Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: annieb on August 08, 2020, 11:39:04 AM
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I've been prescribed Statins as my Cholesterol has gradually gone up over the last few years. Had a test January and it was 8.1 Tried my best over the past 6 months to improve diet (though according to the dietician my diet was pretty good anyway) and it has remained at 8.1
Consultant thinks it's probably genetic. She didn't press me to take them as my overall health , weight etc are fine but when my GP saw the second lot of results she contacted me as well so I thought best to give it a go. 8.1 is way higher than it should be
So I have been given Atorvastatin 20mg. Took the first one last night with my evening meal. Had the best night's sleep in ages (but then it was Friday so was total exhausted ). However had real trouble getting up this morning and felt totally spaced out for 2 or 3 hours.
Consultant did warn that there may be some side-effect but they will wear off after a while but seems a bit quick to be getting side-effects after only one dose so wondered if anyone else has experience with this Statin
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I haven't had any side effects, nor has DH. My GP insisted that I took it, DH tried the diet ....... some complain of muscle aches initially. We haven't had any of these.
You are probably hinging on your 'hung over' feeling to the drug but mayB it's due to over all tiredness. When I sleep too long I feel 'hung over'.
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Hi annieb,
I will PM you some links.
Shadyglade
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It is what it is, good for those who don't get side effects. Do read Dr James le Fanu, Monday Telegraph, he has threads about various drugs ;-)
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Hi annieb, I was put on atorvastatin 40mg about 6 years ago initially, as my cholesterol was 7.8 at age 57. I saw an endocrinologist after being referred by my GP.
But I got bad pains in the bottom half of my legs after taking them for 4 weeks so I stopped them and was reluctant to take any more with all the hoohah about statins!
However, she later suggested Pravastatin at 10mg, as this was a lower dose and a better tolerated one for some people.
I have been taking this dose for years now, still get muscle aches but not the same as when I first started and that maybe just because I'm getting older and post menopause!!
This was just my situation, my cholesterol is now around 5.9, although not been tested for a while. Does HRT help lower it does anyone know? I have been on gel and utrogestan for almost a year now.
Hope you get on ok with them and no side effects. x
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Hello ladies
A friend of mine was diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia and needs to take statins as it cannot be controlled by diet alone. Other family members were also tested.
Annieb - If your consultant thinks your high cholesterol is genetic you and your family should be offered testing to be sure.
Wishing you well ladies.
K.
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yes CKLD - maybe correct - totally exhausted at the moment and haven't been sleeping very well so maybe the shock of sleeping through the night caused the hangover feeling
Thanks Shadyglade - that's kind of you . I'll have a read through those
hi Julia - consultant did say that one side effect is muscle ache - hope not for me as already have aches in the bottom of one of my legs which GP has not managed to get to the bottom of. Having said that I did do my own research on that one and thought pos lack of potassium Hubby had issues with potassium caused by medication he was on so he suggested having a banana every day and that does seem to have sorted it out mostly.
My mother is on Simvastin 20mg and sister-in-law 60mg and both say they are OK so fingers crossed tomorrow I'll wake up normally
I hate taking any sort of medication
Will give it a few weeks and let you know how I get on. :)
PS to Kathleen - yes Mum is 7.6 (she's 90) - am trying to get my brother to get tested too just to be on the safe side as he is also overweight
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There's your answer - you hate taking medication. It probably played on your mind in the night so you woke, expecting problems. I am the same ::) so I never read the leaflet with the box!
I often recommend a daily banana for those with aching legs, it cured my restless leg syndrome. Now at night if my legs draw I take 2 nurofen.
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Hello again ladies.
Annieb - It is a good idea to be tested before any damage is done to the heart or arteries.
My friend appeared to be fit and well, had a healthy diet and was slim. It was only after a heart attack at 51 that he was diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia. He has five children and two were found to have the gene and now take statins.
Take care everyone.
K.
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UPDATE
Took Atrovastatin for 2 weeks - after the initially weird feeling I was OK for 2 or 3 days then started to feeling a bit queasy. Not sick but just a underlying feeling - then by the end of the week I had stinging pains in both my arms. Often get this in my left arm as posture when sitting at my desk is not always good. Then started stinging in my left leg . Consultant has said I may get aches and pains but when the stinging started in my right leg too I was a bit concerned. By the end of the second week I was feeling really sick. Rang the consultant to tell her I was concerned and was stopping taking the meds. Her secretary said she was on leave for the next few days but would pass on the message and consultant would discuss with my GP a possible change of type of statin
Waiting to hear from them at the moment. Have had some issues with meds before (was prescribed Prozac years ago and it knocked me out (literally) within hours but when prescription was changed to an old-fashioned anti-depressant I was just fine and it worked well) so maybe just need to try a different one.
