Honestly, even at twenty-five, I still haven't quite mastered the art of performing my own self-exams—despite all the endless tutorials online, those glossy health brochures, and everything else out there. It’s a bit embarrassing, really! But if I'm being completely honest, I think I was mostly traumatized by that one visit to my primary care physician... she was being so incredibly thorough during the exam that the pressure on my chest was actually enough to make me see stars.
If you’ve already had a Pap smear or gone in for some follow-up testing, then you likely have a pretty clear picture of what’s happening with your cervical lining—not to mention your gynecologist typically makes note of your cervix status during any routine check-up. It really makes you wonder, though—does this particular individual actually possess the necessary clinical expertise and hands-on experience required for gynecological exams? And more importantly, do they even have access to the proper medical equipment—say, at least a sterile speculum? There is honestly no reason to seek out some unlicensed amateur when you have access to a licensed gynecologist; we aren't living in a third-world country, after all. Just get your necessary screenings done, bring your medical records, have an in-depth consultation, and call it a day. It isn't just because the exam is intimate—though it certainly is—but primarily for your own safety, which relies on being examined by a trained professional in a properly regulated medical facility.
You could technically try the test anywhere between 6 and 12 days after ovulation—though, if you want to be smart about it, I’d say aim for that 8 to 12-day window since that is when implantation actually occurs. First comes the implantation, then comes the testing, right? Honestly, it is probably even better to just wait until the very first day your period is late.
I truly hope you are joking about the number of condoms! You don't need a mountain of them; you really only need one single, properly used condom. Using two at once is honestly just a nonsense idea—it creates friction between the layers, which actually increases the risk of a tear rather than providing extra safety. It's counterproductive, really.
Christian Thompson said:I used St. John's Wort oil for my stretch marks. Back when they were still red, I was applying it once or twice a day for about six months, and they just vanished... Meanwhile, my neighbor keeps slathering that stuff on while she’s out tanning, and now she’s looking darker than a burnt piece of toast.
Well, that is incredibly wise—truly brilliant! Anyone with even a passing familiarity with St. John's Wort knows it is highly phototoxic.
So, I had a bit of a whirlwind appointment at my local clinic the other day—the kind where everything happens all at once, you know? I had several cervical swabs ordered during the same visit: specifically, the standard panel for aerobes, chlamydia, ureaplasma, and mycoplasma via my insurance, plus I opted to pay out-of-pocket for an additional set testing for both aerobes and anaerobes. The doctor actually took a quick peek at my hygiene levels under the microscope right then and there, and she spotted Gardnerella (which means an anaerobe is present), so she suggested I start some antibiotic vaginal suppositories.
Fast forward to the results: the aerobic test from my insurance came back positive, showing a significant amount of Group B Strep.
However—and here is where things get confusing—the private lab results for both the anaerobes and aerobes came back completely negative.
I am honestly at a bit of a loss here... what could be going on? Is it possible that when they took those negative samples (even though the doctor clearly saw enough Gardnerella earlier to justify prescribing me Dalacin, and subsequently, the Strep B was isolated), they were taken from the exact same spot as the others, essentially wiping away any remaining evidence before the swab could catch anything? Or is there some other explanation...? 🤷
nimbletinker10 said:frozenorca63, I am actually not from America—I am much further away, truly quite far off—but thank you nonetheless! 🙂
Thank you all so much for checking in; you are all just wonderful. 🙂 I started my first round of antibiotics this afternoon and picked up some yogurt while I was out. Now, I did happen to read somewhere that one shouldn't take dairy products at the exact same time as an antibiotic—rather, there should be a bit of a gap? For instance, not taking the pill with a glass of milk. My leg is still quite swollen (it has been two weeks!)—the site where I was bitten is bruised, painful, and red, so I am mostly just drinking whatever fluids I can manage.
