DEAR DR. GOTT: I have two questions. First, my cardiologist does not believe people have side effects from medication. When I try to explain the side effects that I am having, he responds, “So you say! We won’t discuss that,” and goes on as if he hadn’t heard a word that I said. His theory is if I didn’t read information given me by the pharmacist, hear it on television or from what other people tell me, I would not have these effects. In other words, it is all my imagination. How do I deal with his theory that there are no side affects of medication unless you think there are?Second, are the side effects from statin drugs permanent, or will the aches, pain, tingling, backache and muscle tenderness go away if I stop these drugs? I stopped Zocor on my own a month ago, and I still have pain, tingling and coldness of my extremities. I am 71, not overweight and very active. My cholesterol is 153, HDL 67, LDL 57, triglycerides 158.

I had a coronary artery stent put in April 30, 2004. My doctor insists I stay on these meds and disregard the side effects.DEAR READER: A doctor who disregards patients’ concerns about the side effects and dangers of medications is treading on thin ice. Sooner or later he will get into trouble. You can deal with your cardiologist in one of two ways: Have a sit-down session to resolve the issue or simply find another doctor who is more understanding and cooperative.With regard to statin drugs, the side effects usually disappear within a month after the patient stops the medication. However, I have heard from readers who continue to have muscle cramps and tenderness a year or two later, so the pattern of recovery is often difficult to predict, and the consequences can be serious. Your cholesterol level is low. I suggest that you work with your primary-care physician to develop a reasonable approach to both your cholesterol level and your reaction to statins.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicine.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title>DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 66 years old and in pretty good condition. A month ago, I had surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. My recovery has gone well except for one thing. I cannot ejaculate while having sex and have only a slight orgasm. I had a catheter in place for three days, and the anaesthesia was a lower spinal injection, which was also left in place for a couple of days.

I feel pretty good and am eating well, exercising and walking every day. My blood pressure was a little high at discharge, and I am taking the last of two meds for that. I never used any prescription pain medicinB>DEAR READ<$> Temporary ejaculation problems are common after major surgery (such as repair of a swollen aorta), spinal anesthesia and the use of blood-pressure medications. Bring your concerns to your surgeon’s attention. I predict that he or she will choose a wait-and-see approach while you heal; also, your medications may need some fine-tuning. Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the new book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet,” available at most chain and independent bookstores.