Lipitor and hdl

I posted several months ago on this string and wanted to update. I had bloodwork done for the 1st time since I quit the 20mg of Lipitor in August. LDL went from 123 to 210. Total Chol went from 191 to 285. HOWEVER all shooting pains I had been experiencing in legs, feet, and chst are GONE! Went back to my Dr. today, told her that same result and my serious objection to taking any kind of statin and she prescribed CRESTOR while telling me it was more potent than Lipitor! WTF!!!

I refuse this course, am drinking 30 - 40 ozs. of water each day now like I should have been, doubled my CoQ10 to 200mg/day, finally getting back into the gym to lose weight and get the HDL up from the level of 36 it is now. also started to drink the new yogurt type "shot" of Promise for cholesterol that provides 2 grams of plant sterols per day.

I will not take statins ever. I WILL find a natural way to keep my Chol under control. I've also been convinced that you don't have to be at or under the 200mlg of total chol to be healthy. Look at your C Reactive Protein and Homosiytes (sp?) If they are in range you should be good.

I know Lipitor was the cause of my rupturing each of my Achiller tendons a year apart while playing tennis in my late 40's Muscle pain soon followed.

I was on Lipitor for less than a week 2 years ago and the muscle pains were so bad that moving my head was painful. I called the doctor's office and was instructed to stop taking the medication; which I did and felt 'back to normal' within a few days. I haven't had my cholesterol checked since that time, or if I did before surgery, no one mentioned anything negative about it. However 6 weeks ago I had a heart attack. Apparently my cholesterol was twice what it should it have been, and my potassium was incredibly low. So I'm now on Lipitor (standard procedure after having a heart attack and high cholesterol seen as the cause of it) to ensure that another blockage does not occur.

The only problem is I'm now bloated even though I've changed my diet drastically (no more junk food or soft drinks, no 'white' flour products, no dairy products with more than 5% M.F and lots of veggies and fruits). I've lost 3 or 4 pounds but my pants are too tight around my waist, and now I have a my upper abdomen bulges over the waistline. Besides that, I get muscle 'kinks' in very places and after sitting for more than 10 minutes I limp when I take the first few steps.

People have told me to 'keep taking Lipitor and Plavix' but exercise more. The only problem with that is that I have a brain aneurysm and the neurosurgeons don't think it can be operated on 'without it being a very high risk procedure'. The first one ruptured 10 years ago and since then I've managed to control my blood pressure. However the meds I took for that was what lead to my potassium being so low that my electrolytes were imbalanced. That combination of low potassium and high cholesterol is what lead to the heart attack.

I'm 54 and feel as though I'm losing control of 'how' I feel. Between Lipitor, Plavix and diuretics and medication for hypertension I'm not sure if it's one drug in particular that's making me 'ache, limp and look like a blimp' or if it's because of the interaction of all of them. How do I decide 'what' to stop? What's more important to look after first - my heart or my brain?

I'm a 46 years old male normally good shape,I was put on Lipitor due to high cholesterol and family history of heart problems.I've been on lipitor for four years , 2years on 10mg, 1 years on 40mg and 1 year on 80 mg.
The last 6 months I have been experiencing severe archiles tendonitis to the point where I can hardly walk. I am extremely disatisfied with this drug and have read a lot of complaints regarding this drug.

Has anyone else experienced this side effect?

Please reply to this post.

Thank You

I must let you know from experience with both drugs scientifically, Lipitor does lower your cholesterol levels, and when u want to talk cholesterol, talk, LDL's or HDL's donttalk general. Lipitor has been proven to reduce your LDL levels yes, but the standard dose regimen for Lipitor is 40 mg, NOT 10mg, further more once Lipitor does that at 40 mg, it ALSO STARTS LOWERING YOUR HDL's which are your good cholesterol. So dont be fooled that your cholesterol levels have dropped. Consider the patients out there who suffer from GENETIC/ FAMILIAL DYSLIPIDEMIA's . The game is totally different for GENETICALLY OBESE PAX as well.

I think all of you folks with side affects are are blaming your ills on Lipitor rather than putting the blame where it belongs: on your own mental health. I am a 65 YO male and I have been on Lipitor for more than six years now. I have no side affects, I work out four days per week with cardio and weights and feel that Lipitor should be added to the public water supply. My total cholesterol has gone from the high two hundreds to under one-forty on a single daily dose of 10mg. All of you hypochondriacs get a grip.

36 year old female; have been on Lipitor 10mg for about 3 weeks now. Have been experiencing chest pain with fast heart beat. Feels like I can't get a breath all the way. Can anyone help out? I'm scared. It feels like I can't breath in all the way and I'm scared to stop the Lipitor since my cholesterol is 264 now. Thanks.

