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High Blood Pressure

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Mar. ~ 2005 May: Health Center (ARCHIVES): High Blood Pressure users admin

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Archive through May 11, 2005Texannie24 05-11-05  8:08 am
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Kep421
Member

08-11-2001

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I've had my first encounter with HP ever in my whole life... it wasn't a pleasant one either...

I've never had HP problems... in fact for most of my life, my BP was always below normal... over the years it has risen to what my dr said was "perfect"...

Then something bad happened in my personal life and my dr prescribed Wellbrutin XL to help me through the temporary depression. This was last summer. At first it seemed to be working...but then the headaches started...really really bad ones. At the time, I was so wrapped up in what was going on in my life, I paid no attention to them. Looking back, I now realize they happened in the shower (I like REALLY hot showers) and whenever I went up stairs...and once even when I was cut off on the freeway...

After taking the drug for about 3 weeks, the headaches had become part of my daily life, yet I still hadn't made the connection. Then one day, I was driving home and suddenly I had no idea where I was. Nothing was familiar...I was lost...and very afraid. I just kept driving...hoping that something would look familiar soon...and luckily it did... I was so embarrased by the incident, I told no one...and I've no idea why, but I did not seek medical treatment right away...

Then about a week later, I sheepishly told a friend about it and the continuing headaches...she became alarmed and insisted I see my dr that same day... Turns out the Wellbutrin raised by BP to a dangerous level... My dr was concerned and a bit upset with me for not coming in...First time he ever chided me since I've known him...he said that my disorientation was the sign of a stroke and I had to visit him once a week for six weeks as he tried to regulate my BP...

MAN...what an ordeal that was!! The HP meds are some of the worst I've ever taken... They made me feel like I've been hit by a MAC truck!! It was so hard to function!!! But luckily my BP slowly returned to normal and while it is still a bit higher than it was when this whole thing started, I do not require the HP meds anymore...

and I really have no reason as to why I didn't seek medical attention...it simply didn't occur to me at the time...

I just want to say I totally appreciate what anyone who has HP has to go through... Sheesh..I don't know how you do it...

Kep421
Member

08-11-2001

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
aw..(((Kristy))))...my heart goes out to you...but as you can see from my previous post, its not good to not tell the dr everything...

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:29 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kep, you said:

>>I've had my first encounter with HP ever in my whole life... it wasn't a pleasant one either...<<

I thought you were talking about HercklePerckle!!!!

Kep421
Member

08-11-2001

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
LOL...omg that is hysterical!!!

Kristylovesbb
Member

09-14-2000

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Mods would you please remove my above post. Please, thank you.

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kep ... I totally thought you were talking about HercklePerckle as well! So funny!

(((( Kristy ))) wow, that is a lot to handle. I'm so sorry. But it sounds like your husband is supportive and that's wonderful. For your health's sake, you may want to mention family stress to your doctor. You wouldn't have to go into detail. Then maybe you could get some help with your stress. Just a thought.

Kristylovesbb
Member

09-14-2000

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Yes you guys I will. I have an appointment in a couple of weeks and I will let him know. Thanks so much for your concern. I am having to go through a lot right now. Even though I have told a small amount of my troubles in the post above that is minor to the other things going on. I am a very strong woman, strong willed and strong minded but this has taken a huge toll on me. It's been going on for years but I am older now and less able to handle it.

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh, Kristy, no wonder you are experiencing those extremes! I am glad you felt safe enough to share here. I think you should seek the guidance of a mental health professional so you can unburden yourself in a private way and discuss your options as a parent and responsible adult--and get more information about resources available to both your son and his daughter.

We certainly would never judge you by your child's actions. I doubt any intelligent person would either, including your physician. (I can bet you that if your doc has kids, he has been through some surprisingly hellish things, too.)

I think once kids get into drugs seriously (for whatever reason to begin with), the seduction becomes so powerful that they can't even begin to find their way out without outside help. Now, you can lead him to it, and you can make ground rules about your interaction, but he has to take the step to help himself--just as an alcoholic does.

