Fifty Plus (50+) - Bike Riding and Cholesterol drugs

What experiences have you had with Statin drugs like Lipitor and bike performance? One of the side effects of long term use of statin drugs is muscle weakness. Many people over the age of 50 are on some kind of cholesterol lowering medicine.

I've been on zocor for about 2 years and ride and swim quite a bit. I have not noticed any muscle pain or weakness.

We (or at least I) need to ask why so many doctors and pharma companies are pushing statins, etc. so hard. Many members of the past few generations lived well into their 90s without these medications. The impacts of diet, particuarly fiber intake and quantity of food, and exercise, particularly aerobic, on serum cholesterol are well-known, and studies of cholesterol levels versus cardiovascular disease have generally established coincidence, rather than causality. My wife's doctor wanted to prescribe something to lower her serum cholesterol, but she declined, made a few minor dietary adjustments, and came back with much better levels at her next blood test.

What experiences have you had with Statin drugs like Lipitor and bike performance? One of the side effects of long term use of statin drugs is muscle weakness. Many people over the age of 50 are on some kind of cholesterol lowering medicine.

I am off the subject a bit. When I took up biking again, I had a cholesterol problem: 220+ total chol. and 40+ HDL (too low). Biking on a recumbent, in the mountains largely took care of my problem: 205 total chol. and 55 HDL. For me biking seemed to meet the aerobic & strength exercise needs in regards to chol. Now, if I could only do as well with my diet.

I realize that it does not seem to work this way with everyone.

John E makes a good point. Why are they pushing these statins? Personally, I tried everthing, lost the weight, exercise, excellent diet, fiber, the works but to no avail. Total cholesterol 249 and LDL 150. HDL did improve from 35 to 58 due primarily to exercise. On the meds and saw a drop from 249 to 190 and the LDL to 120. So the medications lower the numbers, but at what long range health cost? Would love to get off the statins.

I think the statins are used today because not everyone is willing to make life long changes, like diet and exercise. We on this bike list at least do the exercise. There was a study done in Canada on a community of Amish and they eat red meat, bacon, dairy products but still their incidence of heart disease is much lower than the general population in the West. The researchers found out that the Amish had much physical activity 6 days a week. No tractors, no washing machines, just horse and buggy.

Depending on dosage and maybe age, the statins are taken either 10 mg or 20 mg. daily. A naturopathic doctor told me that Lipitor may soon be available over the counter. The first sign is weakness and the body's message is tiredness. Watch out when you drive your car and start to feel drowsy. But the cause of tiredness can be caused by other things like sleep apnea.

here is a previous thread, mostly about lipitor, but a statin is a statin, generally

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=81672

I've been on Zocor or Lipitor for the last 10 years and have not noticed any real side effects. In fact, last season was my best in a long time. I used the drugs because without them, regardless of what I did, I could not bring the numbers down. If they are going to save your life, what's the issue?

I have tried lipitor and vytorin (a combination of zetia and zocor) and got tremendous muscle pains on both. I don't seem to have any problems with zetia alone, but that's because zetia works differently from the statins in that it only works on the cholesterol in the diet rather than the cholesterol generated by one's own body. Just last week, after spending two weeks "coming down" from the muscle pains caused by vytorin, I contacted my doctor and asked to be put back on zetia (which I had used without side-effects for over a year), only to learn that zetia was mentioned as problematic along with Vioxx. I'm not sure what I'll do now, but staying off all cholesterol lowering drugs is the most likely scenario. We'll see.

Jim

I've read all the posts and I wonder why, with all the risks, people continue to take statins. I also did a bit of web research and came up with this
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/drugs/statins.html

If you go to that link, it is interesting to see what they say about my drug of choice; ASA or Aspirin.

We (or at least I) need to ask why so many doctors and pharma companies are pushing statins, etc. so hard. Many members of the past few generations lived well into their 90s without these medications. The impacts of diet, particuarly fiber intake and quantity of food, and exercise, particularly aerobic, on serum cholesterol are well-known, and studies of cholesterol levels versus cardiovascular disease have generally established coincidence, rather than causality. My wife's doctor wanted to prescribe something to lower her serum cholesterol, but she declined, made a few minor dietary adjustments, and came back with much better levels at her next blood test.

