Stress Test and High Blood Pressure

[Already Bald]

I went through another stage of life this week, the stage where I'm going to be medicated for Blood Pressure- and probably for the rest of my life.
I was pre-hypertension prior to my diagnoses- and I could control it when I got my weight down and exercised regularly..
Well, that doesn't apprear to be the case anymore- I trained hard for LiveSTRONG Philly, and I still ride, however I am getting readings of 160/100, even at home.

So, last week my primary care physician prescribed 40mg Benicar- my readings are much better- like 115/70. The good news is the Benicar works, bad news is I will likely need it forever, maybe go down to 20mg if I can keep losing weight.

She is concerned about my cardio system after the chemo, and ordered a stress test with a cardiologist. I will share those results with Dr.s Vaughn and Sheinfeld, hopefully it will be nothing nore than a baseline for the future.

So I'm not happy about this, but this is my reality

[Margaret]

Sorry sweet Joe, bummer for sure...but I bet the medication will bring your numbers down. I hope all goes well with the stress test, I will be thinking of you!

[Fed]

Joe,
I'm sorry to have heard about the cardiac woes... nonetheless, the medication available for this type of stuff is actually quite effective. Like you said, it's a stage in life... we are all getting older. We don't have to like it. Nonetheless, you are doing great things with your life, and we like the idea of having a healthy "AlreadyBald" around, even with the daily pill; it doesn't detract from who you are .

[Fish]

That does suck Joe, but I know how you feel, I'm looking at the very likely probability of starting BP meds within the next couple of weeks.

Ahh the joys of age!

It looks like your meds work really well.

[DianeE]

Hey Joe,

It is a bummer, but it's good that you're going to get the ticker checked out.
Let us know how the stress test works out.

Diane

[tom c]

HEY Joe
My blood pressure went up also I think it was from all the stress I am feeling with cancer, anyway i took altace for a month but it was still high, so the doctor put me on a water pill, hydrochlorothiazide 25mg, my pressure went from 150/100 to 130/70 with just the water pill plus I lost water weight from my stomach a plus. another plus the pill is only $10.00 for 50 pills.

[dadmo]

Joe:
Well that stinks but at least it's treatable with a little pill, just take in in the mornung and it will be no big deal. Heck, I wake up to a pill every morning myself.

[Eric]

Joe

I would like you to keep us posted about side effect of this medication.
My numbers are borderline also. I know that i will have to take it soon or later. This is a reality, i can't avoid it, it's like paying taxes.

[Jay68442]

Ahh that stinks. My brother takes something of his HBP and doesn't have any side effects or anything. So maybe it won't be that bad. Most important thing is to do as the doctors say and take care of yourself.

[TCLEFT]

My Sister was sent home from work yesterday. She was 170/100. She went to the Dr's and is on meds now. She's 51, in top shape, not even a pound or two overweight. She's also had lymphoma and melanoma. Just the hand we're dealt Brother. But like Maria (MRMRSU) said, look at how well we play it. You'll be OK, you've been through far worse. Luckily it's a pill form. Imagine if you had to insert it someplace else, like um New Jersey .

[MRMRSU]

Hi Joe...you gotta take care of that good heart of yours for Majbritt and your adorable kids, so if it means popping that pill everyday, then by all means! Let us know how your stress test goes...we'll be thinking of you.

[Already Bald]

Hey, thanks for all the replies guys!
I havn't scheduled the stress test yet, but have been on the meds for a week now.
40mg Benicar, I take every night at 6:00pm. No side effects to report, and I'm happy to say that my numbers are MUCH lower, like 110/75- sometimes even lower.
I'm hoping that she will reduce my dosage on my recheck in 3 weeks.

I'll let you know how the stress test goes, with all my recent bike training I'm told I should sail right through it.
Feeling better,
Joe

[Karen]

Joe,

Ray has been on meds for cholesterol and BP for a few years now. His doc has played around with the BP meds a few times to get him controlled and all is fine. His only side effect from any of them is he is cold a lot, which makes for an interesting battle with the thermostat as I enter the age of hot flashes!!!

[Les' Mom]

oh man I know about hot flashes

[Already Bald]

Some Good News

I went to my primary care physician yesterday. My BP is WAY DOWN!! Too low even, some readings were 91/60..
So, she has reduced my script considerably, and I'm already feeling better.
The 40mg Benicar made me sleepy and a little dizzy almost all the time.
I feel GREAT today! Even thinking about riding the bike tonight.

Still need to schedule my stress test though.