Looking for doctor that treating statin damage Sac. Valley

[hawnron]

My sister-in-law is suffering from muscle damage in her legs after taking Zocor for a period of time. Although, she stopped 2 years ago, she now is going thru the normal mucsle biopisy, MRI's, and EMG, all seem to be wasting time and no one looks at the problem as STATIN damage. Anyone with advice as to a Doctor in the Sacramento/Fresno area would be appreciated. Ron

[David Staup]

Ron,

her best bet is to find a doctor familiar with mitochondrial disorders.

most long term statin adverse effects are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. mitochondrial disorders have only been recognised and researched since the mid 80's and almost all has been on inherited mito disorders and so is about children so find a pediatrician who is familiar and sees adults.

most tests looking for myopathy (like the biopsy) will not see mitochondrial myopathy. a very special sort of biopsy is required. the emg should be evaluated by a mito specialist and even then the types of neuropathy usually associated with statins are not really studied in the normal emg...
I don't know of anyone who has actually reported of a doctor who would listen to the statin causation so minimize mentioning statins while pushing the mito dysfunction angle...

and lastly know that there is probably no cure! getting a diagnosis is only useful for guiding treatment (suppliments diet, and activity level), stopping useless testing, getting disability, etc.

have her contact here and she'll probably get more help than from almost any doctor.