Frequency of Appointments

[Buying Time]

I was diagnosed with hypertension at 38, which was nearly two years ago. I am a healthy, active woman who runs five mile stretches three times a week and weight lifts at least twice a week. I eat a healthy diet. I have never had any abnormal blood work or other tests. I still maintain a blood pressure of 117/70 on just 25mg. of atenolol.

My doctor insists that I see him every three months. He knows I have no medical insurance and this is a burden for me, but whenever I ask when I can extend these visits a bit longer, he tells me I will be seeing him every three months for all eternity.

How often do those of you with hypertension see your doctors?

[zuzu8]

Your doctor is nuts! You are otherwise healthy. You take care of yourself. You have no new problems or symptoms I presume. Your BP ihas been under control for two years.. You have no side effects from the meds (?)

If you are monitoring your BP at home and you know your monitor is calibrated and functioning correctly, then there is no reason to have to see him at three month intervals, unless your BP #s go up.

Frankly, given that you are YOUNG,it seems perfectly reasonable to me that every 6 months or even once a year is sufficient.....But again, you must be your own advocate and monitor your pressure yourself to keep good tabs on it.

Anyone else reading this , feel free to disagree with me.

zuzu xx

[zip2play]

I agree completely Zuzu.

Buying Time,

My doctor would be happiest if I saw him HOURLY! But I have better uses for my cash than buying him a new Mazerati!

My BP monitor is as good as his. Better, actually.

Of course since they have the prescription pad it gives them some power over you. Always ask for a year's refills

[Buying Time]

Thank you both for your wise words. I personally know several people with high blood pressure and none of them sees their doctor more than once a year unless they have problems. I shall respectfully break the news to my doctor next appointment. I could certainly use a break!

[rubindj]

Do you have a BP monitor at home?

If so, bring it to your next appointment. Show the nurse that your monitor reasds the same as his nurses. Ask the doctor just to see the nurse next time, insure that your home BP monitor is still working, and get a 3 month refill called in. This should cost about $30 (and many insurances don't charge a copy for a nurses visit).

After doing this a few times, he may allow alonger script time.

I can tell you that 99% of patients are not well controlled (as you seem to be), and home monitors are notriousily bad. If you can prove this isn't the case, the medicine itself is fairly safe. I have also seen many of those "once a year checkup" doctor's patient's in the emergency room with strokes.