Hubby refuses to take his meds -- help! [Archive]

catnapper

06-17-2007, 08:47 PM

Bear with me, this is long. Please read it all. I am in tears writing this. I seriously need help here.

I'm at my wit's end. Hubby has high blood pressure. A year ago, he was told he's a walking heart attack waiting to happen. A few months ago, he went for a recheck and his blood pressure was awesome. That apparently meant he could stop the meds.... at least thats what HE thought.

When he's off his meds, he's quick to explode. He says its because he's finally saying something about things that have always bothered him. I say that if he took his meds, these things wouldn't bother him. We're talking about serious bothersome things like the ice in his drink melted. :rolleyes: or someone took the tv remote (it was under his butt :rolleyes: )

I tried logic, telling him that he's playing with his health. He retorts that his BP is only high because I'm nagging him about the pill -- trust me, I hate nagging and I wouldn't do so unless I noticed that he NEEDS the pill.

Ok, so he doesn't want me to nag? I begged him to go to the doctor for a BP recheck, and I'll shut up if the doctor says his BP is perfect. He KNOWS his weight is directly tied to high blood pressure... and he's recently gained all the weight he had lost 6 months ago, right before the last recheck. He refuses to go for a recheck, and I told him its because he knows the doctor will lecture him and tell him his weight is up, and so is his BP.

I've tried the guilt trip. I told him I need him. The kids need him. Cam needs him. Does he want Cam to only remember his grandpa from photos in 10 years?

Tonight I actually snuck in a little sarcasm... I was holding Pouncer after I gave him his meds. I said, "Pouncie's a good boy. You take your medicine like you're supposed to!" Pouncer groweld at me and hubby shot darts from his eyes :p

Let's just say life hasn't been too much fun with him the past few weeks. I can totally tell when his BP is high because his face becomes beet red and then its like a bomb exploded. We all duck for cover. He's VERY lucky I know its his BP and not him. VERY lucky.

Help?

Karen

06-17-2007, 08:51 PM

Get a BP kit at the drugstore - they aren't very expensive, and it'll be easier than getting him to a doctor. Then Google "high blood pressure" and pint out all the ways it can not only kill you, but damage you physically to make the rest of your life miserable. Stroke, heart damage, organ damage - all are not NOT fun. You can also check your own blood pressure, and everyone's just for fun, and keep a chart.

catnapper

06-17-2007, 08:53 PM

I hadn't thought of the BP kit. Printing things out will NOT work. I've done that in the past and all it does is get us into a huge fight because I somehow insulted him.

And for the record, my BP is absolutely perfect -- went ot the doctor a few weeks ago.

Catty1

06-17-2007, 09:27 PM

This might sound strange....Apologize for nagging. Qualify that by saying that he IS an adult, and he knows best about his health, and what to do.

Then DROP it. Totally.

Based on some stuff I have read - men really feel disrespected when treated like little boys who don't know what is good for them (I know I know :p ).

So trust him to be a grownup who knows what is best, and let him know that.

ANY nagging or sarcasm just puts his back up - and he forgets about being healthy - because he'd rather be right and defend himself than be healthy!

Reduce his options. :D

Edwina's Secretary

06-17-2007, 09:27 PM

I bought a blood pressure machine for my father....from Walgreen. It is idiot-proof. You stick your arm in it and press a button. It even does stuff like record the last I-don't-know-how-many readings so you can track what is happening. It tracks his pulse and I don't know what all else.

He loves it. I think the electronics of it make it even more fun....

Marigold2

06-17-2007, 09:41 PM

Tell him you are taking out a big life insurance policy on his name. Since he won't take his meds, you might as well be a rich widow. That ought to scare him enough to hopefully take his meds.

ramanth

06-17-2007, 10:14 PM

I have to concur with Catty. My dad has a history of high BP, but my mom doesn't. She went out and bought one of those machines and just started using it daily just because. Dad's curiousity got the best of him and now they check each other's BP daily, compare notes, and dad's been visiting the doc regularly and taking his meds.

Glacier

06-17-2007, 10:33 PM

Tell him you are taking out a big life insurance policy on his name.

That's pretty much what I do when Stuart is about to do something stoopid except I already have the policy! I just asked if he's paid the premiums!

Laura's Babies

06-17-2007, 10:38 PM

A year ago, he was told he's a walking heart attack waiting to happen.

