Who's on Statins ?

Fretwired

My father had two strokes and was put on Statins .. like the Emperor they didn't agree with him. He saw a specialist doctor who took him straight off them .. he said he'd never take them. Read into that what you will. I'm not a qualified medical person but if you have issues then do what my dad did and get a second opinion.

My dad's specialist put him on a new drug that he'd recommend to anyone. When my dad asked why his GP hadn't prescribed it he said that he doubted many GPs would know of its existence and they tend to stick with NHS advice/the easy route - Statins. Think the leeches Blackadder sketch.

axisus

My understanding is that once you are on statins you shouldn't come of of them as you 'need' them once you have started. I was put on them 2 years ago, but I spoke to a heart specialist at work who was on them and he said best to not go there. I went back to my GP and told him I wanted to try and improve cholesterol with dietary changes. Improved for 6 months, then went back a bit over next 6. A further 6 and no better! 6 months since I was last checked. Hmnnnn ...... Decisions ........

richardhomer

No. I had my cholesterol test recently and the overall level was fine - but the balance between good and bad was out.

I need to lose weight also and have significantly altered my diet and lifestyle. My hope is that if tested now, the balance would be closer to the ideal.

I am very sceptical about statins. They seem to be prescribed to pretty much the entire population these days and I have heard a few stories around side effects that really put me off. It seems that most people tolerate them well - but those who don't seem to have significant problems.