I have the same skepticism (okay - maybe it's cynicism for the corporate machine), but Lipitor seems to work for me. My cholesterol has been borderline (~220-240 -- that's considered too high, now) for much of my adult life, despite being relatively active. A few years ago I was out of work for the first time in my adult life and spent much of my days working out or doing lots of physical exercise, and eating primarily salads (eliminated all meat); I lost about 15-20 pounds. I was able to barely "get my numbers down" then. But once back to work, it went back up for a variety of reasons. Until my boss says, "sure, go home early so you can get in a workout", and they sell fresh produce in vending machines, it's tough. (Doesn't mean that I don't keep trying). I take a pill every other day, and my numbers remain good.

I share the concern that drug companies care more about their profits than consumers (and guess whose side the current administration is on) and have a huge is stake in medications versus solving the root cause, but it's hard to argue against the numbers.

Well, if you read the article you cite, statins sound like they offer a number of significant up sides. I'm not recommending that any take a drug they don't need but id does say: "The market could easily grow in the coming years. Statins are being called the Aspirin of the 21st century and a miracle drug – because they might actually do a lot more than just prevent heart attacks.

Studies have suggested that statins might also slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and help patients with osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis. And new data raise the possibility that statins might also ward off colon, breast and prostate cancer – and lower your overall cancer risk. "

I am 50 yrs.old, and have been taking Lipitor for about 3 years with no side effects nor problems. It, along with watching my diet and exersize seems to have kept my bad chloresterol level down to about 100.
Good luck But riding a bicyle, you cannot lose. CHeers, Chicharron.

I have tried lipitor and vytorin (a combination of zetia and zocor) and got tremendous muscle pains on both. I don't seem to have any problems with zetia alone, but that's because zetia works differently from the statins in that it only works on the cholesterol in the diet rather than the cholesterol generated by one's own body. Just last week, after spending two weeks "coming down" from the muscle pains caused by vytorin, I contacted my doctor and asked to be put back on zetia (which I had used without side-effects for over a year), only to learn that zetia was mentioned as problematic along with Vioxx. I'm not sure what I'll do now, but staying off all cholesterol lowering drugs is the most likely scenario. We'll see.
Jim, if you have muscle pains with statins, definitely stop them immediately!!! That indicates possible heart damage. Depending on how much you're trying to lower your numbers, something like Welchol might work. It supposedly only drops cholesterol by 8-16 points, but it was more like 25 for me. Still not enough, which I why I'm on Lipitor now. No problems for me so far...

Jim, if you have muscle pains with statins, definitely stop them immediately!!! That indicates possible heart damage. Depending on how much you're trying to lower your numbers, something like Welchol might work. It supposedly only drops cholesterol by 8-16 points, but it was more like 25 for me. Still not enough, which I why I'm on Lipitor now. No problems for me so far...

Thanks for your concern. I stopped the Vytorin and the muscle cramps started subsiding shortly thereafter and were gone completely in about two weeks time. I'm sure glad the Lipitor works for you, and most other folks who try it, but there are a lot like me for whom the side-effects (I think it's called rhabdomyolysis) are too severe to continue with it. We'll see what my doctor recommends. Stay tuned.

Jim

Been on Lipitor for a year. Gave up red meat. Went from 247 total to 140. LDLs and HDLs were perfect. But triglycerides were still bad. So now I can't drink alcohol. Which really sucks. I have had no problems with muscle weakness or pain. (i'm only 49 though.... shhhhhh.... birthday's almost here) Ultimately I'd like to give up the statins. I've had fine cholesterol counts in the past and think I can get back there with weight loss. I'm about 15 lbs. over.

Although I agree that NOT taking artifical drugs is best - some of us have no choice when it comes to statins.

I have been on Lipitor for 3 years and Zetia for 6 months to control total serum cholesterol that was originally counted at 320.

Much to the dismay of the cardiologist and his nutrional counselor - I could not blame diet for the high numbers. I had not eaten red meat for over 15 years, had a moderate weekly intake of dairy (and low-fat at that), ate numerous veggies and high fiber products, take vitamins daily, exercised 3-4 times per week for over 10 years and do not smoke.

Needless to say - the lifestyle changes normally suggested were already in place - with less than stellar results where the cholesterol was concerned.

An extensive family history review (including testing of all siblings and other related family members - all tested "high" compared to the norm by the way) - along with some weekly blood work led to the conclusion that my body naturally produced large amounts of cholesterol. Diet, at best, was determined to be a contributing factor in about 10% of the total number.

