Relief

Today was my follow up at the clinic. A month ago we were concerned that I would blow a gasket before blood pressure meds could get my numbers down. The doctor was concerned about that more than any other thing and immediately prescribed a combination of two medicines in one pill. I was to take half a pill for the first six days (to see if I had a bad reaction to THOSE) and then take a full pill until the follow up appointment today.

I was to lose more of my lard (surprise!), exercise more, eat low carb, and record my blood pressure before breakfast and then again sometime in the evening.

She confirmed today that I’m down a bit over 11 lbs since I saw her last (5 kilos). She LISTENED when I told her about the week of mysterious harsh relentless back spasms I had and my continued short waves of light-headedness.

Instead of prescribing muscle relaxants, or some such, she showed me three exercises I can add to my yoga stretching routine that will strengthen my back. She applauded my weight loss and my blood pressure recording.

She recommended that I –

• 1) continue the low carb meals;
• 2) continue exercising with the added exercises for my back;
• 3) continue to lose my lard; and
• 4) continue with the same dosage of blood pressure medicine.
• Follow up in 2 months. My appointment was for 1:30. We actually had some of the things done before that! We were out of there by 2pm and the cost for the whole thing was less than the meds alone would have been in the states.

She LISTENS to my concerns. She recommends – and isn’t pushy. She is on top of all my other issues, so I don’t feel I am going to a new doctor each time. I feel extremely lucky we found this doctor and feel confident I am under good care. Whew!