But (probably saying too much here) one thing I wouldn't do is to leave the child in his care. Not sure how much involvement you want with the child, but, at the very least, you should investigate ways that you can get the baby out of his hands until he has his life back together. (Guess I've watched Judging Amy too often.) I get it that you might have done this before, with some disastrous results. But I don't think you could live with yourself if you thought the child was in danger. Do you? (I would.)

Best wishes, Kristy, hon, and I hope you follow through with, at minimum, your own physician. (Still think a trained psychologist/counselor, etc. would be a better first step, but you will know what is most comfortable to you.) Hope you feel you can share as you work your way through this. As you do, I am sure that BP will become more and more manageable.

1


Now, Kep, AHHHHHHHH!!! LOL. I thought you were talking about me, too! I froze when I read your sentences!!! Then I read on and figured it out. Whew!!! And your incidents were very scary. Hey, I wouldn't have tied to two together, either. (So odd to me that there are 5 things in my medical history that were indicators I was a candidate for Crohn's and never once did I ever investigate any of them beyond face value.) So, you're normal, as far as I am concerned. Glad your BP is manageable now.

Mamie316
Member

07-08-2003

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
(((Kristy))) I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. You certainly don't deserve it. Hopefully, it's your strong will that will pull you through all of this. It's very important that you take care of yourself. I think we as mothers, are so used to taking or trying to take care of everyone else, that we neglect ourselves. Big hugs to you and I hope they are able to ease your blood pressure and I hope that we, as your friends, can ease the burden you are carrying. I think you need a kitty! I think you need to be chasing them in parking lots again

Kristylovesbb
Member

09-14-2000

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Mamie and HP you made me cry. Cry because you truly care and I feel it. Your messages to me surrounded me with a feeling of comfort like an old warm quilt handed down from someone who loves you. My heart hurts so much right now because of having to do the right thing. I have done what I am supposed to do, I took action this morning. Just as soon as I took care of it my BP jumped to 197/98 so I took a whole Klonopin instead of a half and I feel better now. My son has had problems all his life. I started taking him to the mental health clinic when he was 8. His doctor placed him on 30mgs of Dexedrine every morning. He had to take two 15mg capsules every day and is still taking it at age 33. He hasn't had anything much to do with me in years because I would not give him money when he would not work.

eta I am supposed to get me a kitty very soon, when it is weaned and I am sure that will help me more than any pill ever made!

Mamie316
Member

07-08-2003

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 12:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I love being compared to a comfy, warm quilt. I take that as a very welcomed compliment and I thank you! You know, you can only do so much and it sounds like you've done above and beyond. I think because we always see our children, no matter what there age, as these babies that we need to nurture, we tend to not be ready to let go. He's an adult and every good part that there is in them, and I am sure there is, are from you. He is making his own decisions now and you have to stop blaming yourself for whatever you feel you aren't doing.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 5:44 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
It raises my HP just thinking about HP raising Kep's HP.



Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 5:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Ditto that, Mames!

Kristy, I am so glad you weren't put off by my rather intrusive comments. I am glad you got something 'put away' so you can now (hopefully) get that off your mind.

Please take a minute to read the thread I started, called Attitude and How It Affects Your Health, because I think it might help you. I stop in and re-read the post (copied from Ivanhoe.com) whenever I get down. Helps with my head adjustment! Big hugs and kisses, hon!

LOL, Juju!!

Kristylovesbb
Member

09-14-2000

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
No Herk I was not put off at all. I'll gladly take any advice I can get. I am not of a rational mind lately and do not trust my judgement sometimes. Emotion, anger, and fear have ruled the moments.

The new thread you started is wonderful, thank you so much! I have printed it to keep with me at times of need. I really love it and I believe that attitude strongly affects your health. I do, I think, have a good attitude most times even though it's hard to at times. Dwelling on all the horrid things I have had to deal with would have put me in my grave years ago. My husband and anyone that knows me would tell you she is crazy, nutty, funny, goofy and has a great sense of humor. I love life, I enjoy life I have so much fun just being silly and I am positive that is the reason I have not gotten in a very bad way with my health up till now. Reading the thread encouraged me to try harder to bring that fun back to the forefront and I will. Thanks again HP, your the best!

