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First checkup in years... what do I do?

tomomatic
tomomatic Posts: 1,794 Member
edited December 2024 in Motivation and Support
I'm not gonna lie: I hate going to the doctors. It's always bad news. I'm scheduled to go tomorrow for my first checkup in 6 or 7 years. The reason for the timing is because I recently tested for high blood pressure while I was waiting for my wife to fill her perscription at Walmart. I took the test again a few days later and it was still high.

I don't get it. I've been working out! My exercise has been decent and I feel great. I'm a little worried because strokes run in the family.

I haven't done this in a while... What do I need to ask the doctor?

Replies

  • MayMaydoesntrun
    MayMaydoesntrun Posts: 805 Member
    Tell him/her exactly what you just typed. If the doctor is worth anything, he/she'll do a complete workup on you.

    Do you use a lot of salt or eat a lot of prepackaged meals, which are high in sodium? That could be the culprit...
  • LittleMissNerdy
    LittleMissNerdy Posts: 792 Member
    I always ask for blood work to be done, especially if certain risks run in your family. I'm lucky enough that my family issues include thyroid problems, diabetes, and heart disease. You might just be prone to high blood pressure but only your doctor will be able to figure all that out. You might have cholesterol issues you don't even know about.
  • tomomatic
    tomomatic Posts: 1,794 Member
    Tell him/her exactly what you just typed. If the doctor is worth anything, he/she'll do a complete workup on you.

    Do you use a lot of salt or eat a lot of prepackaged meals, which are high in sodium? That could be the culprit...

    On Saturday, I ate two Costco Chicken wraps that apparently had as much sodium as a Big Mac... each. (I didn't realize the sodium until Monday, when I ate the last wrap but logged it for the first time). That night, my blood pressure spiked into the "high" zone. And I didn't feel well for all of Sunday. I took my BP on Monday morning and it was still high. So yep... mildly worried.
  • izoom3
    izoom3 Posts: 56 Member
    How Long had it been??? Seriously????Your doctor should be on your quick dial! If you don't like him/her find one you like! Ask for all the tests that a person your age needs and go do them. Then request a follow up visit to discuss the results. Be pro active, it is your health and your resposnability to take care of yourself...with help from a doctor you like and trust. Take records in of all your immunizations and make sure they are all current too.
  • CoCoFluff
    CoCoFluff Posts: 36 Member
    My mom has High BP.... and is pretty small and fit. It doesn't always have to do with weight or fitness. How is your sodium intake? Along with the pills for High BP that she was prescribed, she took the natural remedy route to help lower her BP to eventually get off pills. Garlic for one, and some teas is the most I can recall.
  • Sherbog
    Sherbog Posts: 1,075 Member
    Ask for full lab tests. Additionally I ask for a vitamin D test. I live in Oregon and most in Oregonians are lacking in D. It is nice to have lab tests for a control starting point for future progress.

    Quite often when I read that someone is being faithfull and yet not loosing I want to ask how their lab tests compare. My lab tests were good when I was 212 but got better and better as I imporved my eating habits and exercised regular.

    Best to you....that first appointment can be scary.
  • Sherbog
    Sherbog Posts: 1,075 Member
    You might try to google "what should I ask doctor for first appointment" bet you will find some good answers.
This discussion has been closed.

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