Health checks

[A mex eyecan]

Are you sure your BP was 123/75? I was put onto Amlodipine last year when I reached 180/85. I was always 120/60 when I was younger even when pregnant.
Sorry for questioning you but it seems strange to me.

Absolutely was for sure

 

[chip]

Interesting today that I get a message from the doctor today saying to arrange an appointment as my thyroid reading is high. So I wonder if that is connected. Meanwhile I contact the hospital as the CT angiogram reports have not been returned after a month. The cardiac secretary won't give me the results over the phone. Mad times for me.

I realise that, whilst I have an anxiety disorder these days (It used to be the foolish opposite) that anxiety can cause inflated blood pressure. But I notice that on the NHS pages that nervousness, anxiety and irritability are a symptom of an overactive thyroid. This is getting a little circular.

Blood pressure was as low as 120/79 yesterday, settling around 135/90, but rose as high as 165/100 last night and today and has leveled out around there. I wonder that anxiety is playing a role.

Don't get too obsessive about monitoring BP, Eeyore. You'll be chasing your tail. Even taking amlodopine and losartan I get BP over 165/100 regularly and I'm ~6 foot, weigh 11 1/2 stone, eat 5-a-day, do my 5x30 mins. Thyroid function is very strogly associated with BP and its fluctuations and stress/anxiety can worsen thyroid (hypo and hyper) symptoms. Try looking over a longer time interval, the lows and highs should come down.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Absolutely was for sure

Honestly, I am very surprised. You can contact your cardiologist, via his secretary and request that you stop taking Amlodopine, and you should get a reply.

 

[Eeyore]

Don't get too obsessive about monitoring BP, Eeyore. You'll be chasing your tail. Even taking amlodopine and losartan I get BP over 165/100 regularly and I'm ~6 foot, weigh 11 1/2 stone, eat 5-a-day, do my 5x30 mins. Thyroid function is very strogly associated with BP and its fluctuations and stress/anxiety can worsen thyroid (hypo and hyper) symptoms. Try looking over a longer time interval, the lows and highs should come down.

Thanks. I followed up on what you said there on the reliable sites, and it says exactly that. So it looks like the over active thyroid and the symptoms thereof may well have caused elevated levels. It's interesting how, looking at previous tests, my thyroid levels have been fine, except for a period in 2018 when it was the same level. Better all this a subject of fascination than worry. I love a good graph me.

 

[Curious Orange]

I’m sure not, but (anecdotally at least) they seem incredibly keen to get people on to drugs (particularly for high cholesterol and high blood pressure) without trying lifestyle changes first - I’ve got several pals who have managed to avoid medication by making relatively modest changes (and some that weren’t given the option). Benefits of data-led population medication I guess.

My cholesterol was flagged as being very slightly raised at my last check-up, and they just suggested I might like to talk to their lifestyle person. I was a little surprised given I was training for a half marathon at the time, and put it down to having not quite shifted the Christmas weight when I was tested!

 

[oldboyroy]

Thought I'd find an existing thread, rather than start a new one.

I've been told I have elevated blood pressure (ave 134/88). Due to family history they are starting me on Amlodipine. I'm about a stone overweight and have set my face to lose this and ensure I get plenty of exercise and cut salt out the diet. I wonder if this would naturally bring the blood pressure down. It's just that I get a bit nervous of new drugs and side effects. I'm already on statins.

I'd be keen to hear other folks experience in this area.

Blimey, my blood pressure is around that figure on a good day. Normally, mine is around 140/85 to 148/90 but docs say its just about normal despite blood pressure app telling me stage 1 hypertension. Reduced my salt intake but makes no difference although now been put on statins as my cholesterol is higher than they would like. Just today, got my 2nd bowel cancer screen letter which test will arrive within 2 weeks. I'm due another blood test next month to determine if statins are starting to work and will ask for a psa test for prostrate too.

 

[pearl]

Can only re-emphasise a stance that has stood me in good stead all these lifelong years: 'Never go to the doctors cos they'll only find something wrong with you'

Yep! And it won't be the something you went there for

 

[pearl]

My last cardiologist appointment I was seen by a stand in. I’m 66 and she decided that my BP of 123/75 was ‘high’ and resting pulse of 50 needed looking at as it’s too low. . Anyhow she insisted on Amlodipine at 5mg. Since then (9 months) my BP has stayed exactly the same, however I’m losing leg muscle at a rate and my blood sugars have suddenly gone up to 46 and I’ve been referred to a pre diabetes clinic. Weeks back I did some digging on Amlodipine and find that these can be side effects. I’ve asked my GP if I can come off it, they won’t sanction that until I seve the Cardiologist in August.

