Does anyone have/had high blood pressure?

[~*Belle 2003*~]

I have high blood pressure at the moment.

I'm still in the test stage before my doctor starts any treatment. My next test is in 2 weeks time to see if I am diabetic.

I was wondering what the course of treatment/medication would be if my BP still stays high. Is it just a course of tablets and regular BP checks?

 

[mtemm]

I've only had it while pregnant, thankfully, and for that I was on bedrest and after delivery it came down again. they tried to start 2 different meds with me both just prior to having my twins and just after (took 5 or 6 weeks to come down) but I had bad reactions to them. Finally tried a low dose diuretic for 30 days which worked, and by then mine was down on its own.

My mom does have high bp and takes meds for it. I know she switched a few times before they found the one that worked best for her.

 

[BrinxFam]

Yep, I've got it!

I had pre-eclempsia while I was pregnant with youngest DD. It took 2 1/2 months to get it under control with meds and then I got to stop taking it all together. Two years ago, 4 years later, I was having a few problems and recognized that it could be the bp again and sure enough it was. I have been taking meds ever since. Started out with just a diuretic and daily bp check then added Toprol XL. After a few weeks I was able to cut the dosage of my Toprol in half and have been doing fine ever since. I don't have any problems as long as I take my meds and kinda watch what I eat, I'm not too good at that though.

When we came back from our WDW trip in May and I went to the Dr. just two days later, my bp was low! Told DH that going to WDW has great health benefits and maybe we should go more often. He didn't buy it but I tried!

Good luck!

 

[Micca]

I've been on the meds for about 15 years now. It's a serious condition, but the treatment of it is no big deal at all. When I was first diagnosed, I had to do a couple of tests to be sure I didn't have kidney issues(I didn't). I have had to change scrips a few times over the years, but other than a b/p check, that's about it. Not the best news you'll ever get, but effective treatment is available. It would help if you have insurance to cover at least part of the cost of the meds.

 

[doxdogy]

No high blood pressure here. But if the doctor gives you medication, please make sure you take it. DH's ex-wife (DD's mother) stopped taking her high blood pressure medication. She said it made her feel funny. That and the combination of over the counter sinus medication and alcohol she had a stroke.

 

[inaminute]

I have high blood pressure, too. As did my mother and her mother. Mine is currently controlled by medication, which I take once a day.

When I was first diagnosed I was going every three months to have it checked after the testing phase (I think I had to go back after a month or six weeks). Luckily, the first one worked well for me. Now, I go every six months for a blood pressure check.

It was hard at first to remember to take the pills--especially since I was taking no other medication. I ended up getting one of those pill cases for a weeks worth of pills. Now, it's easy to remember.

My doctor told me treatment was going to be boring. He was right.

 

[tar heel]

Besides the medication, the classic treatments are regular aerobic exercise and, if you need to, losing weight.

 

[JayBee]

I take "Benicar" -one pill a day-and it keeps my blood pressure at a great level. I also walk daily, lift weights and watch my diet. Being overweight can trigger high blood pressure.

 

[~*Belle 2003*~]

Yes, I am watching my diet now. I have been told to reduce my carb/fat intake now.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Kimberle]

Yes, I have had it since my pregnancy. I had HELLP. I take a mild pill once a day. It's really no big deal. I moniter it at home & have a quick check up 2x a year.

 

[mtblujeans]

My husband has it. He is overweight and does not exercise regularly. He needs to lose weight and exercise and I think he could do without the meds. But, they tried a few before finding the right medication. So, exercise, eat more salads , and don't get frustrated if they have to try a few meds before finding the right one for you. It really is important to take the meds as directed. My husband had a mild heart attack at USO last Fall on our trip and that is what forced him to actually do something about his blood pressure. Don't let it get that far.....it's not worth it! Blessings to you....