Statin Induced Neuropthy

[willingtocope]

There is a web site, hosted by an ex-astronaut, Dr. Duane Graveline, who discusses the similiarities between adverse reaction to statins and symptoms of things like MS.

http://www.spacedoc.com/neuropathy_statins.htm

When I first exhibted spasticity four years ago, I wondered if the relatively high doses of Pravacol I was taking could be related. When my current PCP switched me to Crestor, and I immediately collasped for 3 days, I decided to switch to Naicin (1000mg, twice a day). Since then, I have had no "classic" MS-like relaspes...only an occasional psuedo-exaccerbation.

I now begin to wonder if my cholesteral numbers are out of wack (hdl-120, ldl-65) and, as Dr. Graveline implies, cholesteral is actually a requirement for keeping the myelin sheath healthy.

Comments?

[Bonnette]

That question is being asked by many people within the MS community. It makes intuitive sense that certain types of dietary fat would support healthy myelin (a fatty tissue), but - as usual - research is suggestive but inconclusive at this point. I pretty much despair of getting direct, uncomplicated answers to questions about why myelin breaks down, and how to halt the process - especially since the cause(s) of MS are so poorly understood. I agree with what you have stated in other posts, i.e. that MS is probably not a single, straightforward disease entity. Do you take supplemental Co-Q10 along with your niacin? It might (might! ) help.

[willingtocope]

I took coq10 for about 6 months...didn't seem to have any effect. When I listed it on my list of meds for my new internist, he kind of snorted. I've got an appointment with him on thurs, so we'll talk about it again.