POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: purplerain on July 24, 2006, 03:40:52 pm
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Hey everyone I just back from my first Dr's appointment. I have 2 say I'm glad it's over and I anxiously await the lab results. They took 12 freaking tubes of blood so at that rate I figure the results should be like a book LOL.
Blood pressure was 154/101 and when the nurse saw that she seemed really shocked and asked if It was always high but the doc didn't day anthing about it. I'm not sure even what it is supposed 2 be so although I know it's high I don't know if it is something 2 be overly concerned about or if it was just the stress of the day.
Not sure what I think about the Doc.... He really seemed 2 be in a hurry and although he was more then willing 2 listen 2 and answer my questions it was still at the speed of light and I'm not sure I like that 2 much. When I asked him if I could email him between appointments or call if I had concerns he was like nope just call the clinic. I was hoping 2 avoid unnecessary trips down there over me freaking out about this that or the other. We shall see how it goes.
I might be part of a research study tracking the virus in people who are newly infected. So part of my blood draw today will be sent away and they will be able 2 tell me weather or not i contracted it in the past 6 months or not. If so in the beginning I will go in 4 blood draws every 2 weeks then every 4 then i think it was every 12 then 24 over the next few years. Again we shall see what the results show on if I'm eligible 2 participate or not. Hell I spent more time with the research group then I did with my id doc. That really bothered me and I'm not even sure if it should or not LOL
Anyway just wanted 2 share my day, helps 2 get it off the brain thanks 4 listening/reading
BIG HUGZ JAG
P.S. does anyone know what would be a normal range 4 blood pressure 4 a 30yr old male? thanks
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Hey Jag,
Well I'm glad you got your first appointment behind you. I'm not sure about blood pressure..it could have been high due to nerves and stress. I'm sure they will keep it monitored. Hubby's blood pressure was 130/72 last time he went.
Hubbys Dr is really good. She never seems rushed and always explains everything so we can understand. I know i have called there a few times with questions and i have to leave my name and number and the nurse calls me back. If she cant answer me she will talk to the Dr and call me back. I have never talked to the Dr over the phone but that's fine with me as long as the nurse has talked to the doc.
If you don't feel comfortable with your doc then id try to find one that you do feel at ease with. The doc works for you..so find one you like.
When do you get the results back? Make sure you ask for a copy of your labs. I keep hubbys in a notebook.
Hang in there hon..your doing great!
Hugs JAG
From TAG
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Teresa my next appointment isn't until Aug 24th 2 go over ALL of the results. Doc said all the different tests will be rolling in at different times but that he would try 2 keep me informed as they came in then we can sit down and I guess go in depth about what they all mean.
I also kind of thought that the blood pressure could have just been due 2 stress, at least I hope it is.
HUGZ TAG
FROM JAG
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Hey JAG,
That's one good thing done!
I feel that it is important you get a doc whom you trust. I went through a couple before I found one or maybe he found me ;)
I cannot compare with the situation in the states but I appreciate that mine always spends at least an hour with me and occasionaly answers my emails. I like the fact that he wants to be in touch with the other people I see who help me manage the situation, like my shrink, my acupuncturist etc...
I hope your results will be encouraging and that you'll soon find the best people to help you deal with your new status - outside this site that is (here it is more like a small town that is ready to help you, and 24/7 at that, what with the aussies, thais, africans, europeans and all those from the american continent).
Oh, and I thought I'd mention that I am glad you found how to put up your pic :D
stay well,
Pat
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Thanks Pat Thanks Alain... 120 over 80 ok now I'm a little worried LOL now 154 over 101 seems really bad. Alain is there anything I can watch out 4 when it comes 2 my b.p. that would be a signal that this is a real problem and not just the stress of today?
Thanks Jag
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Hey JAG,
Good that you're here -- you're off to a good start just asking questions like that.
Your brain can't hold all that info in the beginning (or later for that matter). Keep a journal so you can jot down questions to ask at your next visit. Note how you're feeling or what you're experiencing. Read a lot and realize that it takes time to sink in, and keep going until you learn what you need to know to take care of yourself.
You might find a good MD, but you need to be a proactive patient. You can tell him/her to slow down, or ask for a better explanation if something doesn't make sense. Do your homework and learn as much as you can about HIV, so you can be a good patient.
Sometimes you have to move on if your MD is not working for you. A lot of people here will tell you that, I'm sure.
I went through years of not taking anything, back in the bad old days (pre-1995) when there wasn't much choice. But I did lots of things to make myself healthy, and I had to try to find an MD who I could work with.
I was doing Chinese herbs, meditation, and exercising, taking antioxidants and trying to follow Dr Jon Kaiser's work -- in those days, before combination therapy, he (wisely) didn't encourage many meds (since AZT monotherapy didn't help, really).