I haven't heard much regarding natural supplements for liver support—does anyone have any advice to share? I know I absolutely must avoid alcohol, specifically because of those lab results; I used to enjoy a glass of wine if I was heading out for dinner, but certainly not now. Thanks for the link; I will make sure to give it a thorough read this evening. 👍
Oh dear, my apologies—I mentioned simultaneous consumption in the same sentence, but I was actually only referring to the liver situation. Regarding probiotics, it is best if that interval isn't less than two hours.
You could always ask more on Food and Health rather than just gastronomy, or even under Nutrition and Supplements within the Beauty☕ section (yes, under Beauty!). I only know about milk thistle and dandelion, though I am not entirely certain which part of the plant is used. As for commercial supplements here in the States, something like Milk Thistle extract from a brand like Nature Made comes to mind, though I don't know the specific ingredients by heart.
You should definitely pick up some probiotics to take alongside those antibiotics—it really helps balance things out. And perhaps—if you have a moment—you might want to look into some natural supplements to support liver health? I imagine they can be taken at the same time, though it wouldn't hurt to double-check with your doctor first. 🤷
I honestly had no idea that he could just slip away without anyone even noticing...
To be perfectly honest, I know absolutely nothing about ticks; in fact, I didn't encounter my very first one until I was about fifteen years old. 🙈
I haven't the slightest clue. Was it perhaps Welcome to my Life by Madness? I can't quite recall if they played it back at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival—though, truthfully, it isn't exactly a recent track. 🤷
brightbear said:That was truly wonderful advice—and more importantly, it was exceptionally well-argued, wouldn't you agree? Simply top-notch. Is she really going to turn down pills even if they’re offered to her? And who exactly is doing the offering—some clerk at a CVS? I suppose her gynecologist might suggest them—if they even go that route—but if she’s dealing with a hormonal situation, she ought to take them, shouldn't she? Let's just hope it’s actually just puberty-related acne—fingers crossed! So, what exactly is she supposed to do—just sit there and risk infertility while she’s still so young? It seems like such a reckless gamble, doesn't it? I mean, think about how many women out there neglected their PCOS treatments back in their youth, only to end up facing devastating damage to their ovaries later on. It’s a heavy thing to weigh, isn't it? One choice today could change everything down the road. Did you know that roughly 15% of couples here in the States struggle with infertility? That is—if you really stop to think about it—not exactly a negligible statistic, is it? It’s quite a significant portion of the population. In my estimation, a primary driver behind this trend is that women aren't seeking medical assistance early enough—they tend to wait much longer before they even begin thinking about starting a family. If we look back twenty-five years, the landscape was entirely different; back then, very few women were delaying motherhood to such an extent. And besides—one really has to consider that ovaries can present all sorts of unpredictable issues, can't they? It’s quite a complex matter! Plus, we shouldn't overlook the psychological toll—acne and oily skin can take a massive, heavy toll on one's mental state. It's more than just a surface issue, isn't it? So, these pills actually go a long way in smoothing out all those frustrating PCOS symptoms—I mean, they really do help—and then you have people stepping in to offer such incredibly malicious advice? I honestly cannot wrap my head around the motivation behind that kind of behavior... why would anyone do it? It is just profoundly unkind.
