Update on blood pressure medication.

[Noodlesalad]

My GP changed my blood pressure medication to Amlodipine last week and asked me to record my blood pressure twice a day for a week.I only lasted three days on the Amlodipine. Side effects for me were breathlessness, feeling nauseous and feeling totally drained. I was really hoping the amlodipine would be the right fit for me. I rang my GP yesterday at 8am was number 48 in the queue but hanged on, when I spoke to the receptionist I asked for a telephone consultation but she informed me nothing left for the day. I explained I hadn't taken any blood pressure medication for three days because of the side effects, she then asked if I thought it was a medical emergency! I replied well you tell me, I have high blood pressure and no meds for three days.

Eventually the pharmacist called me and we talked it through and he's going to try me on Atenalol and call me back in a weeks time.

I felt like I was being a nuisance and a moaner, when I'm actually the opposite I try not to bother my GP or anyone if I can help it.

I'm really hoping the Atenalol works, the last thing the pharmacist said was if my blood pressure goes above 109 the lower reading to go straight to A+E, that too made me feel like a moaned as I know what is dangerous high blood pressure. I really just want to stay in the background out of sight and bother nobody.

[Sidlers]

This is broken Britain! I waited three weeks to see a doctor following my discharge from hospital, following stents. I couldn’t function on the medication and wanted a review. Not a chance of getting to see anyone! The doctor I eventually got to see may as well of been a cardboard cut out! Patronising, arrogant and a distinct inability to listen! I have sorted my medication via some unconventional routes, bypassing my local practice.

Unfortunately, the simple fact is, there are too many people in the country, demanding services that are swamped and unable to cope with the demands! Sorry for the rant! And I guess it doesn’t help your situation, but I know exactly how you feel.

[Noodlesalad in reply to Sidlers]

Well said!

[Happyrosie]

even my doc said the NHS was broken!

[Turnipgirl in reply to Happyrosie]

The health service fell apart many years ago!

[Lowerfield_no_more]

The generations where people were considerate and didn't want to be a nuisance when dealing with the NHS are, I'm afraid, dying out, and it is increasingly the case that it's every man and woman for themselves without a thought for the consequences to others, which is perhaps a reflection of our society and how it is evolving. So if you feel guilty about a significant health issue that you think may be deemed to be a 'nuisance', my advice is don't be. Because if you don't take up the opportunity, someone else will, likely with something that they could probably manage themselves without any intervention, or by a trip to the pharmacy.

[Noodlesalad in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you. Very true.

[Leonardo1]

when I was first diagnosed with heart issues and needed surgery my Gp said “ make a fuss” otherwise you will just wait . Not being a nuisance is apparently the way to get help !

I’ve worked in the nhs and there’s nothing wrong with it there are just toooo many patients !

Good luck

[Carercmb]

I am on Amlodipine and suffered side effects for about 3 months. I have settled down and my BP in control.

Good luck on your new medication going forward.

[wendavo1]

i have just started on amlodipine yesterday , as i was on perindapril and i had side effects from that .

im hoping this will help , and not give me side effects

[Noodlesalad in reply to wendavo1]

Hope it's better alternative for you. I'm not taking the Propanalol till after church on Sunday, so I'm praying the side effects don't knock me off my feet like the others.

[roughquest in reply to Noodlesalad]

It’s Friday, that’s 3 days without the medication, church will be there the following Sunday and the Sunday after that. This isn’t a time to pick and chose with your health.

[Noodlesalad in reply to roughquest]

I know. I do monitor my blood pressure, right now I'm full of cold and can't face feeling worse than I already do, if I pick up tomorrow I'll take the propanalol then.

[Puzzled8]

Hi Noodlesalad, I’m sure your experience is being echoed around the country - I’ve certainly been through similar. Gone are the days when you would get a little bit of sympathy and empathy from GPs - now you’re just a problem, not a person. You really do have to fight your case, otherwise those who shout loudest will always win. Please don’t think of yourself as a “bother” .

[Noodlesalad in reply to Puzzled8]

Thank you.