In an interesting "trial" - my doctor had me stop the statins for a 60 day timeframe after year number 2 - within 45 days, my readings increased from 202 to 285. Again, adding credence to the genetic tendancy argument.

So unless something interesting comes out of stem cell research - I am doomed to supporting the drug companies for many more years.

I'm 55. Been taking Lipator for past three years. No ill effects as far as I can tell and I haven't experienced any muscle weakness that I can perceive while bicycling. (Of course, my real muscle weakness is simply that I'm getting along in years and the body ain't what she used to be!). I don't like the idea of taking the drug but after several talks with my doc, it seems best. Bicycling has definitely raised my HDL (from 35 to 70, though the doc wants it higher - in the 75 to 80 range if at all possible) and he says, and I have no reason to doubt him, the only way to raise HDL is through exercise. So I bike on.

We (or at least I) need to ask why so many doctors and pharma companies are pushing statins, etc. so hard. Many members of the past few generations lived well into their 90s without these medications...

...many members of the preantibiotic era survived pneumococcal pneumonia and/or TB and lived well into old age, but many didn't. Penicillin and anti-tuberculosis drugs sure made a difference and greatly improved the odds of surviving into old age.

The same can be said for diabetes medications, statins, and anti-hypertensives.

No tractors, no washing machines, just horse and buggy.



Well, it would seem at least that the horses should have low cholesterol.

My wife's entire family has high cholesterol. Her brother is 63, and exercises regularly (like he looks like he is 45), keeps his weight at a perfect poundage, eats an excellent diet and still has very high cholesterol.

He is currently in Iraq, teaching Iraqi's how to be policeman.

My wife is making one last attempt to lower her cholesterol by diet and exercise, but has been exercising for years, and we eat a pretty good diet.

Otherwise, she will likely go on statins.

Sometimes diet and exercise simply does ot do it.

I'm currently on a fairly low dose (20 mg/day) of Zocor and have had no muscle problems. My Dr checks a liver enzyme, creatine something or other, which is supposed to show if you have the muscle side effect, and I score low on that (although the Zocor) website warns that test doesn't always work.
I think statins have their place. I agree the medical profession is pushing these drugs because they think a lot of people are not willing to make the lifestyle changes, or that better diet and exercise is not always enough. For people that don't get the side effects, they could be doing a lot of good.
My only concern is my Dr, who himself is pretty overweight, did not suggest I 1st try lifestyle change, and in fact was dubious it would work. Is this ignorance in his part, and if so, how widespread is it? If I'd gone to a lean and fit sports medicine Dr would I have gotten a different opionion? My Dr's reasoning was I had a family history of heart disease so immediate statin use was warranted, as long as I didn't get side effects. I have cleaned up my diet and added supplements like plant sterols in parallel to taking the Zocor, and am currently working on losing 30 pounds. When I hit my target I will consider taking myself off Zocor and getting retested.

I am 67 and take Lovastatin. Ride a couple of hundred miles a week. No problems that I have seen.

Tom

I've tried Lipitor twice and both times had excrucitaing muscle pains after only three days. Zocor was the same but the pain was a little less. I'm 54, great shape, but very high cholesterol. Looking now for a natural option but I don't think any of them are as effective as the statins.
Steve

I went to the Doc's last July and had the test.
Total 333! LDL 235!
Changed my diet (less BBQ, more fish & veggies), began a regular exercise program, and the doc put me on niacin. Started at 500 mg per day, jacked it to 1000, then doubled to 1000 twice a day.
Last checkup yielded a total of 205 with a LDL of 123. Not perfect numbers, but getting close, and so far no statins needed.
Niacin does give you flushing or hot flashes for a while right after you take it, but it seems to get better the longer you take it, or maybe I am just getting used to it. Something is working, probably a combination of all of the above. A lot of doctors are using more niacin and less statins. You would want to check with a doctor before starting it on your own. Mine insists that the time release is not the way to go and always use a crystalline type (he recommends Twin Labs brand).

Concerning niacin....do you have any trouble with rash/hot flashes? It damn near set me afire at 1000mg.

