NEGATIVE: Lisinopril is my "only" medication, other than a rand...

NEGATIVE: Lisinopril is my "only" medication, other than a random ibuprofin. at age 58, I began on 20 mg for elevated BP control...that was almost five years ago. I went through some light headedness at first (mostly my imagination, I suppose) as, "anything" new psychologically messes with me. My BP "did" drop to acceptable quickly, and just a year ago required a jump up to 30 mg (as I either became system-tolerant of its effects, or, my current level of inactivity has impacted my BP). REVIEW: Although I had the normal "minor arthritis" and a few gout toe attacks beforehand; After 8 months or so of Lisinopril application, I began to "really" have chronic joint pains (thumb, elbow, knee, big toe). As an active type, this began to slow me down-so I returned to the doctor for a comprehensive set of X rays-which supposedly revealed Impact Osteo-arthritis at the afflicted joints,... at that point, I also mentioned two other observations; One, I just feel sort of weak, like possibly tired and unrested muscle-wise, Two, My random gouty big toe attack appeared like it was trying to manifest ...but, never did (fully) on six or so occaisions. After almost two years into my Lisinopril, I began having cramps (actually, severe soreness and tightening)in my foot bottom and calf muscles... I assumed it was from lifting, and standing a lot. My muscle fatigue seemed worsened, and, I noticed a "visual" loss in my muscle size and tone...I "was" now much weaker than last year in my lifting, tugging, and shouldering abilities. This accompanied with the constant joint stiffness had begun to physically modify my daily abilities and routines. After two years on the Lisinopril, Unexpectedly (and in a physically quiet week) I had an episode of right knee pain and excruciating (very severe) 24 hour-a-day ankle/calf/thigh muscle cramping that went unabated for three horrible days...exhausted from no sleep, the inability to relax at all, after trying ice, heat, hydr-therapy and popping so many Ibuprofins, it was off to the hospital. Some knee cap injections of steroids-a calcinated meniscus diagnosis-and a dismissal of "why the muscle cramps ?" and I was healed, Sorta' With my continuing decline in joint movement, and sore, weak muscles, my overall activity level dropped, my inabilities to now lift, or bend fluidly caused me to appear much older (physically) and hobbled than my years. A year ago (just before the increase in dosage), I took some time off. And really self-reviewed my present physical condition with that of 4 years earlier. The "only" change was adding Lisinopril...and of course, normal aging. My annual lab tests are still enviable. My genetics and family history refute what is happening. My sexual and physical prowess has diminished greatly. My energy level and stamina is very poor. My whole life-style has been modified (destroyed actually), to accomodate this new dynamic of muscle/joint problems. My musculature appearances have diminished from inactivity. I feel, move, look and hurt "old". My insistance that this problem is muscle/tendon rather than joint related ALWAYS goes to deaf ears. Before these complaints could even be filed with my doctor (for my fourth-year annual physical), I began the left knee, then the "both" knee flare ups again; the Doctor visit (and 10 mg increase in dosage of Lisinopril) advised me I was just getting old. In the 6 months or so since my last doctor visit, I have experienced a worsening of strength, and a now "constant" knee pain (every step). My sixty day abstinence from alcohol had zero impact on my overall, the one year salt ban has shown me nothing, and I just recently went back to square one and a full rethink of my dilemma.... I came away suspecting my Lisinopril. I am going to seek another Doctor for a review and perhaps a change from Lisinopril.