High blood pressure uncontrollable

[munruben]

I have had high blood pressure for around 25 years. At first it was kept under control by medication but over the last 8 years, seems to be uncontrollable. I have been to so many doctors and specialists, you wouldn't believe. I have been prescribed all different kinds of medication and none of it keeps my blood pressure under control.
Specialists told me to lose weight, so I lost 25 kilos and no success, They told me to take up walking and I would most likely be able to give up my medication.. I jog 6 kilometers every day and walk another 4 to 6 kilometers daily. blood pressure still goes through the roof. Today it's 173/84 .

Does anyone else have this problem. I am sick of going to doctors and specialists who can't do anything for me. I have had every kind of xray and test under the sun and they cannot pinpoint why I have high blood pressure. I guess the good thing is, if there is a good side to this, is my blood vessels and apparently everything else has not been damaged by the years of high blood pressure.

The specialist I am under at the moment is a teaching professor for Hypotension and after several visits over the last 2 years I am no further forward finding something to control the situation. Just keeps telling me to come back in 6 months.

I went to a local doctor a couple of months ago and she put me on Inderol, an old beta blocker tablet and she was sure it would bring my pressure down, but it didn't, in fact it shot it up another 20 points or so in a couple of days after taking the tablets.

It makes you wonder sometimes at how little we know when it comes to it about the human body. With all the gadgets, brains, money spent on research and technology we have today. We can put men on the moon but we can't find a cure or even control some peoples high blood pressure. I am sick of being sent for test after test with the same results,

But one thing for sure, for me, exercise wont do it, dieting wont do it and medication doesn't do it. so what's left.? In the end the specialist and doctors lose interest in me once they have had their little go at prescribing another tablet only to find it doesn't work, they lose interest in me as a patient and put me in the "too hard basket":

Has anyone else had this experience or found a miracle method that has kept their high blood pressure under control?

[rsser]

Gee John, you've been through the wringer.

I'm afraid medicine is not an exact science. The body (and the mind!) is a complex system of systems; medicine is a practice ideally grounded in science - but the science is not complete and the practice varies :rolleyes:

In your shoes I'd be trying acupuncture and/or meditation. Properly done, they have no nasty side-effects and may even do some good.

Best of British to you.

[watson]

G'day John,
I peaked at 270/180.
Now I take Coversyl 1 per day and I'm now around 130/80.
I still smoke like a fish and drink like a chimney.....don't jog...walk very badly anyway, so no more than 50 metres.
So, bugger it. The BP is all normal now

[Claw Hama]

I was reading an artical about a month or so back that bananas were found to be good and that 2 a day were the go. @ a day for a week and it should help, don't know that it will bring it right down but they say it will help. I was put on tablets a few years ago for the top register only marginaly high but the tablets did buggrall. My father inlaw/out of law who was an old doctor said, "if they don't help why do you take them" I thought good point! so I stopped. Half the time I had high readings because the doctor or nuse didn't use the large cuff on the blood press thingy. With the large cuff that fits my rather large arm the reading was usualy very close to normal.
Go bananas! might help.

[Lignum]

I peaked at 270/180.


:oo:And you are still with us. Wow

[DavidG]

You beat me. I only pulled a 265 / 185 before going on tablets.

140 / 80 now

[Sparhawk]

John,

I'm not sure if I'm reading this right, but you are under the care of a specialist, went to a GP and changed your medication? Did you contact the specialist before you started the new medication?

It's not a good idea to chop and change without first contacting your primary care giver.

[wheelinround]

John you must be going through a tough time and Liz to. I was always told salt can cause HBP so no more salt but i am not one for HBP usually the other direction.

Whats your fluid intake like water especially your past work would have been hot as some days.

as fo this bit

In the end the specialist and doctors lose interest in me once they have had their little go -------------- only to find it doesn't work, they lose interest in me as a patient and put me in the "too hard basket":

Has anyone else had this experience


Been there done that still doing it so they have given up I don't even get physio etc. Unitl some student quack is told what I have or supposed to have and its like a swarm of bee's after honey. I should make a DVD for them and sell it to every student and get some of the money back spent on specilists.:;

John it could be as simple as a childhood situation or something that took place in your life.....or worrying about your kids future.

