I thought I'd got my high blood pressure I've been told about in recent years (where it's supposed to be/used to be a little on the low side) was sorted now.
Went off for a referral to cardiology department today. Three perfectly pleasant people checking me out and proceeding to look very worried...mutter about "statins", "statins", "statins......risk of strokes.
Not so bothered about possible heart attacks in the event (something that is hugely prevalent both sides of my family) but they keep going "risk of stroke......risk of stroke.....statins....statins....statins".
I do NOT want to be stuck on a "take drugs....medical drugs...permanently treadmill". I'm very proud of the fact I look after my health pretty well and I don't take any regular medication....as in "Go me...the gal done good that I'm not in that position".
When they say "heart attack threatening" I don't find that a particularly big deal. There's LOADS of heart attacks in my family and I just think "Oh well I live on my own - so there shouldnt be anyone trying to Be A Hero and revive me = not a problem then unless I'm out and near a would-be well-meaning hero. But I do get worried when they say "Stroke risk....stroke risk" and my best friend (now I'm living miles away from her) and she had two minor strokes from same thing - and got "brought back" by modern medicine. I've known her for many years - and it wouldnt be apparent to a stranger that she isnt as she was. But I've known her so many years that I know her feet are problematic after that and I know her mind got affected and doesn't think as well as it used to do.
I do "natural" remedies - take them for a while and they, hopefully, solve the problem and then I stop taking them and think "Job done...solved". I do NOT do "being on medical drugs for years!!!".
I thought I'd sorted the blood pressure problem, for instance, because I've been getting normal readings when I check on my own monitor recently. I know about "White coat syndrome" but they tell me the high blood pressure is still there - even allowing for that and the look on their faces was a picture - ie it's sky-high!!!!!!
I do not want to take drugs regularly. I do not want a stroke - obviously. I've been sent out with instructions at taking my own blood pressure at the same time per day every day for 7 days - so it's not affected for the better by me being in a "calm mode" - and it just gets what it gets at the same time per day - and so might include times when someone has just upset me. I am honestly not bothered in the slightest if my body goes and dies on me....I'd see the plus side of that and be there in Heaven sipping my glass of virtual champagne and celebrating being free of a physical body.
Now what? I have read about statins - eek! eek! eek! That's a no then. Including seeing side -effects can last permanently after that from them if one consequently stops taking them. So - "What's the point of taking Drug A - if it's going to make me ill with something else". "What's the point of taking Drug B if I'm supposed to stay on it for life? - drugs are to cure the problem and end of and not be a permanent fixture". The drug companies profits can come from someone else and I'm not going to be a regular source of income for them - I only take them occasionally for a short time until problem resolved!
Personally - I take whatever-it-is until Job Done time and then I stop. I do NOT take drugs permanently - never have/never will.
Now what? Who else has been put in a similar situation - and what way did you deal with it "once and for all...= end of". Then they get on with their lives....
I think Cariad has been very lucky in that she has never had a serious condition where following an alternative regime is reasonably successful. Not having had serious illness is more to be thankful for, than being ‘proud of’. Are we to infer then that people who have been ill are somehow to blame?
I hope your luck holds, and your good health continues.
I wouldn't touch statins myself. A healthy diet has always worked well for me, and good exercise. I'm 75 and never taken meds apart from paracetamol for the occasional headache. I don't blame you for being hesitant.
I did read the OP Notspaghetti but she/he has already made their mind up and shot down any differing opinions in a rather ill tempered manner.
So, I didn’t and don’t see the purpose.
With you there Jaxjacky.
Maybe, - but she was asking Who else has been put in a similar situation - and what way did you deal with it
So I suppose the truth is that almost nobody was in her position (feeling as she does).
This meant that she didn't really get the answers she was hoping for.
I feel just a little bit annoyed when people "brag" about being fit and well and never needing any regular medication. As if everyone who has a chronic illness has contributed to their condition by eating a poor diet, not exercising or in some way deliberately neglecting their health. It's such a self righteous view. No one likes being ill, no one likes taking medication and no one likes the restrictions that often come with ill health. FGS instead of being self satisfied just be grateful if you stay well in later life!
foxie, I, too, am a little saddened when people who are fortunate enough to enjoy excellent health attribute this exclusively to their wise choices and behaviours.
I understand that there is a relationship between lifestyle and illness but nothing , absolutely nothing , my daughter could do will restore her non - working pancreas.
She is active, eats a very healthy diet with virtually no processed foods and no sugar .
She is alive and well, as is her little daughter, due to regular injections of insulin, for which I am profoundly grateful.
A friend, in the middle of gruelling treatment for a second ( different) cancer, seems to me the victim of rotten luck, not rotten lifestyle
Yes definitely a personal choice based on professional advice. Do I take the tablets, do I have the operation etc. If it were me yes I would take them if they helped to prevent a stroke/heart attack. This is also why I have the Covid and flu injections every year, it is all about precaution. A lot of sound advice on here but ultimately the OP must do what she thinks is right for her, no matter what any of us say we can't make up her mind for her.
But Judy54, she mustn’t get cross when she gets replies that don’t suit her narrative.
I worked with a lady who was extremely health conscious. She didn't
Oops. She didn't smoke or drink. She walked every day, rarely ate sweets, cakes or junk food. She took vitamins, even brought her own food to office parties. She died of cancer aged 52.
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Interesting views on here. I take 1.5mg of Indamamide for blood pressure, which is controlled.
Cholesterol levels within the accepted ranges but one of the new Practitioners at my surgery mithering me about triglyceride level of 2.1 and wanting me to take more statins. I currently have 2 per week. On the British Heart Foundation website it says up to 2.3 is ok for triglyceride level.
Never been told about triglycerides before - anyone else in the same boat?
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