[Windmill6]

Hi, I am sorry you having blood pressure problems and your drugs aren't suiting you. But the is important to keep on at the Dr to do something about it,as we all know the dangers of high blood pressure.I had amlodipine, apart from a tiny bit of ankle swelling it was OK, only it didn't bring my BP down enough. But I have Conns disease and went undiagnosed for years,I am so glad I persevered with my Dr else I wouldn't be alive today otherwise!

I now take spirolactone and atenalol at night. Thankfully it has now stabilised.Do not feel you are a nuisance,it is your health,your life.!....

[Noodlesalad in reply to Windmill6]

Thank you. I really appreciate your response.I fully understand the importance of my blood pressure, high blood pressure and a heart attack took my father when he was 44.

I think because up until two years ago I had always had low blood pressure and fast pulse. I'm working towards more exercise and losing weight to help with my blood pressure. It's not that I don't want to take the medication but over the last twelve months I've had four lots of different antibiotics to treat a throat infection and had bad reaction angiodoema with each so I think you understand. I go for allergy testing in two weeks. I don't know why my body is suddenly objecting to my medication, the only thing that's changed in the last three years is the CVD injection I've had.

I really appreciate this community everyone is so kind and helpful.

[Windmill6 in reply to Noodlesalad]

Hi,what is causing your high BP? Have you been on lots of different drugs in the past?All the best with finding the right answers.

We are all here to help each other.

[Noodlesalad in reply to Windmill6]

Only past regular medication Amitriptyline for osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia which I still take now. Never been a medication user only those prescribed and that's only amitriptyline.Thank you for responding.

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Noodlesalad,

I am sorry that you are having such difficulty with trying to get important medications sorted. It just makes things more challenging and difficult.

You do not sound like a “moaner” to me. You are just being a conscientious patient, who cares about your health. Blood pressure is a serious health concern, and it is very dangerous to go without your medication.

On the day that I had my HA, I had not taken my blood pressure medication. In truth, I had not taken my meds for a couple of days, and I had no valid reason for not taking it. That was a hard lesson learned.

Keep advocating you for health! Best wishes! ❤️

[anke123]

Sorry to hear you have so many problems with the medication and getting to see the GP. We are lucky with ours, my husband was diagnosed with high BP last month and started on medication. The GP has phoned him to increase medication, told him to come in a few weeks later to have it checked, it was so high was told to go to a an e. On more medication, send a week's BP readings in and another text to make a face to face appointment. He is having an other ECG and a echocardiogram before Christmas. Do keep getting on to the doctors you deserve better. All the best.

[Noodlesalad in reply to anke123]

What a lovely reply. You must have been so worried about your husband.I've not had a good weekend. I took my new blood pressure medication Atenalol yesterday morning about 10am. Within the hour I started feeling really dizzy and nauseous it was so bad I had to go to bed, it was frightening. My heart was pounding and fluttering sensation even when I turned over the dizziness was terrible. I think it's worse being on your own like me at these times. It was 3pm before the dizziness stopped but I really didn't feel good.

When I took my blood pressure this morning it was low which is good but I still don't feel good. I haven't taken the Atenalol today because I really don't want to spend another day feeling dizzy and nauseous. When I took my blood pressure this evening it's still low.

I'm going to phone my GP in the morning to see if I can get a telephone appointment I really don't think my blood pressure should be so low today considering I haven't even taken any medication today.

Hope things continue well for your husband.

[anke123]

I do hope you get through to the doctors and can get the medication sorted. My husband's BP is still a little bit high been on medication 5 weeks, has been told it takes time.

[Noodlesalad in reply to anke123]

I spoke with a doctor last night on NHS 111 as my blood pressure since Saturday has been normal to low and I haven't taken any blood pressure medication.The doctor said not to take any further blood pressure medication as my reading is normal and to monitor and record my blood pressure twice a day for a week, which I am doing so maybe it's going back to normal because I've been doing light exercise for some weeks now. I'm not complaining I'm just reassured and relieved.

Hope your husband finds a suitable medication. Blood pressure UK has lots of good information.

[anke123 in reply to Noodlesalad]

Glad you spoke to a doctor and hope you don't have to go on medication again. I know low blood pressure can make you feel awful as well I have had that problem myself.

[Noodlesalad in reply to anke123]

Thank you for your support.