I started feeling much better very quickly after being off Lipito...

I wouldn't be overly concerned about high cholesterol . . . . ..your mind/body needs cholesterol to function properly . . . . the problem is when people take the anti- cholesterol drugs that can cause MANY side effects and when the cholesterol is too low.

Right now the elevated cholesterol is your best friend so it can do its job in helping your body heal. LDL cholesterol plays a very important role in repairing muscle cells, tendons, etc. Thats one of its jobs.

Think of LDL cholesterol as the maintanance crew that goes out and repairs cells and helps build new healthy cells. When we take drugs like lipitor, we are in effect cutting back on one of our body's maintenance crews. Muscles and joints begin to deteriorate. Steroid and adrenal hormones begin to fall since your body makes these hormones from LDL cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a source of life. This is why there is so much cholesterol in an egg. So the new chick can form. Its not there to give the chicken a heart attack.

Also understand that the guidlines for cholesterol have been set artificially low. WHY? Money is the short answer.

I understand your catch 22. I had a wrongful hip replacement in June 07. I have seen my xray and all my cartilage is in place with some arthritis. I was so pained at the time I wanted my other hip replaced along with my shoulders knees and elbows. Since stopping the statins in Dec 07 the pain in all my "uncut" joints has reduced by over 70%. My actual replaced hip is what still hurts the most, I can't lie on that side and my limp is excessive, I have not fully recovered from the operation over 2 years later. I believe in my own terms that apart from muscle and cartilage dystrophy the poison has eaten into my bones. The pain from where the surgeon's knife and saw went through my flesh and bones was excrucaiting. Just thought I would mention this to help you make your catch 22 decision. Best from New Zealand.