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
1


Mamie316
Member

07-08-2003

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
How cute is that?!

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 5:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
So adorably cute!!

Konamouse
Member

07-16-2001

Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 7:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
The DASH Eating Plan Puts Patients on the Road to Heart Health

"I give a copy of this to all my hypertensive patients, and have received good feedback. They have found it informative and easy to understand." -M. Keen, MD Toledo, OH

Get with the plan that is clinically proven to significantly reduce blood pressure. It's not enough to tell hypertensive and prehypertensive patients to, "Watch your diet." Give them a week's worth of sample menus, recipes, heart healthy dishes, and an easy-to-read summary of the findings from the "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" clinical study that showed how elevated blood pressure levels can be reduced with an eating plan low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy products. It even has a form to track food habits before starting the plan and a chart to help with meal planning and food shopping. Facts About the DASH Eating Plan 24 pages. NIH Publication No. 03-4082.

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/
http://www.cspinet.org/nah/dash.htm

'squeek'



Kep421
Member

08-11-2001

Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 7:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Where on earth did HP get a picture of Kona?

now whenever I see one of Kona's squeeks I'll visualize that cute pic

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 8:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kona, what are your feelings about the studies that are showing low fat can also lead to diabetes because of the higher amounts of carbs required? Since most diabetics also have high bp, it's kind of a chicken and egg thing. (I can't site the exact studies, but was just reading about this on Rick Mendosa' site.)
What do you think of the South Beach plan?

Konamouse
Member

07-16-2001

Friday, May 13, 2005 - 6:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kep - uhm, that looks more like a hamster than a mouse to me

South Beachs' principles (not the first two weeks, that is just an Atkins revamp) is actually very much like Canyon Ranch Nutrition Intelligence/Healthy Eating ideas - packaged into a book that makes a lot of promises and a few self contradictions. Let me show you the Canyon Ranch Pyramid:

Start at the bottom - Base of the CR pyramid = water. Next up are fruits and vegetables; emphasis on eating (not drinking). Followed by *whole* grains and lean proteins/legumes.
Then low/nonfat dairy or other calcium-rich foods.
Topped by healthy fats/oils and last, but not least, something sweet.

Regarding diabetes:
People with glucose-regulation imbalance (i.e. Type 2 diab, Gestational Diab, etc) need to remember it isn't the percent of nutrients, as much as the TOTAL Calories and the TOTAL carbs (you can overeat your carbs if you keep the percent low but the total calories are over your needs). The quality of those carb choices are important (i.e. whole grains & real fruits/vegs, dairy vs processed non-nutritional carbs).

The high BP for people with diabetes can come from being overweight, having hyperinsulinemia (common with type 2 and syndrome x), and chronic poorly controlled diabetes leading to renal (kidney) damage.

Joslyn Center recently published their diabetes meal plan recommendations: Calorie controlled, ~30% fat, ~25% protein, ~45% carbs (but as always, these need to be individualized by a qualified registered dietitian to meet a personal's nutritional needs).

Another consideration for glucose-regulation problems is the division and timing of meals/snacks. Many people are more insulin resistent in the morning, so sometimes they need to have fewer carbs (and some people have to avoid fruit & milk) at breakfast compared to lunch or dinner.

'squeek'

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 4:07 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks, Kona. It's the regulation/limiation of starchy carbs that's more important rather than all carbs in general, right?
I my levels have been dancing around 100-116, plus my bp is high and I have hashimoto's. (so I am on glucophage, lisinopril, synthroid and armour...lovely!) So, I can't have soy cause of the thyroid, but need to watch my carbs, and I need to lose about 30 lbs.
I have been sort of following a Sugar busters plan for years...2-3 starchy carbs per day (whole wheat, wholes grains, brown rice), no processed stuff, sugars less than 5 grams per serving, whole fruits, veggies and lean protein. But you can eat egg, which confuses me cause of high cholesterol.
I will read up on the Canyon Ranch.