figure down just with diet, but I find it very easy to keep my ‘good’ cholesterol high and it is this figure that is really important to maintain.

[Rosina1871 in reply to Predsharer]

Thank you

[Raven1955]

I've been taking Simvastatin for nearly 10 years with no noticeable side effects. Some say that I must have gotten my PMR because of statins but that's easy to say when it isn't provable. I wasn't able to appreciably lower my cholesterol by diet and have a family history of death from strokes (mother & 3 of 4 grandparents), so it was a very easy decision for me! If your doctor recommends it, try it but be your own advocate. If you have issues, request trying a different medication. There are more than one cholesterol medication, that's for sure! For me it was the fact that my readings were cut in half with Simvastatin and have stayed at that level. Best wishes and always be your own advocate. We can say "no" to doctors haha!

[Rosina1871 in reply to Raven1955]

Thanks for reply. I’m giving it a go apprehensively! We have no heart problems in the family but my mum died of a stroke aged 83. She wasn’t active as she had Parkinson’s. Will see how it goes

[Hosers2 in reply to Raven1955]

I honestly believe Simvistatin caused my eventual PMR. Others on here say that Statins don’t give them a problem. Yet, here we are. All with PMR.

[Rosina1871 in reply to Hosers2]

Well my pmr started in 2019. I’ve never been on statins before. This will be the first time

[Hosers2 in reply to Rosina1871]

Yep. It’s that old saying about which came first, the chicken or the egg. 😛I’m wishing you all the best. But I wouldn’t wish Simvistatin on my worst enemy.

[scrambledegg]

I have had PMR for 6 years. Been on atorvastatin for 1 year. No problems or side effects.

[Rosina1871]

Thanks. I’ve just been prescribed Atorvastatin. Good to hear you’ve not had problems. I’m very wary. Surgery wanted me to start on 40mg but I said i prefer to start on a lower dose so agreed on 20mg. What dosage are you on?

[Noosat]

Sorry to say I had problems. with2 statins, one made the mucuous membranes swell so much it was hard to swallow , the second made my left hand so swollen I couldn't bend my fingers.. We are all different and the may not affect you adversely, but for me, I must be allergic to them. Have you had your cholestrol broken down into HDL and LDL Combined mine is high, however when separated the HDL, good one is so much higher than th LDL that I am classed as low risk

[Rosina1871]

My good cholesterol isn’t good, and my bad cholesterol is bad? Readings were 10. They have always been on the high side but worse since being on steroids . Thanks for your reply. Still undecided what to do

[PMRCanada]

I recently discussed my climbing cholesterol rates with my GP who was interested in more than just the LDL (bad cholesterol). He thoroughly reviewed all aspects of my lipid profile explaining the cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and tricglycerides. He did not think my increasing overall cholesterol was related to taking prednisone. Instead of prescribing a statin, he suggested trying to increase my "good cholesterol" first instructing me to take Omega 3 oil, and reducing saturated/trans fat in my diet. My last total cholesterol reading was 6.5 (up from 6.3 last year and 5.7 three years ago).

Depending on your cholesterol level, perhaps you can attempt a lifestyle change (diet/exercise) that is sustainable over the long term, first, before you start medication. Of course following your physicians recommendations given your unique bloodwork results, is important to consider. Wishing you all the best resolving this.

[Rosina1871 in reply to PMRCanada]

Thanks for that but my diet regime is excellent, I e xercise daily and have done all my adult life. I was told it was genetic related plus the steroids. Thanks for replying

[PMRCanada in reply to Rosina1871]

My dad was a long distance runner and active daily as well, and took a statin as it was deemed genetic. Mine may be as well....time will tell. All the best with the new medication should you choose to give it a try.

[AyJayBass]

I was switched from Simvastatin to Atorvastatin (20mg) about 2½ years ago when I went on to Dabigatran anticoagulants for AF. I have experienced no problems at all.

[Rosina1871 in reply to AyJayBass]

Thank you. Are you still on 20?