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Hello again annieb
Thank you for updating the forum and I'm sorry to learn that you are having problems with your Statins.
I wonder if it is worth doing some more research on your diet? If you can happily reduce the amount of cholesterol containing foods that you eat, eggs for example, you may only need a low dose Statin and have fewer side effects. My friend found that giving up eggs and butter did help to lower his cholesterol levels even though his condition is basically genetic.
Hope this helps in some way and take care.
K.
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Hi Kathleen
Have had a serious look at what I am eating and a long discussion with the Hospital dietician. She was very good and we went through everything I ate in detail. Apart from increasing the amount of vegetables slightly she couldn't find anything out of order. My weight, general health and BMI are all within the acceptable ranges so the conclusion was that it was most likely genetic . Interesting about the eggs and butter. I can understand the butter as that was a definite no no on the list but eggs seemed to be OK. Suppose different things work for different folks. It's all very frustrating
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Hello again annieb.
My friend was told to reduce eggs because they contain a lot of cholesterol.
I am no expert obviously and it seems you are being well cared for but I thought I would mention the above in case it helps you.
Wishing you well.
K.
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Eggs do contain a lot of cholesterol but that is not added to the cholesterol level in the human body.
The levels come from the liver (sorry don't know the process).. The advice to limit egg consumption was changed some time ago.
Check out the The British Heart Foundation website, they have a whole section on eggs.
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Eggs do contain a lot of cholesterol but that is not added to the cholesterol level in the human body.
The levels come from the liver (sorry don't know the process).. The advice to limit egg consumption was changed some time ago.
Check out the The British Heart Foundation website, they have a whole section on eggs.
I had a GP conversation yesterday. My cholesterol level is about to be tested again following tests showing that my kidney function has reduced and he thinks the cholesterol may be affecting it. My last test showed 6.7 or 6.8 but other factors were ok so I wasn't pushed to take statins. I have looked at the side effects and really don't want them, particularly muscle aches/pains as I think it would reduce my exercise/fitness. I am trying to increase these at the moment because I have put on weight over lockdown. I told the doctor that my priority was to do more exercise and lose a few pounds.
The GP objected to me eating cheese not eggs but cheese is one of my favourites. Most of the other foods mentioned like red meat/processed foods aren't a problem. Eggs weren't mentioned at all.
Yesterday though a colleague (similar age to me) said that she had been on a low cost statin for 8 years without any side effects at all.
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My cholesterol is about the same as yours, but my GP surgery does not encourage statins also.
To be honest I worry more about BP as it was a little on the high side awhile back, but not enough for medication. Hence the weight loss plan.
Statins are a money spinner and there are more and more doctors who are questioning their use.
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KAtejo - My cholesterol level was around 6.5 for years and no mention of statins . It's just when it went to over 7 and then within twelve months to over 8 despite inprovements in my diet that GP referred my to the consultant
Cheese definitely off the list according to the dietician (I love cheese but have been avoiding it for some time after my Mum was told to avoid it due to high cholesterol)
Am really in a quandry about how to proceed - Mum and sister-in -law have both been on statins for some years with no problems so was hoping I'd be OK
Looking at what Julia dizzy wrote maybe it's that particular one as Mum & s-i-l are both on different types
I've changed my diet considerably over the last few years and do eat healthily now and dietician couldn't find anything really wrong with what I was eating. Statins seemed to be the only answer as very concerned that if I don't do something now my cholesterol will just keep increasing
Think I'll ring the GP tomorrow and see what's happening as have still not heard anything from the consultant
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As promised here's the latest on my Statins
Mentioned that I stopped taking the Atorvastatin as they made me feel so awful. Was prescribed very low dose of Rosuvastatin (5mg every other day). Have taken now for 3 months with no side effects and had a blood test about 10 days ago. Had a telephone appointment with the consultant today (such a great idea as it saves a 24 mile round trip to the hospital for what was a 10 minute conversation!). My cholestrol has gone down from 8.1 to 6.5 and HDL has increased which is she was looking for. I'm really pleased - she wants the cholestrol down a little more so has suggested I take 5mg each day from now on . Then we'll see how it goes in another 3 months
Quite relieved that these are working as both she and the dietician have agreed that it isn't caused by any failing in my diet so most like inherited.
