Don’t really see the point of adding in AA when you are so low on Pred -has she just read the guidelines? 🙄
Are you on a VitD/Calcium -if so, many find that’s enough. If not, perhaps suggest she prescribes it.,,
As for statins -is that from a recent cholesterol test? And that’s your choice whether to take them , some get on fine with them, some don’t. I’d want more information why she thinks they are required -and it’s not just a tick the box exercise.
Cholesterol is a bit high… so can understand her issue.. I have had the same in the past [not quite as high as yours].
I did take statins for about 20 years in my 50s and 60s [needed to try 3 different types] but for some reason now in my 70s I am definitely intolerant… have tried different ones again over the 3 years. .. no go! So now noted on my records. Since last round of annual tests have decided to try plant sterols to see if they help - others on here reckon they do.
Even though guidelines state for over 65s there is no need DEXA to see if AA required… why take something if you don’t need to. I took them for 4 years [family and personal reasons] with no issues - but some have issues with them.
Hi Mazxstitch. I have refused both statins and alendronic acid. Both can cause problems, and I'm already on a cocktail of meds to which I don't want to add more. Instead, I'm careful with diet, eating lots of cooked tomatoes, and kefir or thick yoghurt plus calcium-rich foods, lots of oily fish. No broken bones yet. Just tapered from 15mg pred to 12.5. It's your body - stand your ground! Best wishes.
Adding AA without proof of need at this stage is questionable - especially as your dose is so low so soon. The mean time to 5mg from 15mg is about 18 months. I had been on pred at far higher doses for 14+ years before a possible spinal compression fracture meant I agreed to an annual infusion starting last January.
Statins - can't help there much as the two I tried didn't do me any good at all, nearly in a wheelchair with one and a massive PMR flare after starting the second. Correlation is not causation but I'm really not prepared to risk it - and neither is my rheumy. Cardiology were very relaxed about it in general.
"but more research is needed" seems to be the conclusion of this recent work. I would tend to wait for the research. Big Pharma will continue to push statins, they have a lot to lose if statins are actually shown not to do a lot. I recommend the books by Malcolm Kendrick eg The Clot Thickens and Doctoring Data. He has recently won a libel case against the Daily Mail who accused him of being a "statin denier" (I know, no one in their right mind would believe what's published in this paper, but still....)
ALL controversial studies end with "More research required" - standard conclusion for most if it comes to that. No-one wants to be thought arrogant enough to think their work is definitive!!!! That is for others to decide ...
Been refusing statins for years. Cholesterol levels control with diet and exercise...evidence of effectiveness for women is still unproven. Hold firm !!
I refused AA, even though I discussed it with my dentist and he said the dosage was low enough that it was unlikely to cause deterioration in the jaw bones. However, I saw him again this week and he advised to stay well clear of it.
I insisted that my GP gave me a DEXA scan. She said not until your Preds course is finished so they can measure the degree of damage to the bones. I insisted saying I wanted a base line measurement. Eventually she gave in. It is a cheap and easy procedure, no reason why they should not make it more available. The result was that my bone density was spot on normal for a 30 year old. I am 75. I eat lots of yoghurt and cheese, and meat.
There were three questions she asked before the scan. Had I experienced any fractures before? Was there a family history of broken bones or fractures? Had I experienced an early menopause? All three answers were no. I suspect if you say yes it will help you GP make the right decision. Two final options, ask to see a different GP, they can't refuse if there is one in the surgery, or go privately. It is not hugely expensive. Good luck and good health!
Since March, my cholesterol has gone up to 7.4. Isn't it interesting that I have bloods done monthly and GP now says "it's serious". I can't even figure out why it's rising steadily. Regardless, after fending off the statins for quite awhile, I've started on rosuvastatin 10 mg which gives me the bending over stomach cramps and diarrhea. For me, diarrhea may be an okay thing as I have chronic constipation from codeine. Another long story. Anyway, this will be my third day and if the cramps persist (or any other pain) I'll have to give her a ring. This morning I will take with food to see if it helps with the stomach upset. Also, a generally crappy feeling for most of the day and very little appetite. As for AA I could never tolerate it, but I do now have severe osteoporosis, for which the rheumy was a year late with her diagnosis. I had a Zoledronic Acid infusion done last October, but have fractured another vertebrae about one month ago. Need another dexascan, but Osteo Specialist says we only do them every three years now, here In Nova Scotia. I wanted to know if there had been any improvement at all. This was my suggestion, so maybe she didn't like it.
your cholesterol looks a bit high mine was 6.7 and I now take statins. The first one didn't agree with me but the second which is rosuvastatin does. I have just been put on a higher dose as my cholesterol at 4.7 was considered higher than is required. Also my rheumy thought it was a good idea. I have seen a lot of heart related illness and strokes in my life and my father dropped dead of untreated angina. I have also been to heart club with a relative post surgery. It has all left me with the feeling and a bit of experience and knowledge that high cholesterol is not to be taken lightly and feels a bit like dicing with death when you don't have to.
Just want to say that I have been on Rosuvastatin for over 20 years with no problem and I have a very sensitive IBS bowel. Maybe give it a chance to settle down . I also take Alendronic Acid …4 yrs , also with no problems except the inconvenience! I am waiting fo results for GCA though and dread having to mix all that around with adding Pred . Also on Amlodipine and Propanalol and Bendro for Blood Pressure. And drops for Glaucoma ! 😳😳😳
Thank you for your reply, I find rosuvastatin much better than atorvastatin. Its the first week of the higher dose so far so good. I don't take AA any more as the Doctors said my Dexa scan was very good. Like yourself I have quite a mix of various drugs and dread them giving me another one. Good luck with the GCA results. I have managed to find a way to take all the various drugs that works for me usually my BP and thyroid drugs first thing then wait at least an hour and take the steroid with a bit of something small to eat before breakfast.
I'm four years in with PMR and had AA suggested the start, I suggested a DEXA scan first, which was happily agreed to, and it came back good and it's not been mentioned since. I get them every two years and so far all good. Been on statins for many years, first three didn't agree with me but Rosuvastatin, 5mg, has given me no problems at all.
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