Yesterday afternoon I went for a follow-up appointment for my high blood pressure. The doctor prescribed another medication besides Procardia. He wants me off Procardia. I am glad because Procardia costs about $40 bucks a month, even with our insurance.
He gave me Prinzide. It's an ACE inhibitor combined with a diuretic. The generic form of Prinzide (Lisinopril, Hydrochlorothiazide) is only $5 a month.
I have to get some blood work done tomorrow morning. I will be fasting tonight. No coffee for me in the morning...I do not know how I'll go without it, but you can be sure I will have some when I get home.
The doctor and I were discussing my medical history. It's a long one. I won't bore you with all the details. I will mention about ten years ago I was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism, which I had gotten under control taking prescribed medications and herbal remedies. I was able to eliminate the prescription after a time. Maybe hypothyroidism never goes away?
Well, as I am, I quit taking the supplements that were keeping me in check. I really need to stop doing that. After I post this, I'm pulling out my supplement bible to figure out what it was I was taking...
He is thinking my thyroid is acting up again and causing my blood pressure to flare. This would be best I think. Of course we will not know anything until I get my blood work done.
I did a little hypothyroid search before writing this post and I don't think my thyroid is the case. I do not have any of the noted symptoms. Okay, maybe I'm a little irritable sometimes...
The doctor will also be checking my Cholesterol, kidney and liver functions, screening for diabetes, plus a few other things that escape my memory. (Darn Vampires!) Wait, memory loss is a symptom of hypothyroidism too!
He told me he wants me to drop a few pounds. I think I look pretty good, but whatever. Hmmm, unexplained weight gain is a symptom too!
Shesh, can a thyroid malfunction cause a person's blood pressure to go that high? I guess we will soon find out.
He gave me the standard spiel of cutting salt, caffeine, and monitoring my diet for good and bad stuff. I don't know if I can handle cutting out my coffee. I quit drinking sodas years ago and coffee is all I enjoy.
I have to monitor my blood pressure at home for the next few weeks. I've been doing that anyway, but now I have to keep a record for him.
As soon as my ankle is healed, I will be returning to my walking regimen and I am going to increase my exercise routine. By the way, he said my ankle looks really good.
I'm not going to let this high blood pressure stand in my way.
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April 24, 2009
My High Blood Pressure Follow-up Appointment
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6 comments:
Muse:
You have my most sincere sympathy. No coffee is sad. I had to stop drinking the stuff about twenty-five years ago, and I still ache for a cup. I always loved my coffee, and I never thought I'd be able to quit. I started drinking decaf but that had to go too. No, no, I didn't want to quit. Then I tried herb tea. Boring. So I finally switched to plain old cold water. Did I say boring? But that's the reality of life. You just have to look at it like it's a new chapter in your life. You won't like it, but I know you can do this.
Good luck with your med-tests, and remember...
Happy trails.
Thanks Swu!
A new chapter in my life indeed. I feel as if I've already given up all the good stuff already...I'm going to wait until the next appointment before I axe the coffee though.
If I do have to put it aside I won't do decaff. I can't stand the stuff.
Have a great weekend!
Mark Twain always said of his smoking, drinking and drinking coffee (I'm paraphrasing), "I keep my vices so that as the boat of my body ages and springs leaks I'll have something to toss overboard!"
He never did though.
Hi Conda!
That's a good one!
Take care!
Hi! I love my coffee too and my coke! So much so, that I've had to go over to decaf Nescafe and decaf zero sugar coke to be on the safe side. Just as well, as I hate getting that BUZZ when I've had too much!
Take Care,
Peter
Hey Peter!
I can live without soda. The coffee will really, really make me antsy.
Have a good one!
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