I had my 3 month appointment with my endo. I had some of my data printed off MiniMed's Care Link, and was ready to go. I had my blood drawn for my A1c last week. I was interested to know what my A1c was since my last appointment they did my test in office and I felt it was wrong.
When they gave me my results back, it was just as I guessed: 6.7. Much higher than the in office test then did last time, and more reflective of the home testing results that I get.
I wasn't terrible disappointed, but am still actively working to get my A1c below 6. That is my ultimate goal.
My doctor also told me that when they checked my blood pressure it was 137 over 75. That is outrageous for me! My top number is typically between 96 and 110. I nearly stroked out when he told me this. I just had my blood pressure checked two weeks ago and it was 98 over 70. So I am wondering if it was just a fluke. I told my doctor this and he said he wouldn't start me on any type of blood pressure medicine.
Then he started talking about long term care and starting me on ace inhibitors. This stressed me out greatly. I have no need for ace inhibitors at this time. I am not spilling protein in my urine and I have no other problems that are diabetes related except high cholesterol (under control with meds) and the start of cataracts on both my eyes.
He told me that ace inhibitors were something that we should probably start in the next few years anyway just because it is supposed to protect your blood vessels. I don't know. I am confused and stressed.
My understanding has always been that ace inhibitors were for people who were showing signs of kidney failure. I have none. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Are any of you on ace inhibitors to prevent damage?
He was also telling me that if you are pregnant, ace inhibitors can damage the fetus within the first month. Although I am not planning pregnancy any time in the near future, how many people actually know the are pregnant in the first month??? Yet another reason to freak me completely out.
My endo did want to see me again in 2 months. I am guessing it is because he wants to see more data trends with my CGMS.
After this appointment I was so stressed about the blood pressure and the ace inhibitors, that I needed retail therapy. I promptly went to the boutique that sells the make-up I love, and promptly spent $93. This is the biggest failing I have had in my finances in a long, long time. But, I just got my tax return back, so it wasn't the end of the world.
And I figure it this way, if I am going to have to go on ace inhibitors and blood pressure meds, I might as well look beautiful while I do it. :)On the positive side, I joined the gym. I have gone 4 of the past 6 days and am hoping that I can keep myself on track. I want to loose some weight and I know exercise is essential to a diabetics health. I have just never done it cause I HATE to exercise. I joined for 1 month and if I can make myself keep going this month, I will join the year next month.
11 comments:
I have been on ace inhibitors since diagnosis and I have no signs of kidney damage. My doctor did this to protect my kidneys from damage.
Hey Cara - I totally know what you mean about the ace inhibitors thing. I started takin Altace 2.5mg a little over two years ago, after my eye doctor detected a cotton wool spot in my eye and attributed it to slightly elevated blood pressure. (And I'm pretty tightly spun, so a high bp number wasn't a huge shock to me.)
Don't freak out about this stuff yet - like I did. Talk to your doctors about all your concerns once you're cooled off a bit, and make sure you ask about all the different blood pressure med. options that are available. Also, have personally seen that a few solid workouts a week really help lower blood pressure all on their own, so there are things you can do, before you start on meds. If there's anything I can help with, let me know.
And I love some good ol' fashioned retail therapy, too. :)
Cara - It's awful when you come out of the doctor's office feeling worse than when you went in, huh? I don't know much about the ace inhibitor situation. But I was wondering if your doctor checked your blood pressure again after getting an unusual reading like that. It was probably just a fluke.
I know you don't like your A1C result, but it's still pretty good. I'm sure you'll get it down to where you want it to be eventually.
Too bad they scared you to death with the blood pressure/ace inhibitor thing. You definitely deserved that retail therapy. Good for you! :)
Ugg. So apparently this is normal...sigh. Thanks for the input.
Cara,
It does sound like the BP reading was a fluke.
You've got a bit of time, so I would just recommend doing some additional research before your next appointment. Then you can go back to your doctor with all your questions and information about alternatives and have another discussion.
And good for you on the Bare Minerals! It's great stuff and you have to stock up every once in awhile. Sometimes retail therapy is just what you need!
I forgot to say: Way to go on the gym joining!!
Hi Cara, I understand how you felt when your normally good BP reading went up. My high number has been a few ticks up from normal in the last year and it stresses me out too. Good luck with the workouts, that's another horse I need to get back on...!
BTW my preferred retail therapy is the dollar bin section at Target :)
I agree that it sounds like the BP thing was a fluke.
I have heard about ACE inhibitors being used strictly as a preventative measure. Something to think about anyway.
Cara -
Don't fear the ACE - They protect your kidneys. Read up on them and
do the research.
Many endo's use them as a preventative measure.
I've been on Altace for 10 years.
I just upped my levels after my most recent visit for the first time since going on it.
As far as a baby - when u decide to get preggers talk to your doctor, & go off them.
Take a breath, it will be ok.
Now that we as diabetics have a medicine that can actually prevent complications is a very good thing, even if it does cause each and everyone of us to freak out a bit initially.
As far as blood pressure - Kerri's right about working out. I've also found that eating whole grains and 5 servings of fruit and veggies really help with BP and cholesterol levels. So do legumes.
Drop me a lone if u ever feel the need.
As far as shopping & it's healing qualities - you go girl! ;)
k2
Cara, good luck with your gym plan. I totally relate to the "I hate exercise" bit. :) I'll be cheering for you when I remember to. :)
congrats, cara, on joining the gym. Good for you. Retail therapy is a necessity sometimes, not a luxury. $93 is not bad at all!
I don't know about Ace inhibitors. I'd put it off for now.
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