I will sound like a broken record here.. That sentence set off alarm bells for me.. I am betting he is on a statin drug too (Lipitor, Crestor ect). That is what they tell us to get us to take that stuff.. Statin drugs causes personality changes in some people, it is one of the lesser known side effects. I strongly urge you, if he is one one of them to go here and just start reading. Pick any... they all do the same thing... http://www.spacedoc.net/board/index.php?sid=caa58b6e9f3c5b15579c75793f4a09cc

I am STILL suffering from the physical side effect of the drug that I thought was good for me and I have been off of it for almost a year (quit it July 2006) and it is still doing damage to my body.

I read a story about a man (I am not sure if it was on this sight or somewhere else) that a wife posted. Her husband, a normally wonderful, sweet man had turned into a monster.. I wish I had saved that story, it was a real scarey story.

One comment from this web sight I gave you the link for, "My partner suffered confusion, depression, etc on statins (he took Lipitor for EIGHT YEARS......... plus mood swings, heinous temper outbursts , v. short fuse, sexual difficulties......".... This is not that uncommon...

Lobodeb

06-18-2007, 12:35 AM

I'm sorry you're going through this, Kim and I wish I could help.

My hubby gets cases of the stupids every know and then too, except with us, it's his epilepsy meds that he thinks we can't afford even though we can. His last episode happened on mother's day. When I went to pick him up from the ER (as I will no longer go with him and "support" him), the ER had this terrible feeling around it. My hubby told me that a family just lost their little 3 year old baby. ON MOTHER'S DAY!!! I could hear that poor woman sobbing asking God why he would take her baby. I looked over to where I heard the crying coming from. As I did, someone opened the curtain and I saw a tiny, lifeless little body on the bed. I still can't get that poor lady out of my head. I still cry and pray for her.

When we got home, I think I hugged Hugito so hard that he farted. I was so angry at my husband for exposing me to that. No mother should ever lose her baby on Mother's day. As a matter of fact, no parent should ever out live their child, period!

Sorry for the vent. I just wanted to let you know that we're in the same boat. If you do get through to your husband, please let me know.

AdoreMyDogs

06-18-2007, 12:47 AM

Catty1

06-18-2007, 01:23 AM

A friend of mine took herself off Lipitor - with her Dr's knowledge but not permission.

She had researched it and very awful things can happen, especially if one takes it long term. Of course, you are not told that when you get the scrip!

There is a product I am trying to research as my friend tries to research other stuff. I have seen an ad on US tv for Garlic-ex or something. Supposedly it works well for some people - the ad refers to this patient and his doctor both liking it.

I'll try Googling it again, but I can't recall the name.

Kim - maybe he'd check something natural with his doc?

Prayers headed your way!

Pawsitive Thinking

06-18-2007, 03:42 AM

1. Get him a monitor so he can check his BP for himself

2. Remind him that high blood pressure isn't called the silent killer for nothing

3. Any one who has hypertension (if that makes it sound better to him) has to face being on medication for life - I do and I am!

4. Kick his selfish, stupid butt and tell him to stop being such a big baby

Catty1

06-18-2007, 04:00 AM

I like the idea of getting the blood pressure kit and using it yourself as a "toy" - try it on Ashley too!

He'll get curious enough...

Denise, the thing is this man has been told all the stuff about health and etc and leaving little Cam without a grandad, etc. It doesn't seem to have worked.

I think if he's left to make his own decision, he will. But it's like an alkie - he may have to hit his own bottom before he does that. If he does have to learn the hard way, I hope it is the gentlest one possible.

Pawsitive Thinking

06-18-2007, 04:35 AM

Denise, the thing is this man has been told all the stuff about health and etc and leaving little Cam without a grandad, etc. It doesn't seem to have worked.

I think if he's left to make his own decision, he will.

Let's hope he comes to his senses before it is too late :rolleyes:

In the meantime don't mention the subject to him again - ultimately it is his choice I guess

Pam

06-18-2007, 05:33 AM

Kim I sympathize as my hubby hasn't even gone for a physical in years and years. High cholesterol runs in his family and I am really worried. He said that years ago his cholesterol was fine. Doesn't he realize that those numbers can change? :rolleyes: I find that the more I nag, the more he digs in his heels. I am thinking of just going ahead and making that appointment. I doubt he'd cancel.