I began taking Liptor on March 12, 2005, which is the day I had my heart attack. I have taken myself off of it on Nov. 3, 2005. Even during my cardiac rehab I had pain down my right leg and right foot. The nurse said is was from the surgery of going into the groin and putting two stents in my heart. However, on two occassions I've had chest pain and had to be hospitalized and the leg and foot was still bothering me. Now both my feet hurt very badly that I find it difficult to even walk around in a grocery store. I've went to a new cardiologist they did blood work and my LDL was 107 and my HDL was 47, making my total choleserol of 195. At one time, the total cholesterol guideline was s up with that?

The cardiologists need to listen to their patients and not worry about how much money they are going to make from the drug companies for prescribing all these drugs. Yes, they are fine in the beginning, but down the road all they are bad for you. I am going to find a better way to reduce my cholesterol naturally.

I'm a 48 yr male. I've been on lipitor since march 2005. My total cholesterol last month was 110, LDL 56, HDL 39. I had previously been on zocor for since june of 2004. my total before starting on statins was 250 with a high LDL of 185.

For the past couple of weeks i am starting to have right shoulder and arm pain. I am wonder if this is due to Lipitor. I am going to make an appt with another doctor. The doctor I'm seeing now will not take me off the statin due to the fact high cholesterol runs in my family. I feel that I am taking a more aggressive approach to this problem by eating a low fat high fiber diet with walking exercise 4-5 times a week.

I have written before about my disatrous experiences with statins especially Lipitor. Through the years, doctors have insisted I take them and I, like a good patient, never questioned that side effects to them were causing my problems. (knee pain, imbalance, muscle stiffness, etc.) I stopped Lipitor in Sept., 2004, and of course my cholesterol numbers spiked. I found a protocol suggested by LARRYHOR on a forum and, in desperation, tried it and it worked beautidully. In fact, my doctor said to keep doing whatever I was doing. My total cholesterol went from 293 to 226, HDL from 71 to 84, LDL from 188 to 112 and triglycerides from 166 to 152. The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL was 4.1 and was brought down to 2.7. With this protocol it is necessary to take 8 pills a day but that didn't bother me if it worked and it did. My thanks to ****** for leading me to this. I have read and researched enough about the statins to really scare me. In fact, my husband, who is also a long time user has just been told his liver enzymes are higher and he has to stop Lipitor temporarily and have additional tests. He has had a quadruple by-pass, a stent and a pacemaker so the doctors have scared him into continuing Lipitor until now. I don't think doctors have stressed muscle pain, weakness and siffness enough or maybe they are unaware that all these symptoms can be caused by statin medication and not age, as I was told. As proof, my muscle pain, stiffness and knee pain are gone. Some of the other symptoms are long lasting or maybe permanent. At least, I have no pain.

WANT TO STOP USING CHOLESTEROL DRUGS?

DRAMATIC RESULTS!! Cholesterol Can Be Lowered
Without Drugs ..See Results Below

Doc told me to go on Statin Drug to lower my cholesterol. I refused knowing just some of the many dangerous side effects possible. After a thorough investigation I developed a regimen that gave me the following dramatic results.
......................Before......After......
Total Cholesterol.208.........146...........
LDL....................140..........85...........
HDL.....................45..........41...........
Triglycerides.......120.........100...........

This was accomplished with just 2 nutrients and 1 vitamin. I will gladly share my 2 page protocol with you Free of Charge with no strings attached. Just e-mail me at...

