MY STORY: Two and a half years at 41 I was diagnosed with high blood pressure.  I wasn't too surprised being that I wasn't exactly living the best life style; smoking, drinking, stressful job and although not overweight, not very active.  So, I'll just take some pill and be alright.  WRONG!!

The first medicine prescribed, Micardis, I found out later, had many different terrible side effects.  The doctors had me tested for everything.  I had a MRI, endoscopy, colonoscopy, stress test, HIDA scan on my gallbladder, opthalmic tests and various blood tests.  I finally asked to change my medication.  After doing so, all major side effects went away.

For two years I have been on benazepril (generic for Lotensin) and a beta-blocker, Coreg.  I've had various sides effects that I thought were due to smoking.  I quit smoking, cold turkey, on 9/9/09.  Been smoke-free since.  I can breath better and don't need an inhaler anymore when I'm active.  However, all these little aches, pains and complaints keep getting worse.  The main thing being that I've gained 30 lbs since being on blood pressure medications.  Also I have had terrible knee joint pain and achy legs at night.

I researched the Coreg and found out that all my complaints were a side effect of the drug.  I was pissed.  Especially about the part that it contributes to storing fat and causes hunger.  NO WONDER!  I'm 6 ft. and now 184 lbs, the heaviest I've ever been.  I couldn't figure it out.  I've always ate healthy; low fat, a lot of veggies and fruits, don't eat junk food or fast food.  I've been moderately active everyday, but some days our home repair business requires me to work like a horse! But the weight would kept coming on.

I know my body.  I know how I felt before medication and how I feel now.  Tired, achy all over, headaches, hungry for sweets, knee pain, night time leg cramps, low sex drive and on and on.  I don't want to feel like this anymore.

I've asked my doctor about getting off of my medications.  I am on the lowest dosages available.  Even though my bp is low, she always says maybe next time. 

Tuesday my knees hurt so bad I could hardly walk.  So I decided there's no better time than the present to get off of my medication.  My next semi-annual exam isn't until Sept. but I can't wait.  My doctor is on vacation and can't see her for two weeks. 

So yesterday I quit my medications.  I kept track of my bp and diet.  I just know that I can lower it naturally.  Yesterday was the first day I've had in months without knee pain and went to sleep without leg cramps.  

So this will be my blog about getting off of blood pressure medicines and lowering my bp.  I'll be seeing my doctor soon just to let you know before I hear about that.  Also I guess I should mention that I completely understand the risks I'm taking and I AM NOT suggesting that anyone else try this without doctors approval.  This is my experience to share so that maybe others can understand better about their own health.