And one of the lame MDs I had for a year or so, when I told him that my CD4s were getting better and I was feeling stronger, actually said to me "well, that won't last. it's only a matter of time before you get worse again."
I felt like a cartoon character with steam coming out of my ears. Blood boiling, and all that. I fired him and never went back.
Since then, I have found a wonderful PA/NP who sees mostly HIV patients, appreciates non-western medicine and how it can complement pharmaceuticals, and keeps up with developments.
Keep asking questions!
wishing you the best.
R
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Thanks R
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hi again JAG,
I forgot to ask if you knew if anyone in your family has a history of high blood pressure. And have you been to any kind of doctor's appointment in the past few years? If so, they should have a "baseline" BP number, so you can go back to and see if it was high then, or just recently changed.
BP numbers can definitely be elevated due to stress. I know I've had mine read high just from rushing to an appointment after nearly being late. And even taking it at the end of the appointment, my numbers would be lower again.
Before treating you for HBP, your MD would want to see if the numbers were always high or just spiked up temporarily.
Rob
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Hello Jag,
That first Doctors visit can be a little overwhelming ! Kind a like being in some type of time warp, everything sometimes moves along so rapidly, and yet seems to stand still at times.
As far as all the blood that was drawn, I don't ever remember having that many drawn at one time, so it appears they are doing some good tests on you.
My doctor always seems to be in a hurry, sometimes I would like to take him and strap him to the chair !
Let us know the results of your blood tests. Ask your doctor for a copy of those results. If there is something you don't understand, or you didn't ask the doctor about, you can ask those questions here. I am concerned about the blood pressure. So that will certainly have to be discussed with your doctor.
A journal is a good idea. It is so easy to forget questions, that you may like to ask the doctor, so write them down, so they are there in front of you on your next visit.
Take care------Ray
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Hello JAG,
It is good to hear from you today about your Doctor's appointment. (12) twelve tubes is just about right when you get all your tests done. As far as your Doctor is concerned, they always seem to be in a hurry when they see you for your visits.
I lucked up and got a good Doctor one of the top (10) ten in Florida. He takes the time to explain everything and he stresses the do's and the don'ts.
As far as your blood pressure is concerned, it could be due to stress while you were all worked up for your first visit. I'm not a DOctor either. However, I did find a site that you may want to check your BP on. http://www.bpsuccesszone.com/info/tools/evaluator/blood_pressure_evaluator.jsp?creative=100002&site=100041&source=01030&campaign=CVZ-9473 (http://www.bpsuccesszone.com/info/tools/evaluator/blood_pressure_evaluator.jsp?creative=100002&site=100041&source=01030&campaign=CVZ-9473)
Meanwhile, eat healthy and get plenty of excercise and plenty of rest. Keep us posted.
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thank u fellas-Ray and Eldon and again thanks Rob
I decided I'm not going 2 stress about the b.p. (would probably keep it elevated even if there is nothing wrong) and wait and see what it's like when I go in 4 my next visit next month.
THANKS AGAIN YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP NEVER CEASES 2 AMAZE ME
Jag
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Jag,
sorry to hear about your BP issues on top of the big HIV issue, but BP is usually easily controlled with meds IF your doctor determines that you have hypertension. Most times the doctors will want to see if the BP is elevated over 3 or so visits, and then decide upon a course of action at that time.
Nowadays i'm hearing that the "normal" range of BP is shifting downward for both systolic (top #) and dialstolic (bottom #). I've even seen some BP devices at grocery stores and pharmacies reflect these lower values (in other words, 120/80 is now HIGH, go figure....)
My partner has hi BP and takes three different medicines to control his. Hopefully it's just "white coat"syndrome...but if not, it's definitely something to keep tabs on.
Take care,
John
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Hi JAG,
I wouldn't fret too much over the BP thing. There are many factors that could influence your blood pressure.
I see you live in Colo. so there may be an altitude issue, as well as the possibility of the state of your hydration, considering that the country has been entrenched in this heat wave. Factor in your stress levels of first visit with doc etc.......and one must also consider family genetics.....get my point? ;)..........
Since this was your first visit, and knowing that at least two of the vials of blood were for study inclusion, the other tubes all make sense. This will be your docs first foray into your normal baseline hemo-status. Complete blood count,( known as a CBC) liver function,hemoglobin&hematocrit,thyroid function, viral load, Tcell count with percentage, possibly an RPR, and a couple of others that escape me now.
I want you to just keep in mind, that unless you are currantly on your deathbed, there is not a lot to be anxious about. The virus is not going to suddenly metabolize at an astronomical rate, and become the virus that ate Philadelphia.
Eat well, get plenty of rest, and remember that we are all in the same boat with you. If you have questions you can always come here. ........besides, you'll likely get better information, and advice here than with dockiepoo. ;D
Kisses
Lisa
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Thanks John Thanks Lisa....."The virus that ate Philadelphia" LOL I love it. It does sometimes feel like the virus that ate my life (sex life, social life, self esteem) but I keep telling myself that it's only been a month since I found out and things will get better.