Is it malicious? Or perhaps just... unkind? One does wonder where that line actually sits, doesn't one? 😕 I am truly at a loss as to why certain words were chosen in this instance—honestly, I find myself wondering what the reasoning behind such phrasing could possibly be—but please believe me when I say that I have absolutely no intention of being malicious, especially regarding matters of health. Is it not better to approach these topics with grace? Truly, my heart is in the right place here. 😲 Look, you really don't need to sit here and explain PCOS or the whole concept of polycystic ovaries to me—I've got a handle on it, I promise! 😉 That is precisely where the crux of the matter lies—you see, those little pills? They are quite effective at smoothing over the symptoms. But—and this is a significant "but"—they don't actually go in and fix the underlying issue. Isn't that just the way things work sometimes? They mask the discomfort, yet the root cause remains entirely untouched. There has already been quite a bit of discussion regarding this topic—and honestly, I’ve written about it more times than I care to admit—so by default, I assume everyone is already up to speed. Even the newcomers should be aware, though I suppose, if I were being a truly responsible forum member, I ought to spell it out even more clearly: please, let's not rush into grabbing birth control pills unless the indications are absolutely necessary. Now, I won't get into the specifics of symptom frequency or intensity—not because I don't care, but simply because I am neither a doctor nor have I actually seen the girl in person, so I can't claim to be entirely objective—but one shouldn't just dive in without having a full hormonal profile done first. It seems like a massive number of doctors here in the States don't bother with that level of due diligence; they just hand over the strongest prescription available and tell you to deal with it. How is anyone supposed to navigate that? Absolutely wonderful! Is that really how it works? Exactly—just like you said: it’s just like grabbing a handful of candy at a 7-Eleven. Just like sweets. I honestly have no idea what kind of malicious individuals you might have crossed paths with in this corner of the internet—personally, I can’t think of a single one! Sure, there are plenty of people who are rude, arrogant, or just completely biased, but that’s about it... isn't it? But if I were actually a spiteful person, I certainly wouldn't be sitting here suggesting she watch her diet or rethink her general lifestyle choices. In fact, if I truly harbored any ill will, perhaps I would go as far as telling her to skip her doctor appointments altogether—after all, why bother when Mom says everything is fine, right? 🤣 I don't want to shame anyone or make them feel like they're being picked on—that’s really not my intention at all. My goal is simply to encourage people to take ownership of their own health—you know, to actually step up and do whatever is within their power to stay well. And honestly, maybe some people just don't realize how much they *can* do? It’s a valid point, isn't it? Especially when you're young—we tend to assume that youth comes with a certain level of medical intuition, but let's be real: most young people haven't had enough experience navigating doctor visits or managing their own gynecological care to even know where to start. Look, I have my own personal stance regarding birth control pills—but honestly, that isn't what we're here to discuss today. I really don't have the energy to dive into that debate for the millionth time, so I’ll spare us all the long-windedness! Instead, I just want to be concise and lay out the essential facts that are actually necessary right now.
Go see a gynecologist—get an ultrasound done and ask for a referral for some hormone testing. That’s how you’ll actually figure out what’s going on and decide on next steps. Don't just rush into taking pills if they aren't truly necessary—and make sure to be very firm about that if they try to push them on you. By the way, while two years might not seem like a lifetime, the fact that your cycles were perfectly regular until recently is a crucial detail... so definitely mention that if they give you any pushback regarding the referral. Try to eat a bit cleaner—cut back on the bread (especially white flour), fried foods, greasy stuff, sweets, anything processed... and maybe skip the heavy makeup for a bit, as it only makes things harder on your skin. This will all pass, and honestly, it isn't the end of the world if someone catches you looking a little less than perfect. Have you noticed any significant weight fluctuations lately? Anyway, I know this is weighing heavily on you right now—it's distracting and makes it hard to focus when you're constantly wondering when or how often this will happen—but, in a sense, they have a point: you're young, and things will likely stabilize eventually. However, that doesn't mean you should just shrug your shoulders and wait around without knowing what is happening inside your own body. Go get checked out—and if you need to go with your mom, fine, or grab a friend, or even just go by yourself if that's better—just make sure to bring your period tracker if you've been keeping one, or write down everything you think is relevant so you don't get flustered and forget half the details once the doctor starts asking questions 😁. And please, don't be afraid; nothing is going to hurt, it's just about getting some clarity. 🙂
