I had a medicated stent implanted in December 2003. I have been taking 10 mg of Zetia, 40 mg of Provachol, and  145mg of Tricor. I suffered with severe muscle pain in my joints and my physician removed the Provachol 8 weeks ago. The muscle pains have disappeared. My doctor has decided not to place me back on any statins. My recent total cholesterol is 196, LDL  127 , HDL 40, triglycerides 149.

Prior to being on Provahcol, I was on 40mg of Vytorin (Zocor and Zetia). I had the same side effect ... muscle pain in my joints.

My question is: Should I continue to take a statin?