Ray

[snowyskiesau]

After a recent visit to the doctor for a shoulder injury, he expressed some concern that my blood pressure was higher that he'd like.
When I asked him what I could do to reduce it, expecting to be told to lose weight and exercise, he said 'give up salt'.
I haven't given up completely but I am careful in what I consume. After 6 weeks or so, it has made a slight difference in that I'm now on the borderline of prehypertension instead of over it.

[munruben]

John,

I'm not sure if I'm reading this right, but you are under the care of a specialist, went to a GP and changed your medication? Did you contact the specialist before you started the new medication?

It's not a good idea to chop and change without first contacting your primary care giver.I know what you mean mate but after 2 years with the specialist without sucess it gets a bit frustrating.


John you must be going through a tough time and Liz to. I was always told salt can cause HBP so no more salt but i am not one for HBP usually the other direction.

Whats your fluid intake like water especially your past work would have been hot as some days.

as fo this bit

Been there done that still doing it so they have given up I don't even get physio etc. Unitl some student quack is told what I have or supposed to have and its like a swarm of bee's after honey. I should make a DVD for them and sell it to every student and get some of the money back spent on specilists.:;

John it could be as simple as a childhood situation or something that took place in your life.....or worrying about your kids future.

RayYou know me Ray, always complaining. Thanks for the phone call mate. :2tsup:



In your shoes I'd be trying acupuncture and/or meditation. Properly done, they have no nasty side-effects and may even do some good.

Best of British to you.Tried acupuncture for a couple of months without any success. I think I'm just a hopeless case.

[munruben]

I was reading an artical about a month or so back that bananas were found to be good and that 2 a day were the go. @ a day for a week and it should help, don't know that it will bring it right down but they say it will help. I was put on tablets a few years ago for the top register only marginaly high but the tablets did buggrall. My father inlaw/out of law who was an old doctor said, "if they don't help why do you take them" I thought good point! so I stopped. Half the time I had high readings because the doctor or nuse didn't use the large cuff on the blood press thingy. With the large cuff that fits my rather large arm the reading was usualy very close to normal.
Go bananas! might help.Yes I read about bananas a while ago but didn't help me I'm afraid. Also tried the pineapple and grapefruit thing too. The cuff can certainly make a difference when taking BP

[munruben]

G'day John,
I peaked at 270/180.
Wow, now I think I've got low blood pressure.:)

[wheelinround]

My pleasure John even got to talk to the better half :U

I still reckon its all those bikin clab females on the Gold Coast got your BP up John:;

[Sparhawk]

Medical shows on TV probably don't help, just as bad as the DIY shows on giving a false impression on how "easy" it is to do something ("why can't you landscape the garden in just 3 days?".

Have you asked the specialist about what are the risks involved if you can't get this under control? At the least it may prompt him to consider them as well.

[AUSSIE]

The digital BP gear doesn't work properly on me,it can read anywhere from 160/80 to 221/90 in an matter of minutes.This includes the big ones in hospital and the small portable ones the Doc has and the chemist uses.Using the old manual pump setup,I am always around the 140/80.
I got the runaround for a while.now always ask for the manual BP machine.

[Ozkaban]

Sounds like a pretty ordinary situation. Don't know what to say but hang in there, you may eventually find someone who can work something out for you.


...I lost 25 kilos ...I jog 6 kilometers every day and walk another 4 to 6 kilometers daily

That bit sounds pretty healthy!

Cheers,
Dave

[munruben]

Have you asked the specialist about what are the risks involved if you can't get this under control? At the least it may prompt him to consider them as well.Yep he has given me all the statistics about the risks but unfortunately that doesn't help me either, probably raises my blood pressure thinking of the risks involved. :)

[munruben]

That bit sounds pretty healthy! Cheers,
DaveYes! one day I will be the healthiest person in the cemetery:D but not for another 25 years or so..:)

[RufflyRustic]

Jolly Good! :2tsup:

[China]

I have high blood presure it is well under control, however my neice had the same problems as yourself, her freind suggested she go to a natropath, after much deliberation she made a apointment, in three weeks her blood presure was under control, so might be worth a try

[artme]

Just found this John! Not good!:no::no::no:

I guess you have been tested for Aldo Steranism.??

