Have you stopped meds w/o Dr. approval?

SuzyLy

I am on blood pressure and cholesterol meds for obvious reasons. I have heard/read about so many people who've taken themselves off, with and without Dr. approval and not taking meds is one of my goals, once I take off some more weight. I am 5'6" and currently weigh 180 lbs, looking to get down to 150 lbs. I suppose most doctors do not want to take their patients off meds in order to see if they can do without them, since in the event of a heart attack, they might get sued. Does anyone have any experience in reducing their weight and coming off these meds, with or without doctor approval? I am so determined to get healthy and discontinue prescription Rx, but I don't know if, once I get down to 150 lbs to stop one or the other cold turkey, and how long should I wait to get blood work done to see if my cholesterol numbers are in the "no-pill zone?" BTW, I have a blood pressure monitor for the bp and I am otherwise in good health.

Any help or comments are appreciated!! Thanks!!

SuzyLy

Anyone? I think this post has already disappeared into oblivion . . .

acogg

You should keep taking your meds until your blood work is good and blood pressure comes down. Your doctor will probably ease you off if both improve. Self-diagnosis can be detrimental to your health.

SuzyLy

I know that's the way it should be done. I'm just jumping the gun thinking he won't take me off. Thanks.

MzPix

Hi.
I'm a little bit confused by your post. You seem to both trust your doctor and not trust your doctor at the same time. You trust that your doctor has your best interest at heart because when told you needed to take these medications, you agreed to do so. What makes you think that once you get down to your goal weight, your doctor might not still have your best interest in mind? Is there any reason you can't hit that weight and then go in to your doctor and request to be tested or taken of your meds?

Are you clearly communicating your wishes to your doctor? Please remember that you are in charge of your body and your physician is a hired service provider. Educate yourself on the medications, risks, benefits, side effects, etc. Explain to your doctor that based on what you have learned and understand you want A,B, and C. If the doctor refuses to comply with your wishes about your body, seek a second opinion.

If you have done all of that, your own research has shown you that you should not be on medication, your doctor won't take you off, a second opinion won't take you off, and you still want to stop your meds, you may want to consider seeking out a more holistic approach and speak with some natural remedy clinicians about weaning you off in a least-detrimental fashion.

Good luck.