Welchol and zetia

I decided to read about side effects of Welchol. I just got back from the doctor's and she gave me some free samples of this. In the past, I had been on Lipitor and Zetia but had terrible back, hip and leg pain. I went off of those and I was fine. Started on Crestor- same pain in back, hips and legs. Now my doctor says that Welchol is not absorbed in the blood stream so there should be no side effects- only possible heartburn. After reading all of these side effects that everyone is having on Welchol, I am not going to even try it.
I am going to record everything I eat and try to control my cholesterol with a good ,healthy diet. I also have heard that Red Yeast Rice- available at GNC or Health food stores can lower your cholesterol. I might try that but for now I'm doing the healthy diet and exercise.

I was on Zetia for a long time and did well on it, but my Doctor did not like what he was hearing about Zetia, so he put me on Welchol. I have been taking it for a month and have sever bloating and stomach discomfort. Does this subside with time? I am unable to take statins.

I was on Zetia for a long time and did well on it. But my Doctor didn't like what was coming out about it, so he changed me to Welchol. I have been on it for a month and feel weak, and have sever bloating. Does that ever subside?

I started taking Welchol about 45 days ago because my PPO would not approve ZETIA (Ezetimibe). From the samples of ZETIA my overall, high, and low levels improved.
Before ZETIA I was on lipitor. I stopped lipitor because of upper back and neck pain. I did not have these symptoms with ZETIA.
Unfortunately Welchol gives me the same symptoms as lipitor.
I guess I will have to demand that my PPO allow me get a prescription to ZETIA.
ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS!!!????

I have stomach cramps. The stomach cramps are uncomfortable, but not unbearable. However, I have been taking this prescription for just 2 months. What to do? Because my cholesterol is not going down very fast, and my triglycerides are so high, my dr. has also prescribed Zetia to take with the Welchol. Shoot, I hope the doc knows what he is doing, because I don't want the effects I have been reading about here.