My family doctor says he has seen far more frequent side effects from niacin than with statins. The current thinking is that if you tolerate statins well (i.e. no muscle pain and normal liver function blood tests) that statins are the gold standard as far as drug therapy for lowering cholesterol goes. As far I as I know niacin is used to boost HDL, I do not know if it lowers LDL.

Concerning niacin....do you have any trouble with rash/hot flashes? It damn near set me afire at 1000mg.
When I first start using it the effects were more intense. My skin felt like sunburn feels on the third day, sort of tight and tingly. They lasted about 20 min at first and then less as time went on. After a couple of weeks I hardly noticed them at all. I still get a little flush every now and then, but I am used to it and it is really no bother. I think a lot of people get put off by that and they don't stay with it long enough.
I take one dose right before bed, so I never notice that one. The other I take right after lunch on a full stomach.
It may not be for everyone but it sure is working for me. Flushing is the only side effect I have ever had. After reading all the dangers and side effects of statins and comparing them with niacin it was an easy decision for me.
We are the test generation for the statins. Who knows what the future will show about these drugs. I hope to avoid them if possible, however I definitely do not want a stroke. If I feel I need them I will use them.
So far good eating, exercise, and niacin seem to be doing the job. I do also take Omega 3 fish oil pills, which may also contribute.

As far I as I know niacin is used to boost HDL, I do not know if it lowers LDL.
I ask my doc that question and he assured me it did. He told me that he is getting away from statins if at all possible and trying niacin as an alternative due to the possible side effects of statins.
But on a side note he does sells niacin and vitamin packs from his office... hmmm...
I do purchase mine from other sources (cheaper!)

I'm 52, and I've been on Lipitor for quite a few years - at least 5, probably more. I put a lot of miles on my bicycles, and I've had no muscle weakness at all. If you're on a statin drug and experiencing problems like this, I'd recommend that you ask your doctor to switch you to a different drug.

What experiences have you had with Statin drugs like Lipitor and bike performance? One of the side effects of long term use of statin drugs is muscle weakness. Many people over the age of 50 are on some kind of cholesterol lowering medicine.

After I turned fifty I started getting a physical once a year and checkup 6mos later. My Interist was suprised to see that my cholesterol was at unacceptable levels considering that he knows what my riding routine is. So on lipitor I went and I paid more attention to my diet. In 6mos. I was at the desired levels. I then went off Lipitor 6 mos. later, as I hate to take any medication and even with diet and exercise it went to **** again...so back on it I went. I have not had any muscle or liver issues. I get it checked every 6 mos. I seem to be one of the types that has a genetic pre-disposition to high bad/low good.

As was stated before...If you have abnormal muscle pain or weakness while on any statin, discontinue and see your MD ASAP.

Jude

"We (or at least I) need to ask why so many doctors and pharma companies are pushing statins, etc. so hard. Many members of the past few generations lived well into their 90s without these medications."

A lot more died from heart attacks, strokes and cancer. The most common cause of death currently in America is heart failure thus the pushing of these drugs, the average life expectancy continues to climb not decline.
Some people myself included generate more cholesterol than the body needs even with zero dietary cholesterol (you should try eating without any cholesterol at all).
Yes some people abuse the drugs by not changing life style etc.
But to many this is the only hope of extending their lives.
A slightly touchy subject for me as I had a heart attack and Quad bypass before I reached 40 despite a good diet, active lifestyle (I was kayak surfing just before the heart attack) and I pumped iron for years before this happened.
Lipitor might help buy me a decade which in view of the damage to my arteries is probaly close to miraculous.

I've been on statins for probably 10 years. My total cholestrol has always been borderline high-240 with an all time high of 280. 20 years ago I dieted hard and exercised regularly and dropped all the way from 240 to 228, whooped de doo.....Genetics, Genetics, Genetics.......3 years ago I started cycling and lost 50 pounds-heart rate dropped-blood pressure droped. My cholestrol dropped a little but still hovered around 240. Genetics, Genetics, Genetics. We doubled the dosage of lovastatin a couple years ago and now my cholestrol is 150-170. I had it checked last week and it was 162. I don't like taking the statins but have not had any side effects at this point except for lower cholestrol levels.

Excersise, diet, 1000mg ANTI-FLUSH NIACIN, 1 tablespoon meta-mucil has lower my hereditary cholesterol from 280 to 230, LDL from 173 to 140 and LIPOPROTEIN from 45.3 to 35.6 in 2 yrs...

