Is it possible to ever wean off of blood pressure meds after 3yrs of use? I hate them, but feel forced to continue due to warnings I have read regarding the danger of stopping them. Actually I know if it's possible, it would mean weaning off. Has anyone out there successfully done this?
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Yes. People have. Biofeedback techniques and learning calmness techniques can help you learn to control your blood pressure without medication.
Note I am not a doctor or health care professional, but in my opinion your health is your own and does not belong to the health care establishment. With this understanding in place, here are some links to check out.
www.lifeextension.com/
www.healthcentral.com/
www.youtube.com/
www.resperate.com/
It is possible, Suzy. I've not done it, but at my insistance a good friend has. The side-effects of this, like most prescribed medications, can be onerous. If your doctor is a drug pusher, you might want to find another, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to get your physician's help with the process. That said, with the availability of blood pressure testing devices in public places (such as Walmart) you can do it on your own.
Start by decreasing the amount you take. Every other day, for example, take half the prescribed dose. Do that for two weeks. At the same time, gradually change your food and exercise habits. Walk every day, for a bit longer each day until you're up to an hour every day. Don't stop. If you smoke, quit. If you eat a lot of salt, start cutting back on that and find substitues (in herbs or spice mixes) you enjoy. Keep a close eye on the amount of saturated fats you ingest. Aim to eat as many fresh vegetables and fruit as you can, don't fry anything, stay away from rich and creamy dressings and dips. In short, all the things which contribute to high blood pressure can be managed with self discipline. If you're motivated to be healthy and drug free, I trust you'll be motivated to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Start a food journal which includes the time you walked each day and your blood pressure as well as what you ate.
After two or three weeks with changes to your diet and exercise routine, decrease the amount of medication you take by half every day and continue that for another two or three weeks.
Keep testing your blood pressure as regularly as possible and be mindful that stress can be a contributing factor. Add meditation (or prayer or yoga) to help you learn to stay calm. Don't allow anger.
If your blood pressure readings don't change over these 4 - 6 weeks, despite the decrease in medication, you know you're on the right track. Decrease the amount you take by omitting it altogether every other day for, yes, 2 - 3 weeks. Get rid of any stressors in your life (seriously). Gradually cut back to 1/2 dose every three days, then every four .... you get where I'm going. It'll take a while and I'd be happier if you worked with a medical professional on this, but you can do it. Just be careful. And do your research! Find out all the causes of blood pressure and omit those from your life.
These are the steps taken by my friend who is now quite happily drug free.
You can also get off of them and have a stroke. Why take the chance. If your blood pressure was high and the pills brought it down, you have no worries. Why start something that might cause you to end up in a nursing home unable to speak.
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