Dave59, I hope the mojo returns.

Tom White, I hope you land Fat Freddy.

mmmm Swordfish.

Wildchild, I cannot imagine digging a frozen septic cove. I hope there's been some thawing.

Holy Huffing and Puffing !!! The wind gusts were blowing boards off of stacks and making beams teeter dangerously on forklifts. The power was out when I got home. Thankfully it wasn't out as long as the utility company projected.

Okay, a few things:

1) Sorry to not include Marj with the Holly celebration. I did not know it was her b'day too. HB Marj.

2) Experiments with stopping all the meds concludes with the realization that they were not the issue. I have a vascular problem called "claudication", basically arherosclerosis, or calcification of the arteries in the legs such that I am not getting sufficient O blood. Making an appointment today with a vascular specialist.

3) Not having a physical for 4 years is inexcusable Mike. But now you have had it, there is no reason NOT to take a low dose of a statin.  You are not in any trouble and have time to experiment. Many runners will tell you that Lipitor is not the choice, and that Crestor is preferred, but do your own experimentation.  I've read everything there is to read about red yeast rice and have two conclusions:  1)  It's a statin too, so if you have difficulty with statins you are likely to have the same difficulties with red yeast rice, although some say it works for them.  2)  You don't always know how reliable is the manufacturer, unlike the big pharm statins that are controlled and regulated.  Still, a second opinion couldn't hurt. Many drs. believe that people over 50 are better protected with a low dose of a statin.  Accept that your age is your age and do what is right for your family.

Spareribs