LARRYHOR@OPTONLINE.NET

Here is your opportunity to kick the drug habit

November 23rd, 2004 - Tuesday

I have been reading all the postings about Lipitor.
It would appear the reactions from Lipitor has not
been good from all the postings. I have been taking
Zocor 40 mg. for over 5 years now. I have never
had one side effect from Zocor. In fact since being
on Zocor my HDL's have gone up and LDL's have
gone down and Trigs are maintained by diet. I have
a CBC done every 3 months for HDL, Trigs, LDL,
Liver Function and White Count (I don't have a Spleen)
and have always had good results. I have had a problem
getting my LDL's where they should be so had added
Zetia 10 mg. added daily with the Zocor 40 mg. and
the Zetia has corrected the LDL readings. I keep reading
what Lipitor has done to everyone. I am permanently
paralyzed and disabled and can not do the physical P.T.
that many have done when getting of Lipitor. Excercize
is not something I am able to do since I am bed bound and
have limited use sitting up in my electric wheel chair. It
would appear some people are going to have reactions to
different medications. I have always been very careful about
what px's I take. I am on 9 px's daily and Zocor and Zetia
have never had one negative effect on me in anyway. I would
feel after reading all about Lipitor and other Px's like it that
Zocor and Zetia are the only two I can speak of, and for me
they work great. The only thing I would impress on everyone
taking Zocor and Zetia is to when you have a CBC done to have
your doctor always have your Liver Function checked. In my
case I also have the White Count done. On these medications
it is always wise to read up about the medications before ever
taking. I am aware to always note if I was to have any muscel
pains or other side effects it can cause in some people. For my
Doctor who is a Cartiologist, I keep very good communication
with him and myself I keep up with the information about Zocor
and Zetia. After 5 plus years of taking Zocor I feel very blessed
to have a medication that gives the results it provides. I sure feel
for those of you that have had reactions. There are some antibiotics
I have had reactions to and know what it is like to have a reaction
to medications. It is a hit and miss when it comes to medication. I
for one read everything there is to find on any medication before I
put it in my system. Knowledge and self Management of your health
is something we must all do. The days of having your doctor give you
a PX for a medication and getting it filled at the Drug Store and never
asking any questions is long gone. The Pharmacy can surely answer
any reactions with other medications you are taking. I have found
through the years to have all the Medications your taking so when
you go to your doctor they know what your taking. I have 6 Specialist
and I keep them all updated on what each Doctor does and what the
medications I am taking. Any CBC Lab Test done I have sent to my
other Specialist who treat me. You would be amazed how much this
means to the other doctors and keeping everyone informed. As in any
medication, one can have a reaction even if it something you have taken
for years. The chemistry in the body can change at any time. In my case
I am very blessed to be able to take almost any medication to maintain
my life. I know many people who have many reactions to many medications
and for those I surely feel for you. Diet is very important and I stay on a
very basic homecooked meals. Never eating out due to the fact if I could
it is not safe with all the chemicals they put in processed foods. The saying
20 hands have touched your food and plate before it is served when you eat
out is very true. How many washed their hands before it arrived at your table?
So eating at home where everything is home made is the best. I use to be able
to use Bactrim antibiotic but now I can not. I found out I am not able to deal
with any antibiotic with Sulfur in it I can not handle. Cipro is the best in my
case for 2 of the 6 Chronic Illnesses I live with. You can always type in Google
any medication and read about everything about it. Just remember 100% of any
medication are going to have those who had a reaction from. No one is the same
and this is the hard part for any of us when needing to take medication to live.
I hope this has helped in someway and check into Zocor and Zetia. For me they
work great and I have told people about them for years. I have read about the other
medications like Zocor but if you take 40 mg. of Zocor and not 80 mg. you
should not have a problem unless your system reacts to it. The only danger I have
discovered with Zocor is those who took 80 mg. daily. Always remember to
always keep a list of any medications you are taking and always have the doctors
office make a copy so each doctor you go to even your dentist knows what your
taking and keep them updated to any changes. It is your body and you know it
better than anyone. It is also each of our respondsibility to manage our own
medical care because if you don't who will do it for you? You can not expect
all your doctors to do everything for you all the time. For many as I also remember
the days we would go to a doctor and get a shot and on your way. There were not
the medications we have today to help our medical. At the same time common
sense is only logical with taking any medication. ä

Hi I have read the posts here with interest. I have been trying to get family and friends off of all meds! I firmly feel that doctors push pills too quickly when there are other methods to control cholesterol etc. My cholesterol was rather high a couple of years ago, and my doctor wanted to put me on lipitor. I asked for 6 months of dieting first and he agreed. When I ate less meat and more soy protein, no trans fat and less than 10 grams of saturated fat per day, my cholesterol lowered. My ldl was still high at 160 but my hdl was high at 60 and my tryglicerides lowered to 89, my doctor was so pleased that he said keep on doing what ever it is your doing! The real measurement is the ratio. My ratio is 4 (trying to get that lower now) a 4 is good and lower is much better. It's the hdl that makes the difference. I hope everyone can make the switch to a healhier approach to managing your cholesterol and bp. I am 53 by the way, and have never taken a bp or cholesterol med. Increase your soy intake and the #s will drop.
peace and love to all
christine

I'm 59, and eat a super-healthy diet, but my cholesterol has never been below 200. My doctor gave me an Rx for Zocor in March. Cholesterol 256, trig 223, HDL 45, LDL 167. I saw the horror stories here and elsewhere, decided to try alternatives first. Saw a post by Larryhor on another website and emailed him for his free protocol. After taking these supplements (plus a few I added myself after some research)for 16 weeks: cholesterol 188, trig 134, HDL 42, LDL 119. So my HDL went down 3 points, big deal! Everything's now in normal range, including HDL. I tore up the doctor's prescription. I don't know if it'll work for others, but it did for me.

I started on 10mg of Lipitor a week ago. I have excellent cholesterol levels (total = 184; HDL = 77; LDL = 91), but because I am a diabetic (I have been for 35 years), my physician suggested that I begin taking the drug.
I feel like I am hooked up to a diazepam IV!!! I am totally zoned out and have very little energy...and I don't really care if I get any of my work done or (not good!) The other thing that is driving me crazy is that I am cold all the time. As I am typing this, it is 70 in the room and I have on a turtle neck sweater, two sweat shirts (one with a hood that is up), a pair of lined jeans, two pairs of socks, and down slippers...and I am STILL cold. Has anyone experienced this side effect? I don't think that this drug is for me...