I've recently moved and since moving loads of things have been going on which has stressed me out. Anyway as part of moving house hubby and I have had to register at a new GP surgery.
We saw the healthcare nurse two weeks ago and we were both told we had high blood pressure, I am stressed so ok, I needed to deal with the stress. I had it re-checked on Monday and was told it was still high 143/95.
The nurse spoke to the GP and he prescribed me Blood pressure tablets without speaking to me. I got the tablets home and after reading the leaflet believed that the tablets were not right for me to take. I suffer migraines so have been told that I'm a higher risk of stroke and the tablets prescribed increase that risk further (scared yes!), I also determined that I shouldn't be taking them with some anti-inflamatories that I take for migraines. I took them back and obtained a refund after a conversation with the pharmacist and her trying to convince me the GP would want me to take them.
Anyway, I've now borrowed my parents BP monitor to take readings 3 times a day for a week. So far my BP has appeared normal the lowest reading being 117/70 and the highest being 136/71.
Now what concerns me is what would have happened had I taken the GP's word for it and taken the tablets, would they not have lowered my BP too much and given my hypotension? Surely the GP should have done further investigations before dishing out these type of pills?
I'm cross and concerned that my new GP surgery has put my life at risk.
What are peoples thoughts on this?
I'm going back in 2 weeks for another BP reading to be taken and also to speak to the GP regarding the tablets (which I've refused to take), what do I say to him. I want to call him an idiot, but I know I really shouldn't. I'm going to take my readings from this weeks regular BP checks as evidence, but I have concerns he's going to make excuses for his actions.
L&L
Well, it's good that you're taking control of your own health, as so many people don't and just rely on GP's and other 'experts' opinions.
It may be that the GP didn't have enough information or was mis-informed, so give him the benefit of the doubt, be honest with him about your concerns and provide him with the information you have from taking your own readings. I'm sure if he can see that you've taken the initiative and monitored yourself before just going ahead and taking drugs, then he can use the information you have to make a more informed decision, and you can suggest to him also that you'd like to keep monitoring it for a bit (remember you do have the right to refuse treatment or ask for a second opinion with another doctor).
Hope you get it sorted and that the house move doesn't take too much more of a toll on you.
All Love and Reiki Hugs
Good reply Giles!
You can also use EFT to lower your blood pressure! see . I have used it myself when I have had a stressful journey to the Dr and I know my BP is up!! Works a treat!
Love and Light
thanks for the responses.
So far my monitoring is indicated that my BP is normal. So will just give the information to the GP when I see him in 10 days.
I'm an awkward patient and generally don't take the GP's word for things. I like lots of explanations and reasons. lol
Well today I went to see the GP who prescribed me the blood pressure tablets.
He asked me how long I'd been on them (d'oh), then when I said I wasn't on BP tablets he looked puzzled, so I explained that "he'd" prescribed them to me but I hadn't taken them and I explained why.
His response was that the BP tablets crossed with other tablets I had would only be a problem if on BP tablets for a long time. But he then added that its a good job I didn't take them as my blood pressure is fine.
I've decided that I can't trust the GP's at this surgery. I am a nervous patient and I need to be able to trust the GP's and so the search begins for another surgery that covers my area.
Wish me luck.
Where are you? I'm in Pity Me & chemist-NOT doctor gave my baby wrong dosage of medicine. She was very lethargic but got over it (I think - hopefully no long term effects)
Yvonne x
Hi Meadowsweet,
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing problems with your new surgery.
I am very surprised that the healthcare nurse reacted so quickly on the blood pressure issue. It stands to reason that moving in itself is stressful and she should have taken that into consideration and maybe made you an appointment in a month or so, to get you onto medication that quickly is crazy.
If you've lost confidence with this practice then its probably a goood idea to move on but from what you've said it appears that the nurse was at fault not the GP. He wrote the prescription at her bequest didnt he?
I've had a negative experience with a nurse practitioner at my surgery too 🙁 Sometimes I wonder at the wisdom of the status of nurse practitioners but then thats another topic.
You are a perfect patient! It is important that we all take responsibilty for our health and in my experience health professionals admire that approach. Gone are the days when we put them up on a pedestal and meekly do as we are told without question.
I've always been forthright in dealings with my healthcare professionals and wouldnt dream of taking any medication unless I was convinced it was necessary.
You continue to question and ask for explanations. It's your right 😀
Great to hear that you didnt need the medications too.
Hi Meadowsweet.
Sorry to hear your worries and you are rightly concerned. You can change GP if you don't feel comfortable.
I have lost most of my respect for GP's, which is sad because my life has been saved by many in the past.
My blood presure has been consistently 140/80 for many years which was considered the norm.
Then during a routine check I was told my blood pressure was "VERY HIGH", bemused, I questioned my reading, sure enough it was 140/80.
That IS normal for me but I was told "that used to be the standard but NOW they want to see it at 130/80." So they moved the goal posts, I didn't. 😡
To be fair I wasn't offered tablets, just advised to avoid fats. I just giggled.
I know I could put most 'health professionals' to shame on healthy eating, so not worth arguing.
Take care of you Meadowsweet 🙂
I know how you feel..... Every time I go for a medication review.. I have another tablet thrown at me.. They are over prescribing sooo many tablets to me.. that many I have stopped taking.. The Cholestrol tablets I have are rediculas.... and I eat a well balanced diet( ok Have the odd small bar of chocolate)... but I am really fed up now.. that my tablets have to come in blister packs cos there are too many of them. any advice?...talk to the doctors??
when I did the last time.. I was abruptly told "you Need them"....