I don't know that personality change is related to BP medications. I take a blood pressure lowering medication and have never been told/warned of that as a side effect. I am thinking that maybe something else is going on with your hubby which might be causing his outbursts. Most men aren't very communicative when it comes to what is bothering them, unlike us women who will tell any listening ear! :p

sparks19

06-18-2007, 07:22 AM

I am sorry you are dealing with this :( I really know nothing about high BP and the meds and stuff but I think you have gotten some good advice here.

All I can offer is my best wishes for you and yours. Good luck and I hope he comes to his senses soon.

Freedom

06-18-2007, 07:57 AM

it's like an alkie - he may have to hit his own bottom before he does that. If he does have to learn the hard way, I hope it is the gentlest one possible.

I've had similar problems with my Dad and his diabetes. He won't listen to me, the doctor, the nurse, the diabetes educator. His diabetes doc even asked, "Where did YOU get your medical degree?" :eek:

It's been a bit over 6 years. For 5 years I was a mental case, on him constantly. I'd phone the doctor's office all upset about his readings and what he ate which he shouldn't have, what meds he skipped. Reminding him I was the one who would have to cope with the results didn't help; taking him to the diabetes ward to SEE folks with the complications didn't do it. Finally, for the last 6 months, I have finally come to realize that I can't MAKE him do a thing. He has to want to do it for himself. I've backed off and shut up. And yeah, I don't always go to the ER with him; I DO phone 911 and take the steps to get him help.

Well, now he has the complications: lost 35% of sensitiviy in his feet; retinopathy started in both eyes; kidneys have started to fail. In the last 5 or 6 months, he has been GOLDEN! A bit late, but that is what it took for him.

It isn't easy to sit back and watch someone self destruct. I like the idea put forth to get the BP kit. Otherwise, maybe get some therapy for yourself to learn how to step back. Sorry, but that's what it took, here.

catnapper

06-18-2007, 08:00 AM

Thanks guys.

I know nagging never gets anyone anywhere. My style of nagging is when he's exploding to tell him he wouldn't be exploding if he was taking the pills, to which he responds he wouldn't be exploding if we didn't give him something to explode about. Otherwise, I comment once a week or so that he still has the same number of pills in the bottle. Or I comment to family with him there that he's not taking the pills, and they all gasp in surprise and tell him he HAS to. He ignores it all.

While I agree with him that the kids are leaving the house in a state of disaster now that they're out of school, rather than exploding, get them to DO something. Though last night, I never saw kids scatter to clean so fast... MOPPING the kitchen floor (whodathunkit?!) and scrubbing the tub. Even bleaching the shower curtain liner! :eek:

Half our fights are the kids and what they've done to the house. The other half is the fact that I can't hear anything with my allergies clogging my head. On top of muffled sounds courtesy all of hte snot swimming in my head, we always have either the windows open or AC units running; the noise of either just blocks anything and everything out. I turn up the TV REALLY high to compensate and hear it. Then I never hear the phone or other noises in the house. So now I'm going to call the doctor to get tested to find out there's nothing they can do, except to wait til the fall. I went through all the testing a few years ago to no solution. But if it means he'll stop exploding on me because I can't hear, I'll go through the tests and incurr a couple hundred dollars worth of medical bills.

If it wasn't for his BP, he would logically know I can't hear right now. Instead, he explodes when I don't hear the phone. He SWEARS I am just being lazy and pretend I don't hear it so I don't have to answer it. He honestly thinks I'm acting!!!! He's GOT to be kidding. I'm not a good actor and certainly would not be this comprehensive and consistent.

-------------------------------------

Hubby is not on any of those meds. He's on Benicar. I don't have time to research it at this moment.... but I will! I've only seen GOOD come from him taking it. His personality becomes wonderful, the man I married. I can tell the moment he's off it because his personality changes into this awful short tempered man. A serious Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde scenario.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of a personal BP machine. We do not have the money for it but live right behind a drug store that has one in store, so I'll walk over with him to get a BP reading. If it comes up 120/80 or below, I'll keep quiet and seriously try to change myself and listen to what he's complaining about. I told him calmly last night that I worry about him. That I'll shut up if he agrees to a BP test. He REFUSES to go to the doctor.

moosmom

06-18-2007, 08:02 AM

hubby shot darts from his eyes

THAT is known as the "hairy eyeball". Chilling, isn't it??