I had the same problem with my blood pressure for a while in that the medications only worked for a short time. Now I take two different ones in combination. They are older types but my cardiologist told me that they don't lose their effectiveness when used in combination. So far that has been the case. They are Alphapress and Verapamil.

Stay away from salt, fat and licorice. Also avoid cranky women.:D:D

As a last resort you might try leeches or bleeding. Don't laugh. Several scientific investigations reportedly show that these work.

[rsser]

Yeah, leeches have been used to clean up decaying tissue.

Another suggestion I'd make is to get a 2nd opinion from another specialist. A fresh set of eyes looking at the prob will often see stuff that the first set missed.

[Chesand]

What Ern said.

Try to find a good Physician who treats the whole person not just a particular complaint or part of the body.

Blood pressure often needs a few changes of medication to get it right.

[munruben]

freind suggested she go to a natropath, after much deliberation she made a apointment, in three weeks her blood presure was under control, so might be worth a try Well that is worth considering for sure. :2tsup:


Just found this John! Not good!:no::no::no:

I guess you have been tested for Aldo Steranism.??

I had the same problem with my blood pressure for a while in that the medications only worked for a short time. Now I take two different ones in combination. They are older types but my cardiologist told me that they don't lose their effectiveness when used in combination. So far that has been the case. They are Alphapress and Verapamil.

Stay away from salt, fat and licorice. Also avoid cranky women.:D:D

As a last resort you might try leeches or bleeding. Don't laugh. Several scientific investigations reportedly show that these work.Thanks Arthur for the tips. I have tried Alphapress but for some reason the Beta blocker type medicines actually raise my blood pressure. Will ask the specialist when I visit in a couple of weeks about Aldo Steranism. I don't take salt and try to eat healthy. Now staying away from cranky women could be a problem for me:D I think I will give the Leeches a miss. :)


What Ern said.

Try to find a good Physician who treats the whole person not just a particular complaint or part of the body.

Blood pressure often needs a few changes of medication to get it right.I have tried several specialists over the past 8 years and they all start off with great promise but as said before, lose interest when results just don't happen.

[munruben]

Yeah, leeches have been used to clean up decaying tissue.

Another suggestion I'd make is to get a 2nd opinion from another specialist. A fresh set of eyes looking at the prob will often see stuff that the first set missed.To tell the truth I am beginning to lose faith in the medical profession but if this specialist doesn't come up with something next time that works, I will try someone else. Hate starting all over again going back to square one each time and taking all those tests but not much I can do about that I guess.

[Scorp]

Have you had all your internal organs tested??
All are perfused with blood, and if they are faulty, can lead to hypertension.
Just a thought.

[artme]

Another Thought just crossed my cluttered mind.:rolleyes:

A couple of years ago I saw a program on TV where a doctor in the USA - New York I think - Operated on people with hypertension. He claimed a success rate well into the 90% region! His theory was that a nerve in the back of the neck was the problem. It was stimulated by contact with other parts of the neck structure. His approach was to insulate the nerve using Teflon. Incredible stuff and worked a treat.

[munruben]

Have you had all your internal organs tested??
All are perfused with blood, and if they are faulty, can lead to hypertension.
Just a thought.I've been tested for just about everything from Diabetes, Heart, Liver, Arteries, Kidneys etc etc. I've had MRI, Doppler, CT scan, Xrays, Ultra sound and others I don't remember the names. They all show nothing out of the ordinary.


Another Thought just crossed my cluttered mind.:rolleyes:

A couple of years ago I saw a program on TV where a doctor in the USA - New York I think - Operated on people with hypertension. He claimed a success rate well into the 90% region! His theory was that a nerve in the back of the neck was the problem. It was stimulated by contact with other parts of the neck structure. His approach was to insulate the nerve using Teflon. Incredible stuff and worked a treat.Sounds good Arthur. I saw on tv a while back an operation similar to that but didn't give it much thought. I wonder if its available over here and what success rate it has. Would be interesting to find out. might do a search and see what I come up with.

[munruben]

Interesting article (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6788476/Revolutionary-operation-could-cure-high-blood-pressure.html) in an English newspaper last year too but I haven't heard any more about it. There might be hope for me yet. Seems like there is a percentage of folk that don't respond to the usual blood pressure treatment with drugs.