Saving grace of the PD clinic is that by cutting starchy carbs and combining proteins, carbs and veg etc, as well as getting in an extra yoga session and 45 mins on an exercise bike each day I’ve lost just over one and a quarter stone in 6 weeks.

There must be more to this. It makes no sense. I'm guessing it's in connection with why you have cardiologist appointments in the first place.

 

[Eeyore]

Blimey, my blood pressure is around that figure on a good day. Normally, mine is around 140/85 to 148/90 but docs say its just about normal despite blood pressure app telling me stage 1 hypertension. Reduced my salt intake but makes no difference although now been put on statins as my cholesterol is higher than they would like. Just today, got my 2nd bowel cancer screen letter which test will arrive within 2 weeks. I'm due another blood test next month to determine if statins are starting to work and will ask for a psa test for prostrate too.

All the best to you there my friend. Hoping things work out.

 

[Zeberdi]

More tests last week -this time MRI for bilateral knee pain - Had a lovely typed letter today from my GP explaining what was causing the swelling and pain and asked me if I wanted her to make a referral to the Orthopaedic Team - She enclosed the scan results and explained it all in plain English. Severe cartilage degeneration and soft tissue damage of meniscus in both knees - fluid in joint on right knee. No wonder my bloody knees hurt

Anyway, just wanted to say there are some amazing GPs out there who really go the extra mile to help if you can find the right one - she even thanked me for going to get the MRI she’d referred me for.

Point is, if you think you aren’t getting the healthcare support you need from the GP surgery or hospital , chase them up - Medicine has become really patient led I think as has chasing up results, appointments etc Sometimes you need to be a bit of a Karen but persevere.

Ive been waiting to get a skin cancer removed and hadn’t heard anything since January when it was diagnosed - I emailed the Consultant’s Secretary on Monday who chased up the surgical department- 2 days later they phoned me and booked me in for next week!

Be proactive

 

[Eeyore]

More tests last week -this time MRI for bilateral knee pain - Had a lovely typed letter today from my GP explaining what was causing the swelling and pain and asked me if I wanted her to make a referral to the Orthopaedic Team - She enclosed the scan results and explained it all in plain English. Severe cartilage degeneration and soft tissue damage of meniscus in both knees - fluid in joint on right knee. No wonder my bloody knees hurt

Anyway, just wanted to say there are some amazing GPs out there who really go the extra mile to help if you can find the right one - she even thanked me for going to get the MRI she’d referred me for.

Point is, if you think you aren’t getting the healthcare support you need from the GP surgery or hospital , chase them up - Medicine has become really patient led I think as has chasing up results, appointments etc Sometimes you need to be a bit of a Karen but persevere.

Ive been waiting to get a skin cancer removed and hadn’t heard anything since January when it was diagnosed - I emailed the Consultant’s Secretary on Monday who chased up the surgical department- 2 days later they phoned me and booked me in for next week!

Be proactive

It's a point that I have made often in recent times. I see the NHS as a bit like a car mechanic where you have to order the parts and get them to fix them.

I've had a few points in case in recent times. When I had an angry infected cyst that had grown to some size I was told there wasn't a doctor's appointment for two weeks. I insisted that I was seen earlier- then a same day appointment appeared. The doctor said he was 'hopeful' the antibiotics would work. I knew they wouldn't, it was the same one I had before. I called in a few days later and they said they couldn't fit me in and to try the following week. I went to A & E, saw a nurse who said I should have had a referral but put me down to see a doctor. After a couple of hours wait I saw the doctor who said they were going to operate the following morning. It was the same cyst that, when previously removed, I was told that it didn't need dressing after it had stopped bleeding. I made some enquiries as it didn't sound right. I was told it needed follow up cleaning and dressing for some time. I had to push for it, and have to say the nurses were in full agreement and, like this time, very helpful.

The blood pressure issues are something I have pressed on to. But only after pushing the issue, what with a bad family history of heart problems. I'm waiting for CT angiogram results, again something I had to push for. It doesn't irk me insofar as I appreciate that the service is overrun and patients have to be on the ball as far as they can. The treatment I have received, once I pushed for it, has been first class.

