* phew = "exclamation to express disgust, exhaustion, surprise, impatience, relief, etc"
(dictionary.com) (I struggled to think of a headline for this post, but a simple phew seems to cover it pretty well...)
As reported before, since the beginning of October I've been struggling to follow and make sense of orders from 'Dr Who' about changes in my blood pressure medication.
From last Friday (30 Oct) I was supposed quit taking beta-blocker altogether (and I obeyed). Over the weekend, I felt increasingly stressed, with blood pressure and pulse rising. Monday, got an appointment with a nurse for Thursday, for blood pressure checkup + flu vaccination. In between, I decided to put my own monitors aside for a couple of days, thinking I perhaps just stressed myself further with too much checking... However, I continued to feel 'weird'.
Thursday came, and at the Health Care Centre, both blood pressure and pulse turned out alarmingly high. (After the first measurement, the nurse went to get another monitor in case there was something wrong with the first one...) A new ECG was done as well. 'Dr Who' was away (even out of the country!), so I got to see the emergency doctor of the day. Probably for the best!! I'd never met her before either, but she seemed not to understand her colleague's plan any better than I did, so resolutely put me straight back on the betablockers, and said she'll take over from here. As the ECG was okay, and my values did go down a bit while there, I left feeling safe with her instructions, even if still a bit shaky.
Took the BB pills straight away when I got back home, and now back on the dosage of 3 meds that I was on the last week before quitting the BB altogether. (I've had all three for many many years, but the balance between the BB and another one was gradually shifted during the last month.) I started feeling better already the same evening; and today both pressure and pulse seem back to normal/acceptable, according to my own arm cuff monitor which I recently bought (and also according to my own instinct). (I also have a wrist monitor since before, which I find easier to use. And checking that with the new one, I think the wrist one usually also comes ”close enough”. But the arm cuff one is more trusted by the professionals; which may spare me some extra visits to health care. And not least in these corona times, that alone probably makes the investment worth while.)
The new doc's instructions are to use my arm cuff meter at home once every other day over the next 1½ weeks, and then report the figures to the her in a phone appointment. (But of course to call earlier if needed, and she gave me limit values.)
The photos at the top of the post are from last Saturday, 31 October. Since then, we've had quite a bit of wind and rain, and most of the leaves have dropped to the ground. (The photo saying pulse = part of a company name on a wall.)
12 comments:
It was wonderful that the other doctor was gone! And you went just at the right time. What was he THINKING? Yes, do NOT go back to see him, this new one seems to know what she is doing. I have the same units that you do, for the same reasons.
I am so glad you got to see another doctor I was worried about you just stopping those blood pressure pills because I was told by my doctor to never ever just stop a blood pressure pill. I'm glad you got to see someone else and it sounds like you're on your way back to your normal life I hope you don't have to see that other doctor again whether virtual or in person and I'm glad that your blood pressure is back to normal. The photos as usual are absolutely gorgeous
Sounds as if what's happening is happening for the best. I was taken off beta blockers and other things many years ago, They were almost 'mandatory' after a heart attack when I was started on them. Now I'm just on the usual Aspirin and Statin. I think everything depends on individual cases and individual monitoring. (My monitor is on Omron similar to yours). We have annual 'well-man and well-woman checkups too.
Gosh probably good timing that your other doctor was away, this one sounds a bit more onto it. My other half was on 2 bb medications and they were sapping his energy away big time, he ended up continuing one every day and taking the other 1 every 3 days or so, it's made a big difference. I sometimes wonder if doctors really do know everything, cos I don't think they do.
I am glad you saw a doctor who knows the best way to handle the situation. This could have had a sad ending but luckily you handled it well. Best wishes.
Ginny, I've been struggling for a month to understand why, but don't feel I've been given sufficient answers.
Sandra, to be fair (?) the bb was gradually reduced over a month (and another med increased); but I still don't get why he insisted on taking it to the extreme. So I do hope the new doc takes over "for good".
Graham, in my own case I could see a point in trying to shift the balance a bit between the bb and another of my pills, to do with blood circulation. Why he insisted on taking it to the extreme, he never managed to explain in a way that made sense to me, though. (And now even less.)(In the midst of the chaos last week it was kind of a relief to me that it did not seem to make sense to his colleague either.)
Amy, I don't think they do, either. And personally, I often have more respect for those who admit that they don't...
Thanks Louise :)
Phew indeed, Monica!!
I wonder whether there will be any consequences for Dr. Who. He will at least be made aware of you, "his" patient for a brief time, being taken over by another doctor.
Anyway, I am so glad you are feeling better, and the new doctor sounds much more competent and reasonable.
Beautiful autumn leaves and skies!
Thanks Meike. I think I'll leave the 'consequences' to his co-workers, for now.
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