So now I have high blood pressure

[propita]

I've always been bad with stress, even when I didn't think I was stressed. Before, it was tight muscles giving tendonitis really easily. Then it became heartburn instead. Then migraines. Now, only a bit of each of those, not really more than one at a time.

But now, my doctor is looking at my chart and noticing I've been around 130/85 - 140/90 for over a year. I had been seeing the nurse practitioner there, so he hadn't had to look at my chart in that time.

A month ago, he wanted me to monitor my BP and come back to look at that and at the test results for hypothyroid (I think the dosage is too low and slowing down my metabolism). The appointment is Monday morning. Hubby (he's a pharmacist) says he'll go with and they can figure out what're the best meds.

So what's my blood pressure been this week (towards the end of my last year in law school and anticipating taking the CA Bar)?

140/85 is good for me. I've gone as high as 160/103 but no lower than 135/83. I used to be 110/70 - 123/81.

It is truly disconcerting to be able to feel your heart pumping--and feel that it's working pretty hard to do that. I was honestly afraid that I would stroke out or have a heart attack in my sleep. Which didn't help on trying to stay calm. And the fairly light but fairly often chest pain isn't so good either.

Between study, not exercising (partially due to a recurring infection for a year), and being so dang tired, I've put back on all the weight I had lost. The only things in my favor are my cholesterol (total around 157) and fasting blood sugar (86).

Damn! Another med?! That'll be 4 to be taken every day.

 

[Amaris]

I've always been bad with stress, even when I didn't think I was stressed. Before, it was tight muscles giving tendonitis really easily. Then it became heartburn instead. Then migraines. Now, only a bit of each of those, not really more than one at a time.

But now, my doctor is looking at my chart and noticing I've been around 130/85 - 140/90 for over a year. I had been seeing the nurse practitioner there, so he hadn't had to look at my chart in that time.

A month ago, he wanted me to monitor my BP and come back to look at that and at the test results for hypothyroid (I think the dosage is too low and slowing down my metabolism). The appointment is Monday morning. Hubby (he's a pharmacist) says he'll go with and they can figure out what're the best meds.

So what's my blood pressure been this week (towards the end of my last year in law school and anticipating taking the CA Bar)?

140/85 is good for me. I've gone as high as 160/103 but no lower than 135/83. I used to be 110/70 - 123/81.

It is truly disconcerting to be able to feel your heart pumping--and feel that it's working pretty hard to do that. I was honestly afraid that I would stroke out or have a heart attack in my sleep. Which didn't help on trying to stay calm. And the fairly light but fairly often chest pain isn't so good either.

Between study, not exercising (partially due to a recurring infection for a year), and being so dang tired, I've put back on all the weight I had lost. The only things in my favor are my cholesterol (total around 157) and fasting blood sugar (86).

Damn! Another med?! That'll be 4 to be taken every day.

I'm 28 and taking meds for blood pressure and diabetes. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure at 22 (about the same numbers as you have there). It is a bit scary, and what makes me the most annoyed is that there are literally thousands of possible reasons for it. Oh, and getting insurance when you have high blood pressure is next to impossible without paying obscene premiums.

So I empathize, and wish you the best.

J.

 

[RJDiogenes]

Sorry to hear that, propita. My blood pressure was on its way up for several years, too, and I was getting more frequent headaches. Changing jobs has made me feel much better. I haven't found a new doctor yet, so I'm not sure if my blood pressure is actually down yet, but I definitely feel better.

Have you tried relaxation techniques such as massage or meditation?

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I'm 26 and I've been on blood pressure meds since I was about 13 or 14, they couldn't find a reason after having me in the hospital for 2 weeks.
In the end they just put it down to probably being an extension of my existing condition, I think.

135/85 isn't all that high is it? I thought that was only just out of normal range. Mine, even on meds, is usually around there, or higher.
Sorry to hear you're having problems though. Hopefully they'll get it sorted. I'd try to remember to get it re-evaluated on a regular basis though, my dad was getting light headed, feeling faint and generally feeling terrible, and the doctor kept checking his blood pressure and upping his medication. In the end he was sent to a specialist who found there was nothing wrong with him and it was the meds making him feel that way. Turned out the doctor had a faulty syphgomanometer.

 

[propita]

Massage. Well, I was doing that last summer, this little Chinese massage place with a great price. They totally freaked the first time I was there--"worst we ever see." One masseuse was literally out of breath trying to get the muscles to move. After a while, I went for a full hour--and came out with bruises. Very tight muscles. They've always been that way. Having a little wine can actually hurt. I'm not sure if the muscles are tightening or relaxing--and that relaxed is so bizarre for them, they can't deal with it.

Meditation. Only on my own, no training. I do okay, but since my muscles don't relax, I can only calm thoughts/emotions--better than nothing and that'll stll help. I'll ask the doctor about that one.

Fortunately, Hubby gets decent benefits. Pharmacists are in demand. Even if he signed up with a per diem place, they'd have benefits for spouses.

