At seventy one years old I am proud to say that I have come thus far without any kind of regular medication. Today, at my health check appointment, the bespectacled young doctor whose name was Rebecca asked when I had last had an eye test and I said that I hadn't had one since I was in primary school - around the age of ten. She was flabbergasted.
By keeping my distance from doctors, I suspect that up until now I have always slipped through the nets of general practice healthcare but today I have the strong impression that they have finally caught up with me. The key concern is elevated blood pressure and as requested I have even borrowed a home testing kit to use over the next few days. Rebecca wanted to see if my reading might be lower when tested regularly at home.
I was making a late lunch after the health check when Rebecca phoned me at home asking me to go in next Wednesday for another appointment where my blood pressure will be tested once again. She had been in consultation with the senior doctor at the surgery after my health check. Alarmingly, she said that in the meantime I needed to watch out for headaches, chest pains and breathlessness and to dial 111 immediately if I experience any of these "symptoms".
I know what is coming just around the corner. I am going to be put on antihypertensive medication that will hopefully decrease my raised blood pressure and I will be on these tablets for the rest of my life. There's also going to be pressure to take statins which I must admit I currently know little about. It is of little comfort to learn that the vast majority of British men over the age of seventy take medication that reduces their blood pressure and they take statins too.
I may have imagined that I was invulnerable - like some kind of superman but the truth is that I am as ordinary as anybody else. The game is effectively up. I want to get older than this - to see Phoebe through primary school, to enjoy more country walks, write more poems, see more places, read more books. Today was the first chime of a wake up call that my instincts had already predicted. It would be foolish not to grab the medication with both hands and take other sensible measures to reduce potential risks and probably lengthen my life.
Oh, yes. Listen- all of us are on statins. Or almost all of us. Even Mr. Moon and he fought it like a beast. But hell, man, so what? Do what you need to do to see your darling grands grow up as long as you can. They need you. And so does the rest of your family. You and I believe in science, not religion. So trust it to help you. Okay?
ReplyDeleteOkay Nurse Moon. This ostrich has removed his head from the sand. My readings are far too high. Give me the antihypertensive medication now!
DeleteWell at least you're smart enough to see a doctor before something catastrophic happens. Your kidneys will thank you for controlling your blood pressure.
ReplyDeleteI just was not expecting this. My request for a health check was very timely.
DeleteDid you do it on your own or did your wife encourage you? I'm trying to get my hubby to see a doctor but he won't until he quits smoking. He'll never quit smoking so it's a catch 22.
DeleteIt was all kind of accidental really. I was worried about my urination so I made an appointment with the doctor and she referred me to the urology department at the hospital. As I was leaving, I said that I sometimes worry about my heart as my father and oldest brother both died young because of heart issues. She asked if she could book me in for a health check and I agreed and that's how it unfolded.
DeleteHigh blood pressure and cholesterol are silent killers and I'm so glad that you're dealing with them. I've been on 2.5 milligrams of Bisoprolol for blood pressure for 15 years or so; although it's hardly anything, it keeps me from feeling like I'm being chased by a bear. With statins, make sure to watch for muscle aches and cramping. All medications have side effects but they can be managed and there are a zillion options. The first B/P med my doctor put me on brought down the numbers, but I still felt that horrible adrenaline. Bisoprolol has worked well for me; it's a beta blocker (I think) with a diuretic in it. I think you probably know what THAT side effect is! :) Best of luck with your new regime.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the useful information and your kind support Margaret. Much appreciated.
DeleteYour conclusion is exactly right. I am on a variety of medications, including statins, have a pacemaker-defillibrator planted in my chest, have had numerous small (well, one fairly large) surgeries to remove minor skin cancers, etc. etc. etc. But I'm a lot older than you, my friend, and I still enjoy a toddy or two each evening and eat pretty much whatever I want. So take your doctors' advices and like the proverbial Timex watch, keep on tickin'. There's still lots to do and see out there.
ReplyDeleteI like your upbeat outlook Bruce! Is that what the medications do to your brain?
