by KatherineUK » Fri Mar 02, 2012 5:30 pm
It took me some time to finally pluck up the courage to see a different GP. I found it quite to walk into the surgery and say well even though your colleague said I mustn't I have stopped taking the medication she prescribed. The new (younger) one has referred me for 24 hour monitoring before she makes any decision, which I'm glad about. I have concurrently had a series of appointments at the renal clinic to check that the cysts on my kidneys weren't cancerous and all is well they say with regard to this. They say my kidneys are working extremely well and when I discussed the issue of BP they said that perhaps a low dose of water tablet might be all that was needed.
I'm now waiting for my appt for 24 hour monitoring.
However in the meantime I've stopped drinking coffe and it "seems" to have made what seems to be an incredible difference to my blood pressure. I just thought I'd give it a try because I was aware that my intake was creeping up and very aware of the discussions here on the subject.
To my astonishment my BP has seen a remarkable change. From a systolic reading of 140 odd I now have a range from 118 - 130 tops. On the days I cycle to and from work it's the best (12 miles round trip not terribly strenuous - only 3 smallish hills. Mind you they don't seem SO small after a day's work!). I try to do this at least twice a week. I'd do it more often but I get aching shoulders and arms a bit. Might actually get a new sit-up-and-beg type of less macho bike. On the days I don't cycle I have a 2 mile walk incorporated into the tube journey home - weather permitting.
I'm so glad I gave up the coffee though I would be lying if I said I didn't miss it. Still if I can give up smoking I can give up coffee can't I? The lure of being drug free is utterly irrisistible. Haven't yet found a really nice substitute though some are bearable.
I'll let you know what happens with the 24 hour monitoring. The appt isn't until the 11th April so it gives me a few more weeks to consolidate the cessation of coffee as well as the other McD habits.
Any thoughts on the subject very gratefully received.
Cheers - have a great weekend
K
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