dmer

At the visit to My Dr/ yesterday, he suggested halving my present 10/40 Lotrel dose to the 5/20 generic equivalent. Short term, I have some Lotrel 5/40 and will use them until the supply is exhausted.

Between 10/29/07 and yesterday, I dropped 33lbs, per their office scale. This was a result of calorie reduction, elimination of refined carbs and intensified exercise. I wish I could attribute it to being sensible and well motivated but in reality, the jolt was a BP reading of over 200 / 100+. Subsequent blood tests revealed elevated lipids and glucose as well. With statin therapy and the other lifestyle changes, those have now come into a normal range.

With my weight loss and diet changes I would have expected to feel a lot better than I presently do (not that I feel particularly bad) but I believe that this is in part a reflection of the side effects of the meds. 2 Days ago, because of a late start, I happened to take my BP med an hour or 2 before exercising and when I returned, my BP reading was 88 / 60. That coupled with some malaise / fatigue and helpful advice on this MB, made me aware of the need to reduce doses.

I asked the DR. if he thought it possible to eliminate BP meds entirely and he said that in theory, it was. However, given the reality of other conditions possibly brought on by elevated BP , glucose and elevated lipids, he believed that ACE I's had a therapeutic part to play in people's lives.

This morning, I hit a bit of a mental brick wall on my exercise, coming close to not doing it with a rationalization linked to my Dr.'s visit. For some reason, I have the notion that because the meds are reduced, I can do away with the physical exertion. Given my enthusiasm for getting out on a dark, damp and drizzly morning, I was sorely tempted to get back under the bed covers.

I managed, with a self-lecture to get out the door on the basis that this was possibly the most vital part of my therapy. I don't know who else used it on this board but the term "pushing a string" is very apt in describing life on various medications. We have to micro-analyze our physical reactions to things and make a myriad of judgements about how to proceed.

This MB is a great place though, to discuss the journey!