JAG
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Yer gonna be just fine sweetheart. We are pretty good at propping each other up in rough times.
I'm glad you're here.
.......Now,......please tell me that you call yourself purplerain for the reason I think you do...... :) ;D
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Jag, Your first impressions of your doctor I think are important. You will develop a very long lasting relationship with him/her. If it comes down to it, and he doesnt wants to be a part of that relationship. I would find one that does. My doc is in Denver and I travel 200 miles per visit or they come up and see me 200 miles away.. I get all the face time I need. His Email, his cell phone and can call him if ever I feel it necessary. There are doctors like that!!! Find one that treats you like you would treat someone....
Love
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Hey JAG,
I would echo what others already said about the doc. I would see what the next appointment brings, with the labs, etc., and then, should he not be up to snuff, I would start looking around for someone who is.
As for the blood pressure, the norm is around 120 (called the systolic) over 80 (called the diastolic).
The number to really watch is the diastolic because it is an indicator of the stress your heart is experiencing trying to actually move blood through your body.
When the diastolic reading goes above 100, it can be a warning that something serious is going on. However, it could also be you were nervous about your first doctor visit. Believe me, it makes a difference.
A lot of things can affect your blood pressure: stress, diet (especially heavy salt usage or consuming lots of prepared, packaged or fast foods, lack of exercise, obesity, and a bunch of others.)
That said, you will have a better feeling of what is going on when you get it checked again. Since you are still quite young and appear very robust ;) I would wager this one reading was just an anomaly.
Usually, I get the other end of the problem. My last blood pressure reading was 90/50. I am probably the only person I know whose doctor tells him to eat more salt and gain weight! UGH.
Anyway. Hang in there. You are taking an active role in your health care and that is one of the most important - and often ignored - steps that are possible.
Keep up the good work and let us know what's up.
HUGS,
Mark
Just an afterthought. Dehydration can also affect blood pressure. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and staying property hydrated.
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Blood pressure was 154/101 ...
P.S. does anyone know what would be a normal range 4 blood pressure 4 a 30yr old male? thanks
Hi Jag,
You sound like me about how you feel about your appointments! Talk about blood pressure... I could feel mine rising. Mine was 152/100. The nurse took it again and asked me if I was going for a high score today! I had a PA friend check it later and it was it's usual 136/68. My Dr. didn't seem all that concerned about it either. He's been treating HIV/AIDS patients for years and I'm sure has seen it happen before. If it's concerning you, try to get somebody you know to check it away from a medical situation. I've always had blood pressure that was borderline high until I started exercising regularly about 10 years ago. That's kept it consistant, except for the stress of HIV!
I actually kind of like the appointments... at least those where I get my results. I have a very active imagination and something concrete like how I'm REALLY doing sort of grounds me. I have my third blood draw in two weeks, and I can't wait! ;) Right! It does get easier as it goes on, though. Take care and let us know how your numbers are.
David
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Hey JAG...
Of course you're getting lots of good suggestions and advice. On my last appt a couple weeks ago, my BP was much higher than usual. It always it when I go to the Dr. Usually I'm running late, running up stairs from the parking garage, just put out a cigarette, nervous, etc, etc...all things that make it go up, up, up. Yet, the last time I was visiting my Grandma (a few months ago) I was playing with her little home BP dealy and everyone thought I was near dead. It was down around 90 over 48. I was totally relaxed, it was very warm in my grandma's house, etc. I never worry about my BP and the Dr's office. I just figure it's a matter of circumstances. Maybe see if you can get it checked when you're NOT in that setting. Just stop by the fire dept and have them check it (Note: make sure it's not the hottest fireman at the station doing it as that may raise the BP as well. ;) ) hehe ahem...anyway....
That was some kind of vampire you had for a lab tech. Holy cow...12 vials. jeez louise.
Best of luck
Hugs,
Shane
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Thanks everyone. Now if I could just take U all with me 2 my appointments I don't think I would have anymore problems. Although there R a few men on here that make my B.P. rise so maybe that's not such a good idea LOL
I do know that whenever I start getting stressed or worried it helps SOOOOOOOOO much just 2 log on and read peoples posts and replies and 2 know I'm not going thru this alone.
Lisa my love theres only one Purplerain. Everyone sing it with me
Purplerain Purplerain LOL HUGE Prince fan here anyone who ever gets 2 know me always says that they can never again here a Prince song without thinking of me LOL
HUGZ 2 ALL JAG
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EEEEEEEeeeeeeekkkkkk !!!!!!
I Knew it!I'm a huge fan too. He is definately a 200% showman when in concert.
I knew I liked you. ;D :-*