I agree with Candace. You've told him how ya feel, now drop it and go out, get a nice BIG insurance policy and a BP kit at CVS.

I don't kow what it is with guys and doctors. They have this fear of them that I just don't get.

davidpizzica

06-18-2007, 08:41 AM

Kim, I hope your husband comes around. Myself I've hit bottom twice in the last four years. First it was finding out that I am diabetic and the second blow was my Atrial Fibrillation. Now I have to take a drug store full of medicines and have my blood drawn twice a week to monitor the Coumadin, to keep myself controlled from those two. Not all guys refuse to take medicines or go to the doctor's office or in my case be in the hospital twice so far this year!

Laura's Babies

06-18-2007, 08:51 AM

For your allergy problem, have you tried those sinus flush kits or a neti pot? Years ago, I had allergy and sinus problems and started flushing them out myself. It is non addictive, you can do it as many times a day as you need to, it is CHEAP and it works so GOOD! It stings like he** when you first do it because your sinuses are inflamed but after about the 3rd time, it just makes you feel so good, you can't wait to do it again.. It settled my allergy problem like you wouldn't believe, and the best part... NO side effects other than feeling 100% better!

You can get a neti pot like you see here http://www.luckyvitamin.com/079565005133.html

Use bottled water and noniodized salt and make your own flush solution like I did for years.

$$ Cost wise, the only thing it costs you is the pot that is reused for years if you need it , a box of non idoized salt and bottled water, cheap when I think of all the years of medicines I bought.

The results are unbelievable.

cyber-sibes

06-18-2007, 10:15 AM

:mad: :confused: :rolleyes: :eek: :(
Geesh, I hate it when they're behavior makes ya so mad ya don't know whether to fight or cry!
After being taken by ambulence to the hosp. & told he had an "episode" with his heart & should go see his doctor, my hubby put off going through with the testing for MONTHS. I finally said to him "Well, you've talked about wanting to just check out (had some very stressful events), so I guess here's your chance - Just don't do anything about it." He went to the doctors shortly thereafter.

As mentioned, nagging doesn't help. He has to hurt enough to want to stop hurting. Pray that it doesn't cost him his life while he's deciding.

Catty1

06-18-2007, 11:29 AM

Kim - would it help to see YOUR doctor and ask for advice?

Though if he is going to the store with you to use the BP kit there, I hope that does something.

Maybe he doesn't like his doctor? He can get another one.

Prayers going out to you!

ALSO - when I had chronic sinus problems, I got a baby ear syringe, would gently warm some filtered water (about 1/3 c), dissolve some salt in it. The I would tilt my head back, and inhale thru my nose as I put the salt water in.

Don't make it TOO salty. The salt also is a bit of an antiseptic. It worked like a charm for me. I use it when I have a cold too.

(PS - have a few kleenexes handy! :D )

catnapper

06-18-2007, 11:36 AM

Well I'm back from the doctors. I swear I feel like I'm there at least once a month lately :rolleyes:

First off, *MY* bloodpressure was high -- 120/90. Its all HIS fault!!!! If I weren't fighting him over his BP meds, I wouldn't have high BP myself! LOL The nurse is a childhood friend of hubby's and she asked how he's doing. I told her about the refusal to take the meds thing and she said, "He's a high-risk case!" Uh, could you please tell him that?

Second, I might have a hearing issue not related to allergies :eek: So I have an appointment set up with the Ear doctor for some tests and such. Sigh

Thirdly, all my blood tests from a few weeks ago came back wonderful. My cholesterol was a little high. Nothing to worry about, just watch my diet. My sugars and thyroid levels are awesome. :)

WHY can't hubby take care of himself like I do? He makes fun of me for all my trips to the doctor "for every little sneeze" yet I'm not the walking heart attack waiting ot happen.

Catty1

06-18-2007, 11:39 AM

Tell him "Because I love you and our family and I want to be here for you as long as I can." Then be quiet! ;)

Called Setting an Example/Dropping Another Hint! :D

I hope your hearing test goes ok! Hugs and prayers!

Pam

06-18-2007, 01:21 PM

Hubby is not on any of those meds. He's on Benicar. I don't have time to research it at this moment.... but I will! I've only seen GOOD come from him taking it. His personality becomes wonderful, the man I married.

