The next step...
10-11-11, 01:27 PM
#1
Starting over
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The next step...
I had a brief visit with my doctor last week. He's now seen me lose over a hundred pounds in the past 4 or 5 years, 80 or so of which has been in the last 18 months. And he's now seen me keep it off (and continue to lose a little more) for the past 12 months. Between my log of BP and resting pulse readings that I take to each appointment, and the consistently good cholesterol readings I've had for over a year now, he's decided to 1) cut the already low dosage of BP meds in half, and 2) take me off the statins completely, for a trial period of 6 weeks. I'll go in again in late November for more tests and he'll decide where things go from there.
I'm pleased (
), but I think my wife is even more excited about it than I am.
I'm pleased (
), but I think my wife is even more excited about it than I am.
10-11-11, 01:46 PM
#2
Senior Member
CONGRATS Craig!!! Anytime if you can ween yourself off of or reduce your meds by exercise & diet is AWESOME!!!! My doc took me off Metformin (for diabetes) after I lost about 30 lbs (this was before I started cycling)... I've kept my diabetes under control for the past 3 years... Now that I've started biking I'm hoping to get off the statins for my cholesterol... I'm hoping this time next year I'll be in a position to eliminate the statins, if I can consistently keep low cholesterol readings, of course.
Again, GREAT JOB!!!
Again, GREAT JOB!!!
10-11-11, 03:26 PM
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Great job! Your hard work is paying off, and it's evident! Keep kicking ass. 
10-11-11, 04:05 PM
#5
Senior Member
Friggin' awesome.
I'm staring at my gout meds right now, wishing it were my last bottle.
I'm staring at my gout meds right now, wishing it were my last bottle.
10-11-11, 04:46 PM
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Excellent news! I myself went through a similar experience, only cutting the BP meds at the end of May. I noticed my endurance greatly improved when I stopped taking them. After taking them my doctor told me my BP was "high normal" but no cause for concern. He said come back in December and we'll reevaluate whether to put me back on them. I'm hoping 5 months of intense cycling in the interim has further improved my BP. We'll see in 2 months!
10-11-11, 04:52 PM
#10
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You know, I am starting to wonder if my blood pressure meds limit me as well. Seemed to be tired a lot and hopefully next Drs appointment will get me off them.
10-11-11, 05:18 PM
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Craigb that is awesome,i hope to be writing a post like that sometime in the next yr.
,i hope to be writing a post like that sometime in the next yr.
10-11-11, 05:30 PM
#12
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I think one of the reasons he's willing to cut the BP med in half is my complaint of occasional light-headedness and tunnel vision after exercise. I came home from a hard 50 miler a couple of months ago and almost passed out. BP was 88/40 at the time. It'll be interesting to see if there's a discernable difference in my daily readings as I cut it back.
10-11-11, 05:53 PM
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I think one of the reasons he's willing to cut the BP med in half is my complaint of occasional light-headedness and tunnel vision after exercise. I came home from a hard 50 miler a couple of months ago and almost passed out. BP was 88/40 at the time. It'll be interesting to see if there's a discernable difference in my daily readings as I cut it back.
My BP did not increase when the dosage was cut in half, but it definitely did increase when I completely stopped.
10-11-11, 06:48 PM
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CraigB Hearing that good news had to put a smile on your face. I am happy for you.
Zoxe - Someone needs to start a Gout thread/discussion.
Zoxe - Someone needs to start a Gout thread/discussion.
10-12-11, 08:07 AM
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Congrats Craig ...
that's why I love this forum ... despite it all, there's ALWAYS a story of someone's victory ... small or big, it doesn't matter.
Keep riding friends
that's why I love this forum ... despite it all, there's ALWAYS a story of someone's victory ... small or big, it doesn't matter.
Keep riding friends
10-12-11, 08:40 AM
#16
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Congratulations. Anytime I see someone manage to get taken off medication I'm thankful. I have a dark attitude towards BigPharma.
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humans can be so....rude
10-12-11, 12:37 PM
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I too am off the BP meds and the Statins. I feel vastly better!! Great work!! Keep pedaling and mind the calories and life will continue its awesome goodness!
10-12-11, 12:55 PM
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Great work!! Woot!
10-12-11, 10:06 PM
#23
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Awesome news, Craig! Congrats!!
10-12-11, 10:59 PM
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There is a class of BP meds, the beta blockers, that can really limit your excercise tolerance, because they tend to lower your heart rate and cardiac contractility. Examples of these meds are atenolol, propranolol, and carvedilol. The main symptom you'd feel while pedaling hard is that your thigh and calf muscles will feel heavy. If you experience this symptom talk to your doctor about it.
10-13-11, 04:25 AM
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There is a class of BP meds, the beta blockers, that can really limit your excercise tolerance, because they tend to lower your heart rate and cardiac contractility. Examples of these meds are atenolol, propranolol, and carvedilol. The main symptom you'd feel while pedaling hard is that your thigh and calf muscles will feel heavy. If you experience this symptom talk to your doctor about it.