DeleteIt's sensible to take your health seriously. Statins have been proven to be rubbish but antihypertensives save lives.
ReplyDeleteSince getting my sleep test and understanding the dangers of sleep apnea I encourage everyone to consider getting tested.
I don't even know what sleep apnea is Kylie. I will have to look it up.
DeleteGo ahead and take those medications. I've been taking both for several years now, beginning about a year before covid, when a doctor I'd gone to took my blood pressure and was alarmed enough to send me straight to a hospital ( "you walked in here on your own so I'm trusting you to go there on your own, right away") where they hooked me up and monitored me most of the afternoon, apparently 182 over 110 is really bad for a smallish person. Anyway, the medications have helped. So take them and plan a life of watching Phoebe and Margot grow and go to school. Zachary too of course.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support Elsie. My blood pressure is currently higher than yours was.
DeleteHigher?? Yikes! I'm surprised the doctor didn't immediately write a prescritption for you.
DeleteI'm sorry you are going through this and I hope you have good results should medication be recommended. Thanks for visiting me recently and wishing me well.
ReplyDeleteThank you "e".
DeleteI suppose it's inevitable that we'll require medication as we age. My doctors have talked about statins too but I've avoided them so far. It's a balancing act -- staying as fit as possible without medication but knowing when to give in and admit you need it!
ReplyDeleteI feel sure that I have reached that point Steve and hope I can make it to next Wednesday!
DeleteYou ought not have neglected your general health, but I'm sure you've heard that more than once already. If your cholesterol levels aren't too high, there are other drugs before statins to try. Blood pressure is so important and I think that it is poor that yours hasn't been checked already at any medical visit, like your foot pain. As Ray said, once you visit a doctor for the first time when you get older, you are now on the medical merry-go-round.
ReplyDeleteI am climbing on that merry-go-round right now Andrew.
DeleteI know nothing about statins, but I know that high blood pressure is as widespread as it is dangerous. Even when I was in my forties, many friends, colleagues and acquaintances of the same age were on regular medication because of it, and I was quite shocked by that. Of course a lot is due to the sedate lifestyle, unhealthy diet, smoking, drinking, stress - but you live much healthier than many, so there are obviously other causes.
ReplyDeleteThe only regular medication I am on are drops for my eyes to keep the inner-eye pressure in check.
In any case, you have some very good reasons for wanting to live long and stay as healthy as possible.
Thank you for these wise reflections Meike.
DeleteDon't faint. It's me!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your medical challenges. I think it's great that you've got to 70 without meds of some sort.
As you know, my Dad is almost 92 and up to last November had never been in hospital in his life. He's now on all sorts of meds.
I don't have a problem accepting medical intervention. I wouldn't be here without it, for sure.
I've taken a blood pressure med since I was 40 and my Blood Pressure is well controlled. They don't call it the silent killer for nothing.
If you need meds, take them, is my advice.
You need to be around to see those darling grandchildren grow up!
Lovely to hear from you again Christina and thanks for your support. As I look at my high bp readings from yesterday and this morning I realise that my life is at risk even though I feel perfectly fine. I will take the medication willingly for I am not ready to die - not just yet.
DeleteI would consider dietary changes before statins just from hearing about friends' experiences with the drug. I hope all goes well.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few dietary adjustments I could make which ought to make a difference.
DeleteI have been taking hypertension pills probably for the last 20 years and it seems to work. Last visit statins were mentioned for a slight rise in cholesterol. I refused and said I would give up butter, which sadly I haven't done yet, but still.
ReplyDeleteSo accept what the doctor says to a point, and just keep doing what you like best, which is walking, playing with grandchildren, writing, because that is where happiness lies.
I am not sure what good statins would do for me but having seen my bp readings and now having better understanding of what they mean I know that antihypertensive medication makes sense. I hope I can last till next Wednesday!
Delete1'm nearly 80. Like you, I keep away from doctors if I can. Earlier this year, I had to have a colonoscopy (horrible!). My GP was quite surprised that I was not on any medication previously. This leads me to think: why are so many older people on medication? Is it really necessary, or is it some form of marketing effort by the drug companies?