Kim, my doctor put me on Benicar (samples) when I was first diagnosed with high BP. When I found out that my insurance wouldn't cover Benicar, he switched me to Diovan which is the exact same medicine as Benicar although my insurance does pay for Diovan. We have a "tier program" for our prescriptions. Don't know if you are familiar with tier programs.

Anyway, there is nothing about Benicar or Diovan that causes mood changes. There are some anti-depressants that will do that, though, if the patient stops them. I have a friend who had this happen when she quit her anti-depressants.

Grace

06-18-2007, 01:34 PM

I will sound like a broken record here.. That sentence set off alarm bells for me.. I am betting he is on a statin drug too (Lipitor, Crestor ect). That is what they tell us to get us to take that stuff.. Statin drugs causes personality changes in some people, it is one of the lesser known side effects. I strongly urge you, if he is one one of them to go here and just start reading. Pick any... they all do the same thing... http://www.spacedoc.net/board/index.php?sid=caa58b6e9f3c5b15579c75793f4a09cc

I am STILL suffering from the physical side effect of the drug that I thought was good for me and I have been off of it for almost a year (quit it July 2006) and it is still doing damage to my body.

I read a story about a man (I am not sure if it was on this sight or somewhere else) that a wife posted. Her husband, a normally wonderful, sweet man had turned into a monster.. I wish I had saved that story, it was a real scarey story.

One comment from this web sight I gave you the link for, "My partner suffered confusion, depression, etc on statins (he took Lipitor for EIGHT YEARS......... plus mood swings, heinous temper outbursts , v. short fuse, sexual difficulties......".... This is not that uncommon...

I know the topic is blood pressure, but I must interject here. Please don't paint all statins with a negative brush. Yes, there are side effects - there are side effects with every drug ever discovered. Not everyone will experience the same troubles. The site you link to here appears to be only for complaints about lipitor.

I have been taking it for almost 10 years - with ABSOLUTELY NO side effects.

Don't dismiss any drug out of hand. Listen to your doctor; talk to friends and/or relatives who might be taking the same med; read. Then make an educated decision for yourself.

momoffuzzyfaces

06-18-2007, 01:34 PM

Tell him if he won't take his bp med, at least increase the amount of his life insurance !!!! Maybe that will shock him into taking it.

Most of the blood pressure meds tell you not to stop taking it suddenly. That alone can give you a heart attack. I'm on 4 myself. My doctor told me it's not if I have a heart attack but WHEN if we didn't get it down.

I bought a wrist bp monitor and take it every day. Mine is now in the normal range most of the time.

When mine gets high, I feel like I'm going to explode, which is probably why he gets so cranky. I'd rather take my meds than feel like that!!!

My doctor tried me on both Benicar and Diovan. I couldn't take them. They made me so dizzy I could hardly walk. Since I live by myself. I have to be able to function. Meds work differently on different people, I guess.

Pam

06-18-2007, 04:06 PM

I thought I'd better re-visit this thread since it is an important one. We all have things occur during the day which can make our blood boil. I know that I would not want to be without my blood pressure medicine when that happens. It doesn't calm me down or help me cope :) but it might just stop my pressure from going totally through the roof. I really hope your hubby starts taking it again. Of course he knows that heart disease goes hand in hand with high BP but remind him that strokes can also be caused by high BP. As someone who has seen family members stricken with strokes, it would almost be better to die of a heart attack. You are paralyzed and dependent on everyone for every need that you have. You lose your dignity in such a situation and I believe that is what my own dad had so much trouble dealing with. It is all very heartbreaking. Please, Kim's hubby, take your medicine!

catnapper

06-18-2007, 09:14 PM

My doctor tried me on both Benicar and Diovan. I couldn't take them. They made me so dizzy I could hardly walk. Since I live by myself. I have to be able to function. Meds work differently on different people, I guess.
Silly me.... it never occured to me that he might be experiencing side effects like dizziness. He DID complain it makes him pee more. It never, ever occured to me that he might not like the dizziness. Thats why I stopped taking the meds for my PCOS.... its was AWFUL. He's such a quiet guy that its just like him to not want to complain about something like that. DUH!