It isn't quite right for music. 😁 Besides, it’s already becoming rather passé, isn't it? I really should have noted that I find it somewhat an absolutely wonderful thing. 😳
So, how was the choir performance? 😁 I’m talking about the crowd and the general vibe—I’ve already heard some whispers floating around. Honestly, I’m quite relieved I didn't go. Don't get me wrong... I find queer drama to be an absolutely fascinating genre, but a queer choir performing songs centered entirely on queer themes at a massive festival like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival... what on earth is next? A choir of extremely obese people singing hymns about body curves? A group of allergy sufferers serenading us with ballads about pollen counts? Or perhaps a choir of Celiacs offering scathing critiques of the gluten industry and hidden ingredients? Maybe a group of overly earnest elementary school teachers singing about the joys of childcare? Or even better—a choir of broken hearts? Some suburban moms from the Midwest singing songs about which really rubbed me the wrong way today? 🤷
Lily Allen—now there is a name that always brings a certain spark to the conversation, isn't there? I was just sitting here thinking about her discography—it’s quite remarkable how she manages to blend that sharp, biting wit with such infectious melodies. It makes one wonder, doesn't it? How does an artist maintain that level of unapologetic honesty while still staying so incredibly catchy? It's a delicate balance, truly—much like trying to navigate the crowds at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival without losing your sense of self! One moment you're lost in the music, and the next, you're pondering the sheer audacity of her lyrics. It really is quite fascinating to observe. I almost didn't make it through the end—really, I barely scraped by. It all feels so repetitive now, doesn't it? Almost like listening to some mindless pop track playing on the radio in the background while you're trying to focus. Just that same old, vacant little smile plastered on your face... I find myself quite taken aback—truly—by such a blunt and unceremonious outburst! One does wonder, perhaps, what prompted such a sudden burst of hostility? Is it simply a case of a bad morning, or is there some deeper, underlying frustration at play here? Regardless, I shall remain undeterred by such colorful language. Shall we try a more civil approach? He gave me this sort of half-grimace—if you could even call it a smile—but that was about it.
Kraftwerk—now, there is a subject worthy of some actual contemplation, wouldn't you agree? One finds oneself wondering if the modern landscape of electronic music would even exist in its current, somewhat chaotic state without their foundational influence. It is quite a profound thing, really—to take the cold, precise mechanics of the machine and imbue them with a certain rhythmic soul. They didn't just play music; they architected an entire sonic universe! Is it not fascinating how they managed to remain so avant-garde while simultaneously becoming so universally recognizable? It makes one think about the sheer discipline required to maintain such a specific, minimalist aesthetic over the decades. Truly remarkable stuff. Regardless of the topic at hand—and I suppose we should pivot for a moment—I simply cannot wrap my head around music like this. To be perfectly clear, I view it quite positively as an abstract concept, mind you, but as actual music? It isn't something I would ever want to experience live at a concert or even listen to for pleasure. Honestly, I don't quite "get" them. And I certainly can't fathom the people who claim they can dance to Kraftwerk—well, I suppose I’d only do that if someone were holding a gun to my head! To me, "Radioactivity" is just... it's not a musical journey. It feels more like visiting a high-end art gallery or sitting down with a truly magnificent book—one that is undeniably brilliant and worthy of immense respect, yet somehow far too unsettling to actually finish. After a few tracks, I actually started feeling a bit nauseous (which, truth be told, happens to me whenever I encounter Kraftwerk or a heavy dose of electronic music), so I had to go sit down on the grass. And when even that didn't quite do the trick, I ended up fleeing toward...
...Yeah, yeah, yeah—well, that’s certainly one way to put it! One could argue there's much more to be said, wouldn't you agree? Perhaps. But then again, sometimes a simple affirmation is all that's required to set the tone. It started out as such a pleasant little surprise—really, those first few minutes had me feeling quite optimistic—but then, almost out of nowhere, everything just deflated into this deep, heavy crypto-depression. It was as if they were playing behind a thick concrete wall or something? Honestly, the sound felt completely off to me. I can't quite put my finger on what went wrong—and look, I’m certainly no expert or die-hard devotee of the genre—but I have to say, I much prefer their studio recordings on CD. Now, I find myself sitting here, watching and listening, just wondering... what exactly happened? Wait—is that actually them? Is that the band we were talking about? I really can't stand it when the stage production ends up being more impactful than the actual music—it feels so misplaced, doesn't it? And don't even get me started on that constant zooming in on those women I just can't seem to warm up to... it was honestly quite irritating. It felt like there was absolutely no...
