Reasons behind refusing statins?

Firstly, there is no real evidence that lowering cholesterols does prevent heart attacks/strokes, it may, but there are various schools of thought on the subject.

Secondly, I think it is very irresponsible to try to get reasonably healthy people to take a potent drug like statins as a preventative medicine. It is just not the same as taking an aspirin on a daily basis.

Thirdly, I think that the side effects of statins use are underreported, as the side effects build up gradually. I know, I have been there.

I further think that there should be more media cover regarding the side effects of statins, so that more people who have been duped into thinking that statins are the elixior of life are made aware of them.

I am not saying, that those with truly abnormal cholesterol levels  and existing heart conditions should not take them.

In my case and in the case of many of the other seniors in my community . . . I demanded to be taken off simvistatin because of the crippling joint and tendon pain and the paralysis of my upper legs which made it really hard to move my legs and walk which is my form of exercise to ward off serious illnesses.  

It became more and more insane for me to continue putting something in my mouth that was causing such a massive and excruciating reaction.

Anyone with half a brain would not go near such a dangerous drug and I personally resent your desire to find ways of convincing people to take it.

I took statins from 1994 to 2007 and suffered from increasing muscular pain in my legs to the extent that I could not walk easily. My father had died of a heart condition in 1967 at age 44 and this and a high cholestorol reading had indicated that I should take statins although not all the GPs in my excellent local surgery were convinced at the time. I was mainly on Lipitor but tried many others and also Ezetimibe. The worst effect was from Simvastatin that gave me blinding headaches after 3 days. I tried this several times and the effect was always the same.  I also tried Lipoitor and Crestor - (rosuvastatin) the latter giving me the least problems - but my walking pain still got worse.  Being under 60 at the time and working I was not happy to be less mobile and started in 2006 to develop foot nerve pain and other problems. In 2008 I attended the local hospital and the consultant neurologist examined me and concluded in a written report  that I had myopathy / peripheral neuropathy possibly  connected with the use of statins.  In 2008 I decided that my foot and leg pains were worsening though I was not it seems diabetic and circulation was fine. I had never driven because of poor eyesight and so needed my legs and feet and used them a lot! I became concerned that it seemed that medical opinions on the effects of statins varied and that a consultant seemed to be warning me agsinst them. I stopped taking the statins in 2008 and the muscle pains reduced over a period of months to the extent that the neurologist wrote to my doctor to that effect on 4th September 2008.The peripherlal neuropathy pains  did not however decrease.  Gabapentin now provides some relief enabling me to sleep at night.   Ultimately I had 4 orthopaedic operations on my feet,which disclosed I also had substantial gout damage. I was concerned that this could have  come from kidney malfunction in removal of uric acid which I understand can also be a by-product of statins. I now have to take 600mg of Allopurinol a day to counter this and prevent gout.

I have volunteered to go back onto statins in UK tests (well advertised)  but not been accepted by the hospital at Hastings UK- no reason given.    I understand that I may possibly have a genetic predisposition against statins but have not been offered a test by the NHS despite my statin damage. I am sure that some people are fine with statins but equallly sure that they do not suit me. I would love to know why.  Meanwhile my neuropathy contiues to slowly spread and has  now reached  my hands too.

Everyone will have different experiences. That is why some people are able to persisit in taking statins.  For some of us they take all the joy and movement out of life - at which point the decision is easy - but only a patient, properly informed about the risks is in a position to 

take that decision -  patients should get the [u]facts [/u]on which to make their decisions and be able to check that those facts are correct and not the results of slanted tests.  In any trial justice must be seen to be done and the facts properly tested by cross-examination independent of external influences

athere is enough empirical evidence for me in my case file that my life has bee

 

I was prescribed Simvastatin on being diagnosed CHD 16/12 ago.  After angioplasty this was changed to Atorvastatin 40mg.  Within a few weeks on (both)statins, I experienced the classic symptoms of muscle-ache (general), lethargy and mild depression.  The dose was reduced to 20mg, with little change in symptoms.  After several weeks without medication, blood tests showed no remarkable change in lipid levels.  My GP advised stopping taking it, as my lipid levels have never been of concern (low LDL and tris, high HDL, good ratio).

I was 'offered' Rusvastatin as a 'safer' alternative, but I would have to pay for it!

I am keen to restart statin therapy for its schleroma-reversing properties, but am reluctant to do so after experiencing side effects.

Hi I stopped because I think the reason my cholesterol went up should be investigated not treat the symptoms it was assumed mine was fm I took a DNA test myself and it isn't my diet is very good I exersice so I know cholesterol goes up through menopause I think personal 5/6 is Ok better than the feeling that someone is trying to break my legs and the feeling of death the first specialist I saw said the reading was wrong in the first place the second one I saw said that it first dips then the second reading always goes up plus it's quality of life what's the point of taking drugs that cause other complications? Not for me

My cholesterol level has remained and is always 3.4 and 3.6, as evident from my annual blood test that has been done by my GP.

Yet I had 90% blockage in part of my LAD +  65-70 in right artery.

Please refer to my health profile etc in this thread.

 

I did not have anything against statin. The day I started statin ,  I started to have bad muscle cramps. Therefore is not about refusing to take medication.

If you are a health professional then look at my history. The fact remains that I got a blockage. But nothing suggests that it was due to my cholesterol.

As I have already asked, in this thread  how low a person’s  cholesterol should be? Our body do need it. Do you seriously believe that whoever is prescribing me statin are doing so, for any benefits to me. If you can give me a sensible reasoning I will be very thankful.

 I need a treatment other than statin. I do not believe the statin can play any beneficial role in my case.

Most the people in this forum have elevated  cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol can be a benefit to them, but how about me??????

My wife’s cholesterol is always above 5.6 at the present 6.2. She went to see the GP who said she do not need statin , despite her poor family history. He  did not bother to give an dietary advise, to my wife.

I think every one here is on point system. You are not treated for the problem but A very general guideline. I do not know who issues this?