Hunting symptoms and conditions

I've been on lipitor and other generic forms of it for the last 8 years since the age of 26. I started on 10mg then 20mg and later 40mg. About 4 years ago I started with severe stomach cramps. The pain is so bad that I have to go home in the middle of the day, I can't walk or sit straight the pain is that bad and NOTHING helps. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would probably put this at a 7 or 8. I would also be nauseous and be really tired. I have had countless opinions and tests done and doctors keep telling me it is an "enigma" and there's nothing wrong with me. We've treated it through coeliac diet, exercise, lots of water, but it never helped. About a week ago I stopped drinking my meds by pure chance. I have not had one incidence of stomach ache. My doctor tells me that it's not possible for the lipitor to be the cause. I am sure he's wrong. Has anyone had a similar experience?

I was prepared to make an appointment with my Dr. about decreasing to eliminate my Lamictal for Depression because I'm non-stop crying and argumentative with my husband. My interest in my passions of baking, homemaking, horse care and riding, and being with friends has disappeared. I, too thought loss of short-term memory, hunting for common words and memories of events and people, and losing things were a result of being on the brink of 60. Like many who have posted, I lose things and spend the rest of the day looking for them, only to find them in some obvious place. And, like many who have posted, I'd rather be bi-polar on my own than to continue taking this drug. So, here I am calling my Dr. to discontinue Lamictal on a reasonable schedule. Thank you to all who have posted because, now I know I'm not alone in my craziness. depressed in Paradise

I have been taking it for about 3-1/2 years. The very first side effect I noticed was insomnia. After doing hunting on Merck, I could not find anything. Finally called the company and they said there were some studies done after the FDA released the drug and insomnia was one side effect. I talked to my doctor, he put me on the kid's dosage to try and help the insomnia. I still had it. So he told me to take it in the morning. The kids dosage wasn't helping as much, so I was put back on the adult dosage. During the first 6 months of being on it I noticed weight gain. I thought it was due to getting older. After seeing other people with weight gain I now believe my 20 plus pounds I have put on and can not get off, no matter what I do is the Singulair. Odd, about 6 months after the start and I was taking the Singulair I wondered if it was that, since I had not changed anything, ate the same, my work keeps me active and NO MATTER WHAT I DID, I JUST KEEP GAINING WEIGHT. Wouldn't you know I just picked up and paid for my new months worth. While it has helped the wheezing, I WILL NOT continue taking it. Also I have had a major problem with forgetfulness, which I NEVER HAD BEFORE SINGULAIR. Also have had problems with being inspired to do things, just don't care anymore.

I have suffered with chronic sinusitis for about 8 years, and concurrent asthma for about 6 years. I am a 46 year old male.

I have worked with highly noted ENT in the area, and he tried many (non-prescription) recommendations over the course of a few months, but nothing worked. I had a CT scan that showed profound sinusitis in all regions, especially the ones that nasal corticosteroids cannot reach. In an attempt to avoid surgery, which he described as risky and not particularly effective with the type of widespread sinusitis I had (my orbital lobes were involved), he then suggested I get a single intramuscular corticosteroid shot, which he administered about 10 days ago. I was not advised of any potential side effects.

I called today to ask what it was, and was told Kenalog 60mg - I was getting a prescription for something else and wanted to make sure the pharmacist knew what I already had in my system. No comment from the pharmacist.

First of all, the Kenalog has worked like a miracle drug on my sinusitis. I can breathe normally, I can fly without intense ear pain, my sense of smell and taste has returned after an absence of almost a year, and my asthma seems to have improved. Also, and perhaps strangely, I had a noticeably enlarged lymph node below my left ear on the lower part of my neck for many, many years. It felt like a pea under the skin. None of the doctors in any of my physicals expressed concern about it over the years. Since receiving the Kenalog, this node has returned to normal and I cannot feel it unless I really search for it. I thought it has just calcified and was going to remain that way forever, but perhaps it was permanently inflamed from permanent sinusitis.

The only side effect while on Kenalog that I have noticed is that following Albuterol inhalation (for the asthma), my lungs burn a little and I have a productive cough for a few hours. I suspect that two things are going on: the Kenalog has decreased bronchial inflammation, and increased a vast amount of sinus drainage, some of which is going into my lungs to be expectorated.

My doctor is an older, seasoned pro, and I trust him. I just found and read online the BMS prescribing leaflet (the one for doctors) and it is very explicit that unless the injection is given as a DEEP intramuscular injection, then local atrophy is LIKELY to occur (their words, not mine). It does appear, therefore, that the side effect of atrophy is potentially dependent on the skill of the administering doctor.

I know I will get about 2-3 months relief from this medication, but with all the very tragic tales of side effects listed here, with which I sympathize deeply, I will be reluctant to take it again.

I am hoping the skill of my doctor - and my body's own system - cope with injection without some of the more serious side effects that the people here have been experiencing, though I expect I will have to wait a couple of months to see what happens. For some of us, the drug has (so far) saved us from a life of constant misery and fatigue. I am keeping my fingers crossed and will report back.

Wishing you all well.

I have been on Flomax for 10 months. Went to Mozambique in September and passed out while hunting. Thought it was because of lack of H2O but was well hydrated, ringing in ears has not stopped, itching and liver pain getting worse, 1-08. Went to the doctor and he said I had MS...give me a brake!!! I'm 55 and I've never had internal problems other than a little high blood pressure and a slow flow... Why do doctors ram this crap down our throats???? I'm taking myself off this crap...all I have read on this thread are things I have noticed since starting this witches brew!!!
TB