The level of engagement I’ve been able to foster—which is something I truly find myself wanting to commend—is quite something, much like, for instance... n.e.r.d. (no matter how irritating they might be with...) America.I have been thinking about this for quite some time now—perhaps more than I should admit—but there is a certain weight to these reflections that demands to be shared. It’s funny, isn't it? How long we can carry a thought around before it finally breaks free? Anyway, for a while now, I have been... Wow—man, they are absolutely shredding!Well, I eventually decided to push onward—though I did find myself drifting back toward them just a little bit later on. For a fleeting moment, I actually thought about heading straight ahead, but honestly? I wasn't quite so desperate that I would have found their whole showering routine appealing.
pred TrickyI stood there for about seven or eight minutes—just standing there, really—and I finally spoke up. What on earth is this—is this even the same Tricky I’ve been listening to at home? Honestly, does someone have something in their drink, or is there some other explanation for this?Well, she simply turned her back on the whole situation—just walked away—to go hunt down a hamburger. And I’m talking a real one, too—loaded with onions and ketchup. Honestly, can you blame her? Sometimes a burger is the only logical response to chaos.
Sergent Garcia It was quite lovely, really—but perhaps just a touch too heavy on the reggae vibes for my particular taste? I found myself drifting away sooner than expected; it simply didn't hold my interest for very long.
It appears there may have been a slight oversight in the transmission—the message seems to have been cut short! Did you perhaps intend to share a specific thought or perhaps a fragment of a discussion? I am quite eager to dive into whatever topic you had in mind—whether it be music, local happenings, or just a bit of casual banter—so please, do feel free to complete your thought whenever you have a moment! Anthrax. Now, there is a word that carries quite a heavy weight, isn't there? One can't help but think of those chilling headlines from years back—it’s one of those rare terms that immediately conjures up a sense of unease, almost like a sudden chill in the air during a quiet autumn evening in New England. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, how much our collective psyche is shaped by these singular, terrifying events? It’s fascinating, really—how a single biological agent can loom so large in the American consciousness, lingering like a shadow long after the actual danger has passed. It’s a bit unsettling to contemplate, I suppose, but also deeply intriguing from a historical perspective.I find myself drawn to certain tracks that weren't even part of their initial setlist—it’s funny how that works, isn't it? As for me, I was only there at the very beginning of it all. But if I'm being completely honest—and I do believe in total transparency—the primary reason I fell for them was actually Scott Ian. I have quite a thing for him. Quite a thing, indeed. 🙂 To be perfectly honest—and I say this with all due respect to the performer—I can't quite stomach the frontman's vocals; they sound as if they were dragged straight from the depths of hell. In fact, I spent several hours earlier today listening to his rehearsal screams, which I suppose was my ideal way to experience them! It was almost... how should I put it? A bit like listening to a literal cattle drive. 😳
Rokia Traoré—now, there is a name that truly demands our undivided attention, isn't there? I was sitting here just thinking about the sheer depth of her artistry—it’s almost overwhelming if you let yourself dwell on it too long—and I found myself wondering how we even begin to categorize such profound talent. It’s one thing to listen to music, but it’s quite another to experience a soul laid bare through melody, don't you think? Her work carries this weight, this incredible, rhythmic gravity that seems to pull you in from the very first note. One can only marvel at the way she navigates those complex, beautiful textures! She is truly a wonderful woman—really quite delightful. I must admit, there were moments where I felt a bit lost, particularly during those introductions of the band members—was it perhaps a touch too much? Regardless, she remains absolutely lovely. What truly captivated me, though, was that desert blues style—or whatever one chooses to call it—that specific sound. That particular piece, specifically that soulful rockia influence, simply transports you to another dimension entirely. 🙏
Franz Ferdinand. Now, there is a name that carries a certain weight, doesn't it? One can't help but wonder—does the mere mention of such a figure evoke a sense of historical gravity, or perhaps just a sudden craving for some indie rock? It is quite a curious thing, how names become intertwined with eras and melodies alike. One finds oneself pondering the sheer coincidence of history meeting art. Is it not fascinating? That was such a neat setlist—really, truly lovely. I have always had a massive soft spot for Franz Ferdinand; they’re just wonderful. Though, I must admit, there are those days when I find myself drifting into a much deeper state of ecstasy if I actually allow them to play in my own living room! At the start of the show, they played every single track I had been dying to hear, but by that point, I was just so utterly exhausted—so, naturally, I made the decision to head home a bit earlier than planned.
