Almost five years ago, I had quadruple bypass heart surgery. Surgery went great and the doctor fixed all my clogs. Life began to improve almost immediately, for a time. However, as years passed I started to lose my new found feel good to the point that in about three years I was miserable. Not like before with the clogged arteries but something entirely different. Something I just couldn't put my finger on.

I was tired all the time, weak, no energy, my muscles and joints ached like a tooth ache. And to be totally honest, my mind didn't even seem to be quiet right. It finally got to the point that I just about couldn't get up and go. It was bad.

I did notice that ever once in a while, I would have a day where I felt just a little better but it never lasted. Then I got to noticing that on those few days I did feel a little better it was always the day after I forgot to take my cholesterol medicine. Coincidence?

I had been on a daily dose of 80ml of Lipitor ever since I had my surgery. I started doing a little research on Lipitor and I was astounded by what I found. On medical forum after forum I read story after story of people describing the exact symptoms I was suffering, who were also taking Lipitor and for that matter any statin drug. Nearly all cholesterol drugs are statins and essentially the same thing.

I knew I had a doctor's appointment coming in a few weeks, so I decided to stop taking the Lipitor till my next appointment. The change was almost immediate and miraculous. Within days I felt like a new person. In weeks, I was a new person. I was back with the living.

When I went back to the doctor, at first I didn't mention to him that I had stopped the Lipitor, wanted to see if he could tell from my blood test. When he came in the room, the first thing he asked me was, have you quit taking your cholesterol medicine? He said your cholesterol is up a little since your last visit.

I had to come clean with him and gave him the whole story. He said if I was feeling that bad, he didn't blame me for stopping the drug. He suggested we try Crestor and at a much smaller dose and see how that works out. I agreed.

In just a few weeks on the Crestor I could feel the same symptoms creeping back in on me, tired, sore, lethargic. I dropped the Crestor and all the ailments went away. I've now been cholesterol medicine free for going on two years.

I didn't know if my case was unique or not but I've shared this story with others. Recently, a family member has had a similar experience with the bad then the good leading me to think others might be suffering like I was and might could benefit from my experience.

I must be very clear, I'm not a doctor and I don't play one on TV. I'm not suggesting to anyone that they should stop taking their medicine. I'm just sharing my personal experience. Maybe it might work for others maybe not. Do your own research on these cholesterol medicines. There's a lot of info out there that I sure never heard from any of the doctors.

My cholesterol might be higher than it should be but what's the use of  having good cholesterol if you're so miserable you can't function? I think I'll opt for feel good, die sooner than live longer and be miserable.