Serious health concern

**Ducky** · 02-12-12, 05:01 PM

So I've finally started eating right and losing weight. Yay me. I noticed recently that I seem to be getting more spontaneous nosebleeds than normal - normal being maybe one every other year, this winter I've had 4. I seem to be getting headaches pretty easy too, and a dizzy spell every couple of days. I hunted up a blood pressure cuff and did a couple readings. It's not good. According to the readings, I've basically got stage 2 hypertension. And that's at total rest, nearly asleep. I'm scared and will be making a doc's appointment as soon as I can. I picked up some water pills for the meantime and am scrutinizing the sodium content of everything. With my current blood pressure levels, even being under 40 I could easily have a stroke or heart attack if I have a moderate spike.

I don't want to die. I'm not done yet.

**Wolven** · 02-12-12, 05:53 PM

Good for you for noticing something wasn't right. Losing weight, eating right and exercising-all that you are doing will help immensely if you do have high blood pressure. Hope the doctor visit goes well. Let me know. Don't worry-you are taking charge.

**Buttercup** · 02-12-12, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by Wolven

Good for you for noticing something wasn't right. Losing weight, eating right and exercising-all that you are doing will help immensely if you do have high blood pressure. Hope the doctor visit goes well. Let me know. Don't worry-you are taking charge.

+1

**Jenna** · 02-12-12, 06:02 PM

Yikes!

Hope you get the blood pressure down soon.

**Pinki** · 02-12-12, 06:47 PM

Ducky -- by any chance, does your new eating regimen include new foods that have soy in them? Tofu/some 'high protein cereals,' vitamins for women, etc?

**Ducky** · 02-12-12, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by Pinki

Ducky -- by any chance, does your new eating regimen include new foods that have soy in them? Tofu/some 'high protein cereals,' vitamins for women, etc?

I've been indulging in tofu smoothies for breakfast and snacks. Silken tofu, low fat yogurt, and fruit.

**IMGreat101** · 02-12-12, 07:08 PM

Dr. IMG says you will be fine. Ask your Dr. about stroke screening. This should check the carotids, abdominal aorta and a PAD check. You will most likely be given kudos for the weight loss and be put on something like lisinopril and verapimil. A low dose aspirin at bed time helps too.

Write down all questions before going to your appt.

Also, red wine is good. With sharp cheddar cheese and wheat crackers.

...in moderation, of course

**Captain America** · 02-12-12, 08:02 PM

Knowing is half the battle with blood pressure. You've got a good gameplan. Prayers headed your way.

**Pinki** · 02-12-12, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Ducky

I've been indulging in tofu smoothies for breakfast and snacks. Silken tofu, low fat yogurt, and fruit.

You may want to stay away from them for a few days and see if that has any impact on your headaches... phytoestrogens are good for some, but not so good for those of us who may be sensitive.

**sgtbear111** · 02-13-12, 12:25 AM

Go to your doctor and ask for a complete blood count (CBC). Have the doc go over the results with you. PM me if you have questions.

**Ducky** · 02-16-12, 09:35 PM

I managed to get my blood pressure down by 40 points systolic, 30 diastolic. The highest reading I had was 204/134. Now I'm down to 157/104. Still way high but that was after only a few days. As near as I can tell it was because I don't drink enough fluids. Normal, sudden dehydration can cause low blood pressure, that's a known fact. Long term, chronic dehydration, like when you regularly don't drink enough water, can raise your blood pressure by basically thickening your blood and increasing your blood volume. It's something that the medical community at large doesn't really talk about for some screwed up reason. I started drinking water in the quantity I'm supposed to. My blood pressure started dropping within the first day, and in the within two days showed a significant drop. I think if I keep up with the water I'll be ok.

Ironic thing is typically the first thing docs want to prescribe for high blood pressure is a diuretic. In my case it would have made things worse.

**Jenna** · 02-16-12, 09:43 PM

Glad your blood pressure is down! Keep drinking water!

**Five-0** · 02-16-12, 10:53 PM

Git it done Ducky.

**Mark7** · 02-16-12, 10:54 PM

Good for you taking control of your health and life style. As a survivor of a near fatal heart attack, at 43 I regret not recognizing my piss poor life style choices (smoking & drinking too much,) not nearly enough exercise and poor eating habits. Keep up your GOOD choices!!

**Shoestring** · 02-17-12, 12:14 AM

Water is so important in so many ways, having plenty of water increases brain effectiveness as well

**Ducky** · 02-17-12, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by Shoestring

Water is so important in so many ways, having plenty of water increases brain effectiveness as well

Oh dear. You mean my CPU needs to be water cooled? And all this time I thought I needed an OS upgrade...

**Pinki** · 02-17-12, 06:45 PM

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better!

**Buttercup** · 02-18-12, 09:47 AM

I am VERY glad that you're doing better and that you saw a doctor right away instead of simply taking your self-prescribed diuretic.

Keep taking care of yourself, Duckylicious. Get those numbers down even more.

**Ducky** · 08-24-12, 12:35 PM

Well, doc wasn't thrilled enough with my progress. I'm on a beta blocker now. She seems to think I may be one of those lucky few who have a genetic predisposition to developing high blood pressure early in life. So far so good on the blocker as far as not having any negative side effects. I'm feeling really good, no more nosebleeds or headaches. The goal is to get me down to 120/80 as opposed to my in office reading of 157/110.