Moby. Now, there is a name that certainly stirs up quite a bit of conversation, isn't there? I was sitting here just thinking about how much the musical landscape has shifted since his heyday—though, let’s be honest, he always did have a way of cutting through the noise with those electronic textures. It makes one wonder, doesn't it? Does a certain sound ever truly become dated, or do we simply circle back to it once the trends change? Anyway, just a thought! To be perfectly honest—and I say this with the utmost sincerity—I found the initial experience to be a bit juvenile, perhaps even slightly underwhelming. It felt somewhat aimless at first, particularly regarding that elegant lady performing; I couldn't quite tell if she was lacking focus, or if I simply hadn't yet found my footing within the atmosphere. But then—oh, then!—everything shifted once that soulful element was introduced. It was truly divine. Specifically, following that one track right before "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?"—you know, the one by that new, lovely singer whose name escapes me just now, where she was singing something alongside... Just put me on a train... honestly, just set me on a track and let the rhythm take over—is there anything more meditative than the steady hum of wheels against steel? I find myself thinking about it quite often lately—that sense of momentum, that feeling of leaving one station behind while the landscape shifts outside the window—it’s almost poetic, isn't it? Sometimes you just need to escape the noise of everything else and simply exist in motion.I have to admit—for the last few shows, I’ve been weeping like someone just died in a dramatic Hollywood movie. Honestly, who would have ever thought? I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d find myself breaking down in tears at a Moby concert. 😕 Goodness, he really is quite the sensitive soul—I mean, let’s not forget that he actually broke down in tears during Kraftwerk's very first concert! 🙄) Honestly, that one guitar solo was just a bit too saccharine for my tastes. 😍 lift me up 🙂. Now, the final track wasn't exactly my cup of tea, though I must admit, it really did elevate the mood. 🙂
I found myself quite agitated by those unruly crowds—you know the type—people shoving their way through without so much as a excuse me. And then there were those young girls standing right in front of me in the front rows, making such an incessant racket with all that screaming and clattering that it completely shattered my concentration and ruined my mood. Not to mention the beer they spilled all over my brand-new handbag! Good grief, I suppose I’m more of an Elton John kind of person anyway.
Oh, and I should mention, that cheese from the food tent was actually quite delicious. I hadn't really understood the whole concept of a silent stage before, but they were absolutely darling with those patterned fabrics. 😍
So, to wrap things up: 1. Moby 2. Rokia and Franz Ferdinand 3. N.E.R.D. and cheese 4. Hamburger—there's nothing like a cold burger when you're famished.
I am seeking some recommendations for an orthopedist—or perhaps someone else specializing in this area—located in Chicago. I’m particularly interested if anyone has experience dealing with Achilles tendinosis or Haglund's deformity. I have heard through the grapevine that the specialists over by Central Park are quite good, though I suppose it never hurts to ask for a second opinion, does it? Also, does anyone happen to know the current wait times for Dr. Bojanica? How much of a demand is there for his services at the moment? Thank you so much!