Not keen on taking tablets and of course there are conflicting views on the benefits/effects of statins but made the mistake of Googling what excess cholestrol can do to you so think it's worth the risk (if there is one?)
Will let you all know in 3 months time is there is any further improvement
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Tnx for the update. DH and I have had no problems with Atrovastin but some suffer with aches and pains.
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As promised here's the latest on my Statins
Mentioned that I stopped taking the Atorvastatin as they made me feel so awful. Was prescribed very low dose of Rosuvastatin (5mg every other day). Have taken now for 3 months with no side effects and had a blood test about 10 days ago. Had a telephone appointment with the consultant today (such a great idea as it saves a 24 mile round trip to the hospital for what was a 10 minute conversation!). My cholestrol has gone down from 8.1 to 6.5 and HDL has increased which is she was looking for. I'm really pleased - she wants the cholestrol down a little more so has suggested I take 5mg each day from now on . Then we'll see how it goes in another 3 months
Quite relieved that these are working as both she and the dietician have agreed that it isn't caused by any failing in my diet so most like inherited.
Not keen on taking tablets and of course there are conflicting views on the benefits/effects of statins but made the mistake of Googling what excess cholestrol can do to you so think it's worth the risk (if there is one?)
Will let you all know in 3 months time is there is any further improvement
Here is an update for me. I reluctantly agreed to try them a few weeks ago and was given Atorvastatin. I haven't had any ill effects (apart from body aches on the 1st couple of days). I haven't yet done a follow up blood test but need to very soon. I have the forms but need to wait about a couple more weeks. i was told that the increased cholesterol might be contributing to my slightly reduced kidney function and that is why I reluctantly agreed to try it.
5mg every other day sounds very low. Mine is 20mg each day. I just can't give up cheese. It is one of my favourites. I use the argument of "i could live on lettuce leaves and still get run over by a bus!". My overall diet is pretty healthy.
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We have an annual blood test to check levels.
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Hello ladies.
Katejo - when I stopped eating animal products I really missed cheese but fortunately I like the vegan alternatives though they are not ideal if you want to reduce fat intake as they are made from coconuts.
Btw I understand that cheese contains a form of morphine which explains why it can be so hard to resist and even addictive for some people!
Wishing you well.
K.
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Hello ladies.
Katejo - when I stopped eating animal products I really missed cheese but fortunately I like the vegan alternatives though they are not ideal if you want to reduce fat intake as they are made from coconuts.
Btw I understand that cheese contains a form of morphine which explains why it can be so hard to resist and even addictive for some people!
Wishing you well.
K.
I am not addicted. I have plenty if meals without cheese but just love the flavours.
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As promised here's the latest on my Statins
Mentioned that I stopped taking the Atorvastatin as they made me feel so awful. Was prescribed very low dose of Rosuvastatin (5mg every other day). Have taken now for 3 months with no side effects and had a blood test about 10 days ago. Had a telephone appointment with the consultant today (such a great idea as it saves a 24 mile round trip to the hospital for what was a 10 minute conversation!). My cholestrol has gone down from 8.1 to 6.5 and HDL has increased which is she was looking for. I'm really pleased - she wants the cholestrol down a little more so has suggested I take 5mg each day from now on . Then we'll see how it goes in another 3 months
Quite relieved that these are working as both she and the dietician have agreed that it isn't caused by any failing in my diet so most like inherited.
Not keen on taking tablets and of course there are conflicting views on the benefits/effects of statins but made the mistake of Googling what excess cholestrol can do to you so think it's worth the risk (if there is one?)
Will let you all know in 3 months time is there is any further improvement
Here is an update for me. I reluctantly agreed to try them a few weeks ago and was given Atorvastatin. I haven't had any ill effects (apart from body aches on the 1st couple of days). I haven't yet done a follow up blood test but need to very soon. I have the forms but need to wait about a couple more weeks. i was told that the increased cholesterol might be contributing to my slightly reduced kidney function and that is why I reluctantly agreed to try it.
5mg every other day sounds very low. Mine is 20mg each day. I just can't give up cheese. It is one of my favourites. I use the argument of "i could live on lettuce leaves and still get run over by a bus!". My overall diet is pretty healthy.
Had you taken a look at any other medication you are taking. There are quite a few that can affect kidney function, when taken regularly.
I must say that I have never heard of cholesterol harming kidneys before. Mine is always higher than the recommended but my kidney function is good.
