Muscle mass symptoms and conditions

August 12, 2009. I have been on Zocor/Simvastatin (40mgs) off and on over 5 years. I do not have any muscle mass left. I am an avid walker and exercise as much as possible in addition to still working in a high pressure position at the age of 72 (thankful for the job). My entire body hurts constantly, hands, fingers, legs, knees, neck, back, head and other parts to numerous to mention. My sex life is the pits. My doctor tells me I have high cholesterol that must be controlled by medication. I had a quad bypass in 1999, a cardiac defibrillator installed in 2003 (Actually 3 of them, first one was defective and went off, got a severe infection on reinstall #2, and 3rd one still is in and working hopefully). I never had a heart attack, no high blood pressure, just clogged up. I take enough medication to kill an elephant. At 72 I am going to trash the Simvastatin because I know it is the basis for my muscle loss and severe pain constantly. Doctor also had me on Lipitor for a long time (5 years). Statins really suck!

I was on Yasmin for only a month in November 2008. I quickly got off of it because of the side effects. I wear contact lenses, yet my vision was getting blurry. I was training for a marathon, yet I was gaining weight (and it wasn't the muscle mass I was also gaining from training). I began to have horrible headaches, retaining water and I even got these little red rashes on my arms and breasts. At the time, I didn't know that Yasmin was causing all of this and ruining my life! Now I know it's Yasmin. I went to my doctor, she performed various lab tests (including liver, kidney, thyroid) and I am perfectly healthy. So I did major research on Yasmin and discovered all of my ailments were on there as side effects. My advice for anyone experiencing anything similar is to either change the dosage or just get off of it. It's not worth it. Yasmin is the devil! I mean think about it, we are messing with the natural way our body's hormones function. Oh yeah, and not to mention that I started losing some of my hair as well.

I used to have asthma when I was like 5 years old. I'm 19 now, and for some strange reason it started coming back. The doc prescribed dexpak and singulair about a week ago. My lungs are feeling great, but as far as the negative side effects go, I haven't really noticed a change in much of anything, really... I am on my 6th day. I skipped one. I work out every day, and since I started I have gained muscle mass. HOW CAN THIS BE? Does the saying, "steroids are steroids" apply here? Or are the testosterone boosters I'm taking along with this drug probably the cause. I've also read that Dexpak causes protein catabolism. Is this true? Someone help me out here!

24 yr female diagnosed with PE and DVT. I have been on Warfarin since may of 08 and it has turned my world upside down. Weight gain (20lbs in 3 months), major hair loss, very bad acne, and memory loss. Not to mention i can't shave my legs or anything else for that matter with out getting major in grown hairs. I NEVER had any of these problems before. I am loosing muscle mass and feel as if I am a 70 year old woman. I don't know what to do but cry. The doctors keep telling me its not the medicine but I feel it is, my body is telling me it is. things are not easy, and it is affecting me I feel for the rest of my life.

I am a 47 year old female that has had asthma all of my life. I was wanting to stop taking Advair and looked up this website, boy am I glad I did. I have all of these side effects. I have been taking Advair 500/50 twice daily for 7 yrs. I have all of the side affects and more. I have experienced hair lose, depression ( I also take Wellburtin XL) since I have started the Advair, I have pain in my legs that make me feel older than I am. I have gain 40 lbs in the past 7 yrs. I now wear reading glasses because my vision is blurry. People always say my face looks rounder. I hate the drug. My doctor said the none of the side effects are caused for the Advair. As of yesterday I stopped taking the Advair. I have cut down my does slowly for the past 2 months. Can someone who has stopped the Adavir tell me what to expect now that I have stopped. Advair is a crazy drug and I refuse to keep taking it.

not sure if my symptoms are from my kenalog 10 injection but right after my injection I lost 15 pounds in about a month and all my muscle mass in my legs, arms, and butt. I then got tingling in my hands and feet which have advanced to my arms and legs as well! My face burns as well. I am now on Neurontin hoping this will get under control. Does anyone know how long this will last???

not sure if my symptoms are from my kenalog 10 injection but right after my injection I lost 15 pounds in about a month and all my muscle mass in my legs, arms, and butt. I then got tingling in my hands and feet which have advanced to my arms and legs as well! My face burns as well. I am not on Neurontin hoping this will get under control. Does anyone know how long this will last???