[Scorp]

Sounds interesting.
I was pretty sure it was the kidneys that affected PB, but not absolutely so, so included all organs .(They prob all DO have an influence, but how much?)

[munruben]

Sounds interesting.
I was pretty sure it was the kidneys that affected PB, but not absolutely so, so included all organs .(They prob all DO have an influence, but how much?)
Yes, kidneys can play an important role in Hypertension. Another interesting trial (http://www.abc.net.au/ra/innovations/stories/s2678900.htm) taking place right here in Australia is encouraging for sufferers too.

[Sebastiaan56]

I thought it was the Adrenal Glands which sit just above the kidneys. I was hoping that would be my problem but its genetic. Atacand works for me. Ive been on BP medication for 11 years now.

Meditation is claimed to help.

[munruben]

I thought it was the Adrenal Glands which sit just above the kidneys. I was hoping that would be my problem but its genetic. Atacand works for me. Ive been on BP medication for 11 years now.

Meditation is claimed to help.Both are contributors to high blood pressure if not functioning correctly. Pleased to hear Atacand works for you. It belongs to the angiotensin receptor blockers group which doesn't work for me unfortunately.

[Phil Spencer]

Mine was 270/160 when they found it, I wondered why I had a head ache, that was 26 years ago, 150/95 is a good reading for me. I now take 16 tablets every day to keep me going. I find shed time helps.

[wheelinround]

Face it John QLD isn't the place for you I reckon if you moved back to NSW it would stabilise :U It has its bonuses I wouldn't have so far to come see you.:q

[rsser]

Try Hobart.

zzzzzzzz

[munruben]

Mine was 270/160 when they found it, I wondered why I had a head ache, that was 26 years ago, 150/95 is a good reading for me. I now take 16 tablets every day to keep me going. I find shed time helps.Wow 16 tabs a day, enough to make you rattle.:)


Face it John QLD isn't the place for you I reckon if you moved back to NSW it would stabilise :U It has its bonuses I wouldn't have so far to come see you.:qYou making me an offer I can't refuse, Ray?:D


Try Hobart.

zzzzzzzzOr New Zealand:)

[K_S]

Wow, now I think I've got low blood pressure.:)

John,

It's related to latitude - your way too far north.:)
Come south for a "holiday".
Al and I (and others) will look after you :D:D:D

Seriously - some of these health issues defy understanding.
I've never felt better since going to a chiropractor monthly.
He reckons the body can cure itself of many things with a little nudge.
Maybe it's time to go "outside the normal" and seek a whole of body opinion.

Good luck

[Ozkaban]

Yes! one day I will be the healthiest person in the cemetery:D but not for another 25 years or so..:)

Hi John,

I've been thinking about this a little. Especially since I've been into Jogging and other exercise quite a bit lately.

This comes with the standard disclaimer of I know absolutely nothing of what I speak, but it's just and idea.

If you are jogging 6km every day and walking another 4-6km per day, maybe you're not giving your body enough time to recover between each run/walk. You could be inducing physical stress on your body by doing this. I've always found I take a beating when I stack exercise on top of each other like that. I'd be tempted to jog one day, walk the next, jog the next, etc. This way you get plenty of exercise and your body gets a shot at recovery. Dunno what this would do for the blood pressure, but it probably is a more healthy way of doing things exercise wise.

Just a thought...

Cheers,
Dave

[rsser]

Chronic deydration also causes high blood pressure.

And as you age feelings of thirst decline but not the need for water.

I'm sure the quacks will have mentioned this.

[munruben]

Hi John,

I've been thinking about this a little. Especially since I've been into Jogging and other exercise quite a bit lately.

This comes with the standard disclaimer of I know absolutely nothing of what I speak, but it's just and idea.

If you are jogging 6km every day and walking another 4-6km per day, maybe you're not giving your body enough time to recover between each run/walk. You could be inducing physical stress on your body by doing this. I've always found I take a beating when I stack exercise on top of each other like that. I'd be tempted to jog one day, walk the next, jog the next, etc. This way you get plenty of exercise and your body gets a shot at recovery. Dunno what this would do for the blood pressure, but it probably is a more healthy way of doing things exercise wise.