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As promised here's the latest on my Statins
Mentioned that I stopped taking the Atorvastatin as they made me feel so awful. Was prescribed very low dose of Rosuvastatin (5mg every other day). Have taken now for 3 months with no side effects and had a blood test about 10 days ago. Had a telephone appointment with the consultant today (such a great idea as it saves a 24 mile round trip to the hospital for what was a 10 minute conversation!). My cholestrol has gone down from 8.1 to 6.5 and HDL has increased which is she was looking for. I'm really pleased - she wants the cholestrol down a little more so has suggested I take 5mg each day from now on . Then we'll see how it goes in another 3 months
Quite relieved that these are working as both she and the dietician have agreed that it isn't caused by any failing in my diet so most like inherited.
Not keen on taking tablets and of course there are conflicting views on the benefits/effects of statins but made the mistake of Googling what excess cholestrol can do to you so think it's worth the risk (if there is one?)
Will let you all know in 3 months time is there is any further improvement
Here is an update for me. I reluctantly agreed to try them a few weeks ago and was given Atorvastatin. I haven't had any ill effects (apart from body aches on the 1st couple of days). I haven't yet done a follow up blood test but need to very soon. I have the forms but need to wait about a couple more weeks. i was told that the increased cholesterol might be contributing to my slightly reduced kidney function and that is why I reluctantly agreed to try it.
5mg every other day sounds very low. Mine is 20mg each day. I just can't give up cheese. It is one of my favourites. I use the argument of "i could live on lettuce leaves and still get run over by a bus!". My overall diet is pretty healthy.
Had you taken a look at any other medication you are taking. There are quite a few that can affect kidney function, when taken regularly.
I must say that I have never heard of cholesterol harming kidneys before. Mine is always higher than the recommended but my kidney function is good.
My only other medications are ones which I have been taking for many years (over 45).
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Hi there,
I have very high cholesterol, 8.9 without statins. I was referred to a consultant and had genetic testing to determine whether or not I had familial hypercholesteremia, but the test was inconclusive as they couldn’t find the gene. So they decided I have a form of inherited high cholesterol, but more benign than FH. Several members of my family have it too, but the curious thing Is that they are all long lived with no early heart disease or strokes. I was put on Atorvastatin but had bad side effects, so tried Rosuvastatin and am fine with that. Rosuvastatin is expensive apparently and that is probably why cheaper drugs like Atorvastatin are used first.
I was told that anyone with cholesterol above 7.5 should be tested for FH, but I live in Wales, so things may be different in England.
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Hi there,
I have very high cholesterol, 8.9 without statins. I was referred to a consultant and had genetic testing to determine whether or not I had familial hypercholesteremia, but the test was inconclusive as they couldn’t find the gene. So they decided I have a form of inherited high cholesterol, but more benign than FH. Several members of my family have it too, but the curious thing Is that they are all long lived with no early heart disease or strokes. I was put on Atorvastatin but had bad side effects, so tried Rosuvastatin and am fine with that. Rosuvastatin is expensive apparently and that is probably why cheaper drugs like Atorvastatin are used first.
I was told that anyone with cholesterol above 7.5 should be tested for FH, but I live in Wales, so things may be different in England.
It doesn't surprise me at all that your family has had no problems with CVD. The link between CVD and High cholesterol is now being hotly disputed. That's why Statins do lower cholesterol but have little impact on death rates.
I can send you some links if you want them.
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Interesting to see that someone else had the issue with Atorvastatin (silverstar). I was quite surprised when consultant dropped the dose from 20mg of Astorvastatin to only 5mg of Rosuvastatin. however it has worked so pleased about that. I think my body must just absorb things more quickly as years ago I was on very very low dose of antidepressants which GP thought really shouldn't be making any difference but they did. At the time I though maybe it was more of placebo effect - maybe it's the same with Statins???
Anyway did read through the links that Shadyglade sent me some months ago and did consider whether to take the Statins based on that evidence. Came to the concclusion that I wasn't prepared to take the risk of CVD whilst there was still a possible link to high cholestrol. Saw what it did to my father-in-law and wouldn't wish that on anyone
Not heard about a link to kidney issues so Did a quick google and it seems that if you have problems with your kidneys then high cholestrol can make it worse .
Oh well - Mum is 90 she has high cholestrol, high blood pressure - both regulated with medication for the past 10 years - so there is hope for us all. I think her secret is a sunny outlook and having lots of family and friends around here ( social distanced of course :) )