Does anyone have a clue what'd going on with bP?

[sadsally]

flowergirl2day

I appreciate very much what you said. I am so worried and confused I am not thinking straight. I do not know why my primary doctor insist on my taking the meds. The heart doctor told e to stop taking the Cardizem and just take the avalide. But when I went back to the primary doctor and told her what the heart doctor said she but me back on the cardizem and the avalide. I don't know if it is because she does not like that the heart doctor took me off of it or not. I will insist that she do something about these side effects. I know all meds have side effects but I thought if they bother you the docs would change them. I'm feeling too bad to have sense enough to even ask that she change the meds I realize that now.But the fact that I have been complaining since the spring should have given her a clue.

[flowergirl2day]

Sally,

I am sorry you are not feeling well.
the doctors cannot do anything about the side effects of our medications. The only way to get relief is to stop taking the medication that causes them.
Perhaps your doctor believes you need to take the calcium channel blocker and that it is in your best interest. Doctors sometimes disagree when interpreting the test results and when choosing what they perceive to be the best treatment option. I don't think you are on this medication because your doctors don't like each other. Their motto is: DO NO HARM.
Please ask your doctor why she thinks you should remain on this medication when your cardiologist does not think you need to. You should not have to put up with the side effects if you find them intolerable. They get worse with warmer weather.

flowergirl

[famnd]

I got a serious drug induced reaction to Cozaar which sounds similar to your reaction as far as the swelling. My knees are permanently damaged so that I have to wear elastic bandages on them to walk. This of course limits my lifestyle.

If your knees are swollen, ask the Dr. if it is okay to wear elastic bandages & or support hose. The pressure of the fluid may damage your knees as it did mine.

Find a small soft ball to exercise your hands to maintain function. The ball should be easy to squeeze. Putting your hands in warm water should help before doing the exercises.

You must get rid of the swelling somehow. Fam

[flowergirl2day]

Fam,

The pressure of the fluid may damage your knees as it did mine.

What do you mean by saying it was the fluid (not the drug) that damaged your knees? This worries me. Can an edema cause damage? Some of the fluids remain in the tissue without being re-absorbed. (my personal observation). You can see bumps that remain. My right knee feels like there's too much liquid in there which shifts and gets re-distributed with each step. Strangely, it acts up only in the evenings.

flowergirl

[sadsally]

Hi Everyone

I just did some research on the two drugs I am taking, avalide and cardizem. According to my research both of these are calcium chanel blockers. The heart doctor said that "you past all your test there is not much wrong with your heart" The meds are for high blood pressure only. Could I possibly need two calcium chanel blockers? The highest my pressure has been is 150/95 and that only occasionaly. Usually it is 140/85 or 130/70. I would ask my doctor tomorrow but her office is closed for the next 3 days. Will ask as soon as I can reach her. Sometimes when I leave a message she won't contact me until the next week.I've been with this doctor since 1990 and do not want to break in another doctor but I'm beginning to wonder if she wants me to leave. I do not contact her unless it is absolutely necessary.