Muscle cramping worsens over time

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a healthy 73-year-old female. I take 40 milligrams of Lipitor daily for elevated blood cholesterol, and that is my only medication.

For years, perhaps 30, even before starting Lipitor, I have had episodes of muscle cramping in various parts of my body – rib cage, feet, calves, thighs, hands, forearms and neck.

In the past, they were only annoying and lasted from about five to 15 minutes. Lately, however, they are more frequent and much more painful, lasting sometimes one to two hours.

The cramps in my thighs occur in the interior area starting at the pelvic bone (pubic area) and extending down to about the knee. They are so severe that I can’t stand up straight until the cramp releases.

The episodes are often brought on by ordinary activities, such as writing (hands), flexing of toes (feet) and sneezing (rib cage). Do you have any advice?

Dear Reader: Because Lipitor and other statin drugs can cause muscle damage and pain as a rare side effect of the medication, I suggest you discontinue using Lipitor for two weeks.

If the pain is lessened, you may have to change from Lipitor to another medication. If the pain persists, check with your doctor for further testing.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Understanding Cholesterol.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have been with my guy for six years now. I am 39, and he is 49. He is consistently tired and worn out.

He works 3 to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and sometimes Saturday, too. He sleeps nine to 11 hours a day.

He takes between 600 and 800 milligrams of Advil at 11 a.m. and sometimes midnight, too (for pain). He takes a shot of Nyquil every night before bedtime to help him sleep.

He gets no exercise to speak of and has erectile-dysfunction problems.

Because of these issues, I have gently suggested we start exercising together and that he get a complete physical. I am concerned with his health.

He fears being told he isn’t healthy or that he’s going to die.

Any suggestions?

Dear Reader: Your “guy” is probably worn out from a tight work schedule. However, a medical evaluation is certainly appropriate.

I urge him to make an appointment with his family physician. After being tested (and found to be healthy!), your companion can work with you to plan some free time for exercise and pleasurable activities.

This approach may also make his erectile dysfunction less of a problem.