tykesammy

[tykesammy]

Hi all, I have HBP, and have gone through a whole load of very bad experiences with BP meds. But what is just amazing to me is that doctor's simply do not acknowledge that us humans can possibly not tolerate a lot of these ( I feel very toxic medications)

I saw at great expense, a professor in London possibly 2 years ago now, that told me I was multi drug intolerant to BP medications.

I know of one drug that immediately takes down my blood pressure, and my anxiety and that is Bisoprolol, but annoyingly I cannot even take that, because it affects my breathing so bad.

The side effects from bp meds for me are just horrendous, and makes my life at times not worth living, and that is not an exaggeration.

But here is the weirdest thing, I had HBP when I had my first child at 17, so for years after that I was taking a drug called Amias, which now, If I am correct is called Candasartan. Everything was fine until I hit the wonderful menopause, and one day whilst walking my dogs I said to my husband, Oh god I can't breathe, I must have a chest infection or something. Anyway I went to doc's and they said you have asthma !!! I have never had asthma in my life, so saw a specialist asthma nurse, she did a new test and said you don't have asthma it is your BP meds.

I could actually feel like my body was changing in menopause, and for me it was very tough.

So here I am at 67 with HBP, my doctor's just think I am nut's I believe, because they do not have a clue how these medications affect different people, and I am now totally obsessed fearing for the worst, a stroke or heart attack. I don't know what to do.

[Happyrosie]

I’m wondering, tykesammy, about your diet and lifestyle? Go to the website Blood Pressure UK and see what they say.

Clearly you are very anxious so that’s anther avenue to explore - - and I mean not with drugs but with what they call talking therapies.

[tykesammy in reply to Happyrosie]

Hi Happyrosie. My diet is very good. I do like my wine, which I totally know does not help.I have lived a bit of an alternative lifestyle, as in the fact my husband is a musician, so not a very structured life. I have always walked with my dog's, whom now I have sadly lost. But also you have to take into account ( and this is not an excuse ) That I have always suffered from depression and anxiety, and for many years I was agoraphobic too, so yeah not easy. Talking therapies would do nothing for me I'm afraid, as I have seen more therapists than I care to remember

[skagal in reply to tykesammy]

Hi , I suffer with anxiety too but yoga and meditation help me ,maybe you might like to have a go .

[onadiet in reply to tykesammy]

Try downloading Glenn Howard who has a free app for Relaxation and stress relief. He helps me to relax and sleep.It really works. Not straight away but he has a great voice and he has helped me a lot during covid in 2020 .

I was diagnosed in 2020 with hypertension,hiatus hernia Gerd and Gall bladder stones. Had Gall bladder removed last year. Also lost most of sight in left eye .

Dr asks why am I feeling anxious??

Anyway trust me hypnotherapy works.I downloaded the app.and most are free but even the ones you can buy are only £2.99.

Iam now 72 and on pension so cost is important .

[Bob56]

Hi

Sorry to hear you are struggling. It seems you have tried quite a few things to stabilise your BP, but clearly anxiety is also playing a part in things which certainly doesn't help. I'm in a similar position with semi uncontrolled high BP, and you are right that doctors , however well meaning, don't appreciate the myriad of side effects that cause us all a heap of trouble!

I am reluctant to try and offer any miracle cures, but just a few minor observations. You say that Bisoprolol did help, but it gives you breathing problems. You could discuss with your doctor trying something like Propranolol, which is good for BP but definitely known to help with anxiety. It's still a beta blocker so might give you the same issues with breathing, but it certainly helped me though a difficult patch a while back.

I don't know what other BP meds you take, but I split mine up , morning and evening to even out the affects over the day. That helps me a bit. Other than that it's the obvious things like being careful with your lifestyle. I don't drink at all, and no caffeine. I don't know how much wine you drink, but as you know any alcohol isn't great for blood pressure. I take some known BP reducing natural foods, like beetroot, and a few other vitamins to try and keep in general good health.

Having said all that, it is a struggle, but if you can keep a lid on the anxiety, I am sure it would make a big difference. Easier said than done, as I have been there, and still go there, but I wish you all the best. The more we compare notes, the more help and support we can give to each other.

[tykesammy in reply to Bob56]

Thanks Bob56 for your reply.

Yes I have done all the beta blockers which all cause me the same issues with breathing. I understand about alcohol totally, and I know I have used it at the end of the day for some relief, which is a short term help, but yes bad for bp and anxiety. At the moment I am taking 1/2 tablet of Diltiazem and 2.5 Bendromethfluizide, along with my anti-depressant Venlafaxine. But because of my issue's with my BP which has been going on for nearly 5 years, I am now just obsessed with what is going to happen.

[Finaus]

I so sympathise and with your feelings that medics can sometimes appear to lack understanding as to the side effects of bp drugs! I hope you find a way forward to a happier future.

[tykesammy in reply to Finaus]

Many thanks Finaus.

[Ylong66]

Hi,

I totally sympathise. I have tried many BP meds and they make my life intolerable.I’m awaiting a cardiologist appointment to try and help me.

[tykesammy in reply to Ylong66]

Hi Ylong66. Thanks for your reply. I just do not get that doctor's think that whatever blood pressure medication they put you on, that it will all be fine. Well I am here saying It is not fine, and in my case I have been made to feel like it is all in my mind, for nearly 5 years. It has driven me to the point where I feel I can't do this anymore. I have now been given an appointment at The Bristol Heart Institute. I don't know what else I can do.

[onadiet in reply to tykesammy]

It is all real and not in your mind. Too many of us are getting same side effects.Most GP,s do not understand hbp.Best Dr I ever met suffered from high BP herself. She gave me a few Diazepan to take if spike sometimes at night. 10 of those lasted me over 1 year. Just 2mg.

When I asked 2 years later to another Dr.for some I was told no as they are addictive. Had to laugh as just 10 2mg. in over 13 months I did not think would constitute possible addiction.

[Ylong66]

I really hope the Bristol Heart institute helps you.

[tykesammy in reply to Ylong66]

Thank you Ylong66.

[onadiet]

I am on Candesartan which does lower my hbp.But it is hard to breathe with it and has lots of other side effects. No quality of life . I was diagnosed in 2020 and am now 72.

[onadiet]

First of all stop worrying as you are quite right.Our bodies change along with hormones. Best Dr.I spoke to was in A&E at local Hosp.after BP crisis.She has high BP herself & she gave me best advice.She told me if I get my BP to 130/70 then I should be happy.Not to worry to get it to 120.Always just my Systolic gets higher.Great advice.Got it into perspective and stopped me worrying all the time.Drs scare us with strokes and heart attacks stories after telling us we got Hypertension.Just what we need.Right?Most have just text book experience & should listen & learn from us,their patients.

Just take your meds.as less as you can with side effects you can manage. Do not overthink.I was just the same.Est good food.Walk as much as you can.Laugh & enjoy life no matter what.