I know that Thriftyfun is not primarily an advocacy site, but am I furious this morning so I am giving it a shot. My DH (aka Joe) has just spent 3 days in the hospital because his liver count was up. He was having nausea and other symptoms which I don't need to discuss here. He is a a colon cancer survivor so any digestive problem gets me really riled up. Since you folks don't know me well, you need to understand that you do not want me mad at you.
What I want to warn you about is the possibility of liver damage from statin drugs. Joe has been instructed not to take his pravastatin any more. After a couple of days without them his count is getting to be near normal.
I am on an anti statin rampage and I intend to alert every one I can. If you or someone you know is taking statins for cholesterol, please urge them to stop.
By Marty Dick from Knoxville, TN
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I also would caution people against taking statins. I was on them for 5 years before noticing any ill effects, and then the excruciating cramps started - gradually in my legs (calves, shins, inner thighs, toes) at first, then later in my forearms, sides, and across the rib cage.
The doctor did not link these cramps to statins at first, as I had previously not had any side effects but, after many tests (heart stress test, ECG, scan for Carpal tunnel, scan for gall bladder, all coming up clear), she finally took me off the statins and ALL the symptoms disappeared immediately.
As I said, these cramps were excruciating. I would wake up screaming on most nights. Taking Magnesium as suggested by the doctor also did not help. Now I occasionally have the odd cramp, maybe once a month, but they are very mild. I have since read many reports on the internet of many adverse reactions to statins, and would never touch them again!
Please do not stop taking this without doctor's knowledge! There is a chance of this happening but that is why you are suppose to have your cholesterol and kidneys checked every 6 months or once a year. There are side affects on all medicines and some affects people and some don't.
Was well aware of the side effects, fish or krill oil for us.
I have been on Lipitor for over 20 years (now the generic). I have never had any adverse reactions at all. I do have blood tests every 3 months to follow this. I guess each individual is really an individual for these medications.
Please take this good advice. I have seen people who were on Cholesterol meds have severe liver damage and some with Hepatitis. Liver functions have to be maintained for a healthy life. Once your liver shuts down other parts are soon to follow.
Most doctors do regular blood tests to watch your liver functions. One sign of liver problems is urinating less frequently while maintaing the same amount of fluid intake.
You have my vote! Excellent tip.
Marty,
I do not blame you. If people had known this years ago we would have a lot less liver failure in our Country. Thanks again for reiterating this fact. You get a thumbs up from me.
Look into and ask your doctor about Milk Thistle. I take it to ease liver problems from chemo.
I think this is like all medicines. Some people can take it and some can not. That is why you need to know your body and do your follow ups with blood work and stay in touch with everything!
I also have liver damage from statins. Statins are big money for pharmacies and drug companies so side effects are downplayed. I have mild damage, it was caught in the beginning after 5 years of no problems.
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