<p>I've been taking a statin since mid December and have been experiencing pain in my upper right quadrant. Doctor (GI) started on the gall bladder regimen since symptoms beside the pain is weight loss, nausea, constipation and at times throwing up. I've had the ultrasound (2x), the HIDA scan, CT scan and MRI. All seem to be clear, no gall stones or visible crystals. What are the chances it could be "sludge" but no stones?<br>
Now the doctor thinks the pain could be coming from taking the statin. Has anyone else experienced this? He had me stop the statin and wants to see me again in 2 weeks. It's been 6 days and no pain relief yet. Not sure if I need to wait this out or seek another doctor for another opinion. So tired of the pain. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>My dr wants to put me on a statin & I have actually filled the scrip, but since I already have fibromyalgia, I am not eager to feel worse.
Muscle pain is an anticipated side effect.
Be sure you are taking coenzyme q10, it may help.</p>
<p>[theheart.org:</a> trusted cardiology news and opinions](<a href=“Cardiology News & Opinion – theheart.org | Medscape”>Cardiology News & Opinion – theheart.org | Medscape)</p>
<p>DH not only had pain but severe muscle loss. He lost several inches in his thigh which he has not been able to recover and has not been able to be as active as he once was. The pain went away pretty quickly but took more than a few days. He takes the Q10. Unless your colesteral is severely high, ask for the lowest dose available instead of the usual one if you go back on them.</p>
<p>My H had the same issue. He is extremely active, eats an excellent diet, is thin, but has high cholesterol that appears to be simply genetic. He had pain and couldn’t work out at all. He now takes something called, I believe, Xedia (Zedia?) as he couldn’t take any typical statins.</p>
<p>I’ve know several people who developed muscle pain on statins but it’s been in the legs, not GI. But that doesn’t mean that you couldn’t be having a reaction to the statin. Certainly wouldn’t hurt to stay off of it for a few weeks and see if it clears up. Do you take any other medications or supplements? People often have bad reactions to supplements as well.</p>
<p>If it doesn’t resolve soon, I would seek another opinion. What you’re describing with the weigh loss, throwing up, etc. sounds like it could be serious.</p>
<p>Statins can also impair memory.</p>
<p>Have been on a statin for nearly a year without noticible side effects…</p>
<p>I am having very similar problems.Having HIDA scan on Friday.Ultrasound did show polyps in gall bladder.I had started Lipitor in January.Have been feeling poorly since mid-Feb.Pain severe nausea at times weight loss(9 pounds in three weeks)Diarrhea and constipatition.I finally stopped statin and Tricor over the weekend but still having symptoms.H talked to cardiologist and he thought the statin doesn’t have gallbladder effects but tricor does.Tricor helps raise the good cholesterol.Did see gastroenterologist and he thinks gallbladder also.</p>
<p>My CAT scan showed a contracted gallbladder.Don’t know if this means anything.Been googling gallbladder and have read blogs where people have been sick for a long period of time.Some talked about a slowly dying gallbladder.Could this be?</p>
<p>I’ve been on statins for over 5 years now with no side effects. Laxmom, I hope you feel better soon! Usually the muscle pain associated with statins stops within a week after you quit taking the drug, depending on the dose you were on.</p>
<p>I had another bout of the nausea in the middle of the night. I’ve been on 20 mg of atorvastatin since December. It lowered my cholesterol almost immediately to normal levels. I’ve lost about 40 lbs in about 6-8 months, which is a good thing, but due to not having much of an appetite. Doc says gall bladder isn’t the issue, not sure I agree with it though.</p>
<p>I had all of the classic muscle pains listed in statin side effects. My doctor said it was because of coQ10 and vitamin D deficiency from the statins. She recommended StatinHelp that is sold on Amazon. It has really helped with the muscle pains. Statin side effects are never really discussed by the doctors. I found out two years into treatment when I mentioned needing something for back and leg pain to her. Thankfully she was a runner who believed in vitamin supplements.</p>
<p>I did go off statins for a while. It took weeks for muscle issues to go away and I had other strange cramp like issues during the period. Went on a vegan diet but cholesterol went back up so back on crestor. I also tried Lipitor. Good luck.</p>
<p>It couldn’t hurt to set up a second opinion now for two weeks down the road. You could always cancel if you are feeling better. </p>
<p>I am very sorry that you aren’t feeling well.</p>
<p>Well, it isn’t very nice, but with gallbladders the old adage is “fat, forty and female”. Shrug. Just happens. Mine acts up occasionally and it is extremely painful. Feels like a heart attack or something. It’s BAD. Watch what you eat for a few days and see if it helps. </p>
<p>Sorry you’re feeling lousy :(.</p>
<p>Had mine out last year best decision i ever made</p>
<p>Lipitor is the best selling branded drug in the world. Simvastatin (generic Zocor) is the second most prescribed drug overall. Now that generic Lipitor (atorvastatin) is available, it will end up even more prescribed than simvastatin. Point is, there are tens of millions of people taking statins. These drugs have been studied for decades now, and they have proven to have many benefits besides lowering cholesterol. The vast majority tolerate well with no side effects. However, the possible side effects are well known. Your doctor should clearly mention them when prescribing the drug (or any drug, for that matter), and if you experience anything out of ordinary, you should discuss with your doctor. He or she may want to change dosage, or even change to a different drug. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion on your treatment or your side effects.</p>
<p>I got terrible leg pain but my doctor had warned me to stop immediately if I got any pain. Tried several different statins until finally found one which I had no side effects from. </p>
<p>I didn’t know about the memory loss but will use that as my go to excuse from now on. ;)</p>
<p>He’s sure it’s not liver, right? And you’ve had the enzyme tests?</p>
<p>Chardo, aren’t the bulk of those tests focused on the elderly and those with history of heart attack? In the Framingham Nurses Study, they note a connection to lesser incidences of GB surgery- but I believe it’s only an observation.</p>
<p>Physician here. One size does NOT fit all for drugs as well as symptoms correlating with diseases. One reason you can’t just diagnose yourself from a book or the internet, much less from friends’ experiences.</p>
<p>Muscle pain in some is a known side effect for statins- sometimes have to go with the more expensive one to avoid it and the consequences that are more than just pain (think chemistry and how a different molecule in the same family reacts differently with your molecules).</p>
<p>I believe there is a genetic marker (snp) that can tell you if you are sensitive to statins. I did the 23andMe.com personal genomics analysis and came up “Moderately higher odds of myopathy while on statin therapy” and “Substantially increased odds of myopathy while on simvastatin.” I have never taken statins, but my mom had an awful time with them. She finally found one that does not give her bad side effects (I think she takes Lipitor).</p>