SURPRISE! It appears that when one speaks to her doctor in an authoritative, nonhysterical tone, and with knowledge and intelligence about the subject, that doctor actually listens. I insisted my endocrinologist take me off Lipitor because of extreme side effects developing after a couple of years on it (unbearable muscle pains, edema in ankles and hands, unexplained rashes, tinnitus, vision problems) and he did exactly that without so much as a howdy-do or a doubt that I might be exaggerating my symptoms. Said we would check my cholesterol again during next visit and look for another solution, if it rose again over 200. I am now a happy camper and will report to those of you suffering similar symptoms about the results of this rather peremptory cessation of this scary drug. If I keel over, at least I won't die in pain, huh? And if I don't, you guys can consult similarly with your doctors.