Atorvastatin

I point out that NON STATIN cholesterol lowering drugs had exactly the same effect on me, which was severe, so I think it's the lowering of cholesterol below a certain level which may be the issue

I believe you're absolutely right Jude.  I read a medical article which said that the main benefits of statins in those with previous cardiac events was NOT actually the lowering of cholesterol but other subsidiary effects.  I also read whilst researching that cholesterol is totally essential for the well being of the body and that abnormally elevated levels alone are not the issue, it's that this indicates other vascular problems.  We are being intentionally misinformed re the 'cholestrol myth' because its a huge money spinner for the pharmaceutical industry, when in reality only very few people have the cumulative effect of multiple heart and circulatory issues that need them to take steps to lower cholesterol by the intervention of dangerous drugs.  The rest of us would be safer, AND healthier if we left our cholesterol alone.

I wasn't aware that there were any positive effects claimed for statins other than their cholesterol lowering effect:  what are the others? Did the article say?

I couldnt find the original article but I seem to recall it was their ability to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis that was most important. If I recall correctly it is possible to have a heart attack without high blood cholesterol levels, but nearly all heart attacks begin with atherosclerosis plaque buildup. Plaques from atherosclerosis can still form even when blood cholesterol is low. 

Yeah, that'd be by reducing "bad" cholesterol, I thought you mean other benefits than that

Thanks looks like many people have your thinking.

Good for you Peter!

Super news Peter.. and I'm glad that you're feeling better already that's the bit that matters most ....to hell with test results ....you know your body best..... So if certain tablets don't suit you then don't take them!!

How I wish I had listened to my own advice a couple of years ago I might not know be reduced to living in a wheelchair

Please keep us posted now - and I am sure you have made the right decision.

Good decison!  Both my then GP and my cardiologist told me I was risking another heart attack by going off the statins, but they affected me so badly I decided to take the risk ...... so far so good and the last time I had my cholesterol checked it was down slightly

This may be due to the Psyllium Husks I started using on the suggestion of one of the rehab physios:  it's a powder and I have 3 tsp most mornings in my porridge.  If you're going to use it be VERY careful not to take it dry, as it expands on contact with liquid and if it does this in your throat or on the way to your gut it can be very dangerous.    I reckon it's worth a try and it's not even very expensive - i get about 2 months' supply for around $12 (I think) at Chemist Warehouse.

Thanks . all my bloods came back ok. Just the joint problems that will take up to 3 years to rectify (hopefully).

I've only recently heard about the statins affecting blood sugar levels:  what next, I wonder?     So far we have:

Muscle weakness

Muscle and nerve pain (sometimes permanent)

Extreme fatigue

Severe Depression

Memory Loss

Libido problems

Diabetes

I repeat, what next?

It's very worrying...as you say ..what next....I'm sure there will be more side effects added to the list in time..

Try the website of my chum Duane Graveline and you will find PLENTY MORE!! 

He is the NASA Space physician and astronaut and US practitioner of 27 years.... who has experienced just about the lot when it comes to Statin side-effects..... I can recommend him highly.

I read the website you suggested alzheimer and increased my dose of cq10 per what he recommended and I feel a definite improvement. Thanks

Thanks, hope you get your joints up and running again (as with mine).