Just a thought...

Cheers,
DaveThanks for the thought. I might try that for a while and see how I go. Thing is it does reduce my blood pressure temporarily for a few hours but I hear what you are saying. :2tsup:

[munruben]

Chronic deydration also causes high blood pressure.

And as you age feelings of thirst decline but not the need for water.

I'm sure the quacks will have mentioned this.Thanks for reminding me of that Ern. I was aware but just lately have not been drinking as much as I should. Was drinking a coupld of litres of water a day a while back but have dropped it off a bit lately but have started drinking more as of today. :2tsup:

[AUSSIE]

Thanks for reminding me of that Ern. I was aware but just lately have not been drinking as much as I should. Was drinking a coupld of litres of water a day a while back but have dropped it off a bit lately but have started drinking more as of today. :2tsup:
Next you will be complaining that you are up all night troddlling of to the toilet ,to get rid of all that water.
How is that tall visitor going John.? Maybe that is causing your high blood pressure:2tsup:

[johnc]

I follow in my fathers footsteps for blood pressure and can still get 200+ readings, even on tablets. Currently Micardis is the pill of choice which is doing the job for now.

I keep the weight off, exercise and watch my diet most of the time, if you've got a problem I'm convinced that all helps but is not enough on its own, it worked until I hit (from age 23) 40 but after that it has been gradually stronger medication.

Dad couldn't get his down despite pills and the quack went through different foods, and salt had been pretty much eliminated long ago when they worked out he had vegimite every morning. He went off that and the readings dropped to ok levels. What works for one doesn't always work for another.

[munruben]

How is that tall visitor going John.? Maybe that is causing your high blood pressure:2tsup:You know me Ross, cool calm and collected. :D Got a bit of a stiff neck looking up at her.

[munruben]

I follow in my fathers footsteps for blood pressure and can still get 200+ readings, even on tablets. Currently Micardis is the pill of choice which is doing the job for now.

I keep the weight off, exercise and watch my diet most of the time, if you've got a problem I'm convinced that all helps but is not enough on its own, it worked until I hit (from age 23) 40 but after that it has been gradually stronger medication.

Dad couldn't get his down despite pills and the quack went through different foods, and salt had been pretty much eliminated long ago when they worked out he had vegimite every morning. He went off that and the readings dropped to ok levels. What works for one doesn't always work for another.True mate, there is no set cure or medication for all, everyone is different. I use to take Micardis and it worked for me for a while and slowly the doctors had to add more and more medication.

[Gingermick]

To tell the truth I am beginning to lose faith in the medical profession .

Now obviously you wouldn't take any medical advice from me or any other stranger on the internet, but this article (http://www.second-opinions.co.uk/salt-and-hypertension.html) is very interesting regarding hypertension.

[Gingermick]

Found another interesting piece of info. The following is a 90 minute clip, but at 59 minutes the speaker (professor of paediatrics at some American uni) starts talking about the association between uric acid and hypertension.
YouTube - Sugar: The Bitter Truth

[Tisorp]

QUOTE: munruben: have had high blood pressure for around 25 years. At first it was kept under control by medication but over the last 8 years, seems to be uncontrollable.

You may find interest in these pages which help to explain some of the work being done in Melbourne by Professor Krum and others.
This is a most promising development in the management of refractory hypertension. The proceedure described for interrupting the kidney nerve supply is similar to that being widely and safely used in the management of certain heart rhythm disturbances.
It is technically and proceedurally simple and (once fully developed) is likely to be performed on an out-patient basis in a manner similar to coronary angiographic studies.
It would be appropriate for you to discuss these developments with your own doctors.

http://www.ardian.com/pdfs/Krum%20-%20Renal%20Denervation%20%28ESC%202008%29.pdf

YouTube - ACC: Renal Nerve Ablation Effective Against Refractory Hypertension
Regards, Jeff

[munruben]

Thanks Mick and Jeff for your concern and advice. I will certainly check out all the information you suggest. I was aware of the project in Melbourne and watching the development with great interest.

[rsser]

I recently came across a summary of one of the few studies which compared various hypertension drugs' effectiveness over a period of time. It found that the old diuretic drugs did better than the newer far more expensive ones.