This week I bit the bullet, so to speak and started taking blood pressure medication. This is after years of a vegan diet, daily meditation and an exercise regime. Both my parents had high blood pressure. Apparently one third of hypertension is hereditary. Getting older is definitely not for sissies.
I’ve always had enviable numbers. Through the birth of three children my midwives were in awe of my low pressure. Health fairs and work related screenings evoked comments like, “wow, I wish my pressure were as good as yours.”
During the last year or so of routine doctor’s visits, I’ve seen raised eyebrows and looks of concern. Don’t you just hate it? I’ve hunkered down on my eating but had to finally admit that this is as good as it gets. My battery operated home monitor won’t budge. I’ve even changed the batteries and had Lisa take her BP for comparison. No dice, the numbers aren’t good.
My doctor finally said something this week that clicked. He told me to take the medication and monitor how I FEEL. Hopefully my energy will improve. This is a trial for a month, at least I tell myself. Evidence says otherwise. We live too far from a hospital and a stroke is nothing I’d wish on anyone, least of all me.
It’s going to take awhile for my heart to adjust to the medication. I woke the first morning feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. It may take even longer to change my self image.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
It’s not a sign of weakness. L’chaim! TO your health!
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So true. Tell my head that 😆
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Self-acceptance is healthy; it’s denial that’s deadly.
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in 2014 I had a severe subbachorid brain hemmorage at age 62. Stopped my BP meds as I felt so good. My head exploded. 210/110..It took me 1 year to get better. Extreme dizzy and no strength. Now taking 1 little pill a day will save my life. Now 110/65…..good luck and listen to the Doc…
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You do put things into perspective. Not sure why I have been so stubborn about this. Thanks April. Hope you continue with good health.
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Yeah, I get it. I was totally distraught when I was diagnosed with diabetes. Even more distraught when they saw some plaque in my carotid arteries. Surrendered to cholesterol meds, without any grace I might add. You’re not alone!!
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You get it! Kicking and screaming into old age 😱
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You’ve inspired me to get a blood pressure monitor–my doc says it couldn’t hurt with all the virtual visits. She did say not to get a cuff but rather one that ones around the arm. My wrists are so tiny that the cuffs don’t work well on me.
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I’ve been taking blood pressure tablets pills since my mid-fifties. I didn’t want to start either but then realised my old mum had been taking them for years and she’s now 91!
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There are differences of opinion as to what constitutes high BP. I guess for now I’ll follow doctor’s orders. My skepticism is not diminished.
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I feel for you. A year ago my husband, Jeff, had BP readings that said stroke any minute! He went through a month of drugs (Seguro Popular insurance does not mess around!) but he is so sensitive to them he was miserable. It took that month to sort out what was working and what was excessive. We too keep records and always do 3 readings on our cuff. He is now, for almost 9 months, on one pill a day and no side effects except he says he feels “bloated” shortly after taking the pill in the morning. One thing I found out about doctors prescribing lots of meds–do your research! I found that at the start of the clinic trying to get Jeff’s pressure under control that some of the meds were doubling up the effects of what they were designed to do, and in one case 2 of the meds together were down right dangerous. I google medical sites before letting any drugs be taken by either of us. Not saying Mexico is bad about this, just saying it’s important to watch what you take. ________________________________
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Thanks for the reminder to be vigilant. What medication is he on? I have one pill and so far so good. We’re paying out of pocket.
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Sorry about the BP. We try to live right, exercise, and eat right, but you are right, the genes usually win. My advice is to first try the BP meds that have been around a long time – tried and true sometimes beat out the newest meds. With the political climate as it is right now, it’s a wonder we aren’t all in the hospital right now. I take a beta blocker now (and have for many years) to compensate for a slight arrhythmia. I used to feel tired a lot until I got used to it but that took about a year! Hang in there and don’t be too proud as you age, things change and we have to accept it gracefully and live for those we love….
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Oh Kim, thanks for taking the time. You’re right, pride is not a good look on me.
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I am on the edge of the same thing. My blood pressure has been all over the place including 180 over something. That’s the day I got scared. Most of the time I’m in the 130s with an occasional dip into the 120s and a few forays up into the 140s. But I would imagine within the next six months I will be joining you as a woman who takes blood pressure medication.
It’s frustrating because my whole life I’ve been around 100/60. About a year ago I began creeping up until I reached a more “normal” reading of 121/65. It held there for about six months and then began wandering. Oh well. I’ve made it to age 74 without the drugs!
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In2017 they lowered the suggested numbers which put a lot of people in the hypertension arena that had been fine more or less. My skeptical self says it’s to line the pockets of big pharma. 😞🤭😳🤔
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