STATINS? WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' STATINS!!!

An article in a Doctor's office magazine (perhaps Prevention) stated that taking the supplement 7Keto ( a derivative of DHEA) has been shown to raise HDL's. I am on my first bottle and cannot confirm this but will let you know my results.

I've read a lot on Policosanol, a supplement. In tests it lowers cholesterol as much as statins with no side effects. I haven't started it yet as I'm still studying it. One-a=Day vitamins recently added it to their vitamins.

C'mon Guys! There seems to be WAY too many of you worrying about your "high" cholesterol. Cholesterol is NOT the villain it is portrayed by the "experts". Sorry but I've become a skeptic and am continuing my "education" in the "rest of the story" (as Paul Harvey would say).

Here's an excellent article about beef but it transforms quickly into the topic of cholesterol. Enjoy!

http://www.westonaprice.org/mythstruths/mtbeef.html

Concerning niacin....do you have any trouble with rash/hot flashes? It damn near set me afire at 1000mg.

Yeah, I spent the afternoon in the emergency room one Sunday getting IV Benadryl. Isn't that special?

I just started on 500 mg niaspan at night and no real problems at all. Take a small childrens aspirin about an hour before sleep. If I am getting any flushes its not really significant so far.

Geo

After having substantial muscle pains with Lipitor and Zocor I took a two month break. I've just finished two weeks of Crestor with the same results. The dosage was only 5mg compared with 20mg for the first two drugs. I was OK for the first few days but then the pain started to build slowly. It never got quite as bad as the Lipitor and Zocor but it was like having the flu most of the time and also included headaches...which I didn't have with the first two drugs.

My overall is 264, HDL is 36 and LDL is 185. Overall those ratios are BAD and it's genetic. I'm 56, 5'5", 130 lbs and workout regularly.

I'm bummed. I'm looking at Oat Bran and Niacin but that's a difficult lifestlyle to live, I think.

I don't think there are too many more drug options left...guess I need to start looking at alternative options. But with that it seems most of what you get a lot of anectodotal stuff with some
well meaning loonies throw in.

Guess I'll go ride. If I'm going to die of a heart attack out on the road is as good a place as any.

Have you tried a supplement called Policosanol? From what I've read, it lowers your cholesterol as much as a statin with no side effects. I've not started it yet because I'm trying to learn more. It also has a blood thinning effect, similar to 100 mg of asprin. You might look into it. BTW, if you get it, get the kind made of sugar cane and not bees wax. I understand the former works and the latter does not.

If anyone uses this, I'd like to hear from them.

After having substantial muscle pains with Lipitor and Zocor I took a two month break. I've just finished two weeks of Crestor with the same results. The dosage was only 5mg compared with 20mg for the first two drugs. I was OK for the first few days but then the pain started to build slowly. It never got quite as bad as the Lipitor and Zocor but it was like having the flu most of the time and also included headaches...which I didn't have with the first two drugs.

My overall is 264, HDL is 36 and LDL is 185. Overall those ratios are BAD and it's genetic. I'm 56, 5'5", 130 lbs and workout regularly.

I'm bummed. I'm looking at Oat Bran and Niacin but that's a difficult lifestlyle to live, I think.

I don't think there are too many more drug options left...guess I need to start looking at alternative options. But with that it seems most of what you get a lot of anectodotal stuff with some
well meaning loonies throw in.

Guess I'll go ride. If I'm going to die of a heart attack out on the road is as good a place as any.

Man I really feel your pain here! If you have the time or inclination to read this article, it will shed some light on what the REAL culpritS are for causing heart disease. See, I just do not buy into all the hubbub about cholesterol being the cause of HD. Take a look, I think you'll feel a bit better...

http://www.westonaprice.org/moderndiseases/hd.html

BTW, I'm NOT a "loonie" either! :)

Man I really feel your pain here! If you have the time or inclination to read this article, it will shed some light on what the REAL culpritS are for causing heart disease. See, I just do not buy into all the hubbub about cholesterol being the cause of HD. Take a look, I think you'll feel a bit better...

http://www.westonaprice.org/moderndiseases/hd.html

BTW, I'm NOT a "loonie" either! :)

How do I know? What color is the sky where you're from and when was the last time you were abducted?

Thanks, I'll check out the article.

