Help - Been summoned to GP re blood pressure test!

[Reincarnatedpig]

I had high blood pressure on and off for years. I ceased medication due to side effects and GP agreed I was a borderline case. I had a 24 hr blood pressure device on yesterday which was downloaded today (I have panic attacks when taken at the surgery) and I just received a phone call telling me I HAVE to come in today!

Feeling really scared that I am about to drop dead any second!

Well, you aren't in any immediate danger or they would have sent an ambulance!
I think it is probably likely that you may need to go back on beta blockers though.
Good luck x

I'm sure you'll be okay. Just concentrate on relaxing your chest breathing as much as you can so you can breathe normally and get into that surgery. You are going to get all the help they can give you and soon you'll be feeling much better. Imagine feeling better and picture it in your head. hugs

I think it means you will be on medication again, sorry.
What side effects did you have, if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks, you have made me feel a bit better.

I tried various meds. Side effects included swelling of feet to the extent I was immobile, slow thinking (do a job that needs thinking power) and the worst one was feeling suicidal! Hopefully drugs have improved in last couple of years.

My mum is on beta blockers - bisoprolol.- and no issues at all.

Thanks - will ask about that one.

If you are a borderline case, do you really need something as strong as beta blockers? There are other types of meds for high bp I think if it is not too high above what it should be.

I get the impression it's really high as I had already made an appointment early next week but got a phone call saying I have to go today. About to leave work - will post back later!

I actually answered a q about this earlier from someone who wanted to bring down their b.p naturally. My uncle was like you and found medications upset him. He used the resparate device and it helped him. He had tried loads of drugs that made him feel ill so he gave it a go.

I saw your post Reviving and googled, but it looks like that product is not available in the uk at present.

Been prescribed Ramipril again (turned me into a zombie last time). Told ACE inhibitor is best for Caucasians, start taking tmrw after blood test. BP WAS very high lowest upper reading 170 and highest 225

Just found resperate on another website but as it costs over £200, I can't afford it right now.

It is expensive. Also you can't be 100% sure it will work for your case.

Hiya Pig (feel bad calling you that!)

Sounds very stressful. Have you tried all the lifestyle changes? Getting a bit stricter with salt, for instance might make a bit of a difference, if you haven't already done this?

I'm sure you've seen the NHS info on treatment here

I wonder if a pharmacist might be able to give some advice on alternative meds if you get side effects with the Ramipril?

Mum finds that walking 3 miles every day enables her to be on a lower dose of BP drugs. If she doesn't exercise her BP goes up.

Thanks strongandlong - I like pigs so no problem! I think I drink far too much and do tend to snack on crisps etc. Currently on a diet so will have to make some major changes.

Intheround that is very interesting. I can walk part of the way to work - just takes more time in a busy day.

Another tip this time from the phlebotomist who also has hyper-tension and recommends beet root juice. Bought some in Sainsbury's - tastes just like beetroot (was expecting it to taste different for some reason).

Lloyds pharmacy have brought out their own version of the Respirate machine for £34.99.
I've just bought one but not hot round to trying it yet. My BP at it's high point is virtually the same as yours measured. I have to take two different meds to get it anything like normal so hoping this might work as I have bad reactions to the drugs.
Ace inhibitors, like the Ramipril you've been given, tend to be the first resort these days. They are very effective if you can tolerate them. The vast majority of people can & are very happy with them but I'm prone to anaphylactic episodes with a few drugs ( have to have an Epipen) & ACE inhibitors are one of my triggers.
Hope you can get sorted . If you're anything like me my BP shots through the roof as soon as they bring out the BP monitor at the doctors or a clinic. I have a home one, Lloyds Pharmacy again, to check that it's within limits when I'm more relaxed & my GP is happy to take my own readings into consideration as she knows how tense I get! Always feel like I'm sitting an exam doomed to failure when they test it!

Thanks I will have a look at the Lloyd's version of respirate when I get paid. We have a BP monitor but I hate using it. Starting to feel really tired - hope it is not the meds.

Would love to try alternative medicine but can't afford at the moment.