Thanks all for your good thoughts and info.

 

[Amaris]

I'm 26 and I've been on blood pressure meds since I was about 13 or 14, they couldn't find a reason after having me in the hospital for 2 weeks.
In the end they just put it down to probably being an extension of my existing condition, I think.

135/85 isn't all that high is it? I thought that was only just out of normal range. Mine, even on meds, is usually around there, or higher.
Sorry to hear you're having problems though. Hopefully they'll get it sorted. I'd try to remember to get it re-evaluated on a regular basis though, my dad was getting light headed, feeling faint and generally feeling terrible, and the doctor kept checking his blood pressure and upping his medication. In the end he was sent to a specialist who found there was nothing wrong with him and it was the meds making him feel that way. Turned out the doctor had a faulty syphgomanometer.

135/85 is the new 155/95.
Also, good blood pressure is now 110/70, not 120/80.

They've been moving the goal posts again.

J.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

I SWEAR TO GOD PLEASE READ WHAT I HAVE TO SAY!

I suffered from high blood pressure not too long ago and I had it for several months, do you wanna know how I was cured of it instantly? I had to go to the hospital for a genetics test and they took a big sample of blood from my arm, immediately after they took my blood my months of suffering from high blood pressure was OVER. I never felt so fricking great. About a week later I had to go to the doctors for a blood test (different reason) and they took another sample of blood from my arm.

Ever since then my suffering has been over with!!

My suggestion to you is to go to the doctors and make something up so they take a blood sample from you or get a needle and suck some out your arm yourself (so long as you know what you're doing).

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I'm 26 and I've been on blood pressure meds since I was about 13 or 14, they couldn't find a reason after having me in the hospital for 2 weeks.
In the end they just put it down to probably being an extension of my existing condition, I think.

135/85 isn't all that high is it? I thought that was only just out of normal range. Mine, even on meds, is usually around there, or higher.
Sorry to hear you're having problems though. Hopefully they'll get it sorted. I'd try to remember to get it re-evaluated on a regular basis though, my dad was getting light headed, feeling faint and generally feeling terrible, and the doctor kept checking his blood pressure and upping his medication. In the end he was sent to a specialist who found there was nothing wrong with him and it was the meds making him feel that way. Turned out the doctor had a faulty syphgomanometer.

135/85 is the new 155/95.
Also, good blood pressure is now 110/70, not 120/80.

They've been moving the goal posts again.

J.

Is this so we can now have a high blood pressure epidemic? I just checked mine now, and it was 127/85 pulse 109.

Tacky, if that worked my blood pressure would be perfect, I have monthly blood tests, and every 3-4 months I have 500ml of blood taken... yet my blood pressure remains high, even on medication.

 

[Misfit Toy]

^So bloodletting is the answer? Damn, I'd better invest in some leeches...

 

[Bob The Skutter]

^So bloodletting is the answer? Damn, I'd better invest in some leeches...

Blood letting is the answer for me, but because of hyperviscosity, not hypertension.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

Tacky, if that worked my blood pressure would be perfect, I have monthly blood tests, and every 3-4 months I have 500ml of blood taken... yet my blood pressure remains high, even on medication.

wow, that sounds strange . I swear, I suffered for months and taking blood cured me. Maybe you have clogged arteries aswell? I regularly eat Benecol or Flora Pro Active (the olive variety) to lower my cholesterol.

Another suggestion I have is to try extra strength Oil of Oregano but buy some cheap capsules, empty the contents and fill them with ESOoO and take one. Best to use capsules because it tastes and smells very very strong.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

^So bloodletting is the answer? Damn, I'd better invest in some leeches...

Blood letting is the answer for me, but because of hyperviscosity, not hypertension.

You are absolutely correct. In your case, venesection will reduce the risk of venous thrombosis and embolism, and stroke, by physically removing the excess red blood cells from the body (the count of which is unnaturally high as a result of your condition).

Venesection in the manner of Bob's treatment should not permanently reduce blood pressure. I'd say, Tachy you might consider a 24 hour BP monitor test if your BP is still a concern (and it will still have its high and low periods, so get it checked regularly), in case you have what we call "white-coat hypertension" (unusual high blood pressure in the presence of doctors).

 

[Bob The Skutter]

Tacky, if that worked my blood pressure would be perfect, I have monthly blood tests, and every 3-4 months I have 500ml of blood taken... yet my blood pressure remains high, even on medication.

wow, that sounds strange . I swear, I suffered for months and taking blood cured me. Maybe you have clogged arteries aswell? I regularly eat Benecol (the olive variety) to lower my cholesterol.

My cholesterol is fine. I only had it checked a few months back.
A lot of people suffer what they call "white coat syndrome" where just being around doctors increases your blood pressure, so it could be that your felt ill, went to have your blood pressure checked and it was up because you were at the doctors. And because you've been going a lot you've got used to it and your blood pressure remained normal the last few times you had it checked, with nothing to do with the blood test.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

^So bloodletting is the answer? Damn, I'd better invest in some leeches...