I HAVE BEEN ON LIPITOR FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW AFTER HAVING 3 STENTS PUT IN I AM A 50 YEAR OLD MALE THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ACTIVE IN SPORTS, MY LIPITOR SIDE EFFECT ONLY STARTED A FEW DAYS AGO, I HAD SEVERE PAIN IN MY RIGHT SHOULDER SO BAD I COULD HARDLY USE MY ARM THE PAIN GOT SO BAD LAST NIGHT, WE WENT TO THE ER, NO PROB FOUND JUST INFLAMMATION, SO THE DR PRESCRIBED MOTRIN 800 AND A MUSCLE RELAXER, WHICH DID GIVE ME SOME RELIEF IN ABOUT 25 MINUTES .
TODAY WHILE SHOPPING I NOTICED A PAIN NOW IN MY LEFT SHOULDER AND NOW THROUGH THE DAY IT IS JUST ABOUT AS BAD AS THE RIGHT ONE THEN AFTER DOING THIS RESEARCH I WILL AS OF RIGHT NOW STOP TAKING MY LIPITOR I WILL POST MY UPDATE TAKE CARE

I turn 60 this year and have been riding motorcycles all my life, but after being on Lipitor for the last two years, I haven't had the upper body strength to lift my motorcycle off of its side stand.I have had trouble sleeping, keep tossing and turning due to discomfort in my lower back and right hip. The pain is almost debilitating when trying to get out of bed or rise from a sitting position. I go to a real good Chiropractor once a month for the back and hip pain, but he says it may be the statin's that is doing the damage, because he can't find anything wrong except for the normal adjustment . I also just found out that I was born with only one kidney and the waste from the deterioration of my muscle mass is affecting the proper operation of the one kidney Some of my friends and my wife say the my speech has become a little slurred It seems that no matter how much I exercise, my upper body strength and back pain does not get any better, they seem to be getting worse. I tried a little experiment and stopped taking the Lipitor for a couple of weeks and the problems seemed to get a little better. I told my doctor this and they said that I NEEDED the Lipitor, so they cut the dose from 20mg. to 10mg. Now the pain has returned, so that tells me that these Statin drugs are not good for me - - - they might be good for other people, but if you are taking a statin, you should do a lot of research on them. The side effects they say MIGHT happen is only the beginning. For me - - -the cost is not worth it - - -in more ways than one.

I started with 60 mg per day for polymyalgia rheumatica and now after two years have weaned myself down to 5 mg per day. I have a side effect that I have not read anyone else having. It has effected my taste buds. Many foods that I loved in the past, have a foreign taste to me. I am 66, male and have tried to drop down to 2 1/2 mg but the pain is too intense to remain at that level, so had to return to 5 mg. I have lots of pain in the feet and especially toes. I can tell that I am getting better and am very anxious to get off of Prednisone.

had two sets of injections in my neck for neck spasms. First set in March 2nd in June. after the first injections I notice fatigue, I lost 33lbs. of muscle mass in three weeks. been lifting for 28 yrs. and it's all gone. Burning sensation in legs weakness in arms, legs. Adrennal and pituary glands have shut down testosterone level dropped from 675 to 75. chronic thrush (yeast infection) on fluconazole 150 mg. once a day. Drs. do not know when this will leave the body. Now have to see infectious disease Dr. because of the recurring thrush, possible liver damage from fluconazole. Also lost at least 3/4" in height.
Thsi stuff is vicious.

I have been taking zocor for about 3 years. Started out with 10 mg every other day, then every day; for nearly the last year I have been taking 20 mg once a day. It did lower my cholesterol enough to suit the doc. Did not really notice any symptoms at first. It seems I have been noticing more and more problems recently. Especially after my husband decided to tell me that he thinks something is very wrong. Maybe my problems are just age related. Most recently I have had two falls brought on by a simple "toe stubbing". For the past 3-4 months I have had unrelenting lower back pain and hip pain. Both to the point that I can't sleep and am having trouble walking. All of that I attributed to arthritis which I do have in my hands. The tingling, pins/needles sensations and foot pain started over 2 years ago but my doc said that couldn't be the zocor. My liver function was normal every time he checked. Diabetes has been ruled out. I am overweight so I just wrote off the fatigue to that. But - three years ago I was walking daily on our farm - up and down hills for over one hour at a time - and teaching high school full time. I am retired now and I don't think I could do that much walking because of the pain and stiffness. Does any body know how long it will take me to get rid of the symptoms? I stopped the zocor without the doc's knowledge day before yesterday.

