20 Oct. 09

The dizziness, etc. continued throughout the day.

My Nephrologist asked me to go in to do a BP check. When I arrived, he had scheduled me in for an early appointment to address the med side effects. We went through a number of tests and questions to see if there were any contributing factors--none were relevant.

My BP today is 140/80 (sitting) and 122/84 (laying). So my BP is under control...a very good thing!

Then I was laid in a recumbent position for five minutes, then stood up. I immediately got overwhelmingly dizzy, nearly blacked out, and luckily had two doctors there to keep me on my feet--otherwise, I would have crumpled to the floor! (not so good!)

In the end we decided to go completely off the Benicar for two days; then starting Friday go on a 50% dose. Hopefully this works so I can get back to life. I'll know in a few days. Also, I've got my scheduled appointment with my doc next Tuesday so if things are still off, we can address it right then.

Had to do a re-draw on my blood work I did yesterday because whoever inputted the orders into the computer, they listed a Hepatic panel instead of a Renal panel. No big deal. It happens. What's another needle stick or two?

Lastly, I have gotten the chills twice in the last three days. I'm talking in a 70 degree house. The first time I was so cold I was actually shivering and it took about half an hour to warm up. For me, this is not normal. My Hypothalamus works overtime--all the time. I can go without a coat on a windy, 25 degree day. This happening may only be an adjustment by my body to the lower BP. I'll be discussing that with my doc next week.

Good Health to All!

ScottW