Blood letting is the answer for me, but because of hyperviscosity, not hypertension.

You are absolutely correct. In your case case, venesection will reduce the risk of venous thrombosis and embolism, and stroke, by physically removing the excess red blood cells from the body (the count of which is unnaturally high as a result of your condition).

I was shocked, shocked I tell you, when I had my first blood test after my recent appendectomy and my blood count was only slightly above range, with a RBC of 5.3 and a HB of 19.1. I'm almost certain it is now back to "normal" and I need a venesection again.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

Tacky, if that worked my blood pressure would be perfect, I have monthly blood tests, and every 3-4 months I have 500ml of blood taken... yet my blood pressure remains high, even on medication.

wow, that sounds strange . I swear, I suffered for months and taking blood cured me. Maybe you have clogged arteries aswell? I regularly eat Benecol (the olive variety) to lower my cholesterol.

My cholesterol is fine. I only had it checked a few months back.
A lot of people suffer what they call "white coat syndrome" where just being around doctors increases your blood pressure, so it could be that your felt ill, went to have your blood pressure checked and it was up because you were at the doctors. And because you've been going a lot you've got used to it and your blood pressure remained normal the last few times you had it checked, with nothing to do with the blood test.

No no no, believe me my suffering had nothing to do with going to the docs. I had very physical symptoms including pains behind my eyes, I could literally feel my blood pumping, the vein in my temple would regularly pump and just walking up stairs caused my heart to go into overdrive. Many people believe there aren't symptoms but believe me for some people there are. Immediately after having my blood taken all those symptoms (which I suffered with for months) have completely gone.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

Blood letting is the answer for me, but because of hyperviscosity, not hypertension.

You are absolutely correct. In your case case, venesection will reduce the risk of venous thrombosis and embolism, and stroke, by physically removing the excess red blood cells from the body (the count of which is unnaturally high as a result of your condition).

I was shocked, shocked I tell you, when I had my first blood test after my recent appendectomy and my blood count was only slightly above range, with a RBC of 5.3 and a HB of 19.1. I'm almost certain it is now back to "normal" and I need a venesection again.

I'd hate to have seen what your haematocrit was like...

 

[Bob The Skutter]

You are absolutely correct. In your case case, venesection will reduce the risk of venous thrombosis and embolism, and stroke, by physically removing the excess red blood cells from the body (the count of which is unnaturally high as a result of your condition).

I was shocked, shocked I tell you, when I had my first blood test after my recent appendectomy and my blood count was only slightly above range, with a RBC of 5.3 and a HB of 19.1. I'm almost certain it is now back to "normal" and I need a venesection again.

I'd hate to have seen what your haematocrit was like...

Just looked at some of my typical results
HB 24.1
Platelet 102
RBC 7.92
Haematocrit 0.676

 

[Zulu Romeo]

I was shocked, shocked I tell you, when I had my first blood test after my recent appendectomy and my blood count was only slightly above range, with a RBC of 5.3 and a HB of 19.1. I'm almost certain it is now back to "normal" and I need a venesection again.

I'd hate to have seen what your haematocrit was like...

Just looked at some of my typical results
HB 24.1
Platelet 102
RBC 7.92
Haematocrit 0.676

[faints]

Good thing you've got specialists who know what they're doing.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I'd hate to have seen what your haematocrit was like...

Just looked at some of my typical results
HB 24.1
Platelet 102
RBC 7.92
Haematocrit 0.676

[faints]

Good thing you've got specialists who know what they're doing.

Scandalous lies... Who told ya they know what they're doing?
Nah, they're a pretty good lot. I have my occasional problems with them, but that's usually down to administrative fucking about, not with actual treatment.

 

[Amaris]

I'm 26 and I've been on blood pressure meds since I was about 13 or 14, they couldn't find a reason after having me in the hospital for 2 weeks.
In the end they just put it down to probably being an extension of my existing condition, I think.

135/85 isn't all that high is it? I thought that was only just out of normal range. Mine, even on meds, is usually around there, or higher.
Sorry to hear you're having problems though. Hopefully they'll get it sorted. I'd try to remember to get it re-evaluated on a regular basis though, my dad was getting light headed, feeling faint and generally feeling terrible, and the doctor kept checking his blood pressure and upping his medication. In the end he was sent to a specialist who found there was nothing wrong with him and it was the meds making him feel that way. Turned out the doctor had a faulty syphgomanometer.

135/85 is the new 155/95.
Also, good blood pressure is now 110/70, not 120/80.

They've been moving the goal posts again.

J.

Is this so we can now have a high blood pressure epidemic? I just checked mine now, and it was 127/85 pulse 109.

Tacky, if that worked my blood pressure would be perfect, I have monthly blood tests, and every 3-4 months I have 500ml of blood taken... yet my blood pressure remains high, even on medication.

Sometimes I wonder, but I don't know.
When I had my BP checked a few weeks ago it was 121/84. I was ecstatic! The nurse said "Well, that's okay I guess."

J.