[AyJayBass in reply to Rosina1871]

Yes

[winfong]

I have taking simvastatin for many years. Probably genetic, as I eat healthy, exercise & try to keep my weight down. Doc wanted me to switch to atorvastatin as it was new & I gave it a try. Had to stop because of the side effects, switched back to simvastatin & am now doing fine.

[Maudie19]

I had to come off my statin after 3 weeks as it was affecting my liver. Have used diet and Benecol products ever since - got down to 4.3 two years ago but last annual one in January this year I was 6.5, but was just starting with PMR. Still trying to keep to my mostly veg diet but having a husband who loves cakes etc it is difficult!! GP isn't worried and said to wait until next January for the blood test.

[pegpowell]

I was recently diagnosed with PAD (peripheral artery disease). Both legs' arteries almost blocked and right carotid blocked. I could hardly walk because of the pain in my left calf and foot. In addition to 4 mgs pred for PMR for the last five years, I started a generic Rosuvastatin Calcium 5 mgs and Cilostazol 100 mgs to dilate the veins along with walking therapy. Since I had no ill effects the doctor suggested upping the statin to 10 mgs which has helped me avoid having vascular surgery before having a hip replacement. I also take 10 mgs Omerprazole. I smoked for too many years in my youth (I'm 83) but eat well and used to and stil am quite active. It's a bitch isn't it? Just one thing after another.

[Bcol]

Morning Rosina1871. I have been on statins for many years now and whilst the ususl two Simvastatin and Atorvastatin made my joints ache more than my OA the third one I tried Rosuvastatin has been absolutely fine and gives me no problems at all. It certainly didn't give me PMR.

[Siral]

If you want some reasonably recent research on satins & cholesterol google ‘David Diamond cholesterol YouTube’ . He’s a professor who is giving a talk to other professionals about the cholesterol/statin situation. Oct 2019

[Rosina1871]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. Appreciated

[MaritimeMags]

When diagnosed with PMR three and half years ago, the GP insisted I started to take statins as my cholesterol was high. I had resisted for many months but finally gave in. After a week I had to see him again and he asked me how I was getting on. I told him I was experiencing a ‘floaty’ feeling sometimes - (actually, it was quite nice).He rapidly changed my prescription to Atorvastatin and I have had no obvious side effects since.

My cholesterol level then went down - but I did miss the ‘floaty’ feeling. 🙂

[Rosina1871 in reply to MaritimeMags]

🤣🤣 thank you

[Odosmum]

Once you reach 50 here, you are prescribed statins. I took simvastatin for nearly 13 years with no problems and then had a heart attack. Hospital changed to atorvastatin. Again no problems taking them - however after 6 months or so, it was discovered that they were not doing me any good at all. Change again to rosuvastatin - no problems and they seem to work for me. I think the initial change was due to new prescibed medication - can't remember which.

Husband also took simvastatin with no problems for years and then had a stroke. Statins changed and he started having pains in his arms. Changed quickly to pravastatin and no problems.

One of the things that they told me after the heart attack, which I have very much taken to heart (if you see what I mean), is that although your cholesterol and blood pressure may be within the normal range, it is possible that that level is too high for you and that when you have had a heart attack it is extrememly likely that your levels are too high. Hence blood pressure medication and a change of statins or dosage as a matter of course.

[Rosina1871 in reply to Odosmum]

Thanks for your reply. Sorry you’ve had problems. Appreciate your comments

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Odosmum]

And then there are the theories that it isn't the cholesterol at all but it is a surrogate marker for SOMETHING the statins are doing that reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event in some people.

[Rosina1871 in reply to PMRpro]

All very confusing. None of my family have heart problems or have had heart attacks and from my family tree that is the situation quite far back. Thanks for your input

[powerwalk]

Rosina, did you go on the statins after,? Just wondering how you got on?

[Rosina1871 in reply to powerwalk]

Yes I did . No problem with them and my cholesterol has come down to 5.8 from 10

[powerwalk in reply to Rosina1871]

Ooh thats great. Which ones did you get? (I know everyone is different with meds). I fear i may have a further battle. Been avoiding them for years. Thats great results for you.

[Rosina1871]

Atoravastatin, 20mg