High BP Meds

How did you know when it was time to stop taking BP meds or reduce other than having your DR. tell you so...... did you feel differently? curious..thanks

I did feel different.  I started to get dizzy/lightheaded if I stood up too fast at about 2 months out from surgery.  When I told my PCP about it (and he checked my BP and it was low), he cut my medication in half.  I've been on a 1/2 dose for about 4 months now and am starting to get the low blood pressure symptoms again so I'm sure I'll be going off them soon.  I hope the same rings true for you!!!  Please do not reduce or go off your meds without your doc knowing it.  I would check my BP a few times to see where you stand and if you think it's low and you're having symptoms, make an appt with your PCP.  Good luck!!!

Deb

NEVER go off a medication like that without clearing it with your doctor.

For most people, hypertension has absolutely no symptoms, unless it is sky high.  So, just feeling better is NOT grounds to stop taking it.  You could cause yourself massive harm by doing that.

Check with your doctor FIRST!

About a week after surgery in the morning during my shower I almost passed out- I was lightheaded and felt terrible. I saw my PCP and my pressure was way to low- he immedietly took me off my HBP meds- and I'v been off them ever since and my BP has been spot on!!! :) Amazing! I had the surgery to improve my health-I can not beleive it only took a week. My blood sugars have also been perfect!

I started feeling dizzy and lightheaded. So I made an appointment with my PCP (my blood pressure was low) so she told me to stop taking my blood pressure medicine!

About two weeks after surgery my arms felt all weak and rubbery. I have my own cuff. I took my bp and it was low. I cut my bp med in half. It was still low. I stopped taking it. I check my bp often and it is great.

I regularly monitor my BP and noticed the reading were very low and I was getting light headed and a little dizzy. My cardiologist reduced my 5 medications to 2 at 1 month post-op. At 4 months post-op the milligrams of the two pills I was taking was cut in half. A year post-op I was removed from all BP medication.

It was a process and my doctor didn't immediately take me off the meds. I monitor and record my BP on an app (iBP) which allows me to email the readings and reports to my doctor. Though my pressure is always a little high when read in his office I was able to show him that the weight loss and physical activity were positively impacting my BP.

Good luck,
George

My b/p was so low in the hospital after surgery, my Dr. took me off of it before I even went home.  Most Dr. don't charge if you go by and get a b/p check.  I would go by my Dr. office 2-3 times a week and just have it checked so that when you have an appt.  theycan see the trend.

I also checked my BP at home regularly. When I noticed it dropped to a lower level and maintained, I emailed my PCP and told her how much weight I had lost and what my new BP was. She dropped my dose in half. I noticed no change in my BP and after a month, I dropped my dose in half again (down to 1/4 dose). After no change, I went in and discussed it with my PCP. She removed me from the BP med all together then.

Be careful about just stopping the Rx. It might be dehydration that causes your dizziness, or lack or calories.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the responses!!   I would never consider stopping the meds w/o my PCP clearing it first. I was just curious when I should go and have it rechecked.  I have a machine at home and it has been reading pretty low lately so I may just make an appointment and have it checked..  I just cant wait until I dont need them anymore...and congrats to those who have gone off them..must be a great feeeling..

Kelli