The thing I have noticed about the NHS is how immigrants are so important to it. For my operation I was seen by a South Asian receptionist, operated on by an Iraqi doctor, followed up for re-dressing by an Indian nurse and then, on return one Sunday, spoken to by Italian doctor (Whose father played in Serie C) and dressed whilst having a lovely chat with a nurse from Manila. All super folks, who we should cherish.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

Can only re-emphasise a stance that has stood me in good stead all these lifelong years: 'Never go to the doctors cos they'll only find something wrong with you'

If I'd followed that advice 30 years ago ....

I'd be dead!!!

In my early 30s and not feeling particularly unwell, I was up peeing 3 times in the night and always thirsty. Wife finally convinced me to go see the doc. I arrived at the surgery at 6.30pm ish. After a few questions he asked if I could do a wee-sample. He poked some sort of dip-stick in it, then pulled it out, with a Hmmmm, I need you to go to A&E first thing in the morning, take your overnight stuff too.

Turns out I had developed type 1 diabetes and was in desperate need of some insulin as my pancreas had stopped making it for me. I was in hospital for a week while they stabilised my blood-sugar levels ...

Sometimes, finding something broken is better than not looking for it and living in ignorance.

 

[SouthSaxon]

Had a health check on Friday and have been put on Ramipril, 5mg to start with.

I knew it was bad as they were taking my BP because the nurse managed the impressive feat of both raising and lowering her eyebrows at the same time.

Then I got told to wait for the GP, who told me it was the highest reading she’d seen (around 215/140). Not helped by the fact I had marched down there to avoid being late and barely got my breath back before being ushered in.

By this point I was convinced I was off to hospital, but instead was sent straight to the nearest chemist.

Measuring my BP at home over the weekend, it was around 165/110. Still too high but less likely to keel over any minute.

I actually felt fine beforehand and worse now the Ramipril is taking effect, but I’m told this will only last a few days.

Went back this morning to have blood taken, now have a golf ball sized lump on my arm from the nurse hacking away at me with the needle.

On the plus side, my cholesterol is apparently fine.

 

[Dick Swiveller]

Had a health check on Friday and have been put on Ramipril, 5mg to start with.

I knew it was bad as they were taking my BP because the nurse managed the impressive feat of both raising and lowering her eyebrows at the same time.

Then I got told to wait for the GP, who told me it was the highest reading she’d seen (around 215/140). Not helped by the fact I had marched down there to avoid being late and barely got my breath back before being ushered in.

By this point I was convinced I was off to hospital, but instead was sent straight to the nearest chemist.

Measuring my BP at home over the weekend, it was around 165/110. Still too high but less likely to keel over any minute.

I actually felt fine beforehand and worse now the Ramipril is taking effect, but I’m told this will only last a few days.

Went back this morning to have blood taken, now have a golf ball sized lump on my arm from the nurse hacking away at me with the needle.

On the plus side, my cholesterol is apparently fine.

Been on Ramipril for nearly 20 years and have had Bisoprolol, Felodipine and Doxazosin added since then. Most of them take a while to settle down side effects wise but I have had nothing too bad.

 

[SouthSaxon]

Been on Ramipril for nearly 20 years and have had Bisoprolol, Felodipine and Doxazosin added since then. Most of them take a while to settle down side effects wise but I have had nothing too bad.

Thanks, yeah I’m not too concerned about that TBH, the next thing will be if anything shows up on the blood test.

But my mother’s side of the family has a history of high blood pressure, so I’m reasonably confident that I’m just continuing the family tradition rather than anything more alarming.

 

[Dick Swiveller]

Thanks, yeah I’m not too concerned about that TBH, the next thing will be if anything shows up on the blood test.

But my mother’s side of the family has a history of high blood pressure, so I’m reasonably confident that I’m just continuing the family tradition rather than anything more alarming.

That was it for me - it was always borderline and I was only around 35 when they started me on it. Before my injuries and ops that meant my weight ballooned so although that would have contributed to some of the extra tablets, I was normal weight and fit at the time so it was an hereditary thing.

 

[Jovis]

More tests last week -this time MRI for bilateral knee pain - Had a lovely typed letter today from my GP explaining what was causing the swelling and pain and asked me if I wanted her to make a referral to the Orthopaedic Team - She enclosed the scan results and explained it all in plain English. Severe cartilage degeneration and soft tissue damage of meniscus in both knees - fluid in joint on right knee. No wonder my bloody knees hurt



Be proactive

Would be interested to know the outcome of this. Age 54 but walk like I’m 84, due to knee pain and stiffness. Think it goes back to a skiing accident 20+ years ago…