Zuzu, 3 questions - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

007INMAINE · 05-03-2004, 11:33 AM

Re: Stubborn BP
Zuzu, Thanks for all the detailed info. I was hoping you'd weigh in on this. I, too, am suprised about the doctor's (it's a woman) lack of pushing in the weight area. I'd send me to a specialist, kick my as* to the gym (with a prescription for exercise) and some goals and expectations and some hope. (I really like exercise, but she's so .... well, it will probably help SOME....) about it...I am pretty disciplined when I have to be (despite hte eating thing, I really can stick to a program - esp, when there's a gun pointed at my head and bullets in the chamber). I think she underestimates me, or maybe she's afraid to create more stress. I am always questioning things and I don't think she likes it. too bad. I do my own snooping (hence the OO7)
Three questions:
1. Should I have a veinagram - or an angiogram, whatever it's called - to see if there are any other blockages or narrowed arteries causing problems (other than in the kidneys)? Are there any other tests that you know of, that might tell us something?
2. If you've taken one drug in one class, and it doesn't seem to do anything, does than mean you won't react to any other drugs in that class? Or perhaps to a serious increase in dosage? Just because I haven't reacted to atenolol, does that mean I likely won't get any benefit from other betas? Or some other blood work. Maybe I need more diuretic to take out more salt?

3. Should I go to a specialist, and what kind? I want to do somthing about this! or at least believe I can. I want someone to take me seriously. I will relate one experience with her...and leave it at that. I told her the next to the last time I saw her, that I was taking supplements, so she would know: omega three, coq10, magnesium, garlic, and some Bs and Cs. She said "you are a reasonably intelligent person, don't waste your money." Period. Since then, I think she thinks I'm a whack job. I am not. But I read a lot and do my own research...future son in law is in medical school and I ask all kinds of questions...
Thanks for your help, 007

zuzu8 · 05-04-2004, 11:24 AM

007,
I responded in your Stubborn BP thread..hope you saw it. Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier but I was actually off the boards for a WHOLE DAY!!

Just want to add though, regarding sodium. Apart from not using the shaker, try to limit your total daily intake to 2400mg or less. You mentioned you don't eat prepared foods, but what about cereals, bread, any baked goods for instance.
Also condiments and salad dressings are usually loaded with sodium. I have noticed also, that even some supermarket "fresh- frozen" chicken has sodium added!!
If you ever eat canned "anything" read those labels!

zuzu xx