ReplyDeleteI have often thought the same myself Margaret. However, having known next to nothing about blood pressure until yesterday I am now convinced that if I don't do something about mine I will either suffer a stroke or a heart attack in the near future.
DeleteHope that's not you at that you at 170 resting. I bought a home tester from Boots for about £20. Wrote about it here: https://taskerdunham.blogspot.com/2020/08/health-gadget.html
ReplyDeleteLook up the Michael Mosley programs about lifestyle changes that help with bp and cholesterol.
My current blood pressure is higher than yours ever was Tasker. Even though I feel fine in myself I now realise that I am genuinely at risk and the sooner I can get started on the medication the better. Having a wife who was once a practice nurse is great for taking the blood pressure readings.
DeleteExercise and organic vegetables are the elixir for a long life. A dollop of sunshine and some fine ales are all vital ingredients to add.
ReplyDeleteI never knew you were a doctor Dave! A plant doctor maybe but not a human doctor.
DeleteA friend of my husband had life-threatening reactions to statins - unusual, I know, but also listening to my husband's sister-in-law complaining about the effects on her, we will resist attempts to encourage us to take them.
ReplyDeleteI would have to be convinced if I were ever to start on statins.
DeleteI've been on blood pressure medication since in my early thirties, with some adjustments over the decades since then. (Still no statins though.) Nowadays I have a monitor of my own at home so that can check the bp myself now and then between annual (or whatever) visits to the health care centre.
ReplyDeleteI am going to invest in one of those machines myself Monica. Thanks.
DeleteLike many of the other commenters, I am on blood pressure medication and cholesterol medication as well. I have been on it for years. Heart disease and high blood pressure runs in my family. My father died pretty young, my mother's mother died of a stroke at age 56. Like you, I dislike going to the doctor, but it is a necessity. My husband went on a statin a couple of years ago, and he fought it tooth and nails because he didn't want to be the "old guy who takes pills." Take care and stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteBeing in denial is quite obviously plain stupid. For me it is time to give in and follow the example of the two Michaels.
DeleteTake the pills, keep walking, you will live longer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr Godfrey.
DeleteYou have some conditions that are very treatable with effort and changes in life habits. You can still be invincible. Keep on moving!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your encouragement Keith.
DeleteI had a pre-diabetes and blood pressure call-up 6 months ago. Changed my diet to increase the protein and fibre. I never ate much sugar or saturated fat, but have dropped them more or less altogether. No calorie counting, but both weight and blood pressure have now dropped to very healthy levels. « I’m gonna live forever.. » well maybe I’ll get a few extra years 🤞🏻.
ReplyDeleteI will try to follow your example Caree. Thanks.
DeleteWhat is it about men and not wanting to see a doctor? It's sheer stupidity in my book. I have been on statins for the last 14 years, because strokes and heart attacks run in my family and I'm convinced I wouldn't be here now but for the statins. Science is progressing all the time and we are living longer because of that. Just take the tablets!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr Addy but please don't shout next time I visit you.
DeleteSo relatable. Additionally, I also learned that I have something called "white coat hypertension." My BP immediately spikes in medical settings and it closer to normal at home. New staff look immediately alarmed, even if I warn them. A doctor told me it's not my fault; it's a primal reaction. Still though, take the meds and enjoy a life with your grandkids.
ReplyDeleteI've been taking hypertension meds since my late 30s. Losing 7 stones made very little difference, and I now take a diuretic, a betablocker and an ACE inhibitor, along with a statin... my dad died of a fatal heart attack at 55, so I take the meds!
ReplyDeleteMy mum got to 85 without taking prescription meds, and without having a sight test in the last 15 to 20 years. She's just been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration, having ignored failing sight and just using ready readers. She's also got high blood pressure so is on a beta blocker and a statin. She also appears to have a rare auto immune disorder, that is dtill being tested for. The only time she visited the GP was to have her annual flu jab, insisting that a couple of paracetamol would cure everything. We're all paying the price for her stubbornness now, and she regrets not going to the optician regularly.