Now I wonder how I'll get him to the doctor to try another drug. Getting him to the doctor is like pulling teeth. I basically have to promise something stupid just to show him I'm willing to do something even though I don't want to.... I'm good with it as long as it doesn't involve sporting events, especially minor league baseball! :p

LOL... I'm reading my description of him as a quiet guy. He really is, when he's not exploding over every little thing.

joycenalex

06-18-2007, 09:41 PM

[QUOTE=catnapper]... He DID complain it makes him pee more. ...end quote
um, some BP meds can affect the prostate, and for some men there are other side effects, and these can be intolerable. FWIW

Pawsitive Thinking

06-19-2007, 04:37 AM

Some BP meds are diuretics (sp) which will explain the peeing more and others are beta blockers. Might be worth checking which ones he is on.

Also they do take a while to get used to so keep stopping and starting the drugs isn't going to help in the long run

karyn674

06-19-2007, 06:33 AM

Hello Catnapper,

Like your husband I'm a person who don't like to take medicines at all. What I do is take alternative medicine! We all know that medicines fix one end and harm the other, so it take the natural way of solving my health problems whenever I can.

My mother suffers from high blood pressure too and she also has an irregular heart beat and she does take her medications on a daily basis. BUT I have introduced her to using Garlic and Chillies which are both ingredients known to lower high blood pressure.

My book which bears the name of Healing Foods says:

Chillies:

Properties-an excelent source if vitamins especially C, minerals,flavonoids, fibre and carbohydrates.

Health benefits-contain compounds essential for maintaining good health and prevention of disease. Capsaicinmakes the eyes and nose 'run', thus acting as a decongestant. Chillies may also help to lower blood pressure, thin the blood nd reduce cholesterol levels, all of which protect the heart and circulation.

Garlic:

Properties-contains several active substances, includingsulphur compunds, which are responsable for the pungent, aromatic flavour

Health benefits-has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and recent studies have shown that eating raw garlic cloves reduces nasal congestion, bronchitis and cold symptoms and protects against reinfection. Compounds in garlic help to lower blood pressure and reduce levels of blood cholesterol, hence protecting the heart and circulation. It has been claimed that garlic may protect against certain cancers but there is no scientific evidence for this. Cooking may reduce galic's health benefits.

If the taste is too strong one still can swollow the galic cloves whole....like a pill.

Mum introduced both the chillies and the garlic in her cooking and her blood pressure reduced considerably, she now takes half the medicine she used to take and became subject to low blood pressure......she sometimes faints due to this!

So, you see you can help your husband in feeling better and please change the cooking but tell him nothing to why you're doing this. You'll be doing what you can in helping him .........secretly!

Good luck! Wish you both all the best!

Karen

catnapper

06-19-2007, 06:49 AM

So, you see you can help your husband in feeling better and please change the cooking but tell him nothing to why you're doing this. You'll be doing what you can in helping him .........secretly!

Kinda hard when I don't do the cooking. I am proud of myself if I cut up a pineapple. :o Hubby does the cooking. He buys the food. I just sit back and eat what he prepares.

Though natural is a good idea, he won't do that any more than he'd take his pills. First, he thinks natural remedies are all hippie-dippy stuff and rolls his eyes (note this is not my opinion). Second, he doesn't think there's a problem: hence his resistence to taking the pills in the first place.

Rachel

06-19-2007, 08:54 AM

You might want to look up information on the DASH diet. Basically it is pretty much eating healthy, fruits and vegetables, etc. but I don't want to over simplify and interpret it here by saying that. Losing some weight should also be quite beneficial on the BP.

Forget about the more life insurance aspect. The first thing they are going to do when you apply is have someone come out and take his blood pressure. Years ago my husband's blood pressure was just a bit on the high side. His doctor (who he is diligent in seeing regularly) didn't think it was anything to be concerned about. Around that time we applied for some additional life insurance for him, and they turned him down...because of his blood pressure reading. Well, I figured if the insurance company thought it was a reason to not take our money, it was something to be concerned about and his doctor reconsidered. My husband and I both are on the meds for BP and that insurance company lost out on over 10 years of premiums.

It is very common to have try different medications if one has side effects or isn't working properly. As for getting your husband to take care of himself, you seems to have tried a number of approaches which haven't worked. Is there a time when you can sit down to calmly discuss the issue?

Callie

06-19-2007, 11:25 AM

My husband was on Lipitor...and had tons of symptoms including getting so weak he couldn't put his own trousers on, couldn't raise his arms, and dizziness. This is a guy who does physical labor, on ladders, all day long when he's not selling so you can see the problems.

