Cookie has, knock wood, been blessed with good health. Things have been - diverticulitis aside - quickly treatable. Gall bladder - ZAP! Cataracts - ZAP!
However, yesterday I went to the doctor for a horrible allergy reaction that I have been having - everything in Maryland is coated with a yellow film of pollen causing me to wheeze sneeze and cough - and he noticed that my blood pressure was high.
My Columbus doctor and I used to joke that my blood pressure was so low - 90 over 70 - that I was ten points from Coma.
But the readings - and he did three of them - were very high: 150 over 90.
I normally take anything the doctors say in stride, but this got to me.
Rather than throw me on meds, he instead told me to go buy a home monitor and take the reading daily for six weeks.
"And go for a long walk and cut the salt out of your diet and relax."
So yesterday I napped and retook the BP using the monitor and it came back at 140 over 90. STILL too high.
So we'll see the doctor in mid June and we'll see. I'm not ready to be a "hypertension" patient. But I am worried and I am making some changes.
As usual, Bette Davis had it right - this getting older businesses isn't for the faint of heart. I was borderline on the BP (and cholesterol) last year and have brought both down. It's a bore, but worth doing...
ReplyDeleteThe ixnaying of the salt and the taking of a leisurely stroll are great ideas.
ReplyDeleteyou relax?
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I won't even tell you mine.
ReplyDeleteIt's very scary.
But I'm trying to get it down naturally.
Those recommendations sound like a good idea anyway. Especially the walking--I understand that Baltimore is a great place for walking.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine cut out salt and didn't have to take blood pressure meds anymore.
ReplyDeleteIn place of salt, he uses a variety of herbs and spices.
Worth a try, Cookie.
I promise to do everything within my power to get this down, without drugs.
DeleteI was diagnosed with Hypertonie when I was twenty, when I was otherwise healthy etc. It's a genetic disposition too. Regular excersise, less alc, no shift work, helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteCould just be related to the stress of the move and other life adjustments lately. Holding a good thought for you!
ReplyDeleteBecoming any kind of patient is mind numbingly depressing for people who have never had to deal with it before. I always had peasant-like good health and I still have not adjusted eight years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. If it wasn't so horrible, it would be laughable.
ReplyDeleteI totally relate to your distress, but fortunately you have a great attitude and you are dealing with something you can control. I always put a plug in for meditation and guided imagery (cd's by Belleruth Naparstek are great), works in labor and works with a myriad of other conditions. With your determination, you will have the upper hand and you will manage fine. And you have the good thoughts and wishes of so many of us. :)
Meditation is a great option! By the way, a couple days ago I got the BP down from 150/95 to 128/78 within a day, before it bounced back up. So I am learning, and not panicking. Today, after four days of being away away from home and the stress of everyday life, my BP is way down again. Yay! (But I miss salt!)
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