I have hereditery high cholesterol and bad liver enzyme counts. I have tried Lipitor, Welchol, and all kind of other variations.
None worked for me. I never had any of the side effects that you have described. Some, I won't mention here.
I currently take 2000mg of Slo Cin (Niacin) every day. I also take 3600mg of Fish oil and 1400mg of Flax seed oil. Its over the counter and it is working for me! I am now in the "normal" range for cholesterol.
As a side note, I'm not sure if I could tell you accurately if I have more joint issues then normal since my job is very physical as it is.