After reading some of our posts, I asked myself, why are we so afraid of having high blood pressure, and even more puzzling why are we so afraid to be treated. Yes the side effects can get worrsiome, but their our loads of drugs to try! We should be happy that we are given the chance to ward off something more serious like heart disease or worse a sudden heart attack or stroke and death.

I say all of this to say, what are we afraaid of?

My advice: Get treated and get on with your life!

I really enjoy this site, and love to come and check in with my BP friends. I know the fear hat High BP has given us all,, but if you really think it about it. It really is not that bad.

I can't speak for others but i am not afraid per se. I just think that some of these meds can caus some serious problems. For example on the patient info it states can cause stroke, or heart failure. Also how do we know later down the line we won't be told it can cause cancer. Some drs don't follow prescribing guidelines either. I am diabetic and my gp has me taking thiazides which causes increase glucose and high cholesterol. For the last 3 yrs i couldn't figure out why i suddenly developed another disease such as hc. My glucose has always been within range of 5.2 or 6.2. They kept telling me i was doing something wrong, then i find out its the bp med.

I don't think i am afraid just concerned.

Hi Sandra,

I am hypothyroid, and I have been taking Synthroid since I was 12 years old. Synthroid never gave me any significant problems, and I had no problem taking a pill every single day for the rest of my life.

It's been different with the hypertension drugs. Finding one that is effective without making me miserable is a challenge. Feeling like a zombie or having an extreme lack of energy, even depression, is very scary to me. My *quality* of life is as important as my *quantity* of life. That's pretty much it in a nutshell.

Take care,

T.

I am sorry that any of you are having side effects that decreases your quality of life, while I do not have the same problems as you, I too have suffered with side effects. I am thankful that I do not have any now that I know of. But who knows what Norvasc maybe doing to me. How we deal with this health issue is an individual thing, I just hoped by posing the question, we together would come to terms with our hypertension, our fears and concerns, realize like the medical profession and drug companies are not out to get us and focus on other aspects of our lives that increase our quality of living.

I hear you.

I do think my doctor is really trying everything he can to help me because he cares about me and wants to do the right thing by his profession.

After trying several drugs, things are going OK right now (knock wood), but I can't say for how long.

Here's hoping for success for everyone!

It's been different with the hypertension drugs. Finding one that is effective without making me miserable is a challenge. Feeling like a zombie or having an extreme lack of energy, even depression, is very scary to me. My *quality* of life is as important as my *quantity* of life. That's pretty much it in a nutshell.

I agree 100%.

At 33, I had HBP at the doc for about 10 months before I stopped drinking. Now it is 120/78 at the doc. & 106/62 to 117/66 away from the doc on meds. Everyday I have to wonder what side-effects are going to happen. Yesterday my stomach bothered me, today I feel like a zombie, the day before it caused flushing. Do docs. benefit? He*l yeah!!! HBP means more appointments & kick-backs from the drug companies. I'm scared to get off the meds. because of rebound effect. I have been to 4 separate doctors over the past year. I'm on Lotrel 5/20 & atenolol. It's normal in his office (120/78), but he still won't wean me off of the drugs. It s**ks.