Steve

I couldn't tolerate the statins because of muscle weakness and fatigue. I tried several. I'm now on 2000 mg. Niaspan (niacin). It has done the job with the cholesterol, but there's is still the threat of liver damage, much like the statins.

I couldn't tolerate the statins because of muscle weakness and fatigue. I tried several. I'm now on 2000 mg. Niaspan (niacin). It has done the job with the cholesterol, but there's is still the threat of liver damage, much like the statins.

Thanks. Yea, the niacin is the next try along with another non-statin drug.

I do not like this approach at all. A pre-emptive strike for somthing I don't yet have that "may" cause damage to another part of my body. OH....and it'll cost you money as well. Aaarrgh.

Steve

I went to the Doc's last July and had the test.
Total 333! LDL 235!
Changed my diet (less BBQ, more fish & veggies), began a regular exercise program, and the doc put me on niacin. Started at 500 mg per day, jacked it to 1000, then doubled to 1000 twice a day.
Last checkup yielded a total of 205 with a LDL of 123. Not perfect numbers, but getting close, and so far no statins needed.
Niacin does give you flushing or hot flashes for a while right after you take it, but it seems to get better the longer you take it, or maybe I am just getting used to it. Something is working, probably a combination of all of the above. A lot of doctors are using more niacin and less statins. You would want to check with a doctor before starting it on your own. Mine insists that the time release is not the way to go and always use a crystalline type (he recommends Twin Labs brand).There are 2 sides to the niacin story. Serious, even fatal side effects have been reported. I would check with a physician before trying nacin or any other drug. Some people are "anti-medicine." I wish them luck. They will probably need it!

High cholesterol is about the only problem I don't have. I've been fighting High Blood pressure for over 10 years and found out in April I am diabetic. Getting older sucks. Since I got back on my bike and started eating only about 1500 calories a day I have lost about 25 lbs and got my blood sugar to where it supposed to be and the bood pressure in back to normal.

You ask what this got to do with the thread going here. All the drugs I take all make me feel like I have on energy or I get pooped out after just a short ride. I got to force myself to keep going. It takes a longer time to get warmed up and going good. The point being no matter what drugs you take it does have side effects and you need to read up on what they are and ask your Doc what to expect and thel him/her what you are experiencing. Example one of my BP drugs keeps my heart from beating fast so it takes a lot of work to get it going.

Thanks. Yea, the niacin is the next try along with another non-statin drug.

I do not like this approach at all. A pre-emptive strike for somthing I don't yet have that "may" cause damage to another part of my body. OH....and it'll cost you money as well. Aaarrgh.

Steve

I agree. I don't either. I'm 55years old, 6'0 150 lbs, never had any weight issues, and have eaten a VERY low fat diet for years. Family history dictates problems looming in the future. My mother died of heart disease at age 43, so I'm looking at the cholesterol issue with open eyes.

I took Lipitor for about a year and a half. Very slowly, I began loosing strength in my legs and having pain. I kept attributing the problem(s) to getting older. As time went on, I quit exercising because it was too painful - could hardly walk after sitting for 15 minutes or so. I was even looking around the house to see what would need to be done to make it wheelchair accessible.

Finally, went to the Dr. and said I wanted off of Lipitor and described what had been happening. She agreed and told me to see how I felt in a couple of months.

The difference was amazing - within a couple of weeks, I felt good enough to do some walking. Within a month, bought a new bike and started riding again. Was proud of being able to do a mile or two.

Now, it's 4 months later, I'm biking about 65 miles a week - one longer ride on Sundays and 10 miles Monday - Friday. Feel like a new person! I will NEVER take a statin drug again. If I have to die of high cholestorol, so be it.

Most people can take these drugs with no problem, but... if you have any problems with pain or weakness, don't let it continue on without talking to your doctor!

Just curious about 1 thing Lookingup. You state that over a 2 year period you graadually lost muscle and energy, that you have now recovered from since off statins.

While you were on them were you getting liver function tests every 6 months and were they abnormal?

Just curious about 1 thing Lookingup. You state that over a 2 year period you graadually lost muscle and energy, that you have now recovered from since off statins.

While you were on them were you getting liver function tests every 6 months and were they abnormal?

Had blood tests periodically and nothing abnormal (other than high cholesterol) showed up. I should have gone to the Doc much earlier... but, like I said, thought it was just age finally catching up.