Wednesday, March 11, 2009
And so it begins…
I’ve never had to take medication on a regular basis. Occasionally if I’d get a UTI I’d have to take antibiotics for a while, but it’s always been nice to answer “No” to the question asked by most doctors, “Are you on any medications?”
As I was approaching my 40th birthday, an older co-worker warned me that, “Things start to go to hell in a hand basket after you turn 40.” He said that suddenly you can’t see well, your body starts to have aches and pains, and the medical issues begin. I laughed at him and said, “I feel great, healthy as a horse!”
Well, maybe there was something to his claim because I had a physical this week and my doctor and I were both shocked to discover that my blood pressure was 160/100! It was checked at least 3 times during that visit and she required that I come back the next morning and have it checked again. The next day it was 140/100!
I have never had blood pressure problems in the past. I’ve always been within the normal ranges, if not a bit lower. We’re not sure what’s going on and she’s running blood tests on me and a few other things to determine the cause. In the meantime, she’s put me on a low dose of blood pressure medication that I have to take daily.
I asked her if stress could be the cause. Let me tell you, I have reasons to be stressed! We have Boo’s contested termination trial hearing coming up next week and I’m stressed about the outcome, not to mention having to get up and testify in front of Boo’s mom and her lawyer. My doctor said stress can increase levels slightly, but not that much.
I asked if I’d have to take this medicine for the rest of my life and she said she didn’t know. She’d re-evaluate the situation after test results come back and she said she wants to see me again in a month to follow-up.
So, I went and filled my blood pressure medication prescription at the pharmacy. I even reluctantly bought myself a pill box organizer because, even well before turning forty, I’m forgetful. At least with a pill box organizer, I’ll know if I missed a dose or not.
I had a tough time purchasing that pill box organizer because, for me, it represents a sign of old age. My parents and in-laws use several pill box organizers for their plethora of medications that they take on a daily basis!
((Sigh)) I guess my days of being able to say I’m not on any medication are over. At least I can take some comfort in knowing that I don’t need the jumbo print pill boxes yet.
So, do any of you take daily medications?
Labels: health
10 Comments:
The only daily meds I take are for migraines and I sometimes forget those so I'm no help there. I just wanted to say that I'm turning 40 in December (gasp, sudder!) and I notice a big difference in things. It's amazing how it all changes so quickly. I feel like perimenopause just crept up, and everything else is just not what it used to be. I have my yearly Well Woman appt next week (last one before 40). I have a feeling I'll be joining you in the "days of the week" pill container ;)
I know how you feel about those pill boxes...when I see my Dad's I cringe. The picture you posted wouldn't be big enough for everything he has to take. But, I'm so thankful for all the meds available now...I don't know if a lot of my loved ones would still be around w/o them.
I had high blood pressure during my pregnancy. I think I've always been on the upper end of the acceptable range, but it creeped up while I was pregnant. The last week before they induced me I was on BP meds, and then for 8 weeks after delivering. I have a feeling that as I get older the problem will pop up again. I'm anxious to hear some of your ideas about the causes (if you're willing to share as you learn more). It's kinda scary b/c a lot of times there are no symptoms. I'm so glad you found out now! =)
Hi I'm new to your blog. I have been searching for other domestic adoption blogs & I found yours! We adopted our little girl last year and I love to hear other's journey. We are also thinking of adopting again... so I look forward to reading more! Stop by anytime to see our little gift from God.
Grace & Peace
I've had to use a pillbox organizer since my pregnancy with ds. I was in my twenties, so I don't think of it as a sign of old age!
I have a family member who was committed to getting his bp under control and getting off daily meds -- and he did it! So it's possible, depending on the cause. It took real commitment though to dietary change, approved exercise, stress management and biofeedback all together.
You're YOUNG!
gosh, that's scary! I hope they find the cause and it's something that can be taken care of easily. keep us posted. Ugh!
Allergy meds here! I am sorry about your blood pressure - I think stress may have more to do with it than your doctor thinks. Hope it comes down soon!
I need to be on blood pressure medication. It is my goal to speak to a doctor this year about it. My blood pressure is normal when I am pregnant and literally as soon as I deliver it sky rockets.
I was always the first to say, "If you need a med, what's the big deal? Just take it." This year has found me on four daily meds. (And I have a couple of years til I hit 40.) One of which is for BP. My initial reaction was, "Ack!" Now, I've come back around to the just do what you gotta do to get the body going right again.
I do -- cholesterol/triglycerides, depression/anxiety, sleeping, which I am told is not at all abnormal for someone over 50. I have never had high blood pressure and my husband who is five years over takes no medication at all. I guess I am the worries. The depression is an hereditary thing just meaning my serotonin in very low. It runs in my family.
Also, once things with Boo calms down you might not need the pills. You just never know.
I use to take thyroid meds and was told it was for life but 5 years ago after blood work was done I was off of them. You just never know.
Hugs!
Dont worry about the pill box... I'm 21 and I have one. I don't use it the way they imply though — I prefer to have it jammed full of pills because I always forget to refill after the 1 week... and then I have an alarm on my phone to go off daily. When the alarm goes off, I take my pills.
You may find that some other system works for you. A couple years ago my mom bought me the pill box and it didn't work for me, but then a few months ago I started the system I just described, and that worked. Maybe you could make a pill box for the Sparkle and Charm Boutique!
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