You really brought this on yourself, you little legal expert. I see you’re quite fond of video games—do you honestly believe someone’s life is just some sort of simulation? What on earth happened to you to make you so incredibly desensitized? It’s frankly appalling. Your family should be dealing with someone facing a life-altering crisis—someone who needs immediate help—instead of watching you act like this. If they can't get help, then what? Do we just sit around waiting for a miracle to fall from the sky? Honestly, people's comments shouldn't even bother you when you clearly didn't care enough to act when things reached a critical level—especially when there were more than enough warning signs. Everyone here gathered to warn you, yet you either brush them off or you genuinely need professional help because your behavior is nothing short of selfish and ignorant. You have access to information—and likely a smartphone, seeing as you aren't exactly living in the middle of nowhere without internet access.
I won't dive directly into that specific topic—I have no desire to leave a mess on this subforum—but if you're interested, here:
Here is a bit more detail regarding those high readings—though I realize I can't expect a definitive answer from anyone here since we don't have the full picture, and besides, I still need to convince her to actually start keeping a daily log. 🙂
Not too long ago, after she went several weeks without taking her medication following a particularly stressful stretch (even though, let’s be honest, she’s pretty much under constant stress), she saw her doctor and ended up with a blood pressure reading of 180/160.
Last night, she finally took her second dose, right around midnight. She gets incredibly lightheaded whenever she stands up—it lasts for about half an hour every morning—but she hasn't actually checked her pressure during those episodes, so we have no idea what's truly causing that dizziness. 🙄 Anyway, to make a long story short:
- after taking her meds last night, combined with waking up occasionally during the night because of heart palpitations, she checked her pressure at 7:00 AM and it was 154/102/89. - Then, after taking her next dose around 7:30 AM, her readings at 10:00 AM were 138/82/93, which she considers normal (if we just ignore the pulse. 😁).
I know, wiredraven94, it's all a bit incomplete and confusing. Hopefully, it will settle down even when the medication concentration is at its peak. 🤷
Hi, lacipil, writes at the bottom of the post. My primary care physician transcribed this, but since she rarely sees her specialist, it isn't exactly being closely monitored. When things are relatively stable, her systolic pressure hits at least 130—and I believe the pulse pressure, the difference between the top and bottom numbers, sits around 40 to 50. Unfortunately, I can't give you an exact average because she hasn't been keeping a log; we've just been discussing it over the phone. I have noticed that she starts feeling unwell even when her systolic reaches 140, which happens quite often. It can even climb to 160 or higher, particularly during the evenings and nighttime, accompanied by intense heart palpitations. The gap between the systolic and diastolic numbers usually doesn't fluctuate too extremely in either direction. She is under an immense amount of stress—the kind of stress one simply cannot eliminate from their life. We don't have any diagnostic tests on hand yet. I should be able to provide some more detailed information regarding the specific readings tomorrow. Thank you!
My mother started taking Prinzide (20 mg lisinopril, 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide) today—her doctor prescribed it twice daily. Her blood pressure was a bit low this evening (116/67), and she’s feeling quite weak; she also mentioned occasional heart palpitations—that "thumping or skipping" sensation. To be fair, she had those even before starting the medication, but I still wouldn't want to brush them off, would I? She hasn't taken her evening dose yet. She did receive several referrals for tests, but I'm wondering what we should do in the interim—you know, before the scheduled testing and/or her next follow-up with the physician (which, honestly, seems a bit absurd given he gave her enough pills to last five months!):
- Should she take the second dose tonight and stick to the twice-daily schedule, even though she feels weak and knows her pressure has dropped significantly? I realize the numbers above aren't extreme hypotension, but for her, they feel quite low. Plus, since her kidney function is slightly diminished, I'm worried about further side effects—specifically, an even deeper drop in blood pressure. - Should we reduce the dosage to once a day? - Switch to a lower dose of Prinzide, perhaps using just 10 mg of lisinopril? - Consider a third therapeutic option? (Before a week-long break that ended this morning, she was on Lacipil, though I'm unsure of the exact dosage. She reacted quite poorly to it—it would essentially "knock her down" and make her extremely drowsy. I haven't deeply researched the interactions yet, but she does occasionally take Amlodipine.)