fatigue

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am a new member of this group and in search of more information. I was

just given info last weekend concerning the statin controversy and now I am

intrigued. I have been on Lipitor since the late 1990s and have suffered major

and chronic fatigue since the early 2000s. As I grew more fatigued, I gained

weight, developed sleep apnea, then type 2 diabetes, and then, despite the

Lipitor having kept my cholesterol low, I had 2 heart attacks 3 years ago within

2 hours of each other, then a quadruple bypass 3 days later, having had a 90%

blockage in one artery and a 70% in the other.

I am still on Lipitor and still have low cholesterol. And still sleep

excessively, 9-11 hours a night. During the day, I feel at about 70% capacity.

When I asked my doctor how could I possibly have had such plaque build up

despite my very low cholesterol, he said it was " probably genetic. "

I am at wits end about the quality of life issue with the fatigue and excessive

sleeping. I work 9 hours a day, commute 2 hours a day, and so you can see

there's not much time for anything else after working and sleeping. My social

life has become nil.

After reading that 50% of those who suffered heart attacks had low cholesterol,

I figured what the heck. Low cholesterol doesn't SEEM to control plaque build

up. Is this right?

I stopped taking my Lipitor last Saturday and take my aspirin, still am taking

my Tricor (not a statin) and am now taking vitamin supplements and CoQ10

(300mgs).

IF my chronic fatigue is statin induced, can anyone tell me what the possibility

of reversing this scourge? I feel strongly at this point that if by stopping my

statin AND if I start to get a better quality of life back, it's a good thing.

But, if there is no change, then I will have to reconsider my actions. I have

been tested for everything possible--Lyme disease, thyroid, anemia, etc.

Still have not discussed with my PCP. I see my pulmonoligist in 2 weeks to

discuss my sleep apnea. I had lapband surgery 2 years ago and have dropped from

250 pounds to 185 (I am 5'5 " ) and despite the weight loss, I need more sleep

than ever and still have no more energy. She isn't sure why...

At any rate, what a relief to discover this site and the info you provide. I am

reading as fast as my little eyes can go! Please, if someone who also has any

thoughts to share, I am wide open to hear them! best, Jay in Maine.