Scared Solomon

 

Dear Nurse Annie,

I am still very confused and scared.

I was driving last weekend and lost half the sight in one eye. The vision field seemed to be whirling. IT did go away in less than an hour. I have had similar eye stuff before that I have told doctors about.

I stopped diet soda. This is the only caffeine I drink. I never add salt to my food.

My Home blood pressure readings can be 180/110 or 130/80. IT was 140/90 at my doctor.

He told me my Echo test was fine. The did a neck Doppler when I told him about the eye thing. He told me it was fine. He said my blood work was pretty good.

He told me it was too bad the testing was negative because my high blood pressure problem is probably diet and stress related.

He told me my BP was still high and gave me more medicine. I am now supposed to take 5 medications that don’t work.

For years I took one medication that worked. They are not giving me that drug now.

Annie, I eat a low carb diet most of the time and am slowly losing weight.

I walk when I have time for exercise.

I have given up soda (which I love) and have never added salt.

Help Annie, I do not know what else to do.

Scared Solomon.

Dear Solomon,

I agree this is perplexing and discouraging.

You mention you are eating low carb and this is a good goal.

Eating low carb is it very easy to eat foods very high in salt and preservative content.

Also, on low carb diet many avoid high fiber foods.

I suggest:

1.       Continue to monitor your blood pressure and follow your doctor’s recommendations.

2.       Read the packaging for the foods you are eating for salt and preservative content.

3.       Eat 5x the fresh carb vegetables and fruits to foods that contain salt and fat.

4.       Walk and have fun as much as you can to reduce stress.

When do you see your doctor again?

Nurse Annie