Colesterol and statins

[fossyant]

Mentioned earlier in the thread, higher than ideal cholesterol runs in my family, so no way of avoiding it. I take a low dose of atorvastatin and absolutely no side effects. I'm less worries about the internal body issues as I've a bit of a mashed pelvis currently.

 

[mjr]

I think they sometimes fall into the 'can't hurt' category.

I have literally had a doctor tell me that statins have no side effects. Not rare. None. It's one of the latest things I remember clearly before my years with statin-induced memory loss gaps, ending in being unable to stand due to muscle spasms.

I take other meds now! And have other doctors!

 

[yello]

BUT - if preventing it means constantly worrying about it and avoiding everything that makes life worth living
that that is not worth the effect of trying to stop the effect

Yup, this. I'm with you there.

I acknowledge it's a trade-off, and a personal one. That is, just how much do you want to pursue a diagnosis, a cure, with all the anxiety that may go with that pursuit, versus living an anxiety-free (or at least with less anxiety) until your last day. It's something to decide for yourself.

I've thought loads about it, almost to the point of obsession and could write pages on the subject. I've viewed it from multiples perspectives, considered all manner of things. You have to drill down, be really honest with yourself. I'm now at peace with my take.

 

[PaulSB]

This makes sense - to a point

but if there is something inside me that will cause me to have to stop - everything

such as something that will reduce breathing to a struggle
or something that will making thinking a struggle
or something that - etc etc

and it can be prevented - or put off - for a long time by taking a few tests a year and maybe a few pills

then that is worth it

BUT - if preventing it means constantly worrying about it and avoiding everything that makes life worth living
that that is not worth the effect of trying to stop the effect

Absolutely.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Yup, this. I'm with you there.

I acknowledge it's a trade-off, and a personal one. That is, just how much do you want to pursue a diagnosis, a cure, with all the anxiety that may go with that pursuit, versus living an anxiety-free (or at least with less anxiety) until your last day. It's something to decide for yourself.

I've thought loads about it, almost to the point of obsession and could write pages on the subject. I've viewed it from multiples perspectives, considered all manner of things. You have to drill down, be really honest with yourself. I'm now at peace with my take.

Yes -
currently I am not happy that I know what is going on - so I am still trying to find out

but when I get a decent answer that explains my symptoms and how to move forward then I will stop

I know what I think I need to do but I am not certain that it is right so I need to check

One of the problem is that it seems that the medical people depend on giving you some documentation for a test
then put it to one side until the test results come back
I have just found a blood test form that was part of 3 of them but got into the middle of one of the grandkids story books
as the appointment wait was so long I just grabbed the form that were there and got them done

this one was missed out - as a result the gyno department at the hospital have ignored me - because the problem is supposed to be re-triggered when the results come back

OK - my fault
but the otehr problems involve the brain - so I could easily have something that makes me forget
and if I have forgotten something I should have done - then it would just get left

My wife comes to any serious appointment (I do the same for hers) so I hope that we would remember between us
but what about people who are on their own??

anyway - must stop worrying - off on bike now which will sort it!!!

 

[yello]

And have other doctors!

And that's another issue; the availability and (dare I say) quality of advice. My GP is very pleasant and professional. I don't doubt their integrity at all. They've learned well, passed all the required exams and done their due practice experience etc. They're clearly in a far better position to judge on matters of health that I am. It is their field of expertise. They are, however, considered to be limited (judging from conversations locally) - someone even said "useless". What do you do? It's about trust too. If people aren't trusting them, doubting their advice...

What is a good doctor? Our health is complex. They see us for 15 minutes (or whatever) and offer their advice based on how we present and what their teaching tells them. We don't live in an ideal world, people do their best. You have to accept that, even if you then seek 2nd opinions etc.

 

[CXRAndy]

These are my very recent cholesterol results

Total cholesterol/HDL ratio 4.3
Triglycerides 0.95 mmol/L

I'm not concerned about the total cholesterol figure

 

[All uphill]

My wife comes to any serious appointment (I do the same for hers) so I hope that we would remember between us
but what about people who are on their own??

This really works for us; taking a friend or family member allows better total recall and interpretation of what doctors tell us. It also fully involves someone who can have an important part in future care.

Four years ago when Ms AU had a sudden and serious health event a specialist nurse gave her a very thorough and detailed explanation, with lots of potentially life-saving advice. I made notes, and now we find we have forgotten quite a lot over time, but can check back to our notes.

 

[All uphill]

I take 20 mg Atorvastatin daily following a health check in 2022. No side effects for me.

I did some research, reading information from sources I trust, and judged that the balance of benefit was positive for me.

YouTube I see as primarily a channel for entertainment with lots of influencers selling their channel -its not where I go for reliable information.

 

[richardfm]

I have literally had a doctor tell me that statins have no side effects. Not rare. None. It's one of the latest things I remember clearly before my years with statin-induced memory loss gaps, ending in being unable to stand due to muscle spasms.

I take other meds now! And have other doctors!

You only have to read the leaflet in the box or read this https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/statins/side-effects/ to know that there are lots of potential side effects.

 

[Dogtrousers]

You only have to read the leaflet in the box or read this https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/statins/side-effects/ to know that there are lots of potential side effects.

Ah ... "farting" is listed as a side effect. So that explains it.

On a less puerile note, happily I'm free of all the other listed side effects (atorvastatin prescribed following TIA)

 

[yello]

You actually read the list of side effects? Dunno how drugs are supplied in the UK but here in France you get a forest load of documentation with them, all in small print. I rarely have the time let alone my reading glasses.

 

[CXRAndy]

I follow a number of doctors, cardiologist and health specialists on YouTube. I think only one actually has any paid promotion within the video. The rest are just talking about data, diet influences upon said results and lifestyle changes to adopt.

Basically eat good basic foods, reduce / eliminate the refined carbohydrates, drink less alcohol increase water intake and exercise regularly

 

[VinSumRox]

All the side effects are listed in frequency of likely occurrence, so the further down the list, the less likely you are to experience them.
The 'statins also seem to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events more than would be expected from how much they lower cholesterol, so worth taking, especially if you are not experiencing any adverse effects.

 

[Wheelspinner]

Been on (various) statins for 15 years now, after a stent placement. They do work to lower cholesterol, although I'm in the fairly small minority of people with a mild intolerance for the side effects, so take a combo treatment of low-dose rosuvastatin and ezetimibe. I did not like atorvastatin.

While my cardiologist and GP are both strong advocates for their use, they also fairly strongly disagree about the impact of statin usage on your general well-being. This is mildly amusing since outside of work they are pretty good friends and surfing buddies.