We knew things had to change but he made no effort to change things. So...I started just 'sharing' interesting little tidbits I found with him. Things like a story someone shared about their experiences with statins, or the latest research. Sometimes we'd get into a discussion as a result. Gradually he started doing his own curiosity look ups on the computer.

He quit the statins, decided to go on moderate Niacin (non-flushing type), and says he feels better every day. His breathing has improved, as has his energy, he sleeps sounder (no nightmares and falling out of bed), no dizziness or weakness. At 73 he's better than he was at 63 and on statins.

Now about the BP: Do a google on Frank Mangano and get his natural cure book for blood pressure called "The Silent Killer". I've used it and it's saving my life since I'm allergic to all the BP meds...they're worse than the known risks of the disease for me.

Hope for the best and don't nag him...as you can see it backfires with men.

Callie

momoffuzzyfaces

06-19-2007, 01:12 PM

Some BP meds are diuretics (sp) which will explain the peeing more and others are beta blockers. Might be worth checking which ones he is on.

One of the first BP meds I was on was a diuretic. It made me so miserable! I couldn't go anywhere except the bathroom. It also depleted my potassium. My doctor switched me to another one and I only need it every other day. (of course I take 3 other meds every day) It doesn't make me live in the bathroom like the other one did. He really needs to chat with his doctor.

Good luck!

catnapper

06-25-2007, 10:17 AM

Bwahahahaha, I did something slightly evil. Hubby's been having foot pain. Heels - most likely heel spurrs or whatever you call them. He couldn't even stand up last night from the pain. So I finally convinced him he needs to see a doctor. At least then they'd help the pain, either through orthodics or foot surgery. Ok, he agreed to see the doctor.

So I called this morning and got an appointment for this afternoon. I told them his BP will most likely be high and to talk to him about his meds. I mentioned there might be a side effect thats keeping him from taking the meds, so would the doctor please ask about side effects. I told them that hubby CAN NOT know I told them about his BP meds. If its coming from the doctor and he sees how high his BP is, then he can't argue. I hope he gets a long lecture on how you just can't stop meds without a doctor's permission, etc.

Please keep your fingers crossed that his BP is high (otherwise *I* actually am the one with the problem here and is causing all the grief in the house lately ;)) and that the doctor puts him on a new med, along with a serious talk about how life-threatening his high blood pressure is.

Hubby is far from perfect but I can't imagine life without him... I want and need him around for a long, long time.

Thanks so much for everyone's support and suggestions.

Randi

06-25-2007, 11:05 AM

I think you did the right thing, talking to his doctor about this - since he won't listen to you.

Hope it's a doctor who has time to have a serious chat with your husband, so he realizes the importance.

crow_noir

06-26-2007, 12:39 AM

Well, i may be a little late to say good luck, but i can still wish it anyhow for the future.

How did things go?

catnapper

06-26-2007, 07:44 AM

Well, here's the conversation last night

Me: how'd the doctor go? What did he say about your foot?
Hubby: I have to go for Xrays.
Me: What does he think it is?
Hubby: I dunno. Maybe spurrs, or a ligament
Me: Is that all? Nothing else? (notice me NOT say anything about BP?)
Hubby: Yeah, you have to pick up my allergy and heart medicaine tomorrow.
Me: ah, I told you your BP was high!
Hubby: Well I wouldn't need it if you didn't hassle me about everything (this time he was totally joking)

He refused to tell me anything else but apparently it was REALLY high and he got quite an earful from the doctor. I hope he remembers this lesson and doesn't stop taking it in the future.

I am just so happy that he's now back on his meds. He's on the same stuff, but now there's a second prescrption. He didnt know what its was for... perhaps anti-swelling for his ankles? I'm going to look it up tonight after work. Right now I'm running very late for work! :eek:

Thanks again guys! Your ideas were wonderful!

Catty1

06-26-2007, 09:42 AM

And you might want to ask the pharmacist about side effects and how long they might last - and maybe things that can be done to minimize them.

I applaud your husband for joking when you did the "I told you so"! :D I don't blame you - I would've added a few more myself!

Glad you'll have him around for a while.

Does he 'cook healthy'? Baking and broiling and steaming? Maybe this is a time when he might be interested in one or two healthy recipes - or just changing the way he cooks a couple already.

Glad he is back on meds and will be with you for a while.
HUGS!