- Messages
- 1
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
I’ve got Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol which have all been well-controlled over the years by medication. I’ve had to change the Statins several times because of various side effects including muscle aches and have ended up on Rosuvastatin.
Over the past year, however, my muscle problems have got worse with aches , sprains and weaknesses which have been quite incapacitating, caused sleepless nights and resulted in me having treatment by a physio and an osteopath.I’ve been tired and sometimes having daytime naps, taking painkillers, frustrated because I couldn’t do some physical things I used to do e.g. gardening and lifting up my grand-daughter without consequences, fuzzy-thinking and generally quite a negative outlook on life.
My suspicion has always been that it was caused by statins so I arranged with a doctor that I stop taking them for 6 weeks and then have a blood test to see what effect it had on my cholesterol, muscles etc. I also improved my diet (which was quite good anyway) and increased my exercise to compensate.
Since stopping them, I have felt much better in many ways - no incapacitating muscle problems and therefore more active and energetic,I get more done which makes me more positive and confident and generally happier. I’m more sociable and clearer headed.
BUT, when I rang up for blood test results I was really disappointed to hear that my cholesterol has gone up from 5.2 to 6.7and the doctor had left a message to say start taking statins again or make an appointment to see the doctor.
I’ve made an appointment but it’s weeks away and in the meantime I’m worrying what to do.
So what I’d like to know is :
*How much does my risk of heart attack or stroke increase if I don’t take statins ?
*Can I lower my cholesterol sufficiently through diet and exercise ?
*Do I go back on to statins while I try diet and exercise but then risk muscle problems which make exercise more difficult ?
I would love to hear any advice or similar experiences that help me decide what to do and stop me worrying about it. Thanks.
Over the past year, however, my muscle problems have got worse with aches , sprains and weaknesses which have been quite incapacitating, caused sleepless nights and resulted in me having treatment by a physio and an osteopath.I’ve been tired and sometimes having daytime naps, taking painkillers, frustrated because I couldn’t do some physical things I used to do e.g. gardening and lifting up my grand-daughter without consequences, fuzzy-thinking and generally quite a negative outlook on life.
My suspicion has always been that it was caused by statins so I arranged with a doctor that I stop taking them for 6 weeks and then have a blood test to see what effect it had on my cholesterol, muscles etc. I also improved my diet (which was quite good anyway) and increased my exercise to compensate.
Since stopping them, I have felt much better in many ways - no incapacitating muscle problems and therefore more active and energetic,I get more done which makes me more positive and confident and generally happier. I’m more sociable and clearer headed.
BUT, when I rang up for blood test results I was really disappointed to hear that my cholesterol has gone up from 5.2 to 6.7and the doctor had left a message to say start taking statins again or make an appointment to see the doctor.
I’ve made an appointment but it’s weeks away and in the meantime I’m worrying what to do.
So what I’d like to know is :
*How much does my risk of heart attack or stroke increase if I don’t take statins ?
*Can I lower my cholesterol sufficiently through diet and exercise ?
*Do I go back on to statins while I try diet and exercise but then risk muscle problems which make exercise more difficult ?
I would love to hear any advice or similar experiences that help me decide what to do and stop me worrying about it. Thanks.