I've been diagnosed with mild hypertension and borderline diabetes, both a few years back. I've been on Metformin for about two years and my HGA1C is down to 5.7. After being on Micardis 40 mg for several years and having my pressure back in the normal range, a doctor (not my regular doc) suggested I try doing without it for 6 months. My pressure used to be about 140 over 90 w/o meds, but I think from having started swimming regularly some 14 months ago, I have brought it down to an average (resting) rate of about 135/73 (with a resting pulse in the 65-74 range). I went back to my regular doc and he wants me to go back on the BP meds, because he believes in an "aggressive" approach and says it is still too high. He also says that Micardis will help protect my kidneys.
I am wondering two things...
1) Should I always and everywhere listen to the doc...or get a second opinion. What will the meds do to my swimming times? Positive or negative effect...or does it differ from person to person? Anyone with any experience with this?
2) If my bottom number is already as low as 73, I am wondering how safe it is for it to possibly go down another ten points.
BTW...I am 55.
A few nights ago I listened to a WHYY (Philly public TV) show (and fundraiser) featuring a Dr. Fuhrman, who happens to be from UPenn. the discussion was about micronutrient rich diets and their impact on health. His website is here: www.drfuhrman.com/default.aspx. Click into the reverse disease tab. This is a quote from the website:
"Thousands who have recovered from their medical problems have been calling Dr. Fuhrman‘s EAT FOR HEALTH program a medical miracle. They are not just talking about the people who successfully lost weight after failing for years on one diet after another, but about the diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, asthma, autoimmune illnesses (including lupus) and headaches which they have witnessed simply melt away."
He isn't trying to sell anything and even if it doesn't work for you, it's kind of a "Pascal's Wager" and can't hurt. This might allow you to reduce or eliminate medications and certainly seems to promote more viable longevity.
I believe one should certainly listen to what a medical doctor indicates. But, no single doctor is all-knowing, so seeking out a second opinion, especially on a serious issue, at least in my experience with family and friends, has been very valuable -- dramatically impacting life and quality of life. We are lucky in Philly to have a large number of highly ranked medical teaching hospitals to consult when needed. NYC certainly provides the same advantage.
A few nights ago I listened to a WHYY (Philly public TV) show (and fundraiser) featuring a Dr. Fuhrman, who happens to be from UPenn. the discussion was about micronutrient rich diets and their impact on health. His website is here: www.drfuhrman.com/default.aspx. Click into the reverse disease tab. This is a quote from the website:
"Thousands who have recovered from their medical problems have been calling Dr. Fuhrman‘s EAT FOR HEALTH program a medical miracle. They are not just talking about the people who successfully lost weight after failing for years on one diet after another, but about the diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, asthma, autoimmune illnesses (including lupus) and headaches which they have witnessed simply melt away."
He isn't trying to sell anything and even if it doesn't work for you, it's kind of a "Pascal's Wager" and can't hurt. This might allow you to reduce or eliminate medications and certainly seems to promote more viable longevity.
I believe one should certainly listen to what a medical doctor indicates. But, no single doctor is all-knowing, so seeking out a second opinion, especially on a serious issue, at least in my experience with family and friends, has been very valuable -- dramatically impacting life and quality of life. We are lucky in Philly to have a large number of highly ranked medical teaching hospitals to consult when needed. NYC certainly provides the same advantage.