In January I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis). I was put on 60 mg prednisone and an array of other meds to help with pain, inflammation, water retention, and stomach problems from everything. I've lost some vision from the TA. I've experienced the weight gain, the moon face, stomach problems, depression, fatigue, muscle weakness, lack of memory and concentration, and generally feel miserable. The brain fog is awful! I don't trust myself doing much of anything these days!

When I was first put on the prednisone it completely took away all my TA and PMR symptoms. I could walk and get up and down again, didn't have the headaches, and didn't hurt all over.
My doctor tried to taper my dosage about 6 weeks ago and all my symptoms returned and increased as I went down on the prednisone. He upped me back to 60. That time the symptoms didn't go away. They lessened but were still there.

He's trying to taper again, and I'm down to 30 mg now and feel worse and worse. My sed rate has been normal, so the doctor thinks it's from the prednisone. Does it mimic all the TA and PMR symptoms? I also am having a lot of hand and feet cramping.

Does anyone else have these two illnesses? I would be interested in your experience. I want off these meds! Anyone found an alternative approach that's helped?

God bless!

I have been on Lupron for 9 months. I go to the gym regularly (3 times a week) to counter bone/muscle mass reduction. I feel sore and achy all the time, and have regular hot flashes. I never sleep the night straight through anymore. I drink a lot of water to handle the flashes, so I am urinating all the time, it seems. The biggest problem is the 25 lbs I have gained. Fortunately my PSA has stabilized and I will go to an interval without the injections to see how long the 0.0 PSA will hold. I hope to lose some of this weight to bring my blood pressure back down to my 110/70 from the current 120/90.

Hi ladies. I weighed 117-118 lbs. when I first started on the nuvaring. Within 7-8 months, I gained about 10 lbs, and have grown 2 breast cup sizes from a 34 A+ to a 34 C+. I have been off the nuvaring since last August because I left them at home since I moved to England. I stopped using all sorts of brith control and my husband does not ejaluate in me.

I now swell every month and gain nearly another cup size. My hands are swollen and my body aches, particualrly my knees and feet. While on the NR, I worked out like a freak, 60 minutes or more of cardio 5-6 days a week and did weights to maintain my muscle mass. My stomach was cut, but I was still gaining weight and no matter what I did, the weight just kept creeping up.

I tried on my wedding dress in April and purchased it. By JUly, I couldn't zip it up because my breasts were so huge. I even got my period early, such as on the day before my wedding! I wasn't supposed to start for another week! I had to get off the NR and I am still experincing negative effects.

My cousin is a PA and recommended that I have my doctor perform these exams on my blood: Estradiol, progesterone, PSH, Free T3, T4, CMP, testosterone, and to have a pelvic ultrasound. I think that contraceptive really screwed me up.

I hope this helps someone out there. I am setting up my appointment with the docotr or nurse tomorrow. This is unhealthy and abnormal for me so I hope to get to the bottom of this soon.

I have been taking Zocor for over 4 years after having problems with Lipitor. I have recentley developed muscle and joint pain in the neck, shoulders and elbows and sometimes in the knees and legs. I have a great amount of fatigue and general weakness at times. Occasionally, I have a pale colored stool. I have also noticed a loss of muscle mass particularly in my arms. I am also experiencing easy bruising. After reading these testimonials, I am discontinuing Zocor to see if the problems improve. I am a 61 yr old male.

90 days on Zocor and began having severe pain in left quads. At about 10 weeks, I noticed slightly darkened urine after exercise. I was on vacation and the pain was intense and my urine got very dark. My husband is a physician and was working out of town when I began having these problems. He did not make the connection to Zocor until he returned home and realized I had lost nearly all my muscle mass. My physician was shocked when he saw me a couple weeks later in clinic. It is 3 months later and I am still fatigued and have severe pain with exercise. I am now taking COQ10 and have stopped exercising until I feel better. My husband believed that the potential side effects of statins were far outweighed by the results. He is now very concerned about their side effects and plans to prescribe them far less often.

Male age 50. Used Lipitor 20mg for 10 months, having previuosly taken Lescol and Zetia. I am suffering very serious side effects including: slurred speach, loss of muscle mass and strength in right arm and hand, sore right foot, muscle tremors, severe cramps in legs and abdomen. I stopped Liptor 6 weeks ago. Cramps have stopped but little improvement in other conditions.

