Giving in and going on medication

[Sparklymommy]

Ok so I have finally accepted that my blood pressure needs to be lowered and have agreed to go on medication. Feeling very sad now as the likelihood is that I will now be on medication for life and it could mess with my kidneys which are already dodgy. Feel like crying as I really want another baby but chances are looking pretty slim ATM.

[bulletproofgerbil]

It's a real adjustment to get your head around beginning medication but if it's any consolation, I was diagnosed with very high BP in my mid-20's. It was put down to pregnancy problems but carried on being high after my DD was born. I began tablets and have always needed a lot of different types of medication at maximum dosage to keep it under control - I have taken 4 different tabs for the last 15-20 years.

I am now 52. Twice yearly I have blood tests to check kidney and liver function and they . I have kidneys and they are certainly no worse (and if anything, better) than they used to be. They don't drain particularly well due to a common congenital narrowing of the ureters. As Footle says though, untreated BP is far more damaging to major organs like the kidneys and heart, than treated BP is.

Regarding future pregnancy, have you spoken to a specialist about this? I think if you haven't, it's important to get a referral so you can discuss things properly.

I think the people who know they have BP and get it treated are more fortunate than the ones walking around completely unaware they have a problem and are at much greater risk of complications.
I just take my tablets as soon as I wake up and get on with the day and don't even think about it any more. I'd rather not have to take them, but am glad they are keeping things in a containment level.

[bulletproofgerbil]

Sorry, my typing went a bit mad there. I meant to say I have kidneys that drain very slowly due to a common congenital narrowing of the ureters, but they are no worse, and if anything a bit better, approx 30 years on from having high BP diagnosed and starting medication.