Hi
I started taking Yamin 3 weeks ago because I have terrible cramps due to having endometriosis. My doctor said to take Yasmin continuously (without taking the placebo) so I don't have a period. I thought I was being a hypercondriac but I am suffering from headaches, nausea, I gag once in awhile and now I have calf pain. After reading these notes from all of you I am wondering is this going to get better once my body gets used to it or will I be feeling worse. Plus I am extremely tired and I was wondering if anybody feels that too. I am at a loss because without something I can't function with all my severe cramps. I am not sure to switch pills or keep going to see if things get better. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Lynn

I received radiation for breast cancer in 2001 and a month after the radiation treatments I was hospitilized with radiation penumonitis. I was given 120mg prednisone. I had horrible mood swings, kissing ulcers, and lost 15 pounds - the doctor's couldn't belive it. I lost muscle mass in my right leg and had to have physical therapy to be able to walk again. It took 6 months to work my way down to 2.5mg at which time I was hospitalized again with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia aka BOOP in my other lung. I was put back on 60mg prednisone. I have been on various drugs to combat the side effects. I finally got off prednisone in May 2005 but the end of June I got pneumonia and another inflamed lung. I went back on 10mg prednisone which I am trying to get off of now. I have been experiencing depression since going back on my latest dose, but am not currently medicated for it. I have returned to my normal weight and continue to do weight training to combat osteoporosis due to the prednisone as well as strengthen my leg. I worry about the long term effects of long term steroid use.

TREATMENT FOR CA PROSTATE SINCE 2 26 2002 WHEN PC SPES, WHICH WORKED AS WELL W/O THE LUPRON SIDE EFFECTS, WAS PULLED OFF THE MARKET: LUPRON SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE- bloating, weight gain 10%, significant muscle mass deterioration, facial feature sharpness disappeared, mood swings, zero libido

Dear Friends:

I have been off and on prednisone for thirty years. I am a chronic asthmatic, and things flare up easily. This past six months have been difficult, as my symptoms have exacerbated about every month.

Prednisone has taken its toll. My weight has been a problem even though I am careful what I eat. My muscle mass seems to have decreased, and I find that I do not have the strength I used to have. I am 67 years of age and otherwise in good health. I do have peripheral neuropathy in both feet and legs, and polycythemia vera. The Polycythemia is been under control for 7 months, with no phlebotomies required.

The worst side-effect of all is on my libido. I have always been sexually active, but the prednisone has made me dysfunctional. When I ask my doctor(s), the inevitible reply is, "Well, as we age, things are never what they used to be." They avoid the subject like the plague.

I need some information. Is it the prednisone which has caused erectile dysfunction and loss of libido? If so, what can be done about it?

Dave

I was put on high doses of prednisone for three months. It was to controll envoluntary leg spasms (pain was
severe) As soon as prednisone was stoped, the spasms were back, and muscle tone in both legs seem to be gone- my legs feel like rubber. I have asked the Drs. if it is due to the prednisone, but I dont get any strait answers.
Have seen three nurosurgeons-believing the problem is due to "disc problems" CAT scan was done while still ON prednisone, so only "stenosis" showed up. Wish I had a Dr. that knew more about effects of prednisone on leg muscles.l

I received a kenalog shot for what was supposed to be ringworm. ( it was not) It left me with a identation on my buttocks that is now causing me pain and a permanent disfigurement. I received a MRI recently and it came back that I have discenergrate in my muscle mass. Iam trying to find some legal advise now. this is not right. I was not advised of any of the side effects of this drug. My doctor had only seen it one time before.

I was put on Prednisone to reduce an Orbital Tumor. I was on it for 3 months with varying doses. I was hopitalized and they had given it to me through an IV. Currently I've been off of it for 2 months. It worked, but not without lasting side effects. At first I had SEVERE night sweats, I'd wake up in the middle of the night to change my PJs, pillow & sheets. I gained about 15 lbs, I was mean & short-tempered, I had a short attention span, I lost muscle mass, I felt shakey and jittery, I used to sleep well at night and still to this day I have a hard time sleeping. My current problem is SEVERE hair loss due to this medicine. I'm going to see a Dermatologist tomorrow to see if there is any meds that can reverse this. Although I don't like these side effects, I think it helped me when ALL my doctors said I should have surgery, the Prednisone worked enough that I didn't have to. However, there is no guaruntee that it wont come back....then I